At St. Paul's Lutheran Church in California, Sunday was nearly an all-day event to recognize the retirement of The Rev. Dr. Peter Kurowski and his wife, Jan, the church secretary.
Rev. Nabil Nour, currently a Lutheran pastor in South Dakota, was an unexpected surprise for the guest of honor. The two have been friends for many years, largely via telephone, in spite of the fact that their pastorates have been many miles apart.
The sermon, "A Faithful Under-Shepherd of the Good Shepherd," used as its text John 10:11-15. Nour made certain the listeners connected the faithful under-shepherd with the retiring pastor, Dr. Kurowski, speaking of all he had done in the area, the community and the church in general.
"For the Years of God's Rich Blessing," a special hymn by the congregation with words by Beth Jungmeyer was sung to the tune of "Lord, Dismiss Us With Thy Blessing." Following that song, an overview of Kurowski's 23 years at the California church was presented. In addition, George Kurowski, the pastor's brother, sang, "How Great Thou Art." To the delight of everyone, he used his best imitation of Elvis Presley.
The end of the church service did not end the day's celebration of the retiring pastor and his wife. A group Bible study was conducted by Nour, who spoke of the Samaritan woman at the well, as recounted in John 4:4-26. Nour, who spoke of his Palestinian origins, spoke of how the original Greek makes the story more clear. He also said he had been at the actual location of the event, and related that no one goes out to the well at noon unless they are forced to, since the average noon temperature is 120 degrees. He said Jesus through his words to her made her a vessel for teaching His words.
The Bible study was followed by a potluck "feast" in the Martin Luther Room. Following that event, an open house reception with cake and punch was held, with a tribute program for the retiring pastor and his wife. The people who came through for the event included many local people as well as pastors, from near and far.
The master of ceremonies was the Rev. Gerald Sheperle, pastor of St. John Lutheran, Jefferson City. He spoke of the event being a celebration, but said it was really more of a "Sunday roast." He called on many who spoke a few words, read letters and in a few cases, presented verse and alliterations, much as Kurowski has been long noted for.
George Kurowski led in singing for his brother, "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow." Someone said near the close, "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."