Janke begins pastoral duties

Throughout the past few months, the world has seen many challenges circling around. However, when things get tough, there is always something positive to come out of it.

After undergoing the call process, Pastor Ryan Janke accepted the call to preach at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Orchard and St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Venus.

Originally from Winside, Janke attended Wayne State College for social sciences, graduating in 2012.

Two weeks later, on May 19, he married Danielle.

The couple moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where Ryan attended Concordia Theological Seminary.

After graduating from seminary in 2016, he served several churches in the Winner, South Dakota, area.

In 2018, Janke began serving Zion Lutheran Church in Presho, as well as filling a vacancy at Reliance's Trinity Lutheran Church.

Eventually, Reliance formed a tri-parish, combining with Winner and Zion.

Janke served the South Dakota parish through last week.

The Jankes have two boys: Augustus, six, and Luke, four.

Pastor Ryan's hobbies include spending time with his family, reading books and anything related to church work.

What is his favorite part about being a pastor?

"I love the Sunday morning worship services."

His main priorities for serving the two churches involve loving and serving the Lord and the sheep of God, gathering in his place and being faithful.

When asked what some of his challenges consist of, he said, "As much as we are all saints in our Lord Jesus Christ, we are also sinners. We all sin. I have my own sins I wrestle with and I try to help my congregations wrestle theirs."

Moving closer to his family helped his decision to answer the call to Orchard, but Janke said, "The overall answer is God called me to the church."

Every Sunday, St. Paul's Lutheran Church services are held at 8 a.m., and St. Peter Lutheran Church services are held at 9:30 a.m.

Sunday's installation service was limited in attendance due to social distancing guidelines.

In addition to Janke's family, congregational chairmen, call committee and pastors conducting the service were included.

Janke left some advice for people struggling with the pandemic.

"God is still God. The Lord Jesus still lives. He still reigns. Believe in God because he will take good care of you. Trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and receive his good gifts."