wfn.org | Second 'Dancing on Web' teleconference set for September

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

April 3, 1998	CONTACT: 	Linda Bloom, (212) 870-3803, New York
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by United Methodist News Service

A second "Dancing on the Web" teleconference is set for Sept. 22, aimed
at helping churches use the Internet in their ministries.

The broadcast will expand upon the first teleconference, which aired
March 17, according to Shirley Whipple Struchen, producer for United
Methodist Communications.

In that broadcast, a panel discussed how and why churches and religious
groups can use the World Wide Web.

Besides United Methodist Communications, other sponsors included the
Religious Public Relations Council and the Houses of Worship Internet
Project.

The first "Dancing on the Web" event reached participants at about 110
downlink sites nationwide, including Hawaii. One of the larger sites, in
Dallas, had 110 participants.

About 60 people, including members of three other faith groups,
participated in the event at the Western Pennsylvania United Methodist
Conference Center in suburban Pittsburgh.

"We had a packed house," said the Rev. Larry Homitsky, council director.
"We turned people away."

Besides viewing the teleconference, Pittsburgh area participants
received on-site demonstrations from a representative of the new Houses
of Worship Web site; a pastor whose church uses the Internet; and a
person experienced in creating sites. They also received mouse pads and
information packets.

Establishing a Web site "is just one other way to let people know about
their church," said Susan Peek, manager of Internet services for United
Methodist Communications and a panel member.

The Internet also can provide resources and connections with other
congregations, she added.

United Methodist Communications has created a "Dancing on the Web" site
(http://umcom.umc.org/commed) with information, tips for congregations,
links and templates. For details on the event, call (212) 870-3802.
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EDITORS, FOR OPTIONAL USE IN STORY: An unedited videotape of the first
teleconference is available from EcuFilm for $24.95, plus $3.95 for
shipping. Call 1-800-251-4091 to order.

United Methodist News Service
(615)742-5470
Releases and photos also available at
http://www.umc.org/umns/