Pod world and youtube

Catching up to the 21st century, Episcopal churches are making videos, podcasting sermons, and otherwise taking the initiative to broadcast the “good news” of life in the church using the internet.

Instead of waiting for news to be broadcast by others, often sensationalized and mostly about sex, members of The Episcopal Church are creating and posting their own stories, sermons, and educational pieces.

Trinity Wall Street has been a long time leader in web broadcasting with Trinity Institute and other productions. They provide studio space and professional assistance for their work and the work of others.

The Rev. Matthew Moretz in Yonkers, NY puts his own brand of humor and information on “youtube” with Fr. Matthew Presents.

Episcopal Life Online runs a multimedia presentation with various leaders speaking about life in the church and the work of the church. This week features The Rt. Rev. Trevor Mwamba, bishop of Botswana – who also appears in The Ladies #1 Detective Agency mysteries by Alexander McCall Smith.

Episcopal Cafe began a video section this week with assistance from Trinity Church Wall Street in New York. This week offers Thomas Keating on Consenting to the Presence of God.

All Saints Church Pasadena moved from audio only to video in recent months. This week they are broadcasting a sermon at All Saints by The Rt. Rev. Gene Robinson, bishop of New Hampshire. All Saints also added the Franciscan Fourfold Blessing by Bishop Robinson on youtube

The Presiding Bishop, Katharine Jefferts Schori and her staff have been pro-active in the pod cast and video broadcast world. Shortly after the Primates meeting in Tanzania she held a nationwide live conference via streaming video. She appeared on The Bill Moyers Show discussing faith and science.

This past week Bishop-elect of the Diocese of Olympia (WA) the Rev. Greg Rickel did interviews for Soul Talk in Austin, TX. The first one is found at “The Mirror Doesn’t Forget” and the other at “Soul Talk Interview with The Rev. Greg Rickel.” He discusses what attracted him to The Episcopal Church, the current life of the church and his hopes for the Diocese of Olympia in Western Washington, where most people profess to belong to “none” when it comes to church affliliation. A memorable quote, he hopes we will not to get mired in our “willingness to be discontented all the time.”

Some programs are more engaging than others. On audio casts, voice quality, approachability, and concise interesting answers work best. “Talking heads” are the least effective in video unless one is already interested in the subject. Quality of sound and video are essential and gentle humor makes a piece memorable. Photos and video clips help convey depth behind words and help viewers stay engaged.

What are your thoughts on the use of the internet to spread the message of The Episcopal Church?

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