LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 1998, Page 47

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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-