It’s true, some of our systems are very out of date and long due an upgrade. For a long time we have had a projector and screen to view hymns and other media as a church. But the projector has a habit of not starting and someone always had to get a step ladder to start the thing manually.
Pastor Tony, our new pastor, decided it was time for change. So specialist installation guys were hired and possibly the biggest TV screen you have ever seen was fitted above the place where our organist plays. It’s fitted with bolts that fasten right through the wall, so it cannot fall down!
We have WIFI now that at last allows a decent connection to the internet. As well as a screen we also had a camera fitted so that we can video sermons or events for people to watch. Please take a look at our shiny new YouTube channel.
https://www.youtube.com/@UpperStudleyBaptistChurch
The camera itself is very clever and has AI functions that allow it to follow a person’s movements. Of course this means new software and a time of learning, but that’s part of the excitement.
Despite this exciting time of change to new things we’re not abandoning our traditions or changing anything we do; just how we go about doing them.
It’s important to remember that Upper Studley Baptist Church is not a museum, so we don’t keep things just because they are old and people don’t come here just to see antique curiosities. Even though we are a church founded in the late 1800s we want to ensure that we are fit for purpose, for the purpose God has for us and the community around us. Both at home and in the wider world via the Internet. There is a new sign hung above our church door that says “All Are Welcome.”
We want to do more, reach out more and enable more. So being relevant is important, it drives us.
Upper Studley Baptist Church is a place that has always worked hard to bring the grace of God, the freedom of the Holy Spirit and the joy of knowing Jesus to the fore. What we would like most is the chance to share these things with you.
When you come, there will be comfortable seats, cheerful upbeat hymns on the biggest TV you’ve ever seen. We still have hymn books if you want one and we still have tea and cake after. Some traditions really should endure.
The message is two thousand years old and the welcome never changes. It’s just that we’ve updated a bit. Come and see for yourself. All are welcome.
Upper Studley Baptist Church 