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Note #6461 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

01105

New look for PC(USA) Web site signals start of gradual rollout

by Mary Julia Pace

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Web site - www.pcusa.org
- is getting a facelift during the week of April 1.

No foolin'.

Designers and site managers expect the site to be more attractive and to
make information more readily accessible to church members and visitors who
want to know more about the denomination.

The most striking changes have to do with the site's streamlined,
contemporary look and its better use of color and photographs. The new look
is the work of Malcolm Grear Designers, graphic designers from Providence,
R.I., the same firm that in 1985 designed the PC(USA) seal as a symbolic
statement of the church's heritage, identity and mission.

The site needed "clarity, cohesiveness and a consistent look," said Tim
Tait, one of many designers who worked on the project with PC(USA) Web
staff.

The opening page introduces the site's new look and the "pointers" that
direct a user to gathered information. There also is a new search engine
that will work better and be quicker than its predecessor. A denominational
calendar will be a central source of information about PC(USA) meetings and
conferences.

"All of these things … will make it easier for people to find their way
around. That's why we did it - to make it easier for the user," said Dianna
Ott, the Web managing editor, who supervised the 14-month redesign.

Ott said the Web staff began with a conviction that users shouldn't have to
know much about the church to find the information they need.

That gave rise to the new navigational system and the use of page templates
for uniformity. Then began the first in a gradual rollover of the site's
more than 10,000 pages and the creation of hundreds of new pages.

"The unified look should make it easier for users to know where they are,
how to get the information that they came for, and how to find their way to
more information," Ott said.

The Seven Navigational Pages
	
	To structure the vast amount of information available at pcusa.org, the
designers identified seven groupings of information called navigational
pages, which guide users to large identifiable groups of related
information. They are:

Who We Are

This section includes material on the history of the church, Presbyterian
beliefs and practices, denominational statistics, and links to schools,
seminaries, synods and presbyteries and related organizations. Users also
will find frequently asked questions, information about the PC(USA)'s
positions on issues, and an explanation of its organizational structure.

Congregations

Besides the popular congregational directory and its supporting statistical
table, this section will include programs and resources designed
specifically for congregational use, plus evangelism resources, curriculum
and church-redevelopment information.

News and Events

Stories from the Presbyterian News Service will be here, along with other
information, such as appeals for help from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.
Here you will also find the new denominational calendar, which a user can
search by event type, date or subject area. The calendar will be linked to
pages with more information about the listed events.

Resources and Publications

Printed resources and publications will be featured here, including bulletin
inserts, clip art, and items available through the Presbyterian Distribution
Service online ordering system. Also: Christian-education curriculum and the
Book of Order and other church documents.

Ministry and Vocations

Congregations looking for pastors and ministers looking for a call will meet
on this page. There will be links to sections on becoming a minister or
church professional, and resources on theological education and theology and
worship.

Getting Involved

Mission and volunteer opportunities will be featured in this section, along
with information about social justice and advocacy issues. There also will
be links to information about disaster-relief efforts.

Giving and Funding

This section will include financial information about the church, and will
advise users on supporting church programs and mission efforts.
There will be links to pages on church loans and scholarships.

 From the new front page, visitors will be able to access their PresbyNet
discussion groups and to link to daily readings of Scripture.

For assistance in using the new Web site, call PresbyTel at 1-800-UP-2-DATE
(872-3283). Direct comments and suggestions to webmaster@pcusa.org

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