Past Wellshire Photo Directories– 1986, 1993, 1997, 2000, 2004, 2007, 2017

Do you remember the “Church Pictorial Directory” so many of our churches published every 8-10 years? I remember our family signing up for a photograph appointment slot, getting dressed up, and sitting for various poses in a Sunday School room. When the Church Directory arrived, there we all were, with our home addresses, the phone number attached to the phone on the kitchen wall. Every member, every family group was in the Church Pictorial Directory!

McLain Family from most recent directory

Well, everyone except the new members who joined after the photo directory was published. There we all were, except the Johnson’s address was wrong because they moved into a new house six months later, and except for the Freemans, whose phone number had changed. And truthfully, four years later, no one recognized Amy anymore because she was now 13 instead of 9 when that old photo had been taken; she’d be off at college by the time the next directory would be published.

Did you know we have a Church Directory?! It is called REALM. Churches today use online databases where photos, home and email addresses, and phone numbers are readily available and simple to update. Don’t like your current photo? Upload one that you like from your phone! Can’t remember your financial pledge to the church and how much of it you have given so far? Go to your REALM account and find it instantly—private information cannot be viewed by other members!

Campbell Family from most recent directory

Did you move? Your cell number changed? Have a new work email? No problem, you can update it! Are you part of the Pioneers Group? The Youth Group? In REALM, your group can post events, communicate with each other, and send reminders.

But…our REALM Directory is only as useful as we make it. Many of you have never set up or used your REALM account. There is no photo. Or the photo uploaded shows your children at 4, 10, and 18—even though they are now 24, 30, and pushing 40! Your next pastor will need a working directory to learn who you are. (So do I.) You need to get to know each other, too. Need to call someone, send a card, or drop off a meal? Find them on REALM, accessed through a secure website on your computer, ipad, and even on your phone if you download the REALM phone app! Need help? Martha Pardee in the church office can help you. Or come to the Narthex to get help from a fellow member on March 29, April 12, 19, and 26th! Look for our PresbyTECHians (they'll be wearing a cool cap), and they can help you find or update your REALM account—or just show you how easy it is to use. We will even take your individual or family group photo if you don't have one you like already! Can’t come to church? We will come to you.

Find it in the Apple App Store or Google Play. Or click the image to reach Realm on your browser!

REALM is the Church Pictorial Directory that never becomes obsolete, outdated, or dusty in that kitchen or desk drawer. And here is a bonus perk: If we can get the MAJORITY of members to participate, update, and start using REALM, we will print a paper copy of the REALM directory upon request for $5 for those who want to hold the Directory in their hands, flip through its pages, and keep it in a drawer.

Kim