from the Rev. Canon Brian Cole
I received my first video by text yesterday. I had no idea such a thing was possible, to note that you have a text, only to see a face where the words are supposed to be and the “play” arrow covering up my mother’s face. My mother, now 80 years old, had sent me a text video. To be honest, she appeared in the video, with my third (in age, not popularity) brother being the most likely creator and sender of the text. Still, to receive a text video from your mother on Christmas morning is to be reminded again that THINGS ARE DIFFERENT NOW.
Along with the text video, Susan’s mother gave me a copy of a recent Yale Divinity School journal on the Church and social media. “I thought you would find this helpful.” As a good son-in-law, I told her that the journal would be very helpful and I would look forward to reading it. To be honest, the idea of trying to understand the Church (ancient and always reforming thing) and its interaction with social media (brand new and getting newer all the time thing) makes my head hurt. I still have books I want to read on the Reformation. Now, I have a text videoing mother and a mother-in-law concerned with my continuing education.
In the past year (2011) at All Souls, we have had several staff discussions about website design and our use of social media in order to connect newcomers and members to the community of All Souls. While the Wendell Berry-reading, Luddite side of me wants to shut down sometimes in the midst of such conversations, I recognize the power of social media to connect people.
So much of what we hear is the hunger of this age for relationships. I hear from countless individuals in our community and beyond that they listen to the sermons on the All Souls website. If Facebook or texting or inviting conversations about the Church and new technologies helps us to deepen authentic relationships, then I guess it is time for me to ask my brother how to do that text video thing.
The key is to remember that as we learn new and innovative ways to communicate that we continue to proclaim from a deep place in our lives. Hundreds of people crowded the three Christmas Eve liturgies in order to connect to music, prayer, Scripture, proclamation, Eucharist and an old root in a new season. Then, countless folks went home and commented on the liturgies on Facebook (or texted or tweeted during the service).
We will continue to offer the Centering Prayer time on Thursdays that we began during Advent. The Centering Prayer begins at noon and concludes at 12:30 p.m. We gather in the Owen Library. Please join us as you can.