Looking through today's issue of of The Lutheran's weekly e-newsletter, I saw an interesting article about Campus Ministry's use of Facebook. Two thousand plus years ago Jesus was networking in the ways of the time, so what would he do in the age of computers?

Facebook has allowed people around the world, including religious connections like Campus Ministry, to connect to talk and share about common interests, gather people for events, promote causes, and stay connected with one another.

How could a congregation use Facebook? Maybe connect the young people who are on there anyway. Share photos from recent events. Invite group members to an event. Hold a study-type discussion. Connect committees to discuss outside of meeting times.

Sometimes the way it's "always been done" needs some looking at and sometimes where people already are is a completely new place!

I should add one quick disclaimer though. There was another article in the same e-newsletter on communication. The subtitle is "The gospel is, after all, a message." Many things can complicate a message, so before jumping into any new communication technique, take a moment to consider if it might confuse your audience more than help them.

If you have any comments on using Facebook or any other new technologies, or if anything like this has worked for you, let us know by posting a comment!

You may have thought I was dead, but really I just got distracted from the blog. I'm back now, and will be devoting myself to more regular posts! It'd be nice to have a blow-you-out-of-the-water post for my first one back, but we'll settle for useful!

If you've ever gotten an e-mail attachment with a file that ends in something like .docx or .xlsx and it doesn't open right OR if you Microsoft Office 2007 - listen up.

These file extensions are from Office 2007. If you have pre-2007 office, your programs won't recognize them, but your computer should prompt you to download a conversion program. This is safe, go ahead and download. It saves the "please send this to me in a different format" conversations.

For those who have Office 2007, when sending files, it would probably be easier to save them as .doc, .xls, etc. files. Again, eliminating conversations and confusion of those who aren't as current as you. There should be a drop-down box (box with a down arrow on the right side) to change the file type. You can also change the settings to always save as a different file type. If anyone can answer the "how to" question, please chime in with a comment, otherwise I'll get back to you once we upgrade (later this year?).

For those considering the switch to 2007, it is considerably different. If you only know how to use your programs because you memorize how to do things, it might not be right for you. If you don't mind spending some time exploring your new programs, I hear there are some new things that might be worthwhile! I'll let you know!

PS. Anyone have any other comments on Office 2007?