This week at our Synod Pastors' conference we have been talking, in part, about social media. If that's a foreign phrase to you, social media are things like Facebook, Twitter, and Linked-In, all web-based ways of communicating.

Social Media is an interesting phrase. First of all, it makes me wonder what "anti-social media" would be. More importantly, it connects people and creates communities who are not necessarily in the same geographical space. It can unite people from different walks of life and different perspectives on important life issues, as well as people with common interests and priorities.

How does SOTH use social media? Good question. We have a page on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shepherd-of-the-Hills-Lutheran-Church-Fort-Collins-CO/381110299971 and we are on Twitter @SOTHFtC. You can find me on Facebook and on Twitter @PastorDana. I also have a blog that I'd love for you to read, called "On The Ride of My Life," http://ontherideofmylife.blogspot.com/ .

 We choose to be involved with these communication tools because they are effective ways for us to touch more people more often. We hope to be in more frequent communication with member/disciples, friends and seekers because we are accessible in many ways. Lutherans can look right back to Luther himself for our inspiration!    

 It was Martin himself who translated the Bible into German so that people could access the scripture in their own language. He translated the Mass out of Latin into German so that churchgoers could understand what was happening in worship and not depend on the priest to do everything on their behalf. He put sacred lyrics to popular barroom songs so that people could sing in a musical form they understood. And don't forget that the Reformation got its start because Luther's 95 theses were translated into the common language and printed with that technological marvel, the printing press! If the tools for social media had been around in his day, Luther would most certainly have been on Twitter.

Every way we can share Jesus with people and connect is important. Ultimately, the best way is still     simply to have conversation with people, face to face, to listen to their concerns and speak a word of love into another's life. Social media can be a wonderful way to move toward those face to face encounters. Tweet On!

Blessings,

PD

ps: don't forget to check our remodeled website, www.sothftc.org!