The
CONNECT! program has been extended into a second phase this
spring, giving Massachusetts Conference churches three more months to
apply for computer hardware, software and training grants.
In
the first phase of the grant program, 85 churches received nearly $70,000
in grants, enabling them to get the equipment and training needed to
get email and Internet access.
The
program is funded through The Gift and The Promise Campaign,
one component of which is dedicated to linking the Conference churches
and area and Conference offices electronically.
Since
more money is available for the grants, the Commission on Communication
agreed to reopen the program on March 1st, taking applications
through May 31st.
“The
Commission realizes that it takes time to get the word out to churches
about a program like this, and it takes time for churches to asses their
training and technology needs,” said Tiffany Vail, Associate for
Communication and Communication Technology.
In
the first phase of the program, 44 churches replaced old computers,
and 17 bought computers for the first time. Twenty-three churches received
funds to hire tutors or send staff members to classes, and 17 got Web
software or modems to expand their Internet use.
Thirty
churches that received grants for computer equipment, including the
Congregational Church of Belchertown, already have Web sites up and
running. Forty have email.
Todd
B. Farnsworth, pastor of the Belchertown church, said the money could
not have come at a better time.
“I'm
really into computers and the Web. I think it's an important evangelical
tool. I think if Jesus were around today… he'd have a Web site,”
Farnsworth said.
Any
Conference church that has given to Our Church's Wider Mission Basic
Support or to Fellowship Dues during two of the last three years is
eligible for some kind of grant. More than 200 churches are still eligible.
A
church with only an older computer (less than 200 MHz) or with no computer
can get a $1,000 grant for a new computer, as well as $300 to send staff
members to classes or seminars or to hire a tutor.
Churches
that already have newer equipment can also get the $300 training grant,
and can also get $100 toward Web software and $100 toward a modem, if
needed.
“This
is a great opportunity for all of our churches, but time is running
out,” Vail said.
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