This document discusses how Durham Cathedral can use modern technologies like its website, digital images, and audio to enhance its mission and outreach. It proposes making the website more dynamic with blog-style updates on events, prayers, and stories from the cathedral. It also suggests using digital images more creatively by adding photos to online maps and directories to help attract visitors. Finally, it explores how digital audio could be used to increase engagement, such as providing audio tours or recordings of services. The overall aim is to connect with people in today's digital world and tell the story of the cathedral in new ways.
This document discusses how the internet and new technologies are impacting society and the church. It argues that the traditional church model is no longer viable as society has become more mobile and connected online. However, the internet also provides opportunities for the church to connect with people in new ways through websites, social media, and online sermons and discussions. While change is challenging, the church must embrace these new technologies and models in order to remain relevant to today's society.
This presentation discusses how social networking is not new, as the oldest and largest social network is religion and Christianity. However, something new - the Internet and related technologies - are changing how people communicate and their expectations around communication. The next generation of parishioners are growing up online and the church must adapt to these new communication styles and online spaces in order to remain relevant and engage parishioners. The presentation provides examples of how churches can use online tools and services to better connect with members and foster engagement in their faith community.
This presentation discusses how social networking is not new, as the oldest and largest social network is religion and Christianity. However, something new - the Internet and related technologies - are changing how people communicate and their expectations around communication. The next generation of parishioners are growing up online and the church must adapt to these new communication styles and online spaces in order to remain relevant and engage parishioners. The presentation provides examples of how churches can use online tools and services to better connect with members and foster engagement.
Social Media for Churches for Diocese of York (November 2014)Bex Lewis
This document discusses using social media for churches. It begins by introducing various social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and blogging. It provides tips for using each platform, such as keeping tweets short, using hashtags and retweets on Twitter. It emphasizes the importance of understanding culture and sharing stories online. It cautions that social media requires a consistent presence and should reflect Christian values. The document encourages churches to think about their goals and audience when creating online content and conversations.
Discipleship and Journeying in a Digital Age for #GB14 Worship SessionBex Lewis
30 minute worship session, Treehouse, 9am Saturday 23rd August.
A disciple is one who seeks to follow Jesus, grow in faith, and model Christian living. We reflect upon how discipleship has been affected by ‘a digital age’: has the medium and/or the message changed? We reflect on how it has offered space to journey together, to share our stories, and to encourage one another.
The Church in the Digital Age. Keynote for URC. July 2014Bex Lewis
This document discusses the impact of digital technologies on the church. It notes that the digital revolution is transforming communication and relationships in a similar way to previous industrial and agricultural revolutions. If churches do not adapt to this new environment, they risk becoming irrelevant. The text explores how churches can build an online presence through social media to connect with people in digital spaces that now act as a "front door" to the church. It also addresses challenges like maintaining authentic relationships and discernment online. Overall, the document examines how churches can effectively engage in the digital age through online discipleship and mission opportunities.
PART 1 - Introduction to digital evangelism and discipleshipYomi Adeyinka
This document discusses digital evangelism and discipleship. It provides an overview of using digital tools and platforms to share the gospel online and help believers grow in their faith remotely. Examples of digital evangelism mentioned include using websites, apps, email, SMS and social media. The document also lists several online resources and platforms that can be used for digital ministry, evangelism and discipleship. It emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts to utilize digital strategies and fulfill the Great Commission of making disciples of all nations.
This document discusses how the internet and new technologies are impacting society and the church. It argues that the traditional church model is no longer viable as society has become more mobile and connected online. However, the internet also provides opportunities for the church to connect with people in new ways through websites, social media, and online sermons and discussions. While change is challenging, the church must embrace these new technologies and models in order to remain relevant to today's society.
This presentation discusses how social networking is not new, as the oldest and largest social network is religion and Christianity. However, something new - the Internet and related technologies - are changing how people communicate and their expectations around communication. The next generation of parishioners are growing up online and the church must adapt to these new communication styles and online spaces in order to remain relevant and engage parishioners. The presentation provides examples of how churches can use online tools and services to better connect with members and foster engagement in their faith community.
This presentation discusses how social networking is not new, as the oldest and largest social network is religion and Christianity. However, something new - the Internet and related technologies - are changing how people communicate and their expectations around communication. The next generation of parishioners are growing up online and the church must adapt to these new communication styles and online spaces in order to remain relevant and engage parishioners. The presentation provides examples of how churches can use online tools and services to better connect with members and foster engagement.
Social Media for Churches for Diocese of York (November 2014)Bex Lewis
This document discusses using social media for churches. It begins by introducing various social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and blogging. It provides tips for using each platform, such as keeping tweets short, using hashtags and retweets on Twitter. It emphasizes the importance of understanding culture and sharing stories online. It cautions that social media requires a consistent presence and should reflect Christian values. The document encourages churches to think about their goals and audience when creating online content and conversations.
Discipleship and Journeying in a Digital Age for #GB14 Worship SessionBex Lewis
30 minute worship session, Treehouse, 9am Saturday 23rd August.
A disciple is one who seeks to follow Jesus, grow in faith, and model Christian living. We reflect upon how discipleship has been affected by ‘a digital age’: has the medium and/or the message changed? We reflect on how it has offered space to journey together, to share our stories, and to encourage one another.
The Church in the Digital Age. Keynote for URC. July 2014Bex Lewis
This document discusses the impact of digital technologies on the church. It notes that the digital revolution is transforming communication and relationships in a similar way to previous industrial and agricultural revolutions. If churches do not adapt to this new environment, they risk becoming irrelevant. The text explores how churches can build an online presence through social media to connect with people in digital spaces that now act as a "front door" to the church. It also addresses challenges like maintaining authentic relationships and discernment online. Overall, the document examines how churches can effectively engage in the digital age through online discipleship and mission opportunities.
PART 1 - Introduction to digital evangelism and discipleshipYomi Adeyinka
This document discusses digital evangelism and discipleship. It provides an overview of using digital tools and platforms to share the gospel online and help believers grow in their faith remotely. Examples of digital evangelism mentioned include using websites, apps, email, SMS and social media. The document also lists several online resources and platforms that can be used for digital ministry, evangelism and discipleship. It emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts to utilize digital strategies and fulfill the Great Commission of making disciples of all nations.
This document discusses virtual worlds and their use in education. It explores definitions of virtual worlds and learning environments. It examines whether visual representations of environments like cafes, canteens, dwellings and offices matter for learning outcomes. It suggests that virtual learning environments should be relevant, easy to navigate, and allow a focus on the learning outcome.
The document discusses how the design and visual environment of virtual learning spaces can impact the learning experience and outcomes. It considers whether factors like how realistic or detailed different types of virtual spaces (like cafes, offices, dwellings) appear matter for learning. It also raises questions about what designers of virtual learning environments should prioritize when developing these spaces and whether photorealism is always needed or if simpler representations can still support the intended learning outcomes.
This document discusses various factors to consider when designing virtual learning environments. It addresses personal, technical, and pedagogical building blocks. Examples of basic typologies like beaches and campus replications are provided. The document explores how the visual design of different environment types like cafes, canteens, dwellings, offices, and operating theaters can impact the learning outcome. It suggests that virtual environments should be engaging, relevant to the content, easy to navigate, and allow a focus on the learning outcome rather than visual fidelity or cost. The key questions to ask include determining the desired learning outcome and how detailed the environment needs to be.
The document summarizes Kate Boardman's presentation on getting started with Blackboard at the University of Durham. Some key points:
- The University of Durham has around 10,000 students and 800 staff across two campuses and chose the Blackboard learning management system.
- An initial small pilot was expanded to over 380 courses across most departments and over 6,000 students within a year.
- Support for staff and students included training sessions, documentation, and a test environment. Implementation was done gradually on a departmental level.
- Ongoing efforts focused on expanding use across more programs and services, increasing uptake by staff and students, and promoting best practices for pedagogical use of the tools
Virtual Heritage: Digital Bayeux Tapestrykateboardman
presentation at VRLink, Virtual Heritage workshop, 22-3 March 2010
(good job I don't count visitors, as this presentation originally uploaded at http://www.slideshare.net/kateboardman/the-digital-bayeux-tapestry-visit-3521110 without ever seeming to appear on the list publicly. ah well...)
This document discusses trademark registration for asset protection. It defines what a trademark is and explains that the purpose of a trademark is to distinguish goods and services from others in the consumer's mind. Common law trademark protection arises from being the first user and consistent use of a mark in commerce. Federal registration provides nationwide priority and prevents others from registering or infringing similar marks. The registration process involves an availability search, application, examination, and periodic filings to maintain the registration. Distinctiveness of a mark exists on a sliding scale from fanciful to generic terms. Unusual trademarks can include sounds, scents, tactile features, and possibly tastes.
The document discusses the benefits of exercise for mental health. Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive functioning. Exercise boosts blood flow, releases endorphins, and promotes changes in the brain which help regulate emotions and stress levels.
This document discusses virtual worlds and online identities. It raises themes of personhood, narrative, and the Trinity in relation to how people present themselves online. Questions are posed about what is considered "real" in virtual environments and how online and offline identities intersect. Relationships online are also examined, considering issues like honesty, trust and the reality of feelings. Potential learning outcomes and actions are outlined, such as understanding the multiplicity of selves, engaging positively with technology, and exploring virtual worlds together.
This document discusses an institution's experience migrating from Blackboard 8 to Blackboard 9. It outlines some of the debates around upgrading, including concerns about bugs in the new version and the workload it would create. While there were some initial irritations with Blackboard 9, there were also successes like new features and design opportunities. Overall the institution learned that preparation, documentation, and support are important for a successful migration.
Online Reputation Management (1/23 NME - William Beutler)RightOnline
The document discusses various aspects of managing reputation on Wikipedia and through search engine optimization. It provides an overview of Wikipedia policies and guidelines, and emphasizes the importance of verifiability, neutral point of view, and avoiding conflicts of interest. It also discusses search engine ranking factors, link building strategies, and using various online platforms like YouTube, Google News, and Twitter to participate and protect one's online reputation.
Bloggers and the law: What to know before you publish.Katie Sunstrom
Authors can treat their content to preserve its value by committing to "Protect, Inform, Police, and Respect." Bloggers may have enhanced Free Speech rights and protections under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act.
The document discusses the role of cathedrals in England after the Reformation. It explores whether the emphasis on cathedrals' mission is correct and whether this differs depending on the type of cathedral. It also questions whether cathedrals' mission focus happens in practice and how technology could help cathedrals' mission efforts. Quotes from various sources provide perspectives on cathedrals' roles as mother churches of dioceses and in community outreach.
The document discusses considerations for designing virtual learning environments (VLEs) using virtual worlds like Second Life. It identifies several barriers to developing VLEs, such as technical issues, identity concerns, cultural norms, collaboration challenges, time constraints, and economic costs. It also provides examples of tools and techniques that can be used to build VLEs, including building objects, multimedia options, scripting, human-computer interactions, and chatbots.
Intro to Technology Enhanced Learning (part 1)kateboardman
E-learning is defined as learning facilitated and supported through information and communication technologies. The document discusses reasons to use e-learning, including cost-effectiveness and meeting student expectations. It describes various roles of e-learning, such as presenting content, facilitating educational processes, and supporting communication. The document also outlines internal, central, and external support available for e-learning at universities, including e-learning coordinators, training, and resources from organizations like the Higher Education Academy.
This presentation illustrates the principles of thermodynamics in the freezing soil according to the capillary schematization and the freezing=drying assumption
This document discusses virtual learning and e-learning. It defines virtual learning as using electronic methods for teaching and communication, including online learning resources and interactive learning processes. E-learning can include exploring and explaining content, as well as simulating real-world situations. A virtual learning environment (VLE), also known as a learning management system (LMS), can distribute course content and resources, enable communication and collaboration, include assessments, and manage students. VLEs aim to provide a valuable learning experience through discussion, self-assessment, rich media content, and enhanced applications.
The document discusses the church's use of modern digital technologies for communication. It notes that while the church should engage these technologies, its communication must reflect God's creative love. It also discusses how social media is creating a new "digital continent" culture, and that while the church's teachings don't need to change, it must deliver them in new ways to reach young people who use social media as their primary reference point. The implications of this for parishes struggling to engage youth are significant - if the church is not present on their mobile devices, it does not exist for them.
The document discusses the church's use of modern digital technologies for communication. It notes that while the church should engage these technologies, its communication must reflect God's creative love. It also discusses how social media is creating a new "digital continent" culture, and that while the church's teachings don't need to change, it must deliver them in new ways to reach young people who use social media as their primary reference point. The implications of this for parishes struggling to engage youth are significant - if the church is not present on their mobile devices, it does not exist for them.
IPM placing the christian church in a digital ageBex Lewis
See abstract for this conference paper, to be given 8th September 2017: http://drbexl.co.uk/2017/08/18/edit-conference-abstract-inclusive-placemaking-placing-christian-church-digital-age/
A quickly prepared presentation to give an insight into the range of projects CODEC (Durham University) is involved in, for a networking event on Digital Humanities
This document discusses virtual worlds and their use in education. It explores definitions of virtual worlds and learning environments. It examines whether visual representations of environments like cafes, canteens, dwellings and offices matter for learning outcomes. It suggests that virtual learning environments should be relevant, easy to navigate, and allow a focus on the learning outcome.
The document discusses how the design and visual environment of virtual learning spaces can impact the learning experience and outcomes. It considers whether factors like how realistic or detailed different types of virtual spaces (like cafes, offices, dwellings) appear matter for learning. It also raises questions about what designers of virtual learning environments should prioritize when developing these spaces and whether photorealism is always needed or if simpler representations can still support the intended learning outcomes.
This document discusses various factors to consider when designing virtual learning environments. It addresses personal, technical, and pedagogical building blocks. Examples of basic typologies like beaches and campus replications are provided. The document explores how the visual design of different environment types like cafes, canteens, dwellings, offices, and operating theaters can impact the learning outcome. It suggests that virtual environments should be engaging, relevant to the content, easy to navigate, and allow a focus on the learning outcome rather than visual fidelity or cost. The key questions to ask include determining the desired learning outcome and how detailed the environment needs to be.
The document summarizes Kate Boardman's presentation on getting started with Blackboard at the University of Durham. Some key points:
- The University of Durham has around 10,000 students and 800 staff across two campuses and chose the Blackboard learning management system.
- An initial small pilot was expanded to over 380 courses across most departments and over 6,000 students within a year.
- Support for staff and students included training sessions, documentation, and a test environment. Implementation was done gradually on a departmental level.
- Ongoing efforts focused on expanding use across more programs and services, increasing uptake by staff and students, and promoting best practices for pedagogical use of the tools
Virtual Heritage: Digital Bayeux Tapestrykateboardman
presentation at VRLink, Virtual Heritage workshop, 22-3 March 2010
(good job I don't count visitors, as this presentation originally uploaded at http://www.slideshare.net/kateboardman/the-digital-bayeux-tapestry-visit-3521110 without ever seeming to appear on the list publicly. ah well...)
This document discusses trademark registration for asset protection. It defines what a trademark is and explains that the purpose of a trademark is to distinguish goods and services from others in the consumer's mind. Common law trademark protection arises from being the first user and consistent use of a mark in commerce. Federal registration provides nationwide priority and prevents others from registering or infringing similar marks. The registration process involves an availability search, application, examination, and periodic filings to maintain the registration. Distinctiveness of a mark exists on a sliding scale from fanciful to generic terms. Unusual trademarks can include sounds, scents, tactile features, and possibly tastes.
The document discusses the benefits of exercise for mental health. Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive functioning. Exercise boosts blood flow, releases endorphins, and promotes changes in the brain which help regulate emotions and stress levels.
This document discusses virtual worlds and online identities. It raises themes of personhood, narrative, and the Trinity in relation to how people present themselves online. Questions are posed about what is considered "real" in virtual environments and how online and offline identities intersect. Relationships online are also examined, considering issues like honesty, trust and the reality of feelings. Potential learning outcomes and actions are outlined, such as understanding the multiplicity of selves, engaging positively with technology, and exploring virtual worlds together.
This document discusses an institution's experience migrating from Blackboard 8 to Blackboard 9. It outlines some of the debates around upgrading, including concerns about bugs in the new version and the workload it would create. While there were some initial irritations with Blackboard 9, there were also successes like new features and design opportunities. Overall the institution learned that preparation, documentation, and support are important for a successful migration.
Online Reputation Management (1/23 NME - William Beutler)RightOnline
The document discusses various aspects of managing reputation on Wikipedia and through search engine optimization. It provides an overview of Wikipedia policies and guidelines, and emphasizes the importance of verifiability, neutral point of view, and avoiding conflicts of interest. It also discusses search engine ranking factors, link building strategies, and using various online platforms like YouTube, Google News, and Twitter to participate and protect one's online reputation.
Bloggers and the law: What to know before you publish.Katie Sunstrom
Authors can treat their content to preserve its value by committing to "Protect, Inform, Police, and Respect." Bloggers may have enhanced Free Speech rights and protections under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act.
The document discusses the role of cathedrals in England after the Reformation. It explores whether the emphasis on cathedrals' mission is correct and whether this differs depending on the type of cathedral. It also questions whether cathedrals' mission focus happens in practice and how technology could help cathedrals' mission efforts. Quotes from various sources provide perspectives on cathedrals' roles as mother churches of dioceses and in community outreach.
The document discusses considerations for designing virtual learning environments (VLEs) using virtual worlds like Second Life. It identifies several barriers to developing VLEs, such as technical issues, identity concerns, cultural norms, collaboration challenges, time constraints, and economic costs. It also provides examples of tools and techniques that can be used to build VLEs, including building objects, multimedia options, scripting, human-computer interactions, and chatbots.
Intro to Technology Enhanced Learning (part 1)kateboardman
E-learning is defined as learning facilitated and supported through information and communication technologies. The document discusses reasons to use e-learning, including cost-effectiveness and meeting student expectations. It describes various roles of e-learning, such as presenting content, facilitating educational processes, and supporting communication. The document also outlines internal, central, and external support available for e-learning at universities, including e-learning coordinators, training, and resources from organizations like the Higher Education Academy.
This presentation illustrates the principles of thermodynamics in the freezing soil according to the capillary schematization and the freezing=drying assumption
This document discusses virtual learning and e-learning. It defines virtual learning as using electronic methods for teaching and communication, including online learning resources and interactive learning processes. E-learning can include exploring and explaining content, as well as simulating real-world situations. A virtual learning environment (VLE), also known as a learning management system (LMS), can distribute course content and resources, enable communication and collaboration, include assessments, and manage students. VLEs aim to provide a valuable learning experience through discussion, self-assessment, rich media content, and enhanced applications.
The document discusses the church's use of modern digital technologies for communication. It notes that while the church should engage these technologies, its communication must reflect God's creative love. It also discusses how social media is creating a new "digital continent" culture, and that while the church's teachings don't need to change, it must deliver them in new ways to reach young people who use social media as their primary reference point. The implications of this for parishes struggling to engage youth are significant - if the church is not present on their mobile devices, it does not exist for them.
The document discusses the church's use of modern digital technologies for communication. It notes that while the church should engage these technologies, its communication must reflect God's creative love. It also discusses how social media is creating a new "digital continent" culture, and that while the church's teachings don't need to change, it must deliver them in new ways to reach young people who use social media as their primary reference point. The implications of this for parishes struggling to engage youth are significant - if the church is not present on their mobile devices, it does not exist for them.
IPM placing the christian church in a digital ageBex Lewis
See abstract for this conference paper, to be given 8th September 2017: http://drbexl.co.uk/2017/08/18/edit-conference-abstract-inclusive-placemaking-placing-christian-church-digital-age/
A quickly prepared presentation to give an insight into the range of projects CODEC (Durham University) is involved in, for a networking event on Digital Humanities
Christianity and the Digital Age: Sustaining the Online ChurchPremier Publishers
Reading the signs of time is crucial to a changing world. From its birth on Pentecost Sunday in the year 33 to date, the Church has had her fair share of troubles. In most cases, she has had to either be conservative or progressive – her adherents who pretend to be in the middle often suffer backlash from critics. The conservative or progressive schools of thought signal change in the Church either in ecclesiology or doctrine. Apparently, one of such changes rocking the Church’s boat is the world of Information and Communications Technology (ICT). Premised on these challenges, the researcher used the qualitative method to access the matter. The study discovered that given the circumstance, the Church is left with no option than to create and sustain an Online Church for reaching out to millions of Christians who are incapacitated while uniting a fragmented humanity. It was also discovered that New Media platforms are invaluable assets in breaking new grounds for evangelization. The paper discovered that pastors of souls should take advantage of the new media of communication and engage their faithful by not just creating an Online-Church but sustaining it.
Digital church is a gathering of Christians facilitated through the use of online video stream, audio stream, and written messages. Its purpose is to have its member’s meet, connect, and practice their religious beliefs online. Many churches now use websites, Facebook Live, YouTube, Google and Zoom to strengthen their digital presence, reach members and non members, build the church, and expand the kingdom. A typical online church member can attend a Bible study, pray, worship, donate, attend live services, watch past services, etc. Digital churches are not going away after the pandemic. They are here to stay. This paper introduces the reader to digital church. Matthew N. O. Sadiku | Uwakwe C. Chukwu | Abayomi Ajayi-Majebi | Sarhan M. Musa "Digital Church: An Introduction" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-6 | Issue-7 , December 2022, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd52538.pdf Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/engineering/computer-engineering/52538/digital-church-an-introduction/matthew-n-o-sadiku
This document provides an overview of evangelization and digital culture. It defines evangelization as bringing the good news of Jesus into every situation and seeking to convert individuals and society through the power of the Gospel. The goals of evangelization include enflaming Catholics in their faith, inviting others to join, and transforming society. The document discusses how the Church can communicate the Gospel message in today's digital world, where many use social media and the internet. It emphasizes using new media to reach more people, while maintaining the authentic Catholic message. Skills in technology, communications, and educational technology are important for evangelization in digital culture.
How Mobile Apps Are Helping Churches GrowBizness Apps
Technology in church is nothing new. It was there when the overhead projector gave everyone the hymn words, and is now there in smart tech and sound equipment. It makes sense that mobile apps, the technology of today, are brought on board by churches too. Given that weekend worship attendance is dropping year on year, something definitely has to change if churches are to survive the seismic change of culture since the dawn of the mobile age.
This document summarizes a presentation given by Caroline Cerveny on serving as a catechetical leader in a digital culture. The presentation discusses how digital natives have a different language and culture with technology, and how religious leaders must evangelize in the digital world. It provides examples of using tools like videos, social media, and mobile apps to engage in relational ministry online. The presentation argues catechetical leaders should observe technology, collaborate digitally, identify best practices, and advocate for resources to integrate technology into religious education. Leaders are called to creatively use new tools to share faith in this evolving digital age.
This document discusses using technology and communication in the church. It provides objectives of exploring how technology impacts ministry, engaging in discussions about establishing communications committees, and using available media resources effectively. It defines key terms like technology, ICT, and communication. It discusses advantages and disadvantages of using technology in religious services. It emphasizes that technology should enhance but not replace human interaction and that the church must use appropriate technologies to create an interactive network as required by its connectional structure.
The document discusses how the Xaverian Missionaries can leverage various forms of social media and Web 2.0 technologies to expand their reach and communicate their mission. It outlines the congregation's current online presence including their website, newsletter, blog, Facebook, Flickr, and YouTube pages. The document also identifies both advantages and challenges to greater use of these technologies, such as the opportunity to engage more people cost-effectively but also the need for ongoing technical support and content creation.
introduction to digital evangelism and discipleshipYomi Adeyinka
This document discusses digital evangelism and discipleship. It provides an overview of using digital tools and platforms to share the gospel online and help believers grow in their faith remotely. Examples of digital evangelism mentioned include using websites, apps, email, SMS and social media. The document also lists several online resources and platforms that can be used for digital ministry, evangelism and discipleship. It emphasizes the need for collaboration between Christians and organizations to help fulfill the Great Commission using digital strategies.
This document discusses the use of modern technology in churches. It explores how some churches use technologies like text messaging to encourage participation and questions from congregants. While some argue technology hinders worship, others assert that it can enhance discipleship if used to foster relationships and discussion of sermons. However, overreliance on technology may constitute idolatry if it replaces focusing on God. The document concludes that technology has become integrated into worship and can be acceptably used to spread the gospel if the focus remains on worshipping God.
"Web Ministry 3.0: A view of emerging tools and applications" looks at where the next iteration of the web ministry is headed. I highlight a number of emerging Web-based applications, their impact, the theological underpinnings, and how church communicators should use them effectively, if at all.
This document discusses developing a theology of technology to better prepare Christians for ministry in a technological world. It addresses:
1. The key questions in developing a theology of technology, such as the needs it aims to address and its different audiences.
2. How theology of technology can learn from related disciplines like theology, science and religion, and media ecology to lay the foundation for a coherent Christian worldview.
3. The conclusion that theology of technology should provide a framework for Christians, address the needs of different audiences, build on wisdom from key disciplines, and lay the foundation for new sub-disciplines to prepare Christians for technology.
The Digital Age: A Challenge for Christian Discipleship #ECSM2014Bex Lewis
The document discusses the challenges and opportunities that the digital age presents for Christian discipleship. It notes that the digital revolution is a massive global shift comparable to other major technological changes like the printing press. While technology should not dictate values, the digital environment now shapes communication and relationships, requiring churches to thoughtfully engage online. The document examines how Christians can live out their faith in digital spaces and discusses topics like declining church attendance, understanding digital culture, and mission opportunities online.
Collaborative learning enhances critical thinking by anuradha 1995AliAqsamAbbasi
The document discusses the founders of industrial arts in the US, focusing on Lois Coffey Mossman and Frederick Gordon Bonser. It argues that while Bonser has received more attention, Mossman made equally important contributions as a founder. It provides brief biographies of both individuals, noting they worked together at Teachers College, Columbia University and influenced the "social-industrial theory" of industrial arts. The document aims to more accurately portray their collaborative contributions to the field.
The Gutenberg printing press in the 1450s opened new technology that affected the everyday world. This change was part of a disruptive force on church and society – a Copernicum Revolution. New ways of learning and new resources became available. What happened then was a gradual, profound change not just in the ways people communicated but, in the ways, people thought and the ways in which they formed meaning. I believe similar changes are unavoidable now and in fact are already happening. Digital Culture is surrounding us in a variety of ways, is real and can no longer be feared or ignored in the Church. Today’s workshop will provide a place to begin exploring what is meant by Digital Discipleship and/or Digital Ministry.
In the 50th World Day of Social Communications message, entitled Communication and Mercy: A Fruitful Encounter, Pope Francis said that “emails, text messages, social networks and chats” can be “fully human forms of communication”.
“It is not technology which determines whether or not communication is authentic, but rather the human heart and our capacity to use wisely the means at our disposal,” the Pope said.
He added: “Communication, wherever and however it takes place, has opened up broader horizons for many people. This is a gift of God which involves a great responsibility. I like to refer to this power of communication as ‘closeness’.”
Goals:
• To raise consciousness – What does it mean to “lead” at a time of transition often referred to as “middle space” in our evolving digital culture?
• To identify the new skills (best-practices) that are needed to effectively engage in ministry in our evolving digital culture.
Strategic Implementation of Emerging Communication Technologies in Museumsjasonherrington
The document discusses strategic implementation of emerging communication technologies in museums. It provides examples of past communication technologies like cave paintings, printing press, telephone and how they allowed for immediacy, interactivity and permanency of communication. It then discusses current technologies like the internet, web and web 2.0. It outlines a strategic social media plan for a museum to improve communication with audiences and increase engagement through audience research, aligning resources, developing and implementing a social media plan, and evaluating the results.
Trusting God's Providence | Verse: Romans 8: 28-31JL de Belen
Trusting God's Providence.
Providence - God’s active preservation and care over His creation. God is both the Creator and the Sustainer of all things Heb. 1:2-3; Col. 1:17
-God keep His promises.
-God’s general providence is toward all creation
- All things were made through Him
God’s special providence is toward His children.
We may suffer now, but joy can and will come
God can see what we cannot see
The Enchantment and Shadows_ Unveiling the Mysteries of Magic and Black Magic...Phoenix O
This manual will guide you through basic skills and tasks to help you get started with various aspects of Magic. Each section is designed to be easy to follow, with step-by-step instructions.
A Free eBook ~ Valuable LIFE Lessons to Learn ( 5 Sets of Presentations)...OH TEIK BIN
A free eBook comprising 5 sets of PowerPoint presentations of meaningful stories /Inspirational pieces that teach important Dhamma/Life lessons. For reflection and practice to develop the mind to grow in love, compassion and wisdom. The texts are in English and Chinese.
My other free eBooks can be obtained from the following Links:
https://www.slideshare.net/ohteikbin/presentations
https://www.slideshare.net/ohteikbin/documents
A375 Example Taste the taste of the Lord, the taste of the Lord The taste of...franktsao4
It seems that current missionary work requires spending a lot of money, preparing a lot of materials, and traveling to far away places, so that it feels like missionary work. But what was the result they brought back? It's just a lot of photos of activities, fun eating, drinking and some playing games. And then we have to do the same thing next year, never ending. The church once mentioned that a certain missionary would go to the field where she used to work before the end of his life. It seemed that if she had not gone, no one would be willing to go. The reason why these missionary work is so difficult is that no one obeys God’s words, and the Bible is not the main content during missionary work, because in the eyes of those who do not obey God’s words, the Bible is just words and cannot be connected with life, so Reading out God's words is boring because it doesn't have any life experience, so it cannot be connected with human life. I will give a few examples in the hope that this situation can be changed. A375
Protector & Destroyer: Agni Dev (The Hindu God of Fire)Exotic India
So let us turn the pages of ancient Indian literature and get to know more about Agni, the mighty purifier of all things, worshipped in Indian culture as a God since the Vedic time.
Heartfulness Magazine - June 2024 (Volume 9, Issue 6)heartfulness
Dear readers,
This month we continue with more inspiring talks from the Global Spirituality Mahotsav that was held from March 14 to 17, 2024, at Kanha Shanti Vanam.
We hear from Daaji on lifestyle and yoga in honor of International Day of Yoga, June 21, 2024. We also hear from Professor Bhavani Rao, Dean at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham University, on spirituality in action, the Venerable BhikkuSanghasena on how to be an ambassador for compassion, Dr. Tony Nader on the Maharishi Effect, Swami Mukundananda on the crossroads of modernization, Tejinder Kaur Basra on the purpose of work, the Venerable GesheDorjiDamdul on the psychology of peace, the Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland, KC, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, on how we are all related, and world-renowned violinist KumareshRajagopalan on the uplifting mysteries of music.
Dr. Prasad Veluthanar shares an Ayurvedic perspective on treating autism, Dr. IchakAdizes helps us navigate disagreements at work, Sravan Banda celebrates World Environment Day by sharing some tips on land restoration, and Sara Bubber tells our children another inspiring story and challenges them with some fun facts and riddles.
Happy reading,
The editors
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The Hope of Salvation - Jude 1:24-25 - MessageCole Hartman
Jude gives us hope at the end of a dark letter. In a dark world like today, we need the light of Christ to shine brighter and brighter. Jude shows us where to fix our focus so we can be filled with God's goodness and glory. Join us to explore this incredible passage.
The Book of Ruth is included in the third division, or the Writings, of the Hebrew Bible. In most Christian canons it is treated as one of the historical books and placed between Judges and 1 Samuel.
1. 1
elling
the
Story
How Durham Cathedral
could use modern
technology to enhance and
extend its mission and
ministry.1
1 Submitted Summative Essay:Mission in Context,
MATM, Cranmer Hall, June 2009
“Just as the ‘new technology’ of stained
glass windows made the old stories come
alive for the populace of medieval
yesterday, now our new technologies can
also enhance the understanding and
admiration of a new populacetoday.In fact,
it may be as well to consider the eye strain
caused by reading text on screen akin to the
neck strain surely felt by the faithful,
craning up to decipher the sections of
window as well to remember the growth
and successof that ‘new technology’. Let us
take heart from it, and carry forward that
encouragement into our development…”2
Fifteenyearsago,thiswasthe conclusionof
my MA dissertation. The technology it
referred to was standalone, not pre-dating
but developing alongside the internet,
which was still in its infancy. The
technologiesmayhave proliferated but the
sentiment remains – that we should
embrace them.
Lord,
whois infiniteincreativity
and seesthe potential beyondourselves,
helpusto hear yourvoice,
see yourglory,
and share yourlove withthe world.
Kate Boardman,June 2009
2 Concluding paragraph fromBoardman,K., Modern
Technology and Medieval Studies: Can Multimedia
Enhance theStudy of Medieval Manuscripts? University
of Hull, MA dissertation (unpubl.), 1995
T
2. 2
NTRODUCTION
New media and communication
technologies are routinely used today
in almost every aspect of life. They bring
potential to create and connect, to
support and to serve; opportunities that
did not exist twenty years ago. Many of
these opportunities can and increasingly
are being exploited by the Church to
enrich the experience offered to members
and non-members, pilgrims and visitors.
This essay will cover three key areas and
explore various outworkings of them, as
they could be put to use by Durham
Cathedral to enhance its mission today.
Firstly, using the website in a more
dynamic and personal fashion to
communicate with not to its readers.
Secondly, to make the most of digital
images, using them to visually market the
cathedral more aggressively both locally
and further afield and exploiting the
power of the image to communicate and
inspire. Thirdly, emphasis will shift to the
consideration of audio, and how digital
audio, which is easy and relatively cheap
to create, could significantly increase
engagement with the Cathedral. Finally,
showing how these can harmoniously
work together, this essay proposes a
larger scale project akin to that referred
to in the opening quotation, and which
Durham Cathedral is ideally placed to
exploit within the next twelve months.
An evaluation of all available web
technologies or digital tools with regard
to how they could be used by the
Cathedral is far beyond the scope of this
essay. There are a number of initiatives in
consideration or development, such as the
[instantly successful] presence of the
Cathedral on Facebook; these are ignored
here due to lack of space and the fact that
they are already being discussed.
Similarly, the potential to enter 3D
environments and create an official
presence in Second Life – despite this
being the subject of an international
conference to be held at St John’s College
in July – also needs must be neglected.
Both of these technologies are discussed,
though not with direct reference to the
Cathedral, in a previous essay, the Word
made virtual.3
Nor is there scope in an essay of this
length to elaborate greatly on pre-existing
work on the mission of cathedrals.4
Reference is made at the end to Durham
Cathedral in Mission,5 written by Canon
Rosalind Brown in August 2008, the
bullet points for mission listed therein
form a backbone to much of what follows.
Two themes underpin the development of
this essay. The first motif which runs
through it and which defined the content
selection is that of telling stories. The
Church is and has been full of stories, full
of people, from Jesus teaching his
disciples in parables through to the
3 Boardman, K. TheWord madevirtual:some thoughts
on mission and ministry online. Diocese ofDurham
Living Theology Today summative essay, February 2008.
http://files.blog-
city.com/files/F05/93085/p/f/word_made_virtual.pdf
4 Though background tothe thinkingcomesfromworks
listed in the bibliography.
5
http://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/introduction/missio
n
I
3. 3
recently converted’s testimonies; the
telling, listening to, recasting, sharing and
recasting of stories, and the story, is at the
heart of mission.
The second theme of the essay is in
choosing digital tools which help to
exemplify the definition by Michael
Sadgrove of cathedrals as places of
presence, of passionate engagement, and
interpretation (‘As wide as the Earth’,
Installation Sermon, Sheffield, 3 June
1998). This essay proposes the particular
uses of technology detailed below to add
colour and depth to the ongoing story
woven by Durham Cathedral today, uses
which should enhance and illustrate the
sense of presence, draw people in to a
more passionate engagement, and offer
them a far richer interpretation of the
story the Cathedral has to tell.
ATHEDRALS AND MODERN
TECHNOLOGY
“Tostimulate further debate
and to encourage those
responsible for cathedrals to
explore new and imaginative
waysof living out their
contemporary role.”
Aim of HeritageandRenewal.6
Using technology to enhance the mission
of the cathedral should be a natural
extension to the existing IT and mission
strategies. Whilst the Cathedral seems to
stand firm, aloof, impervious to the
passing of time, the imperative to live out
God’s mission in today’s world does not
excuse it from moving with that world.
Meeting people where they are today
6 HeritageandRenewal, Archbishops' commission on
cathedrals,chairedby Lady Howe,1994
includes exploiting the technology that
they use to interact with each other and
with society.
“A cathedral is […] beckoned by
its very character to look
outwards and become immersed
in the wider world beyondits
doors […]”7
This may require a pluralist approach at
the current time, to reach out across the
generations, blending traditional methods
of presence and communication to those
who grew up in the last century with the
newer channels of communication and
the always-on presence now assumed by
the digital natives of the millennial
generation. For a while, there may be a
need to provide and maintain multiple
communication streams, however, a
carefully planned, coherent and
integrated strategy for the future should
be both attainable and sustainable.
Durham Cathedral ought to consider how
it connects and communicates both in
respect of its existing presence on the
internet through its web pages and how
they may be extended and enhanced, and
through the careful consideration and
adoption of other emergent technologies.
A key word here is “and adoption of” –
communication and information
technologies appear, grow and develop at
a pace which often surprises those who
do not belong to the net generation.
It can be strange to consider something
which is less than two years old a
“mature” technology. With the speed of
7 Lewis, C. & Platten,S. Dreaming Spires? Cathedrals in a
new age. London,SPCK, 2006,p.21
C
4. 4
technology development today this is not
uncommon, and must be accepted. To
embrace any and all new technological
fads is obviously not appropriate for an
esteemed institution such as Durham
Cathedral, however it is important to keep
abreast of the technology, be aware of and
understand the marketplace and to be
prepared and able to move quickly into
the adoption of tools and technologies
which are identified as beneficial.
Being prepared and able to move quickly
to adoption means to have consultancy
and decision-making processes in place to
enable such a move. A parish church may
be much more flexible than a cathedral
and a vicar able to take more executive
decisions to put things more swiftly into
practice than a dean. Today’s consumers
can be fickle and can mock failed or
clumsy attempts to ‘get wiv the yoof’;
conversely they are also a valuable
advisory group to engage in conversation.
Maintaining an open dialogue with a wide
range of stakeholders and revisiting
communication methods regularly
provides the opportunity to review and
recommend new channels to
communicate with existing and new
audiences.
This essay does not mean to reduce
‘mission and ministry’ to ‘connect and
communicate’. Prayer, praise, teaching,
worship, hospitality, sanctuary; the past,
the present and the future – these can all
be touched and enhanced by new
technology. However because being able
to reach out and meet people is at the
heart of mission and ministry there are
key opportunities available to the
Cathedral to exploit in the socially-
networked world of today, these are the
focus here.
Do we risk diminishing the Cathedral’s
lofty existence to offer unbroken prayers
and praise whether in the presence of a
congregation or not by encouraging it to
engage more, and more directly, with its
audiences? No, because as we shall see,
adopting and exploiting technology can
help us reach beyond the clergy, beyond
the congregation to the city and beyond,
to all God’s people; touching those who do
or will come but also those who don’t,
can’t or won’t.
DYNAMIC AND PERSONAL
WEB PRESENCE
(Giving a human face to the
technological)
People are connected across the globe
today in a world where they expect
information not only to be available 24/7
but also to be regularly updated. Moving
from a static (Web 1.0) to a more dynamic
(Web 2.0) website and incorporating a
sense of blogging would enable the
Cathedral to connect and communicate in
a much richer way with readers, It would
display a/the human face (and human
voice, see below) of Durham Cathedral. In
a blog (from ‘web-log’) people use the
web as a public journal where they share
thoughts, activities and resources, which
can be commented and entered into
conversation on.
There are a number of Bishops who
already blog as individuals, and maintain
a public record of not only their thoughts
and prayers, but of their teachings, their
visits and also of prompts to things for
A
5. 5
their subscribers to read and digest.8
Some appear more personal than official,
all are a wonderfully informal face of the
man behind the mitre. Most of these are
maintained by the Bishops as and by
themselves, rather than as a part of their
cathedral’s web presence. This does not
mean however, that it is inappropriate for
a cathedral to do similarly.
The people who live and work in the
Cathedral precincts are a fascinating
group of people involved in many visible
aspects of the day-to-day life of the
cathedral and city, and many less visible.
Updating the website with not just ‘news
headlines’ but regular information about
what is happening in the world, on large
or small scale would build into a vital and
visible example of what God is doing in
the world through the Cathedral and the
people in it.
Content for a more dynamic part of the
website along the lines of a blog is by no
means exhaustive, but might include:
Prayers forthe week,including
some of those
people/countries/situations
prayed for. There are many
beautiful prayers read at
Evensong or the midday
Eucharist, being able to return to
these would be helpful for some;
for others there wouldbe a focus
to be able to pray together with
the community throughout the
week.
8 Alan Wilson (http://bishopalan.blogspot.com/); John
Sentamu (http://www.archbishopofyork.org/761); Tom
Wright(http://www.ntwrightpage.com/)
Information on events attended in
the region, whether that be clergy
preaching elsewhere or
engagement with Durham City
Vision on developments forthe
riverbanks or progress on the
World Heritage Site.
Bookreviews, short bible passage
commentaries or reflections on
events/reading.
Reports of events in the Cathedral
or city.Or further afield – the
Facebookpage has allowed
Adrian Beney to post links to the
videos of the Cathedral Choir’s
trip toVersailles within a few
hours of his return.
Updates fromvarious associations
– interim news about the Friends’
Ramsey window,information
about the Durham Churches’
Together seminar series etc.
These do not replace entry in Newslink or
in the printed Cathedral News, but gain
currency from being timely, and are a
great opportunity to engage people on an
ongoing basis. Web page contents like this
are often called ‘stories’, and would not be
limited to updates from the clergy – there
are many other stories to tell. Pieces of
interesting information about the building
itself, tales from the guides or even a
regular entry on life as a chorister, as the
girls begin their training would all add to
the colour and depth of connection
established between the Cathedral and
the wider world.
6. 6
Some of this can – and no doubt will – be
done on the new Facebook page, and
although this would limit it a little to
Facebook-registered users, the
informality is already taken as a given in
this form. More direct still would be to tie
in updates on a blog-style web presence
with a presence on Twitter. Twitter is a
140 character infostream, which exploded
into popularity when such personalities
as Stephen Fry and Barack Obama were
discussed in the press as using it.
Westminster Abbey, Salisbury Cathedral
and St Pauls are all twitterers, of slightly
different types (see also Appendix 1 for
screen shots),9 as are some of the Bishops
already mentioned above.10 Copying an
existing ‘style’ in using technologies like
blogs or Twitter is difficult, it is
impossible for one’s own style to be
suppressed. This is a good thing, and
many voices are welcome; Durham
Cathedral could certainly produce an
engaging stream of events, prayers,
notifications to provide a vibrant ‘running
commentary’ on the life, work and
mission of the Cathedral.
SING IMAGE AND IMAGES
CREATIVELY
(Attracting visitors)
It is true to say that few cathedrals are
easy to arrive at, via public or private
transport, and Durham is no exception.
One can arrive in Durham on the train and
see that the Cathedral towers over the
city. Choose to walk from the station
9 http://twitter.com/wabbey;
http://twitter.com/SalisburyCath;
http://twitter.com/StPaulsLondon
10 Alan Wilson (http://twitter.com/alantlwilson);John
Sentamu (http://twitter.com/JohnSentamu).
http://twitter.com/twishop is keepingtrackof them.
though, and the Cathedral can disappear,
leaving an on-foot pilgrim unsure of the
route to take. A set of directions with
visual prompts on the website would help
to ameliorate this, and not only of the
direct route to the Cathedral, but also
suggested walks around the riverbanks,
which play a large part in the Cathedral’s
development plan and also in its finances.
Sharing the hidden corners of Durham
with our visitors is an easy way to
enhance their engagement with the world
heritage site and the Cathedral’s own part
in that.11
Some of the photographs chosen for use
on the walking tour (and a number of the
finer interior images) should be added to
Google Earth. Increasingly people
planning holidays use Google Maps to
organise itineraries and stays. Again,
working with Durham City Vision and the
World Heritage Site, the development
team should be ensuring authorised
photographs and information can be
retrieved by anyone searching the web in
this way (does, for example, anyone in the
Chapter Office maintain a watching brief
on Durham Cathedral’s wikipedia site?)
Releasing authorised photographs has
wider currency than one might expect.
The popularity of the recent
Photographers’ Evening proved the
interest in the subject. The website
11 Walkingtoursto and fromthestation are an obvious
startingpoint; however a logical development might
then be fortheCathedral engage with DurhamCity
Vision andlocal hotels toadaptroutes for them, which
they can distributewith city maps or on theirwebsites
for people to seein advance; thisis an opportunity to
work towardpartnership with differenthotels in the
longerterm, with whomwe play a vital role in the drive
to make Durhama placeto stay overnight instead ofa
day, or three nights rather than two.
U
7. 7
provides nowhere near enough
photographs. Some of the Durham City
Photographers’ Club framed shots on
display at the Photographers’ Evening
were far superior to most of the ones that
can be seen on the website, and could
prove a real draw in encouraging people
to come and visit. Prints such as these
should also be bought, licensed and made
available in the city. One of the city’s
finest pieces of advertising for itself is the
back wall of the Slug and Lettuce pub,
where canvas prints of Durham’s more
beautiful views line the wall. There are a
vast number of local residents who have
never set foot inside the Cathedral and
the Cathedral is missing a marketing coup
by not making the most of the images that
it has. Does the wider provision of images
diminish the sacred space of the building,
or reduce the likelihood of it taking your
breath away when walking in? Not in the
least. Creative photography can often help
you engage further with the subject,
spending time sitting quietly and
focussing on small details as well as just
seeing the whole.
Many visitors to Durham do come with
the Cathedral top of their to-see list, but
some are work or conference visitors just
travelling through. Making the best, the
most evocative of the photography we
have available to them in the city, in
hotels and restaurants and on the web
might whet their appetite for a return
visit. This is an opportunity not to be
missed. That over 50% of voters chose
Durham Cathedral in the 2001 BBC poll12
for their favourite building means that
many people that do know it, at least from
the outside.
12 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1511841.stm
I discovered Durham Cathedral
quite by accident in January,
1973. I was travelling from
Manchester to Edinburgh on the
train with friends. The early
morning was cold and a heavy
fog lay all around. We pulled into
a station and I got up to stretch
and look out the compartment
window. To my surprise, there
above me, towering up out of the
fog were two enornous (sic)
Norman towers. It was so very
beautiful and impressive, that I
hurried to find out the name of
the station so I could return soon
to see whatever church that was.
It was "Durham". I returned
within the month and have loved
it ever since. I have only
discoverd (sic) in the meantime
that my father's family were
County Durham folk. It was fated
to be.
Pastor Roy Ledbetter on the
Durham Cathedral Facebookpage
Many others do not recognise the
silhouette, or know what beauty awaits
them on stepping inside. Many American
tourists never reach further than York.
Does the Cathedral wish to attract more
‘visitors’? How many visitors is too many?
How many pilgrims is too many? Durham
remains a unique setting of castle and
cathedral, so emblematic of our political
and theological heritage that we should, if
not encourage more people, at the least
ensure that those who do visit, or who
cannot but who do want to learn about it
have the opportunity to do so.
8. 8
DDING AN AUDIO
EXPERIENCE
(Deepening the experience of
visitors)
Moving on, we now consider the visitors
and pilgrims which the Cathedral already
has as well as those it may welcome in the
future. How do we offer them the
opportunity to make the most of their
visit? How can technology help us to do
this?
The Art Institute in Chicago (AIC) – as do
many art galleries, museums and historic
buildings – provides an audio guide for
visitors to hire for the duration of their
visit as a complement or alternative to a
guide or catalogue. Some parts of the
AIC’s permanent exhibition are more
popular than others – for example the
classic painting of the puritan couple
‘American Gothic’.13 For these it is
possible to download more detailed audio
as an mp3, to play on your PC, iPod or
mobile phone, covering the work, the
artist, its context history and reception. If
you only have a limited time to visit the
AIC, this service allows you to identify the
things you want to see and create your
own mini-guide.14
Listening to an audio guide, hired or
downloaded, can allow you to engage
more deeply with a subject whilst
standing in front of it. Richard Mayer in
his research15 demonstrates that true
understanding is improved by employing
dual input (words and pictures, pictures
13 http://www.artic.edu/aic/collections/artwork/6565
14 See ‘Enrich your visit’:
http://www.artic.edu/aic/visitor_info/check_here_first.ht
ml#enrich and the moregeneral startingpoint ‘Plan
your visit’:
http://www.artic.edu/aic/visitor_info/geninfo.html
15 Mayer, RichardE. Multimedia Learning.Cambridge:
CUP, 2001
and sound). It is better to look at a
painting or sculpture – or take a tour of
the Cathedral – while listening to audio
than it is to keep breaking your gaze to
read the next bit of the guide. It can also
be much more accessible for those whose
reading skills are not so good, or whose
eyesight struggles in the light of the
Cathedral.
The AIC takes a step further in its ‘enrich
your visit’ section, and this has also been
taken up by the British Museum and
others.16 Recording live lectures or
creating specific series of audio which is
more contextual than on a single work of
art. Series on such as van Gogh, the
paintings of the Renaissance, the debate
about repatriation for the Elgin Marbles,
the manuscripts of St Catherine’s
Monastery are available from the web as
individual downloads or as podcast
subscriptions.17
These examples should encourage
Durham Cathedral to see a number of
possibilities within them. Investment in
audio guides for visitors to the Cathedral
would almost certainly be a valuable
move. The logistics of their security,
management, issue and return would
make it no small undertaking, even if it
has the opportunity to generate some
considerable revenue. One would not
wish to turn the Cathedral into a ‘living
museum’, with people just following the
16 The British Museum‘VisitingTactics’is a valuable
summary of need-to-know information thatthe
Cathedralcouldlearn much from with respectto its
website:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/
uk/735940/British-Museum-Gallery-Guide.html
17 For example, see‘Forgotten Persia’:
http://www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk/forgottenempire/re
sources/index.html
A
9. 9
guide (in either audio or print) and not
stopping to look around, taking the time
for the building and God to interact with
them as they move around. Nor would
one wish an audio guide to be seen as a
stealth entry fee.
Audio can however be relatively easily
and cheaply created and made available,
as the AIC and the British Museum have
done, via the web. Different audio series
can be created to respond to people’s
differing interests. These in no way
detract from the group and public tours
by the guides. There are two obvious
audio guides with which to begin.
Firstly, a guide to the building, its
architecture and decoration. This can be
internal and external, if they are
downloading and listening on their own
player there is no reason why this should
not include exterior discussions. This
should include stories and references to
the Cathedral, from the milkmaid and the
dun cow to Bill Bryson’s quote from Notes
from a Small Island, which he would
probably be delighted to record
personally. This guide could bring
together the stories of, and interviews
with, the stone masons, the architect, the
Ramsey window designer, the clergy and
the fascinating tales and endless
knowledge of the senior guides. This
would make for a riot of audio colour, to
interpret and to share the passionate
engagement these people have for, and
bring forth from the Cathedral.
A second guide would be more reflective,
an audio pilgrimage. This would take a
similar basic format as the printed
version(s) but be extended to allow for
the potential of the medium. It should
include appropriate music, reflections and
prayers to accompany the main text as
pilgrims make their way around the
Cathedral. There can be gentle prompts at
relevant points: ‘pause awhile in the
crossing, see how the light catches…’
Poetic, perhaps, but allowing the listener
be drawn into their own conversation
with God in the space.
Audio guides can be downloaded in
advance of a visit, brought to a visit or
used for more information after a visit,
perhaps tempting a return trip. The audio
series offered by the AIC and the British
Museum show us the way beyond guides.
Part of the mission and ministry of the
Cathedral is to teach. Primarily this is the
teaching of the Bishop, but teaching also
happens both regularly in preaching and
in occasional studies. Beyond the
congregational engagement, a Cathedral
should be a diocesan resource, and the
teaching ministry of the gifted clergy and
lay staff should be available to a wider
audience, in the same way that the
Durham Churches Together series from
Easter to Pentecost was videoed and will
be available to all on DVD.
Capturing the Lent courses offered by the
Cathedral and individual events such as
short talks for the launch of books by
members of Chapter would create and
develop a base of teaching materials for
people within and without the
congregational community, within and
without Durham to engage with. There
are such interesting and thought-
provoking lectures and talks held at the
Cathedral that this would be a valuable
asset. Not everyone can attend every
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event, and even those who can, may be
glad of the opportunity to ‘listen again’.
Some of the teaching that happens on for
example the Liturgy or Benedictine days
can make a real difference to one’s
devotional life, knowing more about the
prayers and development of parts of the
service and feeling oneself a small but not
insignificant part of that ongoing chain.
This is surely to be encouraged.
ISTEN AGAIN
The potential to ‘listen again’ leads
naturally on to the consideration of
podcasting sermons. Already the text of
sermons is available on the Cathedral
website, and when you know the person
who gave the sermon, you can often hear
their personality. Hearing the way that
words were actually delivered makes for
a different experience than simply
reading the base text for yourself. It
draws you into the conversation. It is an
easy technological step to record and
transmit the sermons given in the
Cathedral to the web as a podcast. If
someone preaches a message which hits
home and a listener wants to reconnect
with it, why not?
Podcasting teaching from the Cathedral
spreads its mission beyond the people
who step through the door on a Sunday
morning to provide a wider ministry. That
may be to a regular member of the
community now ill or house-bound,
someone who has moved away but
follows the sermons with fond memories
of happy years in Durham. It might also
be picked up by and speak hope to
Christians persecuted far away in the
world, but with access to the internet. It
is an encapsulated moment in time, to be
true, but podcasting is increasingly
common and generally roundly
successful. As with many new
technologies, people unfamiliar with it do
not always appreciate it, nor feel
comfortable with throwing themselves on
the mercy of a potentially global audience.
There are theological fears about who you
are actually preaching to, if sermons are
podcast, and whether this makes a
difference. Does knowing that the sermon
will be podcast affect how one preaches
or what is preached on the day? Is it really
likely to change the message preached on
a particular day in a particular place to a
particular congregation (especially when
the text already appears on the website)?
Far from being a distraction, the context
is important, and sets the tone for the
podcast – preaching is designed to be
God’s word at a moment in time. If it is a
genuinely Spirit-inspired message, isn't it
going to be able to reflect again and again
anyway, like the Gospel stories do?
HE DIGITAL TREASURES
With the recent notice to eject SSG
from the Bookshop, and redevelop
the claustral buildings, Durham Cathedral
faces closing its Treasures for up to a
year, while creating new ‘stories’ around
the heritage and history of the Cathedral
and the Northern Saints. But why close?
In physical reality, yes, but this represents
a fantastic opportunity to make the most
of digital and web technologies and the
talents and scholarship at the Cathedral to
create a virtual visit in the interim. This
would not only retain some access to the
Treasures whilst the exhibition was
closed, but also would provide no small
marketing potential for the revamped
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display when it re-opens. Taking the time
to record many of the Cathedral’s
treasures is also a chance to preserve
them digitally for the future.
However one may feel about the home
location of the Lindisfarne Gospels, the
Turning the Pages project offers a
stunning view of the artefact, its history,
context, production, relations and
inheritance. Combining both high-quality
images with music and written
interpretation, it brings otherwise
inaccessible yet key pieces of our heritage
to everyone. Fifteen years ago, this
technology was in its infancy, now it is
commonplace, and the vast treasure of
Durham Cathedral should be opened up
to everyone. Modern technology offers
the applications to do this, and the
opportunity should be grasped.
It is a common misconception that by
making glimpses of digital reality
available to the world, people will ‘make
do’ with visiting virtually. This is not the
case, it can encourage and engage, and
enhance the Cathedral’s connections with
its varied audiences. The careful
preservation of the Cathedral’s artefacts
no longer means that they should not be
available to teach, meditate on and inspire
new generations.18
ONCLUSION
These are just a very few of the
ways that the Cathedral could
exploit modern technology for mission by
leveraging the available web tools to
enable it to connect and communicate
more widely and effectively. This essay
hopes to have illustrated that there are
18 At Appendix 2, some imagesof the Lindisfarne
Gospelsin SecondLife
aspects of new technology which could
add value to many or even all of the
mission activities from the Cathedral’s
Purpose Statement:
Being Anglican, being the shrine of
St Cuthbert, being a living centre
of prayer, pilgrimage and
presence, welcoming people
whatever their faith.
Being a sacred space.
Being a sign of the presence of
God in the world.
Being a place where daily prayer
and praise are offered.
Being a place of hospitality and
sanctuary
Bearing witness to the gospel
through evangelism, service,
environmental and social
responsibility, practical care for
those in need.
Encouraging and supporting
pilgrimage and spiritual
formation.
Being a focus foradult and
children’s Christian education, for
theological reflections, intellectual
engagement in the region in
partnership withthe university
and diocese.
Supporting the bishop and diocese
in mission.
Collaborating ecumenically with
churches in the region.
Conserving, developing and
interpreting the historical
buildings, fabric and artefacts.
Celebrating human creativity
through music and the arts.
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12. 12
Promoting the welfare of the city,
county and region in partnership
with others.19
Each aspect helps the Cathedral to reach,
inform, connect with, teach, support and
share with both the gathered and the
dispersed communities.
A rule of thumb when considering
adopting a new technology is perhaps to
apply to it a test of Michael Sadgrove’s
definitions of cathedral mission. If a
technology responds to at least one of
them, that is: if it increases a sense of
presence, brings a richer interpretation or
helps to tell the Cathedral’s story in a way
that demonstrates or elicits a passionate
engagement with the building, the
community and with God, then it should
be embraced.
“I dare to summon the whole
Church bravely to cross this new
threshold, to put into the deep of
the Net, so that now as in the past
the great engagement of the
Gospel and culture may show to
the world ‘the glory of God on the
face of Christ’ (2 Cor 4:6). May
the Lord bless all those who work
for this aim.”
Pope JohnPaul II,
January 24th, 2002
19 Brown,Canon R., DurhamCathedral in Mission,
August, 2008,p.2