We have recently upgrade to a new version of Word Press, the free web-based and data-base driven software that runs this website. We had to upgrade because the old version is no longer supported by the maker. The upgrade was not just necessary, but a step forward. The new version has increased functionality, and it is now considerably easier to add content, and to edit existing content than it was. It is also infinitely easier to add pictures to posts and galleries. The install went smoothly, but, as we suspected, our old and familiar “theme” would no longer work. It was just too dated. Fortunately, we had this simple theme on hand for a backup, and we were able to quickly activate it.
We know this theme needs tweaking. For instance, I really hope we can change the color of these type fonts ASAP. (DONE!) Thankfully, in Word Press this is a matter of changing a little code in a style-sheet in order to change the whole site.
As we tweak this theme, we are also revising content, and updating pages. However, by the end of the summer, we anticipate a much more attractive and functional look for the site that will blend our old static site from several years ago, with the functionality of the Word Press site that we are running now.
The trick is to get maximum functionality and service, with minimum effort. Since we have been using Word Press, posting an announcement or a sermon has been about as easy as copying a Word file from one disk to another. Virtually every member of our staff posts to this site on a regular basis.
“In the site used?” Yes, and how. We receive more than 5,000 visits each month, and many of our newer families found us on the web before finding us at 4440 Country Club Road.
“Is the site expensive?” No, this web-site it is super cost efficient, usually costing less than $200 dollars a year to update and maintain.
Our hope and our prayer is that this site will become for its readers a daily source of information about our church and its mission in our community and world.
As you judge this recent update, remember that this website is about functionality, not beauty; yet, as in the case of our sanctuary and church plant, we believe the deepest beauty is in functionality—”form follows function.” Enjoy the new functionality of this site as we work on making the site more attractive. There is lots of good content here, and the new navigational aids should make that content easier to find.
Have a Blessed Epiphany Day,
The Pastor
