Photo Directory Update
I wrote in last week's Update about a new picture directory for Grace this fall to be done in-house using a local photographer. I now have some more definite information to share.
Our photographer will be Dave Casperson. I'm guessing that most of you know Dave, as he is a lifetime member of Grace, and is a professional photographer in Fremont, and owner of the Photo Dimensions studio. He currently works full-time at Fremont Floor Covering.
I had a meeting with Dave on Wednesday afternoon, and here are some of the details that we have tentatively agreed upon:
- Dave will donate his professional skills to photograph the congregation.
- He will provide digital images of the photographs to both the congregation and to participating families/individuals, along with copyright releases, giving the congregation the freedom to use the images in a directory, and for families to create prints of any size and number from a provider of their own choice.
- While not yet scheduled, photography sessions will be offered on at least two weekends in October, and perhaps at least one in November, with one or more sessions in the evening during the week.
When the congregation receives the digital images from Dave, we will need to devise a method for putting the photos together into directory form, and a plan to print the directories. I'm assuming that whatever we create will be in pdf format, and as such, can be shared digitally or placed on the church website with password protection. We will need to answer questions such as "how are we going to pay for the printing (might cost $5-10 per directory)" and "how might we incentivize congregation members to show up for photography." The traditional mode of church directory companies is to offer a free 8x10 portrait as an incentive for anyone who sits for photography, but then, of course, they charge high prices for any portraits members choose to purchase.
We will need to create a method for members who don't have email to view and possibly order portraits.
As you can see, we still have a ways to go in making this directory a reality, but our efforts will be well worth it. As a pastor who in recent years has had to put names and faces in congregations together quickly a number of times, the value of an up-to-date photo directory is immeasurable, not only for your newly called pastor, but for members to better get to know one another.
ELCA Youth Gathering
Many of you are aware that the 2021 ELCA Youth Gathering, which had been scheduled to be held in Minneapolis, was first delayed a year, then canceled entirely due to Covid-19 issues. The next Gathering will be held July 16-20 in New Orleans. This has been a favorite location for the gathering in the past 25 years, as this will be the 4th gathering held there in that time span, including in 1997, 2009, and 2012. Registration for these Gatherings usually begins the previous September, so one year from now Grace and other LIFT congregations will hopefully be getting ready to send in their initial registrations. The age range for the Gathering is those who have completed grade 8-12 by the time of the Gathering. This means that those who this school year are grades 7-11 will be eligible for the gathering. For more info about the Gathering, visit the home page on the ELCA website HERE and a Gathering special announcements page HERE.
LifT notes
You can read the latest issue of LifT notes HERE. You'll find info about LifT Confirmation, a Backpack Buddies update, and info regarding Great Hymns of Faith
Osterholm Update
Dr. Michael Osterholm continues to deliver solid scientific analysis of the Covid-19 pandemic in his bi-weekly podcasts. In the episode entitled "A Reason for Hope," posted on September 1, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the state of the pandemic in the U.S. and around the world, the trajectory of the monkeypox outbreak, and why we should remain hopeful for the future, even in the face of COVID. You can listen to or download this episode HERE.
Bishop Daniel's August 31 Email
You can read Bishop Daniel's most recent email HERE In this message he provides a helpful and informative summary of the 2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly held last month in Columbus.
No comments:
Post a Comment