Sioux Falls Lutheran School Names Chapel & Performing Arts Center and Launches “The Chapel Seat Challenge”

“Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” –Matthew 6:33

Sioux Falls Lutheran School is thrilled to announce that its new 400-seat Chapel and Performing Arts Center will be named in recognition of Dr. Vaughn and JoAnn Meyer.

Longtime friends of SFLS, the Meyers recently pledged one million fifty thousand dollars to the Our Greatest Gifts Capital Campaign to build the Chapel and Performing Arts Center. Combined with a $250,000 pledge from local LCMS churches on Miracle Sunday, a $100,000 gift from the South Dakota District—LCMS, and matching funds from Sanford Health, this signature hall—a cornerstone in this Gospel Project—will become a reality.

“As President of The South Dakota District—LCMS, I am pleased that the building plan for the new school includes a beautiful Chapel and Performing Arts Center,” Rev. Scott Sailer said. “I am delighted that the school’s leadership recognizes that this space presents a unique opportunity to reach out with hope in Christ to the community.

“Furthermore, I wish to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Vaughn and JoAnn Meyer for their investment in the school’s ministry now and throughout its history. In particular, we thank them for this wonderful gift that will help make the chapel a reality for us all. Thousands of souls—more than we can imagine—will be blessed, now and forever, through the Word of God shared in the chapel in the years to come.”

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The Meyers have long supported the preschool through 8th grade programs at SFLS and are also foundational supporters of the Lutheran High School of Sioux Falls. In thankfulness for their generous commitment to Lutheran education, this hallmark facility will formally be named the Vaughn and JoAnn Meyer Chapel and Performing Arts Center.

“Without the Meyer’s strong belief in Martin Luther’s counsel to ‘spare no expense to teach children of salvation through their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,’ and Luther’s further recognition that ‘next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world,’ the teaching of Scripture and music would not be possible to the extent provided through a dedicated Chapel and Performing Arts Center,” Scott Peters, SFLS Board Chair, said.

The Meyers cite a lifetime of blessings from the Lord and fond memories of having their own children enrolled at SFLS as the motivation for their generous donation to the Our Greatest Gifts Capital Campaign.

“We have been blessed beyond measure, and we know that everything we have has come from the hand of God,” Vaughn and JoAnn shared. “One very special blessing was God leading us to SFLS. In this very extraordinary place, our children received both excellent spiritual and academic training in a safe and loving environment. It is now our privilege to give our gift to SFLS to help in the construction of this beautifully designed Chapel and Performing Arts Center, which we are confident will be used in many ways to bring glory to God and His Kingdom.”

Tia Esser, SFLS Administrator, said that when she thinks about the donation from the Meyers, her heart overflows with gratitude.

“Whether it’s during our weekly chapel service, one of our many music recitals or Christmas programs, or future church services and community events hosted on campus years down the road, we are excited, and grateful, for the many ways that the Vaughn and JoAnn Meyer Chapel and Performing Arts Center will allow us to let our light shine in service to this great community, and fulfill our mission of developing capable Christian servant-leaders, who are World Ready and Faith Secure,” Esser said.

The Chapel Seat Challenge:

 
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While the donation from the Meyers will complete the structure of the Chapel and Performing Arts Center, we need help finishing out the interior space. Therefore, the Capital Campaign Committee is launching the Chapel Seat Challenge—an opportunity for individuals, couples, families, and church groups to help provide 400 permanent seats inside the hall.

You can participate in the challenge and help fill this beautiful new facility by purchasing single seats for $250 each or sets of five seats for $1,000. While donations made during the Chapel Seat Challenge will not serve as “season ticket seats” for future SFLS events, all donors will have the option to receive recognition by having their name included on a commemorative plaque displayed within the building.

As SFLS moves forward with this exciting challenge, the Capital Campaign Committee invites all who are willing and able to pray for the students, parents, faculty, staff, and friends of SFLS who will occupy the seats in the Vaughn and JoAnn Meyer Chapel and Performing Arts Center for years to come.

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To make a contribution to the Chapel Seat Challenge, download and complete the Chapel Seat Challenge Contribution Form, and return it to the Sioux Falls Lutheran School office at 308 W. 37th St. You may also donate online at any time. When making an online donation, please indicate that your donation is for the Chapel Seat Challenge and include permission to acknowledge your donation on a commemorative plaque in the “write a note” box.

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and to Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” –Ephesians 3:20-21.

*When making an online donation, please indicate that your donation is for the Chapel Seat Challenge and include permission to acknowledge your donation on a commemorative plaque in the “write a note” box.