The Diocesan Dialogue
Current Issue
February 2008
Utah Episcopalians announce new communication opportunities
The Utah Episcopal Church is embracing cyber-space, video, and lots of new ways we can communicate between parishes and throughout the Diocese. Utah is a national leader in web usage. Video technology, graphic rich presentations, MP3 players, and the like are the new "languages" of communication. Without abandoning the needs of those seeking traditional communication, the Church will be offering state-of-the-art ways our
members, friends, and those seeking us out can see us, hear us, and
interact with us. National studies show newcomers now predominantly
use the web to find churches and we know our kids use electronic communication
for about everything.
The Diocese has a new video camera for parish and other ministry use. Youth groups, for example, can record a weekend at Camp Tuttle to share on YouTube.
The new Episcopal Church Center of Utah (ECCU) is equipped with what
the Church Communications Committee is calling the "e-vangelism" center.
A video server will soon allow live webcasts of events including conferences,
addresses, and even services. The committee realized the tremendous
opportunity to share the beauty of our churches with all, via the web.
Additionally, we will be able to bring services such as Easter to shut-ins,
and let the world see what we do in Utah.
A generous grant from a friend, support from Diocesan officials, the
appointment of a full-time Communications Officer, and the move into
the ECCU has allowed the Diocese to also bring live presentations from
remote locations. With our portable equipment, all we need is a fast
internet connection and we can webcast from almost anywhere. New cameras,
editing software, and a DVD duplication system furthers "e-vangelism" center
video opportunities. Web publishing software will give quick turnaround
of brochures and graphically pleasing web pages. In the near future,
the Dialogue will also have enhanced pictures from a new camera. Soon,
the latest software will be available to give the high resolution "once-over" to
snapshots from any parish event so we all can share in what is going
on in our ministries to celebrate the Good News and our love of the
Gospel.
The Communications Committee wants YOU to be an active part of the
sharing. In addition to your stories, snapshots, and information, you
can now send in your videos. The Diocese has a new video camera for
parish and other ministry use. Youth groups, for example, can record
a weekend at Camp Tuttle to share on YouTube. To reserve the camera,
email the Communications Officer at cwirth@episcopal-ut.org.
Other planned journeys into cyber-space involve podcasts to be available on the church webpage www.episcopal-ut.org, e-news, and improved web offerings. As software and equipment continues to arrive, expect to see more from the "e-vangelism" center. Also, expect to see more seminars, affirmations, and instruction as all of us to get up-to-speed. The Diocesan Communications Officer is always here as a resource to help parish expansion into new media.
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