It has been nearly 2 ½ years since I joined the family of First Presbyterian Church in Rapid City (FPCRC) as pastor and head of staff. Entering such a position, associated with a large facility and a rich history was a daunting task, and sometimes felt overwhelming. I remember working diligently to familiarize myself with the facility: “What rooms and spaces did we have? How were they being used? How had they been used previously? What plans or dreams could we imagine?” I also wanted to stop getting lost in the building.
When I first arrived as Pastor at FPCRC, the upstairs floor of the education wing was used to accommodate an afterschool program of the YMCA during the school year. During the Summer, the space was used both morning and afternoon. The sounds of children, voices, and noises regularly filled the halls as the young people utilized the space amidst their projects and programs. In the Fall of 2023, the YMCA program left FPCRC and was housed in a renovated building owned by the YMCA. The halls became quiet. With so many rooms of useable space, surely there were better ways to steward the building and facility.
In the late Summer of 2024, our church Administrative Committee received a request from Living Hope Academy (LHA). Our committee, session, and processes were able to move quickly, and the decision was made to provide space for LHA. At its inception, more than 30 years ago, under the guidance of the Wesleyan Church, the school was known as Sioux Chapel Christian Academy. For a period, it changed its name to Lakota Christian Academy. Recently, it has been under the umbrella of Restored Life Outreach. In various configurations and various locations, the teachers, families, and administration have persisted in their mission to “meet every child where they are, spiritually, emotionally, and educationally.”
The school, now Living Hope Academy, currently includes 34 students at two locations (FPCRC being one). Families pay monthly tuition based on their ability to contribute. Most students pay between $50-$300 monthly. This coming Sunday, FPCRC will welcome the students, families, and staff of LHA to worship to learn and share with us. Following our 10am worship service, a pancake breakfast fundraiser will be hosted in the social room. Additional opportunities for learning about the school and sponsoring a student will be provided. From opening space in our facility to children, to sharing God’s love with our neighbors and families, this is another way to “Let Your Light Shine!” See you in Church.
Very truly,
Pastor Adam
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