In last year’s annual report, one of
our stated goals was to begin consistently recording and editing our
services beginning with Homecoming Sunday 2009 after a lull of a number
of months. With just a few exceptions we have met that goal, allowing
our services to be seen every week on Cox Cable Channel 15. "Living the
Word" gives First Church an audience outside our walls, and is an
important way to reach members and non-members alike who cannot be
physically present at our Sunday services. We have also made DVD copies
of the services available by request, and have created over 100 copies
in the past year.
The Media Committee is currently
working with a very small budget, and without many volunteers, so a
great deal of effort has been made to simplify our processes to reduce
both time and expenditures. Some changes were simple – like having a
locking cabinet installed in the balcony to store our supplies to avoid
having to transport equipment into the Meetinghouse each Sunday. One
significant change was to acquire a QuickStream DV recording device,
which allows us to record direct to digital files, eliminating videotape
entirely. Because our editing process is done digitally, using videotape
required an extra step of copying the worship service from tape, in real
time, onto the computer. When multiplied over 52 weeks/year the number
of working hours saved this way has been very substantial. The only use
of videotape now is for the master recordings delivered to Cox due to
their broadcast requirements.
Again this year we created a Web
version of the Stewardship campaign presentation for viewing on
www.glastonburyfirst.org.
Chris Mereschuk has been making some
tweaks to our sanctuary audio system, trying to improve inconsistencies
in sound level and quality. A new microphone on the lectern with a wider
pickup range has helped even out the sound, especially given the variety
of speakers who use the lectern during each service.
The latest initiative is to make
podcasts of sermons available on our Web site, offering another means,
and more modern method, of outreach.
Respectfully submitted,
James Jackson,
Chairman
