313 – What’s In The Bag?

We’re talking tech-in-ministry as usual on WELSTech this week, but the conversation is extra special since Martin and Sallie are in the same location for today’s recording. Tune in for a multitude of tips and tricks as well as techie travel recommendations, a special flyover video, and a free music download from a new WELS artist.

The discussion:

Live from the CMM – It’s rare that the WELSTech Podcast team is together for recording in the same location, so today’s show is a real treat. Watch as Martin and Sallie dig through their travel bags to share their must-have techie gadgets for going on the road.

Ministry Resources:

Listener Reviews:

Tech tips:

Picks of the week:

Community feedback:

 

Coming up on WELSTech:

(46:52) Episode 314 – It’s edtech week on WELSTech as Martin and Sallie are joined by our semi-regular guest host, Jason Schmidt, and we talk about alternatives to SMART Boards. (Release date – 11/05/13)

Music download:

(47:35) This week only, download a free music single from WELS artists Chris Driesbach (chrisdriesbach.com) and Stephen Bautista (www.stephenbautistamusic.com) – Just A Nobody

Get involved:

312 – Web Accessibility

Martin and Sallie welcome guest host Aaron Spike to this week’s WELSTech as we discuss accessibility to the web for all people in all context. Listen also for info on a new mobile version of the Small Catechism and a source for free graphics for your web site, plus much more.

The discussion:

Accessible for Everyone  – Aaron Spike from New Ulm, MN guest hosts on today’s show and joins Martin and Sallie to discuss the important, yet often overlooked, topic of web site accessibility. The topic encompasses many aspects of web design and can seem overwhelming at times, but simple webmaster habits such as always adding meaningful “alt” tags for images can have a huge impact on the usability of your site for all audiences.

Ministry Resources:

Tech tips:

Picks of the week:

Community feedback:

Coming up on WELSTech:

(54:24) Episode 313 – Next week Martin and Sallie are face-to-face for a WELSTech recording from the Center for Mission and Ministry in Waukesha, WI, and we’ll open our bags to share the techie items we pack for traveling. (Release date – 10/29/13)

Music download:

(55:38) This week only, download a free music single from WELS artist Michael Armstrong (pinemountainmusic.com) – Made In The Image

Get involved:

311 – WELS Mobile

Join us for “giveaway Tuesday” on WELSTech as we discuss the free WELS Mobile app plus another great WELSTech prize you can win. The show is packed with resources, and we even share our first-ever free MP3 download of a WELS artist’s song.

The discussion:

Surf WELS on your mobile device – We are excited to welcome to the show today the developer of the WELS Mobile app, Martin Spriggs. Martin takes us on an app tour using the Ripple mobile device emulator.

3 Ways to Get the App:

Ministry Resources:

  • (24:25) Pastor Rob Guenther from Grace in Kenai, AK shared TopScripture.com for regular browser prompts from God’s Word
  • Share a helpful resource that makes a difference in your ministry, and you will ll be entered to win an Apple TV. Deadline for entry is May 31, 2014.

Listener Reviews:

(28:08) Sallie reviews the iPhone 5s

Tech tips:

Picks of the week:

Of interest:

(53:45) Live stream of the Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary Anniversary Festival Service – November 17 at 3 p.m. CST

Community feedback:

Coming up on WELSTech:

(1:04:17) Episode 312 – In a show every webmaster should tune in for, Martin, Sallie and guest host Aaron Spike explore the topic of web accessibility. (Release date – 10/22/13)

Music download:

(1:05:22) This week only, download a free music single from WELS artist Mike Westendorf (www.mikewestendorf.com and mikewestendorf on Twitter) – Come

Get involved:

310 – Are We Blockheads?

Tune in to today’s WELSTech for the next chapters of our regular book discussion (we’ll settle the blockhead debate once and for all) as well as a shiny tech giveaway announcement, a free digital magazine and much more.

The discussion:

Historic brain change – Today Martin and Sallie revisit this season’s book discussion selection, The Shallows by Nicholas Carr. In chapters 2-4 the author takes a historic look at the introduction of clocks to society as well as the shift from oral to written communication. The changes in human behavior that occurred because of these historic events support the fairly recent understanding of the malleable or plastic characteristics of God’s amazing creation, our brain, which allows it to change in response to new influences.

Ministry Resources:

(24:19) Church JuiceWays to Improve Your Church Bulletin

Listener Reviews:

(26:55) Share your review of software, hardware or web sites which assist with your personal or professional ministry efforts, and you will ll be entered to win a Nexus 7 tablet. Deadline for entry is May 31, 2014.

Tech tips:

  • (29:22) Highlights and notes on Kindle
  • Google Forms e-mail notifications

Picks of the week:

WELS.net feature:

(46:15) Forward in Christ magazine has gone digital! Try it out for free through the end of the year.

Community feedback:

Coming up on WELSTech:

(54:13) Episode 311 – Next week join Martin and Sallie as we tour the many features of the WELS Mobile App. (Release date – 10/15/13)

Music download:

(58:04) Beginning next week we’ll share a free song from a WELS artist for download each week.

Get involved:

309 – C13: Mission Important

This week’s WELSTech has a special events focus as we discuss ways to plan for events and interview Pastor Jon Hein about promotional resources for this Christmas season available through WELS’ C13 program. Sallie shares her Pinterest-inspired PVC laptop stand and Martin reviews a new Android phone.

The discussion:

Special Events – Martin and Sallie discuss the important stages of planning for special events at church and school including the role of a communication committee, tips for tracking the planning process and special promotional ideas.

The interview:

(15:57) C13 – Pastor Jon Hein from Beautiful Savior in Summerville, SC and newly-minted Director of the synod’s Congregational Counseling Committee (CCC) joins Martin and Sallie to discuss the work of his committee over the next two years as well as the specific resources available to assist congregations as they plan for Christmas 2013 (C13) worship and outreach.

Ministry resources:

(30:47) Multi-media church resource sites:

Listener reviews:

(32:52) Martin reviews the Moto X smartphone

Tech tips:

Picks of the week:

Of interest:

(53:40) MLC Ladies Auxiliary – October 5, 2013

Community feedback:

Coming up on WELSTech:

(1:01:44) Episode 310 – Hit the books next week with WELSTech. We’ll discuss chapter 2 of The Shallows by Nicholas Carr and find out if Martin’s head is made of concrete. (Release date – 10/08/13)

The featured artist:

(1:02:15) We close today’s WELSTech with the instrumental music of In His Service (www.adagioconcepts.com) – Jesus Lover of My Soul

Get involved: