SPRC Chair John Irvin shared the bittersweet news on Sunday that August 23 will be Sapar Amanbaev's final Sunday serving as pianist at Pleasant Hill Methodist Church.
After much prayer and many difficult conversations, Sapar and his wife have made the decision to return to their home in Kyrgyzstan to help care for their parents, who have recently experienced significant health challenges.
While we understand and fully support this loving decision, Sapar's departure will be a tremendous loss for our church family. Throughout his time at Pleasant Hill, he has blessed us with extraordinary musical talent, artistic passion, and a humble servant's heart. Whether accompanying worship, offering special music, or recently teaching himself to play the organ, Sapar has enriched our worship in countless ways. His gifts have pointed us to God's presence, and for that we are deeply grateful.
The Staff Parish Relations Committee will now begin the important task of searching for a new pianist. We recognize that Sapar's unique combination of talent, dedication, and versatility will be difficult to replace. Your patience is appreciated.
Before he leaves, we invite everyone to join us for a special piano recital presented by Sapar on Sunday, August 23, at 4:00 p.m. (See the following article for details.) This recital will be an opportunity to celebrate his ministry among us, express our heartfelt appreciation, and send Sapar and his wife home with our prayers, our love, and a generous freewill offering as they begin this new chapter of caring for their family.