There is at least one new addition to our ministry in 2021. This past fall, as area pastors were considering further ways to serve our congregations considering the pandemic, an opportunity presented to partner with the organization Main Street Living (MSL).
MSL began in 2001 in the Sioux Falls, South Dakota area. The desire was to telecast a local, Christ-centered Lutheran Church service. Because the cost was more than one congregation could bear alone, the program involved all the Lutheran churches around Sioux Falls and finally included the entire South Dakota District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. MSL records a unique service of scriptures and prayers led by regional pastors from the broadcast area. Television broadcasts will also incorporate choral music.
The program has been popular and blessed by the Lord. In subsequent years, MSL has been able to expand into North Dakota, Nebraska, and Minnesota. When our circuit contacted them, they believed the Lord had opened the door for Television Ministry in West-Wisconsin. Of course, I love the name Main Street Living since our congregation is literally found on “Main St.” I too believe that MSL will be a powerful tool to build up spiritual roads to Christ, His Church, and our congregation.
Main Street Living will debut from Eau Claire TV station FOX 48.2 (as well as the LaCrosse affiliate) on Sunday, January 3, 2021 at 10am. Please note, the channel will vary with different cable services. Please let us know where you find MSL on your cable so we can share that information with others.
The broadcast will have two parts. The first half-hour will feature the Emmy award-winning, Lutheran Hour Ministries program “This is the Life.” At 10:30, a half-hour worship service will air lead by a different pastor each week. Area pastors have already recorded the services that will air in January and February. Currently we are utilizing the recorded work of the MSL choir in South Dakota. There is opportunity for us to grow a regional choir to sing and record for this outreach.
If you miss a week but would like to see the broadcast, please visit https://www.mainstreetliving.com/eauclaire. Initially, we are receiving generous financial support from MSL in South Dakota to cover the production and broadcast costs. By grace, we pray the program can be financially supported by the viewers and congregations in our viewing area.
Once you have watched a couple episodes, please feel free to give feedback for how we could improve this outreach ministry. If you are interested, there is need for local lay volunteers to assist with our regional MSL program.
May the Lord bless this work so that we may say with St. John: That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon … concerning the word of life--the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us--that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.
Blessed New Year in Him!