PNC tech communicator finds counterparts in other conferences

Use of technology in the church is about the human connections it makes possible, said Jim CastroLang, pastor at Colville First Congregational United Church of Christ. 

“I celebrate opportunities in the 21st century to strengthen our covenant in the UCC by using the web and social media to share resources and build relationships,” he said.

Wondering who else sees this potential of helping the church in this way, he visited the 38 UCC Conference websites and checked their Facebook pages  to find how they were they promoting their annual meetings.  He checked workshop descriptions to find names of people leading workshops on technology and social media. 

He made contact through LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and email to meet the “online servants”—connecting with people in Northern California, Michigan, Southern California, Connecticut and Iowa.

Bill in Iowa invited CastroLang to “attend” his workshop at the Iowa Conference Annual Meeting and help him with a demonstration. 

In the age of ooVoo, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Dim Dim and Skype, the two explore how free communication technology is changing the landscape of ministry. 

“It is the beginning of more cooperation, because we both want it to be a vibrant place that offers an extravagant welcome in the spiritual journey—meeting people and finding a place for those who seek relationships and community,” CastroLang said.

Over ooVoo, they share their ideas and visions for the church.  They want to bring others into the conversation, he said grateful for his new friendship. 

On the United Church of Christ page on Facebook, CastroLang invites others to join the discussion at http://ow.ly/1YkgD on human stories of churches using technology and social media.  There’s a UCC group on LinkedIn for a similar discussion http://ow.ly/1Ykjh . 

CastroLang also moderates the PNC yahoo email group and Facebook page. For information, email jimcl@icehouse.net or call 509-998-7203

 

Copyright Pacific Northwest Conference News © June 2010