In response to restrictions on physical gatherings, churches everywhere have been exploring new ways to use technology to extend their reach as the body of Christ.
The phrase “Where the Digital Meets the Divine” comes from DeEtte Decker (https://deettedecker.com), Storyteller + Social Media Strategist for the Presbyterian Church (USA) denomination. Through videos, Facebook groups, and zoom webinars, DeEtte has been encouraging and training mainline churches in how to use new technologies as ministry tools and service opportunities.
St. Andrew has joined forces with the Presbytery of East Iowa to invite her to Iowa City to share in-person more of her practical thoughts and theological insights.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday Oct. 23, St. Andrew and the Presbytery of East Iowa will be hosting a Workshop + Retreat in which we can explore the intersection between the Digital + the Divine that has opened in our COVID + Post-COVID world.
Throughout the morning sessions, DeEtte will lead us through conversations on the complexities of our current moment. During her discussions, she’ll be joined by the Rev. Dr. Jan Schnell, a professor of liturgics at Wartburg Theological Seminary, and other voices. After lunch is provided, she will focus on a broader discussion of how technology can be both freeingly fun and frustratingly finicky.
For those looking to join remotely, all the events will be streamed on St. Andrew’s YouTube channel (https://bit.ly//SAPCYouTube) and participants can join the discussion via live chat.
While the seminar portion will end at 2 p.m., the Presbytery’s Pastoral Care Team will offer an afternoon debriefing session to those who wish to talk more. Participants also can stay to walk through St. Andrew’s wildflower trails or even play a pick-up game of pickleball.
The conversation then continues on Sunday morning, when DeEtte will speak in St. Andrew’s 8:30 and 11 a.m. worship services. In between, she will be available for more informal discussions about the role of the church both in-person and online.
To register for any part of the Workshop + Retreat, please click here. Please keep checking St. Andrew’s webpage for updated information, or contact St. Andrew’s church office with any questions: office@saintandrew-ic.org.
