Althea Jerome, Mississippi Presbytery
Between 2016 and 2020, Westminster Presbyterian Church of Hattiesburg, Mississippi began recording and live-streaming services for its members who are no longer able to attend worship services due to physical limitations or health concerns. Services were streamed on Facebook and posted on the church.
As we all know, the Covid 19 Pandemic altered the way everyone interacted with their congregations. Therefore, during 2020, when the only way church members could participate in a worship service was through the live-stream method, members became aware that there were some concerns about the quality of the experience. For example, the audio quality was not ideal. Further, a single camera focused a long way away from the pastor made it difficult to see the preacher.
When the Synod of Living Waters offered technology grants to Presbyteries, the Presbytery of Mississippi encouraged participation by member churches. A “wish list” for a technology upgrade had already been started. Members of Session began to brainstorm what was needed, and how the grant might help meet the need.
A successful application allowed the congregation to receive $2,500 from the grant. The church matched the grant with additional funds to purchase two new video cameras and a laptop computer that allows the operator to adjust and focus the camera view during the service.
The improvements in technology have been acknowledged by church members who regularly view the service. An additional benefit of new and improved equipment is that a service such as a wedding or a memorial service can be made available to people who are unable to join these events in person.
Westminster is grateful for the generosity of the Synod in making the grant funds available, and for the flexibility to imagine how the funds could best serve individual congregations like our own.
North Alabama Presbytery received $13,000 for technology grants from the Synod of Living Waters.
Upon receipt of the funds, the Presbytery established a Technology Grant Task Force which created an application process and invited congregations to submit applications for funding. We received funding requests in the amount of $30,000. After reviewing the applications, the Task Force awarded grants to seven congregations to assist with their technological needs. One of our most rural congregations, which is located in an area with limited internet capabilities requested funds to obtain a more reliable satellite connection. This congregation is now able to have an active website as well as an active presence on social media to promote its ministry. Another congregation in a rural area had experienced a rash of break-ins. Their technology grant enabled them to install exterior security monitors as a deterrent to vandalism. Other grants provided upgrades for sound systems, cameras, and computer systems to provide live streaming of worship services.
The Synod Communications Team looks forward to hearing your stories of joy and of the use of technology grants. Send them in and we will use them in upcoming issues of the Virtual Voice!