Dr. Peter Kurowski was surprised Sunday by the congregation of California St. Paul's Lutheran Church in honor of his 20th anniversary at the church.
Planning went on in secret, with some help from his wife Jan, who also is church secretary.
Although he became aware of the planned Sunday afternoon reception, he was surprised that the special day included guest speakers at Sunday morning services and a carry-in lunch following Sunday School.
Speakers at the regular service were Pastor Gerald Scheperle of St. John's Lutheran, Schubert, and St. John's Baptown, and Pastor Sam Powell, Trinity Lutheran, Jefferson City.
The scriptures used for the serve were the same as those used 20 years ago when Kurowski was originally installed at the California church.
Present for the service and dinner following were Pastor Gerald Scheperle and wife Paula; Pastor Sam Powell and wife Lisa; Pastor Peter Lang and wife Roseann, Bethany Lutheran, Eldon; Pastor Tony Alter and wife Debbie, Faith Lutheran, Jefferson City; Pastor Emeritis Martin Hoyer and wife Hazel.