Did you know that October is Pastor Appreciation Month? Did you know that the second Sunday in October (13th) is designated as Pastor Appreciation Day? October was designated in 1992 as a day to recognize and show appreciation for the work of pastors, missionaries, and other religious workers. The Apostle Paul shares in his letter to Timothy “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.” (1 Timothy 5:17 ESV). Valley Lutheran School is blessed with three pastors who serve us faithfully as our Valley Lutheran School Chaplains. They are Pastor Kevin Richter (St. John Lutheran, Reinbeck), Pastor Gerald Kapanka (Immanuel Lutheran, Cedar Falls), and Pastor Steve Klawonn (Prince of Peace Lutheran, Evansdale). Pastor Richter coordinates our weekly Chapels, Pastor Kapanka assists with Chapel, and Pastor Klawonn assists with ministry to staff on behalf of the Board of Directors. All three assist with student and family ministry care needs.
We are also blessed with Pastor Duane Lindberg, who represents the American Association of Lutheran Churches (AALC) to the Board of Directors and Pastor Gerald Kapanka who represents the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod Churches (LCMS) on the Valley Board of Directors. Plus, we have many other pastors and religious workers who actively support the ministry of our school and our students. We are indeed blessed!
Please join me in giving God thanks for those He has called to serve our churches and our school as faithful shepherds. Take time this month to drop a pastor or religious worker, who Christ has used to impact your life with God’s Word, a note of appreciation. Let them know that God is using them to shine His light. May God use our words of encouragement to “build up” His body including our pastors.