by Lou Orbin, past president
In the past few years, I have become more aware of the many national organizations that are active in our church. Each of these organizations work toward the same goals, to make their particular ministry to our church more effective. The members of these organizations share with each other their successes, their dreams and those plans that did not achieve the success that was planned. In all they come together to share their experiences. To learn more about their particular field or area of ministry, how they can be more successful in helping their diocese or those involved in it’s various endeavors. Each person I have met and spoken with, who are involved in various ministries; Family Life, Stewardship, Liturgy, Youth Ministry etc, look to their annual conference as a valuable resource. An opportunity to gain more knowledge. A chance to make more contacts.
Those of us involved in the technology side of our dioceses enjoy those same qualities and opportunities through DISC. Looking back over the years the topics covered at our annual meetings have touched on important issues. Security, Software Licensing, New Technology, Policies and Procedures, Communication Skills, Project Management the list is lengthy. In addition to this learning experience bonds are formed, help is offered and support in what we do is freely given. Each of us has found that changes take place very quickly and it becomes more difficult to be informed about everything. Our best tool at times is knowing who to call when we don’t have the answers. And most likely someone in one of the dioceses has already been involved in finding that solution we too are trying to discover. Many times when questions are posed on our web site through QuickR, Chris, Diane, Kathy, Lee or any of the many others are ready to help out with advice that they have experienced.
Although many of us would like to attend all of the offerings that are out there our diocese can’t afford the fourteen or fifteen hundred dollar conference fee, let alone the transportation and accommodations necessary. Without a doubt your diocese would want to provide educational opportunities to help you be more aware of changes in the IT field and be more effective in assisting the church and it many and various ministries.
Our annual conference is really an investment in you to further your knowledge, it’s a means to keep up to date on the changes that are taking place, it is an educational experience. Plus it’s an opportunity to build relationships helping you to become effective in your ministry to your diocese. The involvement of the membership of DISC demonstrates that we are working together for our church. It has illus-trated to vendors that we are a viable organization and has enabled us to achieve savings for our dioceses and has enabled .
We are looking forward to you joining us this year to celebrate our twentieth anniversary in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Lou Orbin