We worship the God who creates. He gives us endless possibilities and compels us to create. This creativity is often on full display at Schweitzer, but especially this fall with the launch of Schweitzer’s new live stream worship experience. For the past few years we’ve offered an incredible online service but beginning this fall, we will take this service in a new direction with live streaming.
Beginning Sunday, Sept. 8, Schweitzer will offer live streaming for the 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship services. This will be available on all social media outlets and the Schweitzer website.
When Schweitzer’s Strategic Plan was shared earlier this year, live streaming was listed as a key project. Thanks to the generosity of many people, the Schweitzer Church Foundation was able to step up and provide resources.
“When Pastor Spencer expressed the need for live streaming to enhance our mission, the Foundation Board collaborated to make it happen! It’s a milestone in being a Christ- Centered, Community-Focused church,” said Neil McCall, Foundation President.
“In the digital media age, the world is now a viable mission field for every church regardless of size or location. The Foundation, whose purpose is to support the vision and mission of the church, was pleased to step up to fund the equipment for this initiative which was outside the operating budget. Our leadership saw a need and the Foundation answered.”
As the Foundation said “YES” to this project we also learned that live streaming trends are good news for churches. This method helps regular attendees stay connected even when traveling while simultaneously engaging with formerly-churched and unchurched people.
While Schweitzer’s online service has been effective, the ability to live stream allows everyone to experience special elements within our weekly services, including baptisms, Confirmation, live music and worship moments common at Schweitzer.
Going “LIVE” has been no small feat! For the past six months, this meant transforming our former Sacristy space into an all new production room. Schweitzer staff worked with Southwest Audio-Visual to install televisions, speakers, high-definition cameras, a video switcher, a new soundboard and hundreds of feet of cable. This new endeavor also meant recruiting and training a team of new volunteers. By the way, live streaming takes many volunteers behind the scenes.
The new live stream equipment has also provided another benefit as video and audio are now available in the Fellowship Center. This is especially helpful for families and individuals needing additional space to move around.
Again, we are thankful and eager to celebrate what God has in store in this next season at Schweitzer.