Communicators Learn about Google Tools

For the next few days the Presbyterian Communicators Network will be meeting in Eagan, Minn., for the Synod of Lakes and Prairies conference on Doing More with Less. There are nearly 40 of us: pastors, administrative assistants, lay volunteers, and communicators meeting here at the Hilton Garden Inn.

After introductions, we shared a devotion time with Synod of the Sun Director of Communications the Rev. Shane Whisler leading us. He shared with us U2 music and lyrics to dive into what is important to Christians. Shane used reflections from Greg Garrett's book, We Get to Carry Each Other: The Gospel According to U2, one of the world's well known bands, which has used lyrics from Bible scriptures like the song "40" from Psalms 40, 13, and 6.

When our meal was over, the Rev. Sarah Moore-Nokes, associate executive director from the Winnebago Presbytery, gave us a great glimpse at using Google Tools to simplify our personal and at work life. One thing I am excited to take home is the use of making iGoogle my desktop view or homepage when my Internet Browser is opened each day. This might even make a good Lunch & Learn session once I get acclimated to this tools. I currently use Docs, Reader, Calendar, Analytics and Search.

Tomorrow there will be training on the Presbyterian Neighbor News and the Presbyterian News Service and a session on Writing for the Web. Until then...

Kim Coulter, Director of Communications