Pastor Matthew Sprunger never thought he would have to lead his congregation through a pandemic during his first year on the job. Sprunger took over the role at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Kewaunee after Pastor Michael Sullivan answered the call of a congregation in Ottawa, Canada. He previously served congregations in North Dakota and Minnesota. A few months after beginning his tenure, Sprunger had to learn how to connect with his members through primarily virtual means until churches were able to slowly reopen in late May. Sprunger says he has learned a lot about himself during this time, even though it was nothing new.

Sprunger says he, his wife Katy, and their two sons have enjoyed the time they have spent in Kewaunee, especially the people their church serves.