Lay and clergy from across the diocese came together to take part in an online Q & A, offering people the opportunity to ask digital related questions and share how their church has adapted to the computer screen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A panel of three seasoned digital users led the session and took it in turns to address queries related to Facebook Live, Zoom, podcasts and many other digital related platforms. They included Richard Earnshaw, Social and Digital Media Officer for the Diocese of Leeds, Jonny Mansfield, Creative Director at Fountains Church Bradford and Revd Eve Ridgeway, Associate Rector at St George’s Leeds.
Revd Kate Currie, Priest-in-Charge at Skelmanthorpe, who attended the online Q & A said, “Working in a rural parish with an older congregation produces its own challenges, not least that I’m also new to digital platforms like Zoom!”
“However, listening to everyone’s contributions and especially learning about the dial in facility was an inspiration, it is definitely something I will explore how to do.”
Richard Earnshaw left the Q & A “feeling encouraged and inspired by all that our churches are doing during this difficult time to stay connected and share the good news of the Gospel digitally.”
“It was incredible to hear about the hundreds, if not thousands, of people that many of our churches have been able to reach on platforms like Facebook,” said Richard.
Revd Sue McWhinney, a curate at St Wilfrid's Calverley, who also participated in the Zoom meeting said, “I found this session really helpful. I’ve become quite proficient with programmes like Zoom in the last few weeks, but I still picked up lots of useful tips.”
“I particularly appreciated the advice on how to use the Zoom ‘break-out’ function, and how to use music clips without infringing Copyright.”
Another Zoom Q & A Session will be taking place on Wednesday, May 20 at 7.30pm. If you would like to book a place please send an email to communications@leeds.anglican.org