An app is not the be-all and end-all of marketing. You can't just throw one out there and expect it to bring people flocking to your doors. It can be part of a marketing strategy, but simply developing an app and sticking it on iTunes is not a strategy. Given the cost of paying someone to write and maintain an app (because an app is not a static thing, but needs updating and ongoing development), it's not something you just do. It's something you plan for as part of an overall strategy. I'd rather see the UCCan (or any other church organization such as the CUC and UUA of which I am a part) do it well than just throw out something half-arsed so they can say that they've done it. A half-arsed app can be worst that no app at all.

Mendalla

I agree SJ46 with the need for an app and the asoption of other tecnologies. I think the answer to your question is likely realted to the problems associated with our system of governence which among other things is very decentralise and means that many churches are not obliged to and do not contribute much or anything at all to the national headquaters. Also the church has a history of difficulty with changing it ways in practical concerns. It happens but it is a struggle. meanwhile the GCO, which is responsiple for the National hq puts out some remarkable theology. I recently read a report on accessibilty for people with disabilities that shocked me because it was so good and not only current but cutting edge in it's anaylsis. Sadly i do not think many outside the GCO exe or staff will see it as it was in a committee report to the GCO exe.

Howver as I see it is is very difficult for the church to present new things locally as it almost always causes an exteme reaction. Womdercafe is an excellant resource and on the leading edge , but even it's launch, which by the standards of launching and advertising a new seevice to day was well done, and actually moderate in it's approach caused an uproar among the many membrs of local congregations, especially the disperportionate % of membrship who are seniors, and live in rural and smaller centres. I suspect they are also responsible for more than there fare share of contributions to The National office. I heards story of people being ashamed and crying and calling officals to tell them how horrible the launch was for them and how ashamed and embararrased they were. Almost unnoticed or not mentioned by them was the aknowledgement that the launch was an amazing success, and generating a lot of free publicity for the church that would appeal to younger peolpe whic the church needs to survive.

the lack of an app and other things, is also inchorent to the message of our leader for the past two years. Which was about saving creation from environmental damage.. The ammount of paper and energy used to distribute things like our magazine would is not very eviromental sound, as i see it. Howevr by not afdressing through our actions the difficulties of running our churches. Means we makeup dor the same mistakes.

Thanks Alex for the words about WonderCafe and its launch!  Yes, we've been tinkering with United Church News app now and then. I believe it is almost there, but I'll check. We've also heard the desire for other apps for resources like Celebrate God's Presence, More Voices, Voices United, etc. Republishing the two music books electronically would involve so many copyright issues it isn't likely to happen soon unfortunately. There may be more possibility with CGP though I think.