Rector's note & technology request

Dear Friends in Christ, 

When the quick transition to online worship, classes, studies, and more began we were using a hodgepodge collection of phone cameras, employee and volunteer home computers, borrowed cables, microphones with frayed wires, and working around internet that cut in and out with little notice and that did not have the bandwidth to manage large files (like video recordings and live streaming).

We have made gradual improvement through the summer and a group including Jonathan Sprinkle, Sunny Bal, Bob Couch, and Herb Burton, working with myself, Mother Kelli, Lois Britton, and Christopher Campbell, and in consultation with our musicians and others, have developed an a/v upgrade plan that will dramatically improve our ability to worship and gather online.  

Some of this we have already seen in action. For example, Lois has worked to ensure that our high-speed internet installation has been successfully completed. We have revised Bell and Tower, streamlined the website for these times, grown our social media and other online capacity, and more. Many have commented on the quality of the anthems, hymns, and other music that we have been able to offer, especially in the recent months. Those rely on a wide array of resources, including microphones, computers, digital storage, and more.

The next phase of the upgrade is to bring high-quality cameras into the sanctuary so that we can begin planning for live-streamed worship, both in the near future and also after the pandemic has passed, so that we can include more folks in their homes, in care facilities, and those who are traveling or have moved away from Tucson. This package includes two high-quality cameras, microphones, and equipment to manage the cameras as well as to ensure good sound quality. In addition, we will need two new computers capable of managing huge audio/visual files and with the capacity to run the programs needed.

We have managed, thus far, to accomplish much working within the budget. However, the next phase and planning for the future will require funds that were unknown prior to the onset of the pandemic.

As we look at the expenses already related to online worship, and take into account the next phase, we are looking to raise $30,000.00 for this work. This amount will also help us make security upgrades on the campus that we have long needed and are now even more important given the relative lack of daily traffic on the grounds (meaning fewer folks to spot mischief in person).

If you are able to donate, I hope that you will do so. This is a crucial part of our ability to continue to worship, learn, pray, and stay connected in the months ahead. You can donate by sending a check to the parish office using the memo line: technology; or by going to the giving page and selecting "wish list - technology" in the drop down box on that page. 

Thank you so much for considering supporting this if you are able. And, as always when we are asking for money, if you are unable to help or need help yourself right now please have no anxiety but know that we are here to help however we are able.

Yours in Christ,

Fr Robert