Marehay Methodist Church News
Even though we haven't been meeting as a church during the third
lockdown we have still been quite busy. We continue to distribute weekly
worship to any who want it, and ensure that online worship is emailed to
those who are able to access the internet.
In the past we have looked into Audio Visual systems but the cost has
always been too high to even consider.
In October, after successfully applying to the circuit for a £1000 grant
we purchased a laptop, two 50" TVs and the necessary cabling to install
an audio visual system, with advice gratefully received from Paul
Strange . After a day spent trying to connect everything together (and
an emergency trip to tool station for a shorter cable) we finally had
success. We are using a software called VideoPsalm which is free and
fairly easy to use. Obviously we haven't used it very much as we locked
down just after installation, but we managed two services in December
which were enhanced by the video clips we were able to use. We also
took a version of it to two other churches in just before the second
lockdown.
In January we bought two TV stands which has tidied up the display and
also means we can move the TVs or swivel them for better viewing.
We also held a funeral in early February and were able to play the music
which the family wished, together with visuals on screen.
Hopefully when we are able to meet, more of us will be able to use the
laptop and learn how to load the services.
In January we applied to the district for another grant so that we can
install Wifi and at present we are looking for providers and hope to
install in March or April.
We are not sure when we will be in our church again, but hope that in the
spring or summer we can share our new system with our members and
friends.
Registered Charity no. 1139498