Going digital: social media meets ministry
Besides the glaringly obvious acquisition of technology and equipment capable of producing a quality livestream of worship from the Sanctuary since 2020 – almost all of which has been funded by grants, not our local operating budget – the pandemic also forced us to quickly master an array of digital technologies. These were what enabled us to gather and communicate with Cedar Park United people and the “world out there” in ways that were RELIABLE, accessible, and authentically “us”. This has included:
Zoom: for meetings, Midweek Midrash, workshops, CD studies, gatherings
Facebook: with a main page and several private groups for more personal communication with specific demographics
Instagram: where the chances of engaging a younger demographic are greater
YouTube: where our channel provides an interactive online library of worship livestream recordings and other videos, and a place for personal connection with other online worshipers
During the pandemic, Douglas’s choral digital editing for a virtual choir
Our website, which was upgraded from a passive depository to a new platform which is now an interactive hub for all aspects of our ministries
Google Workspace: An upgrade of our email communications procedures to meet the need to share information, and to foster connection, among the staff and Board
Remember: for over a year, digital media delivery was the ONLY way for us to connect and continue being Cedar Park United.
Now, in October 23, in addition to being able to enjoy opportunities for in-person fellowship and worship throughout the week, having done a workflow audit for the FYMC, Administrator, Lead Minister and Congregational Care Coordinator, digital ministry accounts for 75% of the meaningful connections we make with the community and our partners each week.
(Douglas’ work is distinctive in that most of his connections are onsite/face-to-face.)
We know that there are some at Cedar Park United who “don’t do social media,” preferring unmediated human contact, but the reality is that social media and digital engagement is absolutely crucial to connect MOST of our community to the worship, life, ministry, and work that is core to who we are.
Along the way, we’ve learned that all these technologies are value-neutral; they can be used for good or ill. We deliberately and consistently choose good. Where others use these media to spread hate, we deliberately share hope, justice, love, acceptance. Our social media presence is refreshingly surprising, dependable, non-reactive, thoughtful, and inclusive–a daily progressive, welcoming presence that stands in stark contrast to the toxic fundamentalist voices that threaten to choke online spaces.
Every week, this is what we put across our platforms to be a progressive beacon:
A daily inspirational quote at 6:15 AM and the Sunday Prayer every Sunday
Invitations to make a difference (with links to sign up for events, give, help, share)
Compassionate voices on current issues–our own, and voices from the wider UCC and other spiritual traditions
Spotlights on what our partners are doing – WIRUC, WIMOI, Bread and Beyond, Urban Seedling, Victor Rose, D’ici d’Ailleurs, Pointe-Claire Citizens’ Association…and so on
Invitations to worship and CPU events
The Weekend Wonder, an inspirational post for families of all kinds to have meaningful conversations over the weekend, whether at hockey practice or around the breakfast table.
Just as it is when we’re engaging with people onsite, the staff engagement with these online communities is responsive, invitational, intentional and personal.
And so, the story by the numbers:
Since September 2020,
Our YouTube channel has had 13,112 views and now has 160 subscribers
Our Facebook page has reached 63,068 accounts (and now has 604 followers)
And the total reach of our Instagram page is 7,742 accounts (with 273 followers today).