In Praise of the Techies
In Praise of the Techies
I’m getting a feel for what you pastors have been going through. And, I’m a nervous wreck.
As I’ve mentioned recently, I’ve been leading a few webinars (see below). Obviously, all on-line. The questions feel endless. And thus, I am anxious.
- Will everything go OK?
- Will my internet cut out?
- Why isn’t the link working?
- How’s my lighting?
- Is anything I say meaningful or motivating?
- How do I share my screen?
- Is my background interesting and/or appropriate?
- And, perhaps most important, is my hair sticking out?
So, God bless you all.
There are many benefits of our Zoom/YouTube world.
People can be reached and watch in ways like never before.
Communities grow and fellowship materializes.
Ministry and education happen.
However, all this on-line innovation means that we are at the mercy of technology – which doesn’t always behave just as we think it should. We appeal to our Maker for help in our Zoom hour of need. And when technology acts like a petulant toddler? Lord, have mercy.
We pray for forgiveness.
We apologize.
We try to do better.
Once again, God bless you. I give thanks for you, you on-line pastors and the tech people who are making it happen. You make it seem so effortless.
You deserve a round of applause,
a pat on the back, and
a pandemically-acceptable massage.
Thank God for the gift of technology, and thank God for you too.
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Upcoming webinars where I’ll be presenting or hosting:
“Narrative Budgets: You Can Do This!”
Thursday, October 21, 2:00-3pm (EST). Sponsored by PRC: Practical Resources for Churches
Ever look at your church’s budget and all you see is numbers? Does your congregation understand what’s behind those numbers? In this webinar, you’ll discover why it’s important to give your congregation the whole budget story by using words and pictures. You’ll see examples and we’ll talk about steps you need to take to make sure your budget is one that your congregation will be delighted (and maybe even thrilled) to support.
For more information and to sign up, go here.
Creating a Culture of Radical Gratitude: How Do You Say Thank You?
Sponsored by the United Methodist Foundation of New England
Wednesday, October 27, 12:30-1:30 (EST) or Thursday, October 28, 7:00-8:00pm (EST)
Churches do so many things well, but there is one area that is often overlooked… Thanking people. Join us as we discover the many ways you can practice “radical” gratitude with the people you deeply care for: your faith community.
For more information and to sign up, go here.
And finally, Endowments: What You Need to Know (Part 2)
Sponsored by the Greater Northwest Area of the United Methodist Church.
November 2, 6-8pm (PST)
In Part 2, you’ll learn how to manage an endowment and what to do if you need to close (or “extinguish”) it. Finally (and most importantly), join us in discussing the spiritual and ethical considerations that may arise as a result of establishing and/or maintaining an endowment. Didn’t make the first session? No worries – feel free to join us.
Sign-up here. Zoom information will be sent two days before the event.
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Cesie Delve Scheuermann (pronounced “CC Delv Sherman,” yes, really) is a consultant in stewardship, development, and grant writing. For nearly 25 years, while working as a volunteer and part-time consultant, she helped raise over three million dollars for numerous non-profit organizations. Can you guess how Saturday Night Live covered Zoom Church? Maybe you’ll feel better about your efforts once you watch it. You can reach Cesie at inspiringgenerosity@gmail.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/inspiringgenerosity or at CesieScheuermann.com.
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