Marehay Methodist Church

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.