My Experience Behind the Scenes of the Online Church Service

Ed Grys, FPC Member

Recently, in response to a call for help with camera work for the online services, I volunteered. I had some experience with technology in our previous church – though not as sophisticated as at FPC. So, I came to learn.

To my amazement, of all the things I learned in the first few weeks of volunteering was how complicated it is to put together the service you can watch at home on Sunday morning.

Much of the service is filmed on Wednesday mornings. Our producer, Nancy Groeneveld, puts together a detailed flowchart that lists the order of service, the participants, and the pre-recorded music. The aim is to weave the theme of the pastor’s message throughout the service. Nancy also coordinates and schedules camera operators, audio techs, musicians, and chooses where each part of the service will be filmed.

Some of the parts of the service are shot at different times and in different locations – and most of the time many of our participants never see each other! It’s like fitting the pieces of a puzzle together, but each piece must fit with the previous section and tie into the next. Coordinating who will do each segment each week and letting them know who will come before them and the context of what they will be talking about and who will follow them and what context they will be referring to is a huge task. Sprinkle in a few ever-changing current event topics and prayer requests that can change some of the details at the last minute, and you can begin to see how dynamic and complex the project is!

Once our team talks through the overall plan for filming, recording begins. This does not always go smoothly! Sometimes a word or name is mispronounced, or a date misstated, or the microphone is slapped inadvertently while making an emphatic gesture. Retakes are common.

Once the filming is finished, videographer Joseph Berggren takes the memory card from the camera(s) and using a computer, creates the final version. He edits each of the segments, speakers, music recordings, children’s sermon, and graphics and combines them to make the seamless church service you enjoy at home on Sunday morning.

All of this time and effort is above and beyond the normal planning and preparation for our in-person church services. I have a new appreciation for Nancy Groeneveld and the entire tech team who put the pieces together to broadcast a meaningful service each Sunday. When you see these folks, remember to thank them for what they do.

On Site Producer – Nancy Groeneveld

Video Producer – Joseph Berggren

Audio Engineer – Bram Groeneveld

Audio/Video Assistant – Eric Ross, Ed Grys

Graphic Design – Janna Leslie

Are you interested in volunteering in video production or communications at FPC? 

Camera Operators: Our online service video team is looking to add camera operators to our Wednesday morning recording sessions. This volunteer position requires experience with different camera settings and lighting situations, and some production experience would be helpful.  

Communications Volunteer: Are you tech-savvy and interested in learning aspects of updating the FPC website and other entry-level tasks of communications at FPC? We are looking for someone high-school age or older for this internship-like position. 

If you are interested in either of these opportunities, send an email to communications@myfpc.org to learn more. 

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Office Hours

The church office will be closed for Labor Day, Monday, September 6.

Beginning the week of September 6, the fall/winter church office will be open Monday through Thursday, 10 am-4 pm for drop-ins. We look forward to helping you!

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Help for Refugees

Donation Drive

In conjunction with Team Rubicon, FPC is participating in a September Donation drive to benefit Afghan refugees. Nearly all Afghan families are arriving with only the clothes on their backs, so needs are immense. Drop off your donations in Fellowship Hall during church office hours: Monday through Thursday, 10 am-4 pm. 

New and gently used items are being accepted. Below is a list of requested items. 

Clothing: 

• Summer/Fall clothes for men women and children 
• unbranded, modest clothing  
• socks, shoes, under garments  

Baby Items:  

• Diapers and Wipes 
• Formula/Bottles 
• Blankets/Swaddles 

Food/Water (individually packaged when possible) 

• Bottled water 
• Water-soluble vitamin powder/liquids 
• Shelf stable, ready-to-eat foods 

Hygiene (individually packaged) 

• Bars of soap (no liquid soap) 
• Shampoo 
• Deodorant 
• Towels 
• Toothpaste/Toothbrushes 
• Shower Shoes 
• Feminine Hygiene Products 

Misc (all unbranded or minimally branded) 

• Pillows and blankets 
• Reusable water bottles 
• Backpacks  
• Hats 
• Sunscreen 
• Bug Spray 

Supporting Afghan Individuals and Families at Fort McCoy

Many Wisconsinites are interested in helping the Afghan individuals and families. Refugees arrive with little beyond the clothes they are wearing and often are very unfamiliar with American ways of life. You can make a real difference by offering your time, skills and gifts to help welcome new Wisconsin residents from a refugee background. The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families has put together this PDF with practical ways for you to help.

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Student Ministry Newsletter

Student are headed back to school, and that means the kickoff of all things Graceland! September 12 will be our first Sunday morning together in the Youth Space at 9:45 when students will connect with others, watch fun videos, and have meaningful discussions about the relevance of God in our lives today. Our Wednesday night Youth Group kicks off on September 15 at 7pm. Click on the button below to read more about fall opportunities in Student Ministry.

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WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS | September 5, 2021

Stephen Ministry at FPC: Providing God’s Care to Hurting People

What is this ministry about?

Extensively trained and supervised Stephen Minister Caregivers provide high-quality, one-on-one confidential Christian care to anyone in need. They provide weekly visits and ongoing support as long as the care receiver needs. Should the care receiver have needs that are beyond the scope of a Stephen Minister Caregiver, they are referred to professional caregivers.

What kind of care is offered from a Stephen Minister?

1. CRISIS CARE – For people experiencing change(s) that significantly challenge their ability to cope. 
2. FOLLOW-UP CARE – After the crisis event. 
3. CHRONIC CARE – For a person whose situation is unlikely to change.
4. PREVENTIVE CARE – Providing care before a crisis occurs.
5. SUPPORTIVE CARE – Care for the caregiver.

How can I find out more about this ministry?

Call the church office at 608-949-9445, or reach out to a pastor or deacon. Stephen Minister Caregivers don’t replace the care of pastors and deacons. They carry it a step further.

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