# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_1998_S47 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) SYNODICAL REPORTS 47 Accomplishments Begun in the previous triennium, the Electronic Support for Congregation Outreach is a cooperative effort of Communication Services, Concordia Publishing House (CPH), Lutheran Hour Min- istries (LHM), the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML), Concordia University System, the 150th Anniversary Committee, and other Synod entities. The goal is to establish a five-year plan for internal and external communication strategies that congregations can use. Projects are to be considered that employ computers, CD-ROM, desktop pub- lishing, direct broadcast satellite (DBS), distance learning from Synod campuses, e-mail, fax, interactive audio and video, projec- tion video and other technologies. The effort also is to include building public awareness of a congregation’s ministry through broadcast, cable, public direct broadcast satellite programs, multi- media spot campaigns, and print activities. Congregation input prior to and during the activities is being sought. Coordination among Synod entities and implementation of the five-year plan was assigned to the new Electronic Media de- partment in late 1996. Other accomplishments of the Synod Relations unit include the following: * Negotiation for natignal programs on Odyssey Cable Network and on United States Satellite Broadcasters, Inc., via USSB DBS channels 899 and 999. * Input into the scripts of the animated 1997-98 “Puzzle Club” television specials from LHM for Christmas and Easter. ¢ Consultation with congregations and Synod units. * Implementation of the electronic media relations efforts for the current Synod convention. * The development and distribution to Circuit Counselors; District, college, university, seminary, and national staffs of a kit to en- ‘hance congregation utilization of hometown media in general and newscasts in particular. The kit, in a field test in a top-twenty city, resulted in a phenomenal placement of 87 percent of the sto- ries on television and in newspapers— tips and stories that were done in accord with the kit’s instructions, methods, and systems. Available to congregations, it is titled ‘Tell It! A comprehensive guide to bringing your stories to television, radio and print.” * The governance of FACTA NEWS, Inc., and the launch of pro- grams via USSB DBS; and of Odyssey, the cable network that is already within reach for a million LCMS members in more than 2,000 congregations. * Assistance to promotion of the “Message of Hope” television spots. * Live distribution was arranged for the 150th Anniversary Kiel Auditorium event on Odyssey Cable Network, the LCMS Satel- lite Service, and on two channels of USSB DBS. Plans * Synod Relations will increase its effort to determine what it is that congregations need in the way of electronic media support, print or news assistance, and nurture or outreach events. Radio/television opportunities for Synod spokespersons will be sought. * Assistance will be offered for the placement of Synod officers on radio and television. * Distribution of the “Tell It! ...” kit to benefit congregation com- munity awareness efforts will’continue. Additional opportunities for Synod programs via several direct broadcast satellite systems will be sought. * Liaison with Lutheran Hour Ministries will be maintained to in- crease LHM and LCMS mutual benefit. Assistance will help expand The Jubilee Network to more radio stations. Synod Relations will provide leadership for FACTA NEWS, Inc., and the Odyssey cable channel membership board, in order to secure time for televised news features and Synod belief state- ments. * Assistance will be provided in the production of television docu- mentary and news specials for distribution by networks and by syndication. * A Christmas special on one of the big three networks is in nego- tiation. LCMS Video/LCMS Satellite Service LCMS Video has been providing professional quality video products to the Synod since its initial studio was installed in 1984. During the past triennium, LCMS Video was able to begin a whole new area of communication ministry within the Synod by devel- oping, introducing and operating the LCMS Satellite Service. The Service was seen as an extension of the expertise and facilities res- ident in LCMS Video. Those individuals and entities involved in video production now could use the new satellite distribution sys- tem to disseminate video programs to congregations and homes throughout the Synod. In 1997, the Synod Board of Directors acted to transfer LCMS Video to the Synod’s General Services Department. The BCS op- posed the transfer, believing that the work of LCMS Video and the LCMS Satellite Service were similar and intertwined and that sep- aration of the two would result in fragmentation of the video ef- forts in the Synod, as well as increased cost to the Synod. The transfer of LCMS Video to General Services took place in February 1998. In March, the Synod Board of Directors rescinded its earlier action and LCMS Video again became the responsibility of the BCS. Accomplishments ¢ LCMS Video maintained a state-of-the-art video production fa- cility during the triennium and upgraded some equipment as new technology emerged. * A major video series on LCMS history was completed for the 150th Anniversary effort and made available to the church. * The President’s office was served through assistance in the pro- duction of numerous “greeting” videos produced for congrega- tions and other entities celebrating special events. The Presi- dent’s “Circuit Rider” videos were produced, as well as the President’s report video for use at 1997 District conventions. * A major video project on the work of the LCMS and LCMS World Relief in the Philippines was completed. * Some !0 AAL-funded Media Skills workshops for church-body leaders were conducted during the triennium. ¢ The LCMS Satellite Service effort was launched, tested, and put into regular operation. * An extensive ministry plan for the Satellite Service was com- pleted. * The Satellite Service received a Silver Angel award in February 1998 for one of its children’s programs—‘Story Times with Grandpa Jim.” Plans * The BCS will implement the ministry plan developed for the Satellite Service. * The Satellite Service will explore ways to connect as many con- gregations as possible to the Service during the next triennium. * The BCS will formalize partnerships with Synod entities for new program offerings and increased use of the Satellite Service. Continuing education and distance learning applications for the satellite will be pursued. ¢ The BCS will remain on the cutting edge of both knowledge and use of video and satellite technologies. Creative Services The Creative Services division of the BCS existed until May 1997 when it was closed due to budget cuts. The unit worked dur-