323 – Resolutions, WELSTech Style

Welcome to 2014 WELSTech-ers! Join Martin and Sallie as we begin our 7th year of WELSTech with a discussion of techie new year’s resolutions. Ideas for security, education and passwords are shared as well as some resolutions we’ve made to enhance WELSTech. This episode also includes a user-submitted ministry resource, a Google tip and information on the upcoming interactive Bible study with President Mark Schroeder.

The discussion:

Out with the old – The turn of the calendar traditionally provides the opportunity to reflect and identify areas for improvement. Pastor Rob Guenther from Grace in Kenai, AK shared a free online self-assessment tool from Fire Your Excuses, and Martin and Sallie discuss their tech-related resolutions. Worth noting are dates for upcoming FinalWeb training – July 8 to 11 at the Center for Mission and Ministry in Waukesha, WI.

Changes are even in store for WELSTech:

• New recording time is 4 p.m. Central on Tuesdays. Viewers are encouraged to submit questions and comments real time at welstechlive.wels.net
• A new monthly “how-to” series of WELSTech Webinars will launch in March

Ministry resources:

• Joshua Kramer from Good Shepherd, West Bend, WI recommends Planning Center Online for shared calendaring and more.
• Share a helpful resource that makes a difference in your ministry, and you will be entered to win an Apple TV. Deadline for entry is May 31, 2014.

Tech tips:

• Delete a word at a time with Control+Backspace (PC) or Option+Delete (Mac)
• Page-level permissions available in Google Sites

Picks of the week:

• Oontz Angle
• Speck Cases

Of interest:

Get ready for an online interactive Bible study led by WELS President Mark Schroeder on the topic of “I’d like to read the Bible, but …”. The 4-week study begin February 5th at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Eastern time. Learn more and download bulletin inserts and posters to promote the study in your congregation.

Community feedback:

• The Fussy Librarian
• 49 Church Blogging Tips
• A Solution to Your Unfocused Internet Ministry
• What Facebook’s New Page Reach Means for Social Media
• Think Email is Dead Outside of Work?

Coming up on WELSTech:

Episode 324 – Martin and Sallie discuss chapter 7 of Nicholas Carr’s The Shallows – The Juggler’s Brain. (Release date – 01/15/14)

Music download:

This week only, download a free music single from WELS artist Mike Westendorf (www.mikewestendorf.com and mikewestendorf on Twitter) – You Are Amazing 

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