Tech Support Call
“It’s not a faith in technology. It’s faith in people.”
Since its inception in 2017, the UWM Tech Task Team (TTT) has supported the larger Unity community in understanding how to address our ministries' technological challenges. For many years, Unity South Central Region (USCR) has funded the TTT to build and maintain their own website and continue their important work.
We are officially bringing the TTT’s monthly meeting to USCR to join the many helpful support calls we offer to the entire movement. Rev. Jean-Marie Schweizer continues to lead those calls in collaboration with many of the most senior members of the TTT.
All are welcome to join the monthly calls, including any volunteers focusing on technology in service to any Unity ministry worldwide. Register to stay informed and be reminded of our upcoming calls.
Host
Rev. Jean-Marie Schweizer
USCR President and CEO
Unity Fort Worth, Senior Minister
facebook.com/groups/unitytechteam
Rev. Jean-Marie has closely worked with technology for decades, primarily developing and building hardware and software systems for consumer applications to increase the efficiency of everyday work tasks. With his wife, Elaine, he managed several full-service agencies that focused on work-task efficiency via technology and design to help businesses operate productively while engaging in successful marketing and advertisement strategies.
Rev. Jean-Marie’s keen sense for design while applying a systems perspective allows him to approach the current technological needs of ministries with a constructive foundation to develop well-tuned systems in administration, graphic and web design, audio and video applications, etc. Even though his primary focus is ministry at this stage of his life, he continues to engage daily in matters of technology.
[Unfortunately, the meeting was only recorded in speaker view. We will record another promo video at the next meeting.]
Website
The UWM Tech Task Team (TTT) operates its own website where they publish useful tips, videos, and manuals to address specific technology challenges and needs. The TTT also runs a private Facebook group, exclusive to Unity ministries.
Dates & Times
1st Wednesdays @ 1 to 2 PM CT
2024 Topics
January 3: Tech So Far in 2024
February 7: How to Do Livestreaming Well
March 6: Preludes & Postludes
April 3: Holy Week Tech
June 5: Summer Break
July 3: Is Live Streaming Necessary?
August 7: Miscellaneous
September 4: Fall Break
October 2: Miscellaneous
November 6: Cancelled (UWM Business Meeting)
December 4: Is Live Streaming Necessary? (Check-In)
2023 Topics
June 7: PTZ (Remote-Controlled) Cameras
July 5: Audio Setup for Live Streaming
August 2: Summer Break
September 6: Smorgasbord
October 4: Church Management Systems (ChMS)
November 1: Live Stream Presentation Software
December 6: The Positives of Live Streaming
Calendar
Subscribe to our calendar to not miss these or any events.
Meeting Location
For convenience, we will be meeting on Zoom. Please arrive early to check your technology.
Cost
There is no set fee for any of the events. However, we appreciate your consideration for a suitable love offering.
Meeting Recordings
Sound, Knowledge Transfer, & Moody Clicker
This month is a discussion on various topics, covering sound, knowledge transfer, and problems with a moody clicker for slides.
Holy Week Tech
In our meeting following Holy Week, we discuss what our communities did differently to observe Easter and the days leading up to it, and how those decisions affected our tech teams.
Preludes & Postludes
This month is a show-and-tell focused on how we share information and engage audiences before and after our live services start. Join us to see examples and get ideas.
How to Do Livestreaming Well
In this meeting, we discuss what livestreaming "well" looks like and define the elements that matter most to putting out a good quality and engaging livestream. You may be surprised to find that it doesn’t necessarily require pricey, high-tech equipment!
Tech So Far in 2024
In our first meeting of 2024, we discuss a plethora of topics, from enticing an audience to sit up front, to transitioning to a new space, and more.
The Positives of Live Streaming
Together we explore the positive side of live streaming and how we're making ours interactive and worthwhile.
Live Stream Presentation Software
Presentation software is a necessary tool for in-house and live-streamed services. Members of our community share their experiences with different presentation software, discussing the pros and cons and what’s important, to inspire other ministries as they choose what works best for their needs.
Church Management Systems (ChMS)
An important administrative task for every spiritual community is managing data related to its members, finances, events, groups, and more. Finding an efficient and effective church management system (ChMS) to meet the needs of your community can be a daunting challenge. In this meeting, we discuss the systems we're using and share pros, cons, and considerations.
Smorgasbord
In this meeting, we cover a variety of topics including camera tracking, sound considerations for live streaming and sanctuary, and speaker placement in a long narrow room.
Audio Setup for Live Streaming
How does your audio setup differ for live streaming vs. in-house service? Join us as we cover the most important considerations and answer questions about audio set for live streaming.
PTZ (Remote) Cameras
This next meeting will be our first recorded meeting to allow those who are unable to join us live to benefit from our discussion. However, if you can make it, please come and contribute. The more, the merrier and the more meaningful.
FAQs
Can I earn CEU credits by attending this support call?
Yes! Unity Worldwide Ministries (UWM) will accept any hour attending our support calls as CEU credits. The recording and reporting of such hours to UWM remain the responsibility of each individual. Ethics and Inclusivity CEUs are earned as the topics are specifically offered. For any questions, please contact UWM directly.
Are there any additional resources you offer?
Yes. Our team has its own website where we publish profiles, tutorials, etc. We also have a private Facebook group to discuss technological challenges throughout the month.
For whom are these meetings intended?
Primarily, these meetings are designed to address any technological challenges in your ministry. As such, everyone involved in technology or the decision-making process about technology is welcome to join this call.
Beware, that our discussions expect some understanding of technology. However, we do our best to accommodate as needed.
Are these meetings confidential?
Generally, no. Since we are recording our regular meetings and publishing those recordings on this page and on our team’s website, our meetings are not confidential.
However, there may be times when the team decides to forfeit a recording or offer an unrecorded executive session as needed.
I can’t meet at the time and day the meetings are held. Are there any recordings I can watch?
Yes. All our meetings will be recorded and published on this page and on our team’s website.
Are there any other calls or meetings that provide ministry support?
Yes. Unity South Central Region (USCR) offers several calls and meetings to provide specific support in various areas. Check out our calendar to learn more about those regular events.