Enhanced Web site brings together people, information

The social networking element is a big part of the redesigned United Methodist Web site.
By LINDA M. LINONIS
VINDICATOR RELIGION EDITOR
If you believe God is everywhere, that includes cyberspace.
The United Methodist Church is one of many denominations online. It's touting the launch of its redesigned and enhanced Web site, www.umc.org, that also functions as a social networking site.
"You have to have an online presence," said the Rev. Larry Hollon, general secretary of United Methodist Communications in Nashville, in a recent telephone interview. The site has a director of Web ministry. The title and job, unheard of before computers became commonplace, reflect how mainline denominations are using the power of the Internet to reach people.
Many individual churches maintain Web sites; some done professionally and others by church members or staff. The Diocese of Youngstown maintains a site, www.doy.org, which offers a variety of information about the diocese, offices, churches, schools and the Catholic Exponent newspaper. St. Patrick Church, 1420 Oak Hill Ave., Youngstown, offers www.stpatsyoungstown.com, complete with an Irish flair.
The Rev. Mr. Hollon said the two groups who access the UMC site most frequently are "people who hold positions within the church and clergy" and "laity ... church members ... who are looking for more information on the church and want to grow in their faith."
Filling quests
Mr. Hollon said he felt new aspects of the site fill many quests of those in cyberspace. They include:
For people who want to make a difference, there are multiple UMC projects. Computer users can click on the "serve" tab and volunteer opportunities come up; click on "our people" to read about how UMC members are working in communities.
For people seeking out a church or spiritual comfort, click on "our faith" to learn more about Methodist beliefs, discipleship, mission and ministry. Or try the "prayer" tab that takes you to the prayer request page and the Living Prayer Center, where you can e-mail your request. The request is prayed for at the Upper Room Chapel and also forwarded to prayer groups.
For people looking to give meaning to their lives through a commitment to a church, click on "our world" and learn about how church members aid victims of Hurricane Katrina, work in a ministry for the deaf, help immigrants and experience mission projects. Or try the "lead" tab to immerse yourself in leadership opportunities and what it takes to be a leader.
"UMC.org is more than a Web site -- it's about relationships and bringing people of faith together in innovative ways," Mr. Hollon said. "Now, information about spiritual enrichment is as easy as the click of a mouse."
Mr. Hollon emphasized that the computer user is the one who initiates contact. "The user seeks out information," he said. "We do have a desire to give people information about making contact with a local congregation," he said.
Hollon said the revamping of the UMC Web site was a two-year project. "It was a user-designed process," he explained. Input was gathered from UMC board members, clergy and laity. "And we sought advice from average Internet users," he said. "It was an extensive process."
Heart of Web site
The faith-based social networking aspect could be called the heart of the Web site. It allows users to have online discussions about their faith and more.
"People can create forums on the site," Mr. Hollon said. "For example, they can talk about music at their local church and share information.
"We understand that people want to relate to people," Mr. Hollon said. "They can explain their lives and faith as members of the United Methodist Church."
"It can be the doorway to the church and doorway to the world," he said. "People from around the world can look at the same content and be able to comment ... it's a way of building a community online and getting a global perspective."
In the Community area, users may create a profile page with photographs and personal information and also are able to blog. There's a code of conduct to follow and online safety and mutual respect are emphasized.