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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
| Hoosier United Methodists together |
February 2004 |
Church's UMC.org site gets new look, more features
By Linda Green
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) -- UMC.org, the Web site of the United Methodist Church, has been redesigned as a place for people worldwide to meet and put their faith into action.
United Methodist Communications, the Web site host, re-launched the www.umc.org site Jan. 16. Visitors will see a site with a new look and feel, said Steve Downey, Web ministry leader at the agency. It will be more user friendly, offering expanded news, analysis, leadership tools and other features. Downey said. The site also will provide support for people on their faith journey and opportunities to connect with a local congregation.
"The new UMC.org helps us all expand and strengthen the connection," said the Rev. Larry Hollon, United Methodist Communications' top executive. "Our research indicated that many UMC.org visitors are seeking ways to be connected locally, and the new Web site will be a virtual community where the church can provide a place for people to learn, share and grow in faith."
The online door to the United Methodist Church draws more than 250,000 visits a month. Introduced in 1995, it was last redesigned four years ago. Research indicated that people around the world are looking online for spiritual clues.
"What makes the Web unique is that it allows people throughout the world to be able to interact with one another in ways they have never been able to do before," said Matt Carlisle, former associate director of communications in Indiana and now Web site executive producer. "It brings a whole new component to spiritual development that allows people to communicate with anyone in the world and share ideas."
"My Spiritual Journey" is a new feature enabling visitors to engage in faith formation through prayer, listening to sermons from around the world, participating in a test that assesses spiritual gifts and learning how those gifts can be used. Another section will help people cope with real life issues and get assistance.
Visitors interested in volunteer service will find local opportunities on the site, and church organizations will be able to post their needs there.
Though reconnecting people with a local congregation is a goal, the site does not replace church, Carlisle said. "It is redefining how you live out your spiritual life online."
Last updated on 04/19/2004