The prelude for the Aug. 13 joint church service at Heidelberg Union Church was an arrangement combining four hymns by David Earp, retiring organist. Also being honored was choir director Louise Earp.

Among the announcements was one by Sonia Fink for a bakeless bake sale to benefit a baby in the Midwest born weighing 3 pounds and having various problems.

Emmalyn Fink helped with the announcement by appearing as a baker.

The opening prayer asked that “our ears be opened to hear your song. We give thanks for the musicians who tap and strum and play. We thank you for those who blend their voices. May our expressions of word and melody honor you.”

Earp switched from the organ to the keyboard where he was joined in an instrumental bass trio of Arlan Hill, Korey Schaffer and Mike Schaffer for the anthem.

Pastors Karen Yonney of the United Church of Christ, and Ginny Goodwin of the Lutheran Church, discussed the various instruments such as the organ with a Northern European tradition, steel drums from Jamaica, and cymbals from around the world.

“There are so many people around here that play music,” Yonney said. “We know we have been fortunate.

“The Earps have blessed our church.

Yonney noted David Earp has a wicked sense of humor as the two walked down the aisle to the tune of “Here Comes the Bride.”

“David and Louise, we express our gratitude and love for you and your time among us,” Yonney said. “We are thankful for the moments we have shared with Louise and David in worship, in song, in laughter, in friendship and in love.”

Pastor Goodwin said the church was giving a gift, a piece of garden art, to the Earps.

Each of the Earps took turns speaking during their farewell.

“Dear friends, we have tried to serve under God’s leadership,” David Earp said. “He was all around us. Our decision is to retire from what had been our second home. You have been our second family.

“We worked with Pastors David Hess, Ginny Goodwin and Karen Yonney.”

Heidelberg has an abundance of music instrumentalists.

“We see what a joy it is to work with them.

“They have a musical talent they were willing to share.

“We thank those who already left for their heavenly home.

David Earp said he will miss playing the organ. Louise Earp said she will miss singing and the church meetings and the fellowship that took place there.

“We are grateful for your support,” the couple said. “There are things we want to do in the future but have no definite plans.

“Thank you for sharing the time with us.