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: Making Room for the New Kid
Beautiful words, Jolanda. Thanks for the many ways you've supported children's ministries in the CRC and beyond. Blessings on this new phase. We trust that God will nudge someone to continue the good work you've begun here on the Sunday School section of The Network.
Posted in: Does Your Church Have an Active Facebook Page?
My church has a Facebook group but it doesn't get used too much.
I also post to the CRCNA Facebook page which, of course, EVERYONE should "Like" :-)
Posted in: Does Your Church Have an Active Facebook Page?
Yes, it was started by a church member (not church 'official') and it was quite a while ago...so for both those reasons it was a Group instead of Page. When someone has time, we might switch it over...
I really appreciate that link about Groups vs. Pages. I hadn't come across that one before...it's a nice summary with up-to-date info about both.
Posted in: Worship Banners
I don't know anything about worship banners but, as someone who's worked on this Network site over the past year, it's so cool to see that we're connecting churches not just across the continent, but down the road! I love it!
Posted in: Day of Service: Hands/Feet of Jesus
My church did this on Sunday and it was GREAT! Over 150 people of all ages participated.
After the morning service we all walked over to the nearby park for a picnic, and then divided up into groups:
- praying (a prayerwalk around the neighborhood)
- visiting (at a facility for seniors)
- painting and yard cleanup (at our church's new community house)
- creating (duct tape wallets (!) and coloring lunch bags for a local shelter)
- picking up trash (in the neighborhood school playground)
The week before, our pastor gave 'permission' for everyone to show up to church in clothes suitable for painting/cleaning/etc. The worship service was very meaningful and challenging, with a message that tied right into the afternoon of service.
Thanks to ServiceLink for initiating this. Our church found it so great that we're wondering about doing it again next year.
Posted in: Need resources for accessibility funding
I just tested that link and it worked for me. Try it again by clicking the "Download" link on this page:
http://network.crcna.org/content/church-administration/architectural-evangelism
Posted in: Automatic Subscription When You Post?
Yes, Mavis, by default you are automatically subscribed to notifications when you post.
If you don't want this, you can change your notification settings (in your account profile) so that, by default, you won't be automatically subscribed to any future posts.
Posted in: Ideas for Spreading the Word About Network
A quick update...this week we launched the "My Church" feature that allows you to see who else in your church is using The Network. And we've added a page about how to spread the word to others in your church.
More ideas?
Posted in: Change At Classis
Thanks, Terry. It's fixed.
Posted in: Follow a User Via Email Alerts [Feature]
Good question. I don't know of a way to search for users, but an even easier way is to go to "My Profile" and look at your "profile visitors". The person you mentioned is listed there...just click on her name.
In the meantime, add it is a feature request using the "Feedback" tab (hanging off the right side of every page). If others vote it up, we'll consider adding something to make it easier to search for users. Good suggestion. Thanks.
Posted in: Neither Rain, Nor Sleet, Nor Snow: Church Services in Any Weather
Allen - In addition to Ustream.tv, check out Livestream.com (which is what we've used for the last couple of Synods). They recently launched the ability to integrate a live broadcast into your church's Facebook Page...something I'd like to try for this year's Synod. Tim
Posted in: Going to the Mall for Christmas?
On a related note, check out Marcel's recent article in the Youth Ministry network where he gives 15 suggestions for youth groups to spread some Christmas cheer - including random acts of culture!
And, if you haven't seen this one already, here's a fun video of the Sound of Music coming to the Antwerp train station:
[video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EYAUazLI9k]