Episode 043 – Oct 29 2008

This week on WELSTech Martin and Sallie tackle texting and twittering as they discuss mobile technology and applications for future ministry.  They also interview Pastor Hans Caauwe on his use of Apple’s new iPhone 3G.

The discussion:

The interview:

  • Pastor Johann CaauweiPhone in Ministry (17:40) –  Pastor Johann Caauwe from Trinity in El Paso, TX joins Martin and Sallie to share his experience of using the new iPhone 3G in his ministry – a great example of technology as a servant in ministry.

The tidbits:

  • Picks of the week (35:15)
  • Of interest (40:55)
    • Live streaming of the Spanish Reformation Service
      • October 31 @ 7 p.m. CDT from Risen Savior Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, WI
  • Community feedback (41:38)
    • Andy from Mt. Olive in Overland Park, KS suggested a future show topic on web site software options
    • Kevin Smith from Christ in Zumbrota, MN pointed us to ProCare Software for pre-school management
    • Ryan Rosenthal from Faith in Fond du Lac, WI shared his experiences with introducing new technology in his classroom and congregation
  • Coming up on WELSTech (46:12)
    • Episode 044 – Podcasting from the Wisconsin Teachers Conference with our semi-regular classroom technology correspondent, Gail Potratz

The featured artist:

  • We close with music of WELS artist, WendySue Fluegge (www.wendysue.com) – All from her CD titled The Instrument (47:30)

Get involved:

Episode 042 – Oct 22 2008

This week on WELSTech Martin and Sallie share tips and tricks for evaluating and redesigning your church or school web site.

The discussion:

  • Redesign your church or school web site – Most congregations and schools have had a web site for some time and may be due for a “facelift” or redesign of the content, look and navigation of the site.  Martin and Sallie share ideas for evaluating your site to make it appealing and useful for the various audiences who visit.

The tidbits:

  • Picks of the week (25:04)
  • WELS.net feature (30:21)
  • Of interest (31:48)
    • Live streamingof WELS Regional High School Choral Festivals
      • November 9 @ 2 p.m. CDT from Illinois Lutheran High School
      • November 16 @ 2 p.m. CDT from Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School
  • Community feedback (33:58)
    • John Shoosmith from Redeemer in Yakima, WA shared information on Google video indexing and asked about setting up podcasts for iTunes
    • Gail Potratz from Emanuel in New London, WI shared information on creating webouts
    • David Schumann from Peace in Janesville, WI shared ideas about using Skype of long distance worship.  Share your experience if your congregation does this.
  • Coming up on WELSTech (38:27)
    • Episode 043 – Mobile Technology – How can you use a cell phone for ministry?

The featured artist:

  • We close with music of WELS contemporary praise band, Koine (www.koinemusic.com) – Crown Him With Many Crowns from their CD titled Koine (39:09)

Get involved:

Episode 041 – Oct 15 2008

This week on WELSTech Martin and Sallie discuss considerations for starting an electronic newsletter.  The interview section of the show focuses on the synod’s own electronic newsletter, Together.

The discussion:

The tidbits:

  • Picks of the week (37:45)
  • WELS.net feature (43:03)
  • Of interest (44:21)
    • We have a winner!  Listen as we play additional voice mail contest entries from our listeners and choose a winner of the recent WELSTech contest. Enjoy shopping at cafepress.com/welstech!
  • Community feedback (51:07)
    • Jeff Clark wrote to share information on hardware configurations – a possible discussion topic for a future WELSTech episode
    • Cindy Krueger from Shepherd of the Hills in Lansing, MI shared a link to an article by Dan Lohrmann titled “How Safe is Cloud Computing?
    • Following up on last week’s interview, we heard from Andy Theimer that there are 8 new “inWELS” members on LinkedIn, and we also heard from one of those new members, Danny Smith
  • Coming up on WELSTech (54:05)
    • Episode 042 – Redesign – Why and how to redesign your web site plus the inside scoop on the upcoming WELS.net redesign

The featured artist:

  • We close with music of WELS pianist, Dawn Gehlhar – Precious Lord Take My Hand from her Inspirations CD (55:07)

Get involved:

Episode 040 – Oct 8 2008

This week on WELSTech the focus is social networking and how online connections can be utilized for ministry.  Martin and Sallie talk with Andy Theimer, a WELS member who has started an online group aimed at connecting WELS business people.

The discussion:

  • Social networking inside the congregation – Martin and Sallie explore ways to extend your ministry efforts online via social networks.  From file sharing to gathering information via web forms to two-way interaction about Bible class topics on discussion forums, using web 2.0 tools to connect with members and connect members to other members with like interests (Mom’s groups, etc.) will become more and more acceptable and expected in this digital age.
    • Create your own social network at Ning.com

The interview:

  • Andy TheimerinWELS (21:31) – Andy Theimer, WELS member and entrepreneur, joins Martin and Sallie to share information about a group he’s started on the business-oriented social networking site LinkedIn called “inWELS”.  Listen and learn more about the benefits of being part of “inWELS”.

The tidbits:

  • Picks of the week (40:11)
  • WELS.net feature (48:46)
  • Of interest (51:08)
    • WELSTech contest – Extended to midnight, Sunday, October 12th
      • Phone in your comments (414-375-2334) to this question: What digital devices do you use in your classroom or Bible class?
      • All comments will be entered in a drawing for a $15 gift certificate to the WELSTech Podcast store – www.cafepress.com/welstech
    • www.k12onlineconference.org
  • Community feedback (53:46)
  • Coming up on WELSTech (57:48)
    • Episode 041 – All about newsletters – For your congregation or school as well as the synod’s Together newsletter
    • Episode 042 – Redesign – Why and how to redesign your web site plus the inside scoop on the upcoming WELS.net redesign

The featured artist:

  • We close with music of Wisconsin Lutheran College’s Revelation music ministry (www.revelationwlc.com) – God of Wonders from their We Walk By Faith CD (59:05)

Get involved:

Episode 039 – Oct 1 2008

This week on WELSTech Martin and Sallie talk about ways to “Go Green” with church and school electronics.  They also interview Pastor Mark Cares about the success of his new blog which targets outreach to Mormons.

The discussion:

The interview:

The tidbits:

The featured artist:

  • We close with music of WELS artist, Michael Schroeder (wctc.net/~mas) – In My Life from his CD titled A Witness (59:54)

Get involved: