wfn.org | TechShop saves church groups $8 million, exec says

["NewsDesk" <NewsDesk@UMCOM.ORG>]

May 28, 2003 News media contact: Linda Green7(615)742-54707Nashville, Tenn.  
  10-71B{298}

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - Since launching two years ago, United Methodist
Communications' online computer store has saved the denomination more than $8
million, an agency executive says.

UMCom introduced TechShop, a 24-hour-a-day online store, as a service to
enable United Methodist churches and organizations to buy computer technology
at below retail prices. The biggest share of the savings has come through
sales of Microsoft products, the store's flagship product line, says Linda
Saunders, TechShop manager.  In most cases, those products are offered for 50
percent or less of retail cost, she says.

The store began its relationship with Microsoft Corp. in September 2000 to
provide church entities a less expensive way to buy software. Since then, the
store has added other partnership agreements and now offers Apple, Dell,
Hewlett-Packard, Toshiba and other computer manufacturers and products to the
denomination at reduced prices.  

The United Methodist Book of Discipline charges UMCom with developing,
implementing and maintaining the denomination's "presence on and use of the
Internet, the World Wide Web, or other computer services that can connect
United Methodist conferences, agencies and local churches with one another
and with the larger world."   

Computer software and hardware can be big-ticket items for congregations that
operate on tight budgets, notes the Rev. Larry Hollon, UMCom's top executive.
For a small church, a savings of $100 could be the difference between being
connected to the Internet or not, or being able to have a computer and basic
software or not, he says. 

TechShop also has enabled church agencies and larger organizations to realize
savings.

"TechShop helps United Methodists around the world share stories of God's
healing love," and it enables them to obtain the necessary tools for
ministry, Hollon says.

In its first year, TechShop saved the denomination $4 million, and changes in
the program during 2002 increased the volume of sales, Saunders says. That
indicates United Methodist churches and organizations value the service, she
says.

TechShop's success has allowed the church to extend its ministry by providing
access to information online and by saving money that can be used in other
expressions of ministry, Hollon says.

"Not every church is yet wired to the Internet, but thousands of
congregations are, due to the stewardship of TechShop," he says.

More information about TechShop is available by writing to
techshop@umcom.org, calling toll-free (888) 346-3862 or visiting
https://secure.umcom.org/techshop.

 
 

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United Methodist News Service
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