Jason Powell - Church IT and Other Musings

Church IT News to Note...

- Granger Church IT Roundtable June 26th

- ** CHURCH IT RESOURCE LIST **
- Roundtable news
- Take the Church IT Survey
- Listen/join the Church IT Podcast
- Join the Church IT IRC channel (instant chat link)

Church IT/IS/Web Positions at Christ Fellowship in sunny Florida

Jason Reynolds just sent me this info on 3 positions open on his team at Christ Fellowhip. If you know of someone with the right heart and skills and would like to live in Flordia (duh! who wouldn't!) please send them this info.

You chasing Jesus?

Love Jesus and have serious technology skills too? Want to make a contribution to something big? Does the idea of leaving a legacy spark something in your soul?

If the above fits and you are either an IT, IS, or Web superman or superwoman, one of our three manager spots at Christ Fellowship church in Palm Beach Gardens may be of interest to you. Our Information Systems department is a team of ten focused on serving our church staff and attendees with great skill and great heart.

Factoids

Something you may be interested to know about our church is that we run a large Mac network and Mac computers with 16T of storage. We use open source any time we can, which allows us to share what works with other churches around the nation. Oh, and we are considering now the decision to go HD Video in the next few years, which will change the way we approach multimedia, storage, networks, digital community, resourcing our volunteers with video training, etc.

Contribution Opportunities

If you have five or more years of management experience leading Interactive, Information Systems, or Information Technology teams, check out:

    * Interactive Platform Manager - All things web and web marketing, except content creation and management.
    * Information Systems Manager - All things database, enterprise software, analytics, and reporting.
    * Information Technology Manager - All things hardware, network, help-desk, and asset management.

Some Notes from Friday's GCC IT Roundtable

Big thanks to Craig Stein for sending me his notes from Friday's roundtable discussion to post here.  I also noticed that Jason Lee has his notes posted online as well here
As the facilitator I rely on everyone else to take notes for me :-)

CITRT “Best Effort”  notes regarding discussions

 

When is the right time to go to a SAN

o    Centralizing storage, virtualization, increasing need for space for applications such as video

o    Talked about costs, high availability and DR

 

Storage, touched on this on a number of other discussion topics 

 

Managing IM traffic, blocking policies

o    Open DNS is being used by a number of people

o    IP cop

o    Sonicwall CMS, Bing was being blocked, Bing created a subdomain to fix issue

o    Facetime is an app that will archive IM traffic but not block it

Content Filtering, SPAM

o    Good discussion on products and policies

o    Open DNS, safeeyes, ethershield

o    Legality and vulnerability

o    Netsweeper, daily reporting

o    Question about mobile support, safeeyes

o    Triple X Church offers some resources also

o    Untangle recommended also

o    Astaro was another to check out

 

DR planning, best practices, whitepaper or guide

o    MozyPro

o    CrashPlan, peer to peer backup, supports encryption, brings up some

o    CERT, DR, AUP, etc.  Jason wants to get wiki page on this as a shared resource

 

Virtualization

o    Many folks are embracing, group talked about benefits and some costs, Jason referred those looking for more info to talk to anyone else in the group for how to get started

 

Collaboration

o    Sharing information among pastor groups

o    Live Mesh

o    Skype Beta does desktop sharing

o    Adobe connect

 

Conference Call

o    Freeconferencecall.com

 

Email Filtering, SPAM

o    Postini, $1500 is min cost per year

o    MXLogic

o    Barracuda, several people using with mixed results

o    Exchange Defender

o    Using for inbound and outbound filtering

o    Education, many users are still sending CC info over email, etc

 

Internal network security, VLAN, Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliance

o    Cornell "spider" crawls network for SS numbers, CC info etc.

o    Good discussion on drive encryption

o    Have to determine level of acceptable risk

o    Network is never secure enough

o    Need to balance security with ease of use

 

Desktop System Lockdown

o    Discussed local admin rights for users,

o    Unauthorized use/installation of software

o    Need to keep in mind functionality

o    Support of non-official  software, most do best effort or sometimes move to bottom of support list

o    Approved software list is basis for determining support

o    Rights elevation tools were discussed, steelsonic.com,

o    Encrypted runas

 

Malicious Software Removal

o    Sys internals tool

o    Malware Bytes

 

OS deployment

o    Windows there are lot of choices

o    Clonezilla, reported as far from awesome

o    Fogproject.org, image system to check out

o    Caspersuite, mac only

 

VDI/TC

o    Vmware View

o    Windows Server 2008

 

Passwords, Security policies

o    Most are requiring complex passwords

o    Keeping Admin passwords, ewallet, passpack.com

o    Discussed policies on changing passwords

o    Discussed need to identifying all of the passwords and authorizations for all of IT

 

Technology /Social networking to promote the gospel

o    Discussed pitfalls of managing social media accounts and usage

o    Usage should tie into leadership's vision of church outreach

o    Many church leaders do not know of social media tools or potential

o    This is a wave of the future and allows communications and relationships

 

VOIP

o    Several people are using SIP trunks from bandwidth.com, adtran unit came to connect to phone switch

o    Some config for setting up reverse 911 for locations

o    Reported excellent support as well

o    Lenghty discussion on VOIP, QoS.  Serveral good resources in the group if more information is needed

 

Internal, Outsourcing, Colo

o    Most agreed hosting websites offsite was the way to go

 

Google Apps

o    Several people are using or piloting

o    Northpoint Church is using GA

 

Hosted Exchange

o    Cannot discount for non-profit, this rumored to change in Ex 2010

o    Sherweb is one hosting provider mentioned

 

Approachability, Friendly IT

o    Ticketing system, zendesk is a suggested application

o    Facilitytree

o    Good discussion on tracking time spent on tickets to determine resources needed to support

o    Also can help to predict downtime periods for scheduling  larger projects

GCC IT Roundtable June 26th .. still space for you to attend .. but hurry

Just a quick reminder that the IT Roundtable at GCC is approaching quickly!  But, there's still time for you to register :-)

I believe we're up to 20 attendees now We're pushing 30 now! ... and can take another 5-10  ... if you're riding the fence go sign up now to claim your spot!

Sorry - to keep things manageable we've closed the registration.

All the juicy info is here http://citrt.pbworks.com/GCC-IT-Roundtable

The underbelly of technology nobody talks about...

In case you missed it or you're not following my boss Kem Meyer ... she recently delivered a keynote for the Dynamic Church Conference entitled "The underbelly of technology nobody talks about"

If your role has something to do with IT (and even it if doesn't) I'd strongly recommend you watch her presentation.  Great stuff to chew on.

DC09: Kem Meyer Keynote from Fellowship Technologies on Vimeo.

Want a FREE WiredChurches.com Workshop/Practicum?!

That's right! I've been authorized to give the following deal to one lucky person: buy one workshop/practicum get one free!

Give the free one away as a gift or come with a friend/teammate and split the cost. You can use the buy one/get one on any workshop or practicum (includes the IT Roundtable) that's being hosted on June 25 or 26.

You interested? You should be! Just leave a comment below and I'll pick a random winner from the comments left next Tuesday.

How I use Priceline to get great hotel deals

A number of people have asked how I use Priceline to get crazy good deals on hotels ... most recently 3.5 star Hyatt Regency for $34 ($45 after tax and fees). Well, here's a video of the process I use combining biddingfortravel.com and priceline.com ... happy bidding!  (thanks denon.cx for hosting the video)

Here's the video

Church IT Roundtable at GCC June 26th!

It's that time ... time for our annual GCC Church IT Roundtable!  If you've not been to a roundtable yet you are flat missing out!

What: 

A roundtable is a peer-learning event where the participants are both teachers and learners. A roundtable is:

• Small enough to emphasize interactive learning
• Led by a facilitator and peer
• Includes participants who have an affinity with each other
• Does not include a strong agenda beyond sharing knowledge

Where:

Granger Community Church, Granger, IN (South Bend area)

When:

June 25th - evening dinner meet-n-greet (dinner courtesty of SPONSOR SLOT STILL OPEN) ... perhaps some xbox gaming afterwards?

June 26th - roundtable 9am - 4pm

June 26th - post roundtable dinner and chat time (dinner courtesy of VR6 Systems - Dell EqualLogic Storage)

Who: 

Anyone responsible for Information Technology in a ministry setting ... Business Admins, IT Directors, Network Admins, Helpdesk, staff or volunteers ... regardless of church/organization size. 

Purpose

To meet other IT staff and volunteers

• Encouragement - "I am not alone." "Here I am understood."
• Confidence - "I'm not so crazy after all."
• Relationship - Develop on-going friendships

To advance the diffusion of innovation in a given topic area

• Sharing knowledge, lessons learned, and experiences
• Sorting out the big picture. How does it all fit? Where are we going?
• Synergy of new ideas, new perspectives, and new dreams

To facilitate collaboration

• Explore opportunities for teaming up to accomplish common goals
• "Network" - Learn who knows what and who is doing what

How much:

$99 (includes lunch, snacks and both dinners)

signup here (note WiredChurches calls this the IT Practicum)

Hurry up and sign up today!  You won't regret it.  Check out some info from last year's event

Cast Your Vote - Church IT Podcast moving back to daytime?

A number of people have been requesting we move at least one of the 2 monthly podcasts back to a daytime time slot. I've heard you laments! :-)

Here's your chance to vote on the day and time for the next podcast coming up next week.  Just follow the simple directions here http://whenisgood.net/mSeCUz

The power is yours!

Didn't know we do a podcast?  Go here and learn http://churchITpodcast.com

Willow Creek Community Church - Technical Support Specialist Opening

Beth over at Willow Creek sent this job opening to us recently. Pretty sweet opportunity for some lucky guy/gal :-)

Willow Creek Community Church - Information Systems - Technical Support Specialist (FT)
This position is responsible for identifying and resolving hardware and software problems on PC and Mac computers at the church. Additionally, this position can include new software installation, new equipment distribution, user training, and tracking of inventory. We are seeking a person who is passionate about leveraging technology in the church for the cause of Christ. Those with previous experience in hardware/software support, PC and Mac operating systems, and spiritual gifts of Helps and Administration should apply.

Install microcomputer hardware and peripheral components on both PC and Macintosh platforms. Load and verify correct operation of operating systems and other software.

Provide user training and technical assistance. Identify and resolve hardware, software, and operator problems and make repairs to refer to outside vendors. Maintain consistent customer service attitude

Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation and records to track inventory and work activity.

Maintain up-to-date awareness of PC and Macintosh hardware and software developments and make recommendation for upgrades to existing platforms or replacement with new platforms, based on cost effective uses of technology to meet identified user needs. Maintain relationships with outside vendors and technical advisors to ensure access to information on new development and optimum pricing.

Coordinate the work of volunteer teams, ensuring definition and assignment of task, quality assurance of completion while building caring relationships.

Beth Hayes
Information Technology Operations Manager
Willow Creek Community Church
224-512-1101

Church Techies Biggest Loser #4

That's right ... we're firing up another church tech biggest loser contest!

This one starts Friday and Ends Aug 7 ... but you can join anytime.

Here are our guidelines/rules based off our prior BL1 , BL2 and BL3 contests ...

Eligibility

Any church IT, Web, AV, Tech/Production Arts staff (full or part-time role) ... If you fill these roles as a volunteer you're eligible too.  Church ChMS peeps and other Church tech consultants are encouraged to join as well :-)

Don't fit the above roles, but want to join too? Shoot me an email and we can discuss.

$25 to register ... no refunds period!

Dates

• Starts Friday May 8th ... but you can join at ANY TIME. Just means you have less time to burn off the flab.
• Ends August 7th (3 months)
• Winners get a split of the total registration pot less paypal transaction fees (~2.5%) ... breakdown of 75%, 20%, 5% ... we'll also get vendors to kick in prizes too and those well be in the mix to choose from as well.

Weigh Ins

• Weigh ins must occur each Friday at the same time of day. You can only miss a weigh in or 2 before you'll start getting nasty emails from me ;-)
  • Missing 2 weigh ins in a row will most likely get you booted from the contest (no refund). It's not fair to others who are keeping their stats updated, especially once the contest is getting down the wire.
• Participants will record their weekly weigh each Friday in our online Zoho Spreadsheet (you'll get an email after you register).
• The same scale must be used for each weigh in.
• The same clothes or lack thereof must be worn at each weigh in.
• Weigh ins will be recorded in whole pounds. If your scale reports partial pounds just drop the fraction.
• In the final 2 weeks there will be a cap on how much weight you can drop in a given week period ... to keep away from large dehydration techniques ;-)

Winning

It's not very fancy, but whoever has the largest weight loss % wins. (max weight - min weight) / max weight

Honor System

The contest assumes that all participants will follow the teachings of the Bible ... you know ... don't lie, don't cheat! If you are dishonest God will deal with you justly.

If you're in ... hit this link to register. If you prefer to send $ another way just shoot me an email (gccjason at gmail) and we'll discuss.

Can't Make it to MinistryTECH next week? Watch the live stream

I'm stealing this directly from Jason Lee's blog ... yup, I'm that lazy ...

Geeky but grounded? 
Plugged-in but cash-strapped? 
Interested but otherwise occupied?

If you can’t physically make it to MinistryTech for some end-of-the-world reason, you can still take in part of the excitement virtually. We’ll be streaming selected workshops and all keynote sessions during the conference, FREE!

So fire up your smartphone, laptop, or other cool gadget and keep it with you at all times. Nothing is more important than MinistryTech’09. Here are some things to think about:

• Wife having a baby? No problem, use headphones. Imagine what an awesome thing it will be for you to be able to say that your newborn’s first geek experience was at age 0.1!
• Don’t have enough money to travel? This is free. Mooch some wireless at Panera.
• Actually have a job you can’t get away from? This will help you enjoy that more.
• Don’t like Colorado? Whatever.
• Afraid someone will ask what you’re doing? Don’t worry. They know you’re a geek. Tell them you’re logged on with hundreds of other “smart people” discussing the next generation of Church Integration Networking Social Internet Directory Management Infrastructure Ministry — you know, the ChINSIDIMS — 2.0.
• Get lots of [throw in some acronyms here]!
• It’s better than trying to follow someone else’s blog that is actually a digest of their tweets which just goes to prove their not really paying attention anyway.

 
So how do you partake in this virtual goodness?  
Register Here so we can make plans to reserve your virtual seat (the soft comfy recliners will go first, oh wait, you choose your own seat..)

Switch from Exchange to Google Apps? Join the discussion on citrt.org

I've been pondering the switch from Exchange to Google Apps as GCC's corporate email solution for over a year.  While there are a couple of obvious benefits to switching to GApps, my team's hesitation has been the overwhelming number of unknowns along with a number of features we know we'd loose.  Getting answers to our unknowns has been a challenge ... and in talking with other church IT peers we all have similar questions.

For non-profits, Exchange really doesn't cost much, offers a ton of enterprise class features, and in our experience requires little day-to-day maintenance.  However, we're not married to Exchange and if there are solid and compelling reasons to switch we would seriously consider it. 

To that end a couple of us got together and started a wiki page on citrt.org listing all the questions/concerns we have about Google Apps as an Exchange replacement. http://citrt.pbwiki.com/Google-Apps-Pros-Cons-Other We've already had 29 updates to the wiki page and it's barely 24hrs old :-)

What about you?  Do have Google Apps questions you'd like to have answered?  A few of our church IT peers have made the switch already and we hope they'll help answer our questions (they better!).  Better yet, do you know someone at Google that can weigh in?  Regardless, please join in the discussion.

Church IT/Web/Tech Biggest Loser 3 Winners!

Last Thursday marked the end of our 3rd installment of Church Tech’s Biggest Loser contest.  Check out the prior BL1 results and BL2 results

This time 34 contestants plunked down $25 to join the fun which started Nov 13th and ended March 13th.

Here are our winners!

1st – Adam Callender – Technical Arts Director - Granger Community Church – Adam lost 47 lbs which equates to a 19.83% loss!  Way to go dude … you are THE biggest loser :-)

2nd – Mark Wyse – Tech Director – Blackhawk Church – Mark lost 31 lbs or 15.98%

3rd – Melissa Kohler – Communications Specialist – Ginger Creek Community Church – Melissa lost 27 lbs or 15.17%

4th – Derek Berg – IT Director – Woodland  Community Church – Derek lost 31 lbs or 10.88%

So after paypal fees the POT ended up at $814.98 to be disbursed at $611.24 for 1st, $163 for 2nd, and $40.75 for 3rd.  Once again however, VR6 Systems (my side gig selling EqualLogic storage) tossed in an extra prize … this time an 8GB iPod Touch … so we have 4 winners vs 3.  Wonder who will opt for the iPod vs. cash :-)

Thanks to all that participated in doing their part to make the earth a less massive place to live … we’ll fire up another biggest loser in a few months if there’s interest.

MinistryTECH limited time reduced rate of $199

Great news for those of you that were finding it hard to get prior funding for ministryTECH this spring.  Terrell has taken our suggestion and dropped the price considerably! w00t!

I’ve signed my team and encourage you to register right now to lock in this rate.  Colorado Springs is the place to be April 22-24.  I’ve even been asked to be this year’s Emcee – oh boy! :-)

From Terrell - The banks got their bailout, the car makers got theirs, new home buyers even got a break. How about a sweet free money deal for MinistryTECH attendees? Since the Fed won’t help out, MinistryTECH will.

We have 100 registrations to MinistryTECH available now for $199 each. Group rates (3 or more) are only $179 each. This special rate is almost $100 less than the earlybird rate. BUT there are only 100 seats avaialable at this rate. After they are sold rates go back to full price - $325. You must register now to get this special rate.

We’ve heard from many people who want to attend but have crushed budgets. Many attendees will be paying their own way this year, but they still want the experience and fellowship from the largest gathering of church IT staff and volunteers in the nation.

Register today to get this special $199 rate. After the 100 discounted registrations are sold the price will go back to full price - $325. See you in Colorado Springs!

Other tidbits …

Keynotes:

Brad Sheriff - Sonic Drive-ins
Jeff Wilson - Henderson Hills Baptist Church
David Drinnon - Second Baptist Church
Mike Gold - Willow Creek Community Church

Emcee:

Jason Powell - Granger Community Church

Sponsors:

MainStreetOpen.com
Willow Creek Association
Church IT RoundTable
Church Community Builder

April 22 - Ministry Technology Tour:

Compassion International
New Life Community Church
Focus on the Family

You find the entire conference schedule, travel info, etc at www.ministryTECH.org

Strengths Finder 2.0 Results

Our entire Comm/Web/IT team recently retook the StengthsFinder test, this time using the new 2.0 version. (my prior results)  This is a very valuable tool that I’d encourage everyone to use…especially among your teams.  In fact it’s part of my hiring process … that’s how much weight I give it. 

The Clifton StrengthsFinder measures the presence of talent in 34 categories called "themes." These themes were determined by Gallup as those that most consistently predict outstanding performance. The greater the presence of a theme of talent within a person, the more likely that person is to spontaneously exhibit those talents in day-to-day behaviors.Focusing on naturally powerful talents helps people use them as the foundation of strengths and enjoy personal, academic, and career success through consistent, near-perfect performance.
Below are my top five themes of talent, ranked in the order revealed by my responses to the Clifton StrengthsFinder.
How well do you think these themes describe me?

Analytical

People who are especially talented in the Analytical theme search for reasons and causes. They have the ability to think about all the factors that might affect a situation.

By nature, you can invent reasonably sequenced processes for performing various tasks. Having familiar patterns to follow makes it easier for everyone involved to handle recurring activities with ease and efficiency. You probably think favorably about individuals who rely on your processes day after day. People who say they cannot and will not use your system often irritate you. Chances are good that you generally rely on reason to determine how an event, decision, or condition led to an outcome. You usually desire to understand how things converge to produce the final result.

Deliberative

People who are especially talented in the Deliberative theme are best described by the serious care they take in making decisions or choices. They anticipate the obstacles.

Chances are good that you are likely to be the team member who is known for weighing the pros and cons rather than rushing recklessly to conclusions. You seldom make impulsive or rash decisions. Driven by your talents, you characteristically are quite reserved. You carefully consider just about everything you say and do. This explains to a large degree why you are happy to let someone else begin discussions. You prefer to listen to others talk.

Learner

People who are especially talented in the Learner theme have a great desire to learn and want to continuously improve. In particular, the process of learning, rather than the outcome, excites them.

By nature, you prefer to work in groups. You are attracted to teams whose activities and challenges intrigue you. You usually give these matters your undivided attention. Instinctively, you sometimes dedicate yourself to acquiring specific types of knowledge or using particular skills. Maybe you are self-taught. Maybe you work with an instructor, trainer, coach, or mentor. You might embrace opportunities to expose your mind to new ideas. You might welcome the chance to practice new ways of plying -- that is, diligently practicing – a trade or a craft. Driven by your talents, you occasionally dedicate yourself to acquiring certain kinds of knowledge or skills. You might devote many hours to mental labor. Because of your strengths, you have little difficulty giving intense effort to projects, problems, or opportunities that capture and keep your attention.

Harmony

People who are especially talented in the Harmony theme look for consensus. They don’t enjoy conflict; rather, they seek areas of agreement.

You are hardwired to meet others' high standards. This is how you avoid having conflicts and disagreements with people. Because of your strengths, you resist the temptation of presenting yourself as an expert on everything. Even though you have worked hard to master various topics, disciplines, and skills, you wait to be asked before sharing your knowledge. Usually you refer  people to highly trained individuals when you cannot answer their questions. Your commitment to obtain the correct information and solutions overrides your desire to impress others. As a result, your reputation remains intact.

Relator

People who are especially talented in the Relator theme enjoy close relationships with others. They find deep satisfaction in working hard with friends to achieve a goal.

By nature, you are quite comfortable being honest about yourself with others. You harbor very few illusions about who you really are. Furthermore, you can openly acknowledge your mistakes and shortcomings. This is apt to distinguish you from most people. When you have nothing to do, typically you find something to do. Sitting around and wasting time does not suit you at all. It’s very likely that you offer guidance to friends who seek your assistance. While you enjoy being helpful, you probably avoid imposing your ideas on someone unless the person makes a special point of asking you to do so. Driven by your talents, you periodically consider skills you might upgrade to be a better trainer or coach. Perhaps you derive some satisfaction from helping individuals improve personally or professionally. Instinctively, you may be determined to share some of your knowledge, skills, or experiences with people. Perhaps you use this information as a coaching tool if you train someone.

To learn more about the Clifton StrengthsFinder and how you can discover your top five themes, visit http://strengths.gallup.com

3 of my 5 were unchanged … Analytical, Deliberative, Leaner … no surprises there.  Harmony is new, but not a surprise after reading the full blown description.  Relator was the biggest surprise.  It certainly is me, but I would never have thought that was a strength.  Hmm.

We have a big team meeting tomorrow to talk about our new results so I’m curious to learn how everyone else scored this time around.  I’m also interested to dig into my “Personalized Ideas for Action Report” to get ideas on how to leverage these talent areas.  Interesting stuff.

Workshops Coming to GCC

 

Wondering about practical events where you get tools and training for your team? WiredChurches.com workshops are teacher-led, classroom-style, one-day events. Boring they are not. You'll hear from Granger leaders about what works and what doesn’t. Practicums are facilitator-led, round-table discussions. It’s the sit-down, roll-up-your-sleeves conversation you’re craving. Not quite a support group but an informal, safe place where you can share and gain ideas from others like you.

NEW! Events grouped into two-day chunks. Make the most of your travel...come for one day or stay for two. NEW! Everyone gathers together for a half hour of worship on both days before breaking into individual workshops and practicums.

Events happening Thursday and Friday, March 5-6, 2009

Thursday
• First Impressions [Keep guests coming back]
• Kids [Creating safe, fun space for kids]
• Less Clutter. Less Noise. [How to get the word out]
• Pop Goes The Church [Leveraging pop culture in your church]
• Student Ministry Practicum [Reaching students]
• Worship Leaders Practicum [Leading worship]

Friday
• NEW! Lasting Impressions [Keeping guests engaged & growing]
• Maximizing the Arts [Unleashing the arts]
• Simply Strategic Volunteers [Finding and keeping volunteers]
• Web Strategy [Strategies to build an effective Web site]
• Technical Arts Practicum [Using lighting, sound & media]

One-price: Pre-register to get $20 discount rate of $99 per person, per day. Includes materials and lunch. Where & When: Granger Community Church campus, 90 miles east of Chicago,
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday and/or Friday, March 5-6, 2009.

Church IT Events Coming ...

There's a number of Church IT events on the horizon you should take note of ...

Church IT Roundtable at Granger Community Church June 26 - We're moving the GCC roundtable from it's traditional fall timeslot to summer.  Perhaps we should call this the Midwest Roundtable?  Regardless, it's open to anyone from anywhere and registration is open now.

Fall 09 National Church IT Roundtable is still TBD - we've not talked much yet about plans for our big national fall event.  My vote is somewhere on the West coast since we've not held anything West yet. Who's interested in hosting? :-)

I'm hearing from a number of people that this year's budget constraints are really limiting where and what they can attend.  I think this is one reason why we're seeing increased interest in regional events that don't require big travel expenses.

Florida Church IT Roundtable Jan 26

Man I wish I could find the $$ to attend this event where it's nice a warm :-)

From our pal Jason Reynolds ...

The Florida CITRT will gather IT professionals from across Florida’s diverse churches and ministries together to interact and participate in big ideas, new dreams and new perspectives. I would like to personally invite you to this unique opportunity to meet with large Florida churches and ministries this coming January 26th. You may be familiar with the National Church IT Roundtable events, but this will be a regional IT Roundtable event specifically for Florida ministries and the challenges we face. It will be a relaxed, unconference event with heavy focus on getting to know other IT Leaders and what they are doing.

You can find out as much detail as we know right now by clicking through the wiki page links to the right of this box, or just go ahead and register now. Make plans to come play for a day. We are serving a great breakfast and lunch that you won't want to miss. Also, Christ Fellowship West Palm needs to test out our new guest wireless system and what better way than to put geeks in some rooms to hammer it?

Merry Christmas From The Powell Family

A Little Cable Management Tip

Ever have a cable fall behind your desk? ... then you have crawl under and try to push it back into position without it falling back down?

Yup, I hate that too!!

So one day a few years back I came up with a very simple solution ... binder clips.

Attach the clip to the end of your cable (power, network, etc) and never worry about loosing it behind your desk again!

I'm sure this is not a jpowell original design, but I'd not seen it before.  I was reminded of this simple solution while giving my office a major purge last week and figured I'd share with the group :-)