A Full Copy Of April 28 Thursday Thoughts Can Be Found HERE
April 28, 2022
Dear Congregation:
In January a task force was formed to consider how to expand and enhance our online ministries. The group includes Barbara Kershner Daniel, Jeff Schaeberle, Peter Brehm, Jenna Duranko, Larry Martin, Jeff Baker, David Cooney, Judy Peterson, Susan Kulp, John Shillingburg, Jack Day, Vida Penn, Linda Coyle, Alan and Heather McCarty.
The congregation of ERUCC, already engaged in digital ministries such as live-streamed worship, on-line studies, and virtual meetings has expressed the desire to enhance and expand these digital ministries. Practically, this is to enhance the on-line experience of those already benefitting from these ministries. Strategically, it is recognized that more and more “church” is being done differently and on-line/digital/virtual ministries are a major part of this shift, and future relevance depends on offering these ministries and offering them well.
We have worked as two teams. One team has focused on enhancing the on-line/digital/virtual ministries already being offered. The second team is focusing on new ministries and enabling a virtual community that allows for connection and faith development to form.
Thanks to a generous grant of $10,000 for this work, we have purchased some equipment to enhance the live stream experience and a monitor for the North Conference Room to offer additional space for hybrid gatherings.
At our most recent meeting, we affirmed that online ministry and engagement needs to be seen as a priority. If we are going to be relevant now and, in the future, and continue to build community, we need to expand our virtual presence and ministry.
For several months we have been working on how to enhance the live stream experience by adding easier access to the Sunday bulletin, including the scripture readings and the words to the hymns. Most recently, we experimented with adding closed captioning and it was well received by those participating in worship online. Adding closed captioning is a priority for reaching audiences who may be unable to fully participate in worship due to hearing challenges. We are also adding a chat function with a member of the church welcoming online worshippers and answering any questions.
With these enhancements, the AV Team is in need of some additional members. The team has been operating with three people each week – one to run audio for the livestream, one to run video for the livestream, and one to run audio for sanctuary sound. By adding the lyrics to the hymns on the livestream, a fourth person is needed to move the words forward on the screen. I understand from the team that it is not a difficult task to work with the hymn lyrics, but it is necessary to have that extra set of eyes, ears, and hands to enable it to work smoothly.
I invite you to prayerfully consider if you are hearing a call to be a part of this critical ministry for those who have found hope through ERUCC. Please speak with me, Jeff Schaeberle, Jeff Baker, Jack Day, or Larry Martin if you are interested or want more information.
The Rev. Dr. Barbara Kershner Daniel
Senior Pastor
Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ
bkdaniel@erucc.org
15 W. Church Street, Frederick, MD 21702
301-662-2762
