Stay informed!!!
Click below:
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QUESTIONS?
Do you have communication related questions? Contact our Communications Design Team:
Websites, E-mail Marketing, Livestreaming on Facebook, YouTube, Social Media, News:
Sybil Nishioka
C: (808) 651-7773
Zoom Video Conferencing:
Rae Costa
(808) 536-7776, ext. 326 (Office)
C: (808) 348-5901
Social Media & Livestreaming:
Mark Haworth
Social Media:
Lindy Marzo
For all other questions, contact our Diocesan Support Center
HERE.
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March 17, 2020
STAYING CONNECTED DURING COVID-19
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COVID-19 has changed our lives in ways unimaginable just a few weeks ago. With all worship and public gatherings in our churches suspended for the time being, some may feel anxious, upset, or lost. Isnʻt this a time when we should be praying together more than ever?
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In his
announcement yesterday, March 16, Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick shared, "The Church is not closed, we – the Body of Christ – just have to gather in new ways and be intentional in our prayer. We won’t have the aid of a building or physically being with one another for a while. We are still the Church. ʻThe Lord is still near.ʻ ʻBe glad in the Lord always!ʻ"
Thanks to technology, we may be physically isolated from each other but not socially. Our churches and their ministries can continue to function in creative ways with the use of online communication tools. Most donʻt require a computer so folks with a cell phone or tablet can stay connected with their churches, and participate in activities through online options.
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In Presiding Bishop Michael Curryʻs
Word to the Church released today, March 17, he encourages and supports online worship during Holy Week and Easter 2020. "It is important to emphasize that suspension of in-person gatherings is not a suspension of worship. I very much encourage and support online worship."
Churches should take this time to keep their websites and social media pages up-to-date. Churches should also update congregantsʻ contact information to make sure they are receiving current news and information. Phone chains can be set up to reach those that may not be connected online, but can be contacted regularly by a pastoral team.
Listed below are descriptions and links to a few of the many options we recommend for churches to explore. Sermons, Bible Study, prayer groups, Vestry meetings, workshops, etc., can all continue to function in virtual gatherings online.
These options also appear on our special COVID-19 webpage
HERE, where you will find many resources for worship, reflection, prayer, as well as the latest information on COVID-19 as it pertains to the Diocese and broader Episcopal Church. The page is updated daily, so visit often! Look for links to watch sermons and services online by clergy in our own Diocese coming soon!
Remember that the Diocesan Support team and the Communications team are here to help, support, and answer questions you may have. Contact info is provided in the pink column. Please note that since support may be working from home, the phone numbers shown may be personal and should be used in cases of urgency only. If at all possible, e-mail or text first.
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This is the Dioceseʻs platform of choice when communicating with a group requiring interaction and discussion. Itʻs a great way for people to hold meetings, conduct Bible Study, or pray together. The monthly governance meetings have been using Zoom for a while and our Spring Training (Education Day) will be going online using Zoom!
Not only is it a convenient tool, but video conferencing saves time and money! Users can connect through a cell phone, tablet or computer. A quick download of the app, a link shared by the host, and you are set to go! Visit the Zoom website
HERE to learn more. They also offer free training sessions online
HERE.
Test it out with their free plan, that allows up to 40 minutes of unlimited conferences up to 100 people. At $14.99 a month, you can have unlimited conference sessions with no time limit! For questions, contact
Rae Costa by email or call (808) 536-7776, ext. 326, or cell phone (808) 348-5901.
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LIVESTREAMING ON FACEBOOK
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Clergy can easily post their sermons or full services, through Facebook Live. It is a live video streaming service that lets anyone broadcast from their mobile devices straight to their Facebook News Feed.
In addition to weekly sermons, think about offering a daily Lenten meditation or Morning Prayer online. You may be very surprised at the reach you have when it is posted on Facebook. Not only is this option free, but super simple too! All you need is a cell phone, a tripod, and your churchʻs Facebook page!
Folks can tune into the livestream by going to your page at a certain time, and remember to let your congregants know either through through email notification (newsletter) or online post. Be sure to record your session too (just a simple setting swipe) and post the link on your website so that members can view it at any time. This can also be applied to workshops and seminars.
The Diocese of San Diego has a great instructional video on how to set it up in 4 simple steps
HERE, or go the Facebook Live guide
HERE.
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If your church doesnʻt already have a social media presence, now may be the perfect time to do so and encourage your members to follow it. Itʻs an easy and effective way to stay connected regularly, and best of all, itʻs FREE!
There are a number of churches that have Facebook pages, but they are not active or rarely used. Consider reactivating it. Itʻs a great way to share posts from other sources too. Assign two or three Administrators to help share the responsibility of posting. One can post church notices or worship info while another could post pictures and updates of activities. Of course the priest should be able to post sermons, inspirational thoughts and memes, and words of wisdom as often and necessary as possible! Visit the Diocesan website Communications Social Media page
HERE for more info on some of the most popular social media platforms.
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The Episcopal Church in Hawai'i
Sybil Nishioka, Editor & Communications Contractor
Diocesan Support Center
229 Queen Emma Square, Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 536-7776
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