068 – Spending A Smarter Summer

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This week on the WELSTech podcast we gear up for summer with loads of options for personal learning, and we conclude our interview with WELS musicianary Mike Westendorf.

The discussion:

Summer Learning – Gail Potratz, our monthly guest host and Technology Coordinator at Emanuel in New London, WI, joins the conversation with Martin and Sallie, and we look at all the possibilities for learning something new this summer, including face-to-face and online, traditional and via your Personal Learning Network (PLN).

  • Summer classes from
    • Martin Luther College
    • Wisconsin Lutheran College
    • Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary
  • Online learning opportunities
  • Pull your PLN all together on a custom page using
  • Summer reading recommendation
  • Join Gail at the zoo
    • Milwaukee Digital Media Conference

The interview:

Mike Westendorf(18:22) Music With A Message – Martin and Sallie continue their discussion with WELS musician Mike Westendorf about the maturity of a Christian artist into a musicianary.

Picks of the week:

The contest:

WELSTech Desert Island Picks Contest(47:47) Top 5 Desert Island Software Picks

  • Send us the five software titles you wouldn’t want to live without – free or fee, desktop or Web 2.0, anything goes
  • Get us your list via your favorite WELSTech communication channel – e-mail us, leave us a voice mail (414-375-2334), send us a message on facebook or twitter – just get us your top 5 picks!
  • One random entry will receive a $25 gift certificate to the WELSTech store (cafepress.com/welstech)
  • Deadline for entry is Sunday April 26, 2009 @ 11:59 p.m.
  • Listen to WELSTech Episode 069 on April 29th to find out if you are the winner and to experience a virtual desert island of software picks

Community feedback:

  • (49:17) The #WELSTech Twitter conversation this week featured
    • Jason Schmidt from Gethsemane in Omaha, NE shared a link to another video captioning web site, this time for YouTube videos – CaptionTube
  • John Shoosmith from Redeemer in Yakima, WA
    • Reports that the video hosting and captioning site discussed in our last episode, dotSub.com, allows for 300 MB video uploads which is more than adequate for typical sermons
    • Added a new page to the WELSTech wiki (welstechwiki.wels.net) with coaching on video angels, lighting and more – Video Taping Guide
  • Additional WELSTech wiki updates include
    • New pages capturing the WELSTech listserve discussions on Office Suite and Server software
    • Discussion on calendar software
  • Check out the WELSTech listserve archive for discussions on Moodle and Martin’s call for church technology plans
  • Brian Preuss shared a link to a free, open-source, Linux-based church management software application, ChurchInfo, www.churchdb.org

Coming up on WELSTech:

(1:04:32) Episode 069 – The contest results are in, and we share our listener’s list of desert island software picks.  You’ll want to tune in to find out if you are the lucky winner of a $25 WELSTech store gift certificate. Enter to win by April 26th!

  • Production note: Due to scheduling conflicts, this episode will have a later-than-normal release time.  Look for it by noon on April 29th.

The featured artist:

(1:06:20) This week we close with WELS artist Michael Schroeder (www.michaelschroeder.com) – The One from his CD titled Fuel For The Soul

Get involved:

067 – Geeking Out In Sallie’s Kitchen

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This week the tech talk on the WELSTech podcast centers around group collaboration, the world of the independent Christian artist, and a geeky kitchen dream come true.

The discussion:

Group Effort Web 2.0 Style – Martin and Sallie revisit Clay Shirky’s book Here Comes Everybody and focus on chapter 5, “Personal Motivation Meets Collaborative Production”, as they explore the power of one of the core Web 2.0 tools, the wiki.  Listen for ideas on how you can use a wiki in your congregation or school.

  • Wikis in Plain English by CommonCraft
  • Episode 034 focused on wiki tools
  • Sample church ladies organization wiki – hosanna.wetpaint.com

The interview:

Mike WestendorfIndependent Christian Artist (18:22) – WELS musician Mike Westendorf joins Martin and Sallie to talk about getitng started in the music business, the recent CIA Summit for independent Christian artist and the role technology plays in music today.

The tidbits:

New technology showcase (38:30)

  • The “new” Friend Feed – beta.friendfeed.com

Picks of the week (42:25)

WELSTech Desert Island Picks ContestContest – Top 5 Desert Island Software Picks (47:47)

  • Send us the five software titles you wouldn’t want to live without – free or fee, desktop or Web 2.0, anything goes
  • Get us your list via your favorite WELSTech communication channel – e-mail us, leave us a voice mail (414-375-2334), send us a message on facebook or twitter – just get us your top 5 picks!
  • One random entry will receive a $25 gift certificate to the WELSTech store (cafepress.com/welstech)
  • Deadline for entry is Sunday April 26, 2009 @ 11:59 p.m.
  • Listen to WELSTech Episode 069 on April 29th to find out if you are the winner and to experience a virtual desert island of software picks

Community feedback (49:17)

  • Check out the WELSTech listserve archive for a balanced discussion of fee vs. open-source software for school computer usage
  • David Schumann from Peace in Janesville, WI shared his success with recycling old hardware with Linux
  • The #WELSTech Twitter conversation this week included
  • John Simonson from Good Shepherd in West Bend, WI suggested incorporating a call to action link on church sites – “Why join?” or “Why attend?”
  • Dan Schoeffel from St. Paul’s in Onalaska, WI shared a link to their Drupal members only site – members.stpaulsonalaska.org
    • We discussed Drupal in a episode 047 and have a page on the WELSTech wiki dedicated to Drupal
    • Take a sneak peek at the new Drupal-based WELS.net – beta.wels.net
  • David Savatski from WELS Missions added a presentation tips section to the WELSTech wiki
  • Greg Letiecq shared a “He Is Risen” video clip. Find it on the WELSTech wiki, posted using drop.io/welstech.

Coming up on WELSTech (1:04:32)

  • Episode 068 – It’s time to make plans for a summer of learning.  Gail Potratz will join us to discuss a multitude of opportunities for personal enrichment.  And we’ll wrap up our interview with Mike Westendorf.

The featured artist:

This week we close with WELS artist Mike Westendorf (www.mikewestendorf.com) – Prelude to Praise from his newest CD titled Color Through the Gray (1:06:20)

Get involved:

066 – The Five D’s and W’s

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This week the WELSTech podcast goes global as Martin and Sallie discuss internet evangelism and chat with Dr. John Lawrenz from Asia Lutheran Seminary.

The discussion:

The interview:

  • Dr. John LawrenzReaching out to billions (24:34) – Spanning the globe to bring you the latest news on technology in ministry, Martin and Sallie talk with Dr. John Lawrenz about the work being done in Hong Kong through Asia Lutheran Seminary and how technology is a blessing to their efforts. Listen also for details on their newest project, the Translation Working Group.

The tidbits:

  • New technology showcase (47:55)
  • Picks of the week (52:35)
  • WELSTech Desert Island Picks ContestContest – Top 5 Desert Island Software Picks
    • Send us the five software titles you wouldn’t want to live without – free or fee, desktop or Web 2.0, anything goes
    • Get us your list via your favorite WELSTech communication channel – e-mail us, leave us a voice mail (414-375-2334), send us a message on facebook or twitter – just get us your top 5 picks!
    • One random entry will receive a $25 gift certificate to the WELSTech store (cafepress.com/welstech)
    • Deadline for entry is Sunday April 26, 2009 @ 11:59 p.m.
    • Listen to WELSTech Episode 069 on April 29th to find out if you are the winner and to experience a virtual desert island of software picks
  • Community feedback (1:00:09)
    • Jason Schmidt from Gethsemane in Omaha, NE shared a link to embedit.in which generates embed code for any type of content you want to post on your web site
    • Alyssa Dunning from WELS Web Services shared a link to VisualCV.com where you can create a free online resume
    • Ryan Rosenthal from Faith in Fond du Lac, WI came through with a response to Sallie’s last Pick of the Week – NCShtDwn will shut down computers at whatever time you set
    • The #WELSTech Twitter conversation this week included
    • John Shoosmith from Redeemer in Yakima, WA offered to encode closed caption videos in Microsoft Silverlight for WELS congregations, free of change.  Contact John through the e-mail options on the Redeemer web site for details.
  • Coming up on WELSTech (1:11:21)
    • Episode 067 – We’ll return to Clay Shirky’s book Here Comes Everybody and discuss chapter 5, “Personal Motivation Meets Collaborative Production”.  Also we’ll share part one of our conversation with WELS musicianary Mike Westendorf.

The featured artist:

  • This week we close with the WELSTech debut of artist Stephen Bautista (www.stephenbautistamusic.com) – The Man Who Drove The Nail from his CD titled Abandon (1:13:10)

Get involved:

  • Add a comment below
  • Send us an e-mail [email protected]
  • Leave us a voice mail 414-375-2334
  • Add to the WELSTech wiki welstechwiki.wels.net
  • Contribute to the #WELSTech Twitter conversation
  • Follow us on Twitter – mspriggs and welstechtrainer
  • Use the del.icio.us tag welstech
  • Join the WELSTech community:
    • WELSTech listserve
    • WELSTech on facebook

065 – That Is No Joke

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This week the WELSTech podcast is packed with April Fools pranks, a contest announcement, the latest iPhone news and loads of comments from our listeners.

The discussion:

  • Time out for fun on April Fools – Martin and Sallie discuss web-based April Fools pranks, interesting sites and even a few Easter eggs.  They also share info on the Conficker worm, which is set to spread today.
  • WELSTech Desert Island Picks ContestNew Contest – Top 5 Desert Island Software Picks (14:57)
    • Send us the five software titles you wouldn’t want to live without – free or fee, desktop or Web 2.0, anything goes
    • Get us your list via your favorite WELSTech communication channel – e-mail us, leave us a voice mail (414-375-2334), send us a message on facebook or twitter – just get us your top 5 picks!
    • One random entry will receive a $25 gift certificate to the WELSTech store (cafepress.com/welstech)
    • Deadline for entry is Sunday April 26, 2009 @ 11:59 p.m.
    • Listen to WELSTech Episode 069 on April 29th to find out if you are the winner and to experience a virtual desert island of software picks

The tidbits:

  • New technology showcase (18:35)
  • Picks of the week (25:05)
  • Community feedback (31:12)
    • Larry McGowan from Pilgrim in Minneapolis, MN is involved in new video ministry efforts.
    • Gail Potratz from Emanual in New London, WI left us a voice mail follow up to last week’s Personal Learning Network discussion. We forgot to mention the WELSTech Podcast is a major contributor to our PLNs!
    • Alyssa Dunning from WELS Web Services shared a link to The Ultimate Guide for Everything Twitter from the Webdesigner Depot blog
    • Shelly Karstens from Peace in Hartford, WI sent us a link to the recent WI Education Media & Technology Association (WEMTA) conference she attended.
      • Check out the PLN document shared by one of the speakers, Lucy Gray (LucyGray.org).
    • Pastor Tim Wagner from Abiding Peace in Elgin, IL is using RSS feeds from his delicious.com account to display bookmarked sites on his congregation web page.
    • Chris Hintz from Emmaus in Phoenix, AZ tapped the WELSTech podcast archive for info on the paperless office:
      • Episodes 006 & 007 – The efficient church office
      • Episode 026 – Mass e-mail
      • Episode 036 – Getting organized
      • Episode 063 – PDFs and Potlucks
    • John Shoosmith from Redeemer in Yakima, WA updated the closed caption video page on the WELSTech wiki (welstech.wetpaint.com)
    • Wayne Kittell from Immanuel in Kewaunee, WI shared information on how the FAA frequency change effects some wireless microphone systems
      • 700 MHz Explained in 10 Steps
      • 700 MHz Public Safety Band
      • 700 MHz Wireless Trade In Program from Shure
  • Coming up on WELSTech (45:56)
    • Episode 066 – As Internet Evangelism Day approaches, we will look at new resources and ideas for reaching out in the digital age.  We’ll also talk with Dr. John Lawrenz about the influence of technology on outreach and training at Asia Lutheran Seminary.

The featured artist:

  • This week we close with the music of WELS artist Mike Westendorf (www.mikewestendorf.com) – Cling from his CD titled Run Boy Run (47:36)

Get involved:

  • Add a comment below
  • E-mail: [email protected]
  • Voice mail: 414-375-2334
  • Add to the WELSTech wiki: welstech.wetpaint.com
  • Contribute to the #WELSTech Twitter conversation
  • Follow us on Twitter: mspriggs and welstechtrainer
  • Use the del.icio.us tag: welstech
  • Join the WELSTech community:
    • WELSTech listserve
    • WELSTech on facebook

064 – Who needs an encyclopedia?

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This week on WELSTech Martin, Sallie and Gail discuss Personal Learning Networks (PLNs) and Patti Ullsperger from Lenovo updates us on exciting new classroom technology.

The discussion:

The interview:

  • Patti UllspergerClassroom technology by Lenovo (22:58) – Patti Ullsperger from computer maker and ShopWELS.net vendor Lenovo joins Martin and Sallie to share information on the newest technologies Lenovo offers to enhance classroom learning.

The tidbits:

  • Picks of the week (37:19)
  • New technology showcase (46:15)
  • Community feedback (52:56)
    • The PDF conversation started in our last episode continues:
      • Joshua Schoeneck, Director of Technology at Kettle Moraine LHS, cautioned that some users don’t have the PDF reader, particularly in foreign countries
      • Perry Lund from Grace in Oskaloosa, IA shared a link to PDF Shrink, a Mac PDF tool for optimization
      • Rob Benson, our own WELS Security Administrator, agreed that free PDF solutions can solve many needs.  His comment was on Sallie’s facebook post about the podcast.  Why not share today’s podcast on your favorite social sites using the row of icons at the bottom of today’s show notes?
      • Pastor Dan Witte from Risen Savior in Lakewood Ranch, FL reminded us to consider encryption and password protection of sensitive PDF docs
    • Pastor Tim Wagner of Abiding Peace in Elgin, IL asked how to create an RSS feed of a web page that doesn’t have a feed.  Try www.ponyfish.com.
  • Coming up on WELSTech (1:00:04)
    • Episode 065 – Tune in to our April Fool’s Day broadcast for a new contest announcement and a security discussion with Rob Benson

The featured artist:

  • We close with the music of WELS insrumentalist In His Service (www.adagioconcepts.com) – Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow from their fourth CD titled In Our Hearts (1:01:54)

Get involved:

063 – PDFs and Potlucks

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This week on WELSTech the discussion centers around PDFs, and Martin and Sallie share resources for creating and editing documents in this universal format.

The discussion:

The tidbits:

  • Picks of the week (25:00)
  • WELS.net feature (30:27)
    • Weekly military podcast devotions – streams.wels.net/podcasts?series=military-devotions
  • Community feedback (31:45)
    • David Savatski from WELS World Missions Promotions shared ministry uses for Flickr
    • We received a follow up comment from last week’s interviewee, Lori Aschbrenner of Beautiful Savior in Evertte, WA, with a caution for folks to obtain proper permission before posting photos of people on their church or school web site
    • From the WELSTech Listserve
      • Joshua Schoeneck, Director of Technology at Kettle Morrain Lutheran HS, posted that the full version of Listserve Lite by L-soft is free to schools through their NetPals program – netpals.lsoft.com/netpals.html
      • Jason Petoskey, Network Administrator for Holy Trinity in Wyoming, MI, is using FinalWeb e-mail distribution lists to send e-mail devotions in his congregation
      • LJ shared a link to Christian Worship hymnal resources at www.lutheranmusic.com
    • David Schumann from Peace in Janesville, WI is looking for a worship primer.  Do you have one to share?
    • Joshua Schoeneck e-mailed another comment regarding copyright concerns with “broadcast” of Pandora internet radio in the church narthex
  • Coming up on WELSTech (42:40)
    • Episode 064 – Do you have a PLN?  Learn about Personal Learning Networks during our discussion with Gail Potratz.  Also learn about Lenovo classroom technology during our interview with Patty Ullsperger.

The featured artist:

  • This week we close with the music of WELS artists Kevin Loersche and Cindy Bauder – My Savior Jesus from Kevin’s CD titled Abide With Me (41:15)

Get involved:

  • Add a comment below
  • E-mail: [email protected]
  • Voice mail: 414-375-2334
  • Add to the WELSTech wiki: welstech.wetpaint.com
  • Contribute to the #WELSTech Twitter conversation
  • Follow us on Twitter: mspriggs and welstechtrainer
  • Use the del.icio.us tag: welstech
  • Join the WELSTech community:
    • WELSTech listserve
    • WELSTech on facebook

062 – Your Digital Fingerprint

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This week on WELSTech Martin and Sallie explore ministry implications of the new amateur communication channels that exist on the web and chat with professional photographer Lori Ashbrenner about simple ways to improve digital photography skills.

The discussion:

  • “Publish, Then Filter” – In today’s discussion Martin and Sallie look at the effects of the amateurization of communication as they discuss the fourth chapter of Clay Shirky’s Here Comes Everybody. The enormity and permanence of web-based (public) communication via e-mail, web sites and social networks offers unique opportunities and challenges for ministry.  Because the communication channels are so new, standards for filtering or ignoring certain communication aren’t yet established.
    • Etching Yourself on the Internet

The interview:

  • Lori AshbrennerDigital photography (17:14) – Lori Aschbrenner, WELS member from Beautiful Savior in Everett, WA and professional photographer, talks with Martin and Sallie about photography tips and tricks for the beginner (read the manual!) as well as those looking for the “sweet hour” who want to take their digital photography to the next level.

The tidbits:

  • Picks of the week (37:12)
  • WELS.net feature (43:09)
    • Check out the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society site for devotions, prayers and mission projects plus rally and convention information – www.lwms.org
  • Community feedback (44:20)
    • The WELSTech listserve has been a busy place!  Check out the archive for these interesting threads:
      • Content filtering – Information shared has been added to the WELSTech wiki
      • Worship presentation software – Is anyone using EZ Worhip or Media Shout?  If so, please share your impressions of the software.
      • Hymnsoft
      • Mass e-mail solutions
    • Ben Polzin asked for an example church web site that is doing a good job of separating member and visitor content
    • John Schoosmith from Redeemer in Yakima, WA reported that Google Video is turning down uploads.  This is the platform that had supported closed-caption video and longer video lengths.  Stay-tuned to find out what solution emerges to fill this gap.
    • We heard from Rachel M. & David Savatiski via the #WELSTech Twitter conversation, and both reported that they got ideas for their congregational web sites from our last episode discussion of “Five Don’ts“.
    • David Savatski also shared a link to www.VoodooPad.com and left us a voicemail requesting ideas for teaching members to make use of congregation and school digital communication.
  • Coming up on WELSTech (1:00:53)
    • Episode 063 – Next week we’ll explore all things PDF – editing, optimizing, merging and more – and talk with our ShopWELS Lenovo partner, Patty Ullsperger

The featured artist:

  • We close with the music of WELS artist Wendysue Fluegee (www.wendysue.com) – Weary from her CD titled Everyday Christian (1:02:30)

Get involved:

061 – The Five Don’ts

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This week on WELSTech the topic is digital evangelism.  Martin and Sallie discuss five “don’ts” for church web sites and talk with Pastor Ken Fisher about the WELS evangelism site, WhatAboutJesus.com.

The discussion:

  • Don’t make these mistakes on your church web site! – Your church or school web site is oftentimes making first impressions on the world so it is, of course, important that its design and content reflect favorably on your congregation. Martin and Sallie discuss five “don’ts” you’ll want to avoid when creating your site.

The interview:

  • Pastor Ken FisherReaching out with WhatAboutJesus.com (23:08) – Martin and Sallie talk with Pastor Ken Fisher from Risen Savior in Milwaukee, WI about the development behind the WhatAboutJesus.com evangelism web site. Pastor Fisher also shares info on some of the key site features, feedback they have received and future plans for the site.

The tidbits:

The featured artist:

  • We close with the music of WELS praise band, Koine (www.koinemusic.com) – Crown Him With Many Crowns from their CD titled Koine (59:45)

Get involved:

060 – Technology Planning Maui Style

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This week on WELSTech Martin, Sallie and Gail Potratz take a look at the components of a school technology plan.

The discussion:

  • School Technology PlanSchool Technology Plans – Martin and Sallie are joined by Gail Potratz, Technology Coordinator at Emanual Lutheran School in New London, WI and our semi-regular classroom technology correspondent, for a discussion of school technology plans.  Why do schools need a tech plan, who should be involved in writing it and what should go into it are a few of the questions addressed.
    • Online teacher technology assessments – www.loticonnection.com
    • Visit the WELSTech wiki page on School Technology Plans for sample plans which you can download and modify for your school

The tidbits:

  • Picks of the week (25:15)
  • Community feedback (33:55)
    • Richard Travis sent us a link to Scribd.com for professional looking web publishing
    • Vicar Michael Johnson from St. Andrew in Middleton, WI shared a creative use for his iPod in church
    • David Savastki from Living Word in Waukesha, WI asked about sending text messages to a group (try Twitter) and invited us to join the new facebook group for his congregation, Friends of Living Word
    • Pastor Paul Jansen from Holy Scripture in Ft. Wayne, IN shared a link to a Microsoft Photosynth 3D view of his sanctuary, compiled from 88 photos
    • Ryan Rosenthal from Faith in Fond du Lac left us a voice mail full of great money saving ideas you may want to implement in your school or church including using free audio of public domain books at www.LibriVox.org and receiving a free subscription to Technology & Learning Magazine
    • Pastor Chris Koschnitzke from Christus in Delavan, WI shared details about their new audio/video system, and we’ve added his notes to the Church Media section of the WELSTech wiki at welstech.wetpaint.com
    • Jason Schmidt from Gethsemane in Omaha, NE uses www.mailchimp.com for mass e-mail
  • Coming up on WELSTech (49:19)
    • Episode 061 – Martin shares notes from his Digital Outreach seminar, and we talk with Pastor Ken Fisher about the WhatAboutJesus.com site

The featured artist:

  • This week we close with the beautiful piano music of Dawn Gehlhar – Christ Be My Leader from her CD titled Inspirations (50:25)

Get involved:

  • Add a comment below
  • E-mail: [email protected]
  • Voice mail: 414-375-2334
  • Add to the WELSTech wiki: welstech.wetpaint.com
  • Contribute to the #WELSTech Twitter conversation
  • Follow us on Twitter: mspriggs and welstechtrainer
  • Use the del.icio.us tag: welstech
  • Join the WELSTech community:
    • WELSTech listserve
    • WELSTech on facebook

059 – Tough Times…No Problem

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This week on WELSTech the conversation focuses on tech tips for effective ministry in a challenging economy and Martin and Sallie talk with Pastor Daron Lindemann about the new Message from the Master web site.

The discussion:

  • Technology in Tough Economic Times – Martin and Sallie share a host of ideas for wise use of technology in the church and school setting to save money. From reducing paper printing and distribution costs to prolonging the life of hardware, there are many ways to carry out effective ministry in times of economic challenge.

The interview:

  • Pastor Daron LindemannMessage from the Master (20:14) – Martin and Sallie talk with Pastor Daron Lindemann from Grace in Milwaukee, WI about his work on the Message from the Master project and their brand new web site.
    • www.MessageFromTheMaster.com

The tidbits:

  • Picks of the week (39:40)
  • WELS.net feature (44:55)
    • Parents Crosslink Podcast
      • Listen on Streams – streams.wels.net/podcasts?series=parents-crosslink-podcast
      • Read more on the Parents Crosslink web site
  • Community feedback (46:50)
    • Pastor Chris Koschnitzke from Christus in Delavan, WI recently added video sermons to his congregation web site
    • The WELSTech listserve has been buzzing with discussion on electronic banking options and ideas for outreach in a digital world
    • Join the #WELSTech Twitter conversation and follow Martin (@mspriggs) and Sallie (@welstechtrainer)
    • Dan Smith from Holy Trinity in Des Moines, WA asked about our experience running a CafePress.com store. Anyone need a WELSTech coffee cup? :-)  www.cafepress.com/welstech
    • Pastor John Borgwardt from Risen Savior in Pooler, GA is looking for solutions for mass e-mail.  Listen to WELSTech Episode 026 for ideas.
  • Coming up on WELSTech (55:52)
    • Episode 060 – Gail Potratz, our semi-regular classroom technology correspondent, joins us and we discuss setting up a School Technology Plan

The featured artist:

  • Revelation, a music ministry of Wisconsin Lutheran College, performs You are the God from their CD Led By The Light – www.revelationwlc.com (57:06)

Get involved: