Tim Postuma
I work for the CRC as 'web guy'. But that doesn't mean I'm a coder (others are way better at that than me). I'm first and foremost a communicator, so what I love to do is look for ways we can better communicate as a denomination using technology. I get to listen for ideas that are out there, come up with a few of my own, and help them become reality. Examples include the Network website and the Digital Library. I also connect with the web/communications people for each of the CRC ministries. So if you have ideas for how we can better communicate using technology you can feel free to route suggestions through me. We WANT those ideas. I grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba - go, Jets - but now live in Grand Rapids, MI (much to my surprise!). My wonderful wife is a CRC chaplain and we have three kids that keep us plenty busy.
Posted in: Online Giving Options for Churches
Another tip...whatever online giving solution you choose, make sure it integrates with your church management system (or could be integrated in the future if you don't yet have a church management system). You don't want to be rekeying or importing transactions. As soon as a donation is made, it should be instantly reflected in that member's giving record, and members should be able to log in to view their giving history, adjust their recurring donations, etc.
This isn't high-tech stuff. These days, any church large or small can have this functionality by choosing a good, web-based church management system (there are many on the market). It's been a game-changer for my own church, especially for our church admin and volunteer deacons/bookkeeper.
Posted in: Microsoft Office 365: Also Free, Also in Canada
Great info, Al. I didn't realize Microsoft's solution had email accounts, etc. just like Google Apps. It's good to have options. Thanks for taking the time to write this up for everyone's benefit. I hope you keep posting!
@Randy - Google Docs is great...if you fully switch to it. You're absolutely right that if you try to keep a foot in both worlds, you'll have no end of hassle with messy conversions, etc. That where Microsoft's solution would be a way better fit.
Has anyone else used Microsoft's Office 365 in this way for a church or company? Cloud solutions like these just seem like such a great fit for churches since churches have way more offsite volunteers than onsite staff.
Posted in: Got Anything for Deacon's Training?
Janice - If you'd like, you can post it here on The Network as a resource for deacons. See here for instructions on how to post.
Posted in: 501c3 Non Profit Status
Sorry about that, Jim. We just launched a new CRCNA website and, in the process, broke the link. Thanks for alerting us. The file is now attached to this post.
Posted in: Churches Need to Address Allergies and Sensitivities
Yes, I'm glad you mentioned that Heather. My church also recently began offering gluten-free elements. Even to those of us who aren't allergic, it sends a strong message of 'we care'.
Without a doubt, all of our elements are 'glutten-free' given their small size. Oh no, that's spelled 'glutton'. ;-)
Posted in: Am I Subscribed? [Feature]
Chester,
Can you be more specific about what you're not finding easy enough to do or find? Or suggestions for how to improve things? The site is 'always reforming' :-) so some specifics would be great.
Regarding usage, it's actually been quite good. As of today, nearly 1,700 registered users and well over 2,000 user posts (comments and discussion topics). Of course, we'd always like more and so we're encouraging folks to help spread the word. But, compared to similar efforts, this is the most interactive the CRC has ever been online and it hasn't yet had its first birthday. Not to sound defensive, of course!
Posted in: Am I Subscribed? [Feature]
[quote=Chester]
Where do I find the 'marks' , etc.
[/quote]
Here's that picture of what appear on the right side of the page:
The green checkmarks indicate active subscriptions.
Notice there is no checkmark next to "This Author". This indicates that the person has not yet activated that particular subscription. To do so, they could click the blue text which is a hyperlink.
You're right about the fact that we don't underline our hyperlinks. This was common in the early days of the web, but now most websites just make them a different color and avoid the underline.
I hope this additional explanation is helpful.
Posted in: How to Start Using Google Apps
About a year ago, the CRCNA switched to Google Apps for all of our staff (in North America and around the world). It's been a great move!
Posted in: Am I Subscribed? [Feature]
Ken - Wow, you noticed that profile meter right away! I just finished writing an introduction to what it is and how it works.
Posted in: How to Start Using Google Apps
Both Google Docs and, more commonly, Google Sites allows you create 'public' pages. But I wouldn't use it as a public church website. It's not nearly as flexible as even the most basic blogging tool.
Having said that, we use it for our CRCNA intranet (for staff). Because, for that internal site, we wanted staff to have the most convenient access possible and Sites gives us that (once logged into email, they're automatically logged into our intranet - no need for another login).
In rare situations, we'll also make a Google Doc public and link to it from our main site (e.g. small audience, design not important, constant updates needed by staff who aren't trained in our CMS).
So, as a rule, I wouldn't use Google Sites or Docs as a 'real' website. But in very specific situations, it can fit the bill. Hope this helps.
Posted in: Finding Youth Ministry Resources With a Reformed Perspective
Dana - Have you tried Faith Alive's other course, "HC and Me"? If not, here's the link. Tim
Posted in: The HC is on the Cutting Edge of Youth Ministry!
To amplify your point, Marcel, I saw this posted today:
Interview with Kevin DeYoung on The Good News We Almost Forgot in the Heidelberg Catechism
(Kevin DeYoung is the pastor of University Reformed Church in East Lansing, MI, co-author of several books (Why We Love the Church and Why We’re Not Emergent), and author of Just Do Something: A Liberating Approach to Finding God’s Will. Kevin kindly agreed to be interviewed about his new book, The Good News We Almost Forgot: Rediscovering the Gospel in a 16th Century Catechism, which is on the Heidelberg Catechism.)