Main Street Living History
The concept for Main Street Living was conceived in July of 2001. The original idea, discussed over coffee, was to telecast a local Lutheran Church service. Because the cost would be more than one congregation thought they could support, the idea grew to one involving the Lutheran churches around Sioux Falls and finally to include the entire South Dakota District of the Lutheran Church -Missouri Synod.
In the final format the Lutheran Hour Ministries program "On Main Street" was included. This led to the current program title of "Main Street Living." An initial financial grant from Aid Association for Lutherans allowed for the purchase of editing equipment. Finally an editing studio was equipped and a contract for the air time approved. The South Dakota District approved production of the program, but did not accept financial responsibility. Main Street Living is a 501 (c)(3), not for profit organization. Main Street Living is operated entirely by volunteers. There are over 100 individuals that work over 4,000 hours per year to produce the program.
The initial program was aired on January 6, 2002. Rev. Vernon Schindler, president of the South Dakota District officiated the first program telecast.
Each one hour telecast costs $1,950. This includes studio rental and air time. This low cost is the result of the large number of people who donate their time to ensure a quality telecast designed to tell the Good News of Jesus Christ.
The program features an area pastor leading aa abbreviated worship service with the confession, absolution, scripture lessons, hymns, creed and sermon. This segment is specifically designed for the hospital, nursing home, at home individuals and the home bound individual.
The Main Street Choir provides the music. This choir is composed of area musicians from many area churches. Presently there are over 60 singers that come together to record the hymns. Shari Smith serves as the director with Jan Kurth providing the accompaniment. In April of 2008, The Aberdeen area choir recorded hymns.
In March of 2008, a new opening segment, Kid's Crossing, was introduced. Bob Portice serves as the program host. Two puppets, Simon and Bernice set the stage for the general theme. Miss Tina reads letters from children and provides advice from a Christian point of view. Grandma B reads a Bible story to the children. Krista Kay conducts historical interviews with Bible period individuals and stories of interest. The program stresses a Bible verse throughout to highlight a Biblical truth. The program is produced in cooperation with the Sioux Falls Lutheran School. The SFLS choirs provide the songs.
Main Street Living Mission
To present an evangelistic television ministry that invites the unchurched and shut-in to better know the saving grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
To present a quality Christian television program with Lutheran foundations.
To present the Gospel of Jesus Christ through a Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod worship service to viewers throughout all of South Dakota, and those states that border South Dakota.
To spiritually and financially involve the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod churches of South Dakota and those states that border South Dakota.