Gigabytes for the Gospel

A weekend retreat to explore technology and the use of Church web sites to promote our congregations, inform and involve our members and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to our communities.

Does your congregation need a web site? Do you want to learn how to improve your existing site? Would you like to learn what makes an effective church web site and how to build it? Then we hope you will join us on May 2-4, 2008 at Christmount Christian Assembly in Black Mountain, N.C. for the “Gigabytes for the Gospel” retreat.

All levels of knowledge are welcome: from those who are wondering how to start a church web site to “old pro’s” looking to pick up some new tricks.

The retreat will cover building church web sites from A to Z. We will begin on Friday night with a session on technology, how it is and will continue to impact the church. Saturday we will cover the design and construction of web sites. Saturday afternoon is free time for you to explore in and around Christmount – the mountains should be beautiful in May! Sunday morning we will cover lots of tricks and tips for improving your web site – and of course we will worship together.

Come join us as we talk technology, share ideas, worship, sing and get to know fellow Disciple webmasters.

Buddy Ray – Is volunteer Webmaster of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Georgia website www.gadisciples.org and the Peachtree Corners Christian Church site www.peachtreecornerscc.org. Buddy has a master’s degree in Businesses Information Systems (MBIS) from Georgia State University and began in the computer industry in 1976 as a programmer. By the advent of the World Wide Web, Buddy was Executive Vice President of a large Atlanta Internet development company where he was responsible for the design and development of such web sites as Airtran Airlines and Manheim Auto Auctions. Today Buddy is Executive Editor of Innovations Publishing where he reports on emerging technologies and companies around the southeast. Buddy is a lifelong Disciple and recipient of the Layman of the Year award in Georgia for 2003.

Dean Phelps - is on the regional staff for the Christian Church in Indiana, where he is the Director of Church Multiplication. He is an ordained Disciples minister who has also served churches in Georgia as well as serving on the regional staff in GA. He is an accomplished musician and worship leader.

Heath Coffey – Is the Guest Services Coordinator at Christmount. He is the Webmaster of the the web site www.christmount.org for Christmount Christian Assembly. He is also responsible for all computer technology at Christmount. When not serving as resident Geek, Heath answers phones, makes reservations, and checks in guests. He has a BA in English and Religion/Philosophy. During his free time he is usually in front of his laptop, or at the potters wheel.