What are the secrets behind these curious symbols? As it often happens, a midweek tweet among thousands sparks a further exchange of questions, observations and comments. Which then goes on to gather more participants, more viewpoints, and ultimately - it becomes the topic of a Twitter chat, especially when it catches the watchful eyes of the Church Social Media group (check the #ChSocM hashtag on Twitter and their website).

Which synod has QR codes posted for their assembly? Nebraska. Bam. #missionpossibleELCA twitter.com/Sarcasticluthe…

— Nadia Bolz-Weber (@Sarcasticluther) May 31, 2013

What started out as a hat tip (HT, in Twitter shorthand) turned into a rather informative discussion about the acceptance of QR codes, ways to improve their acceptance and effectiveness, and some of the ways they have been used, with and without success. This post will begin to unravel this mysterious 'new' technology and its use for communicating your message.

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The cross is empty, the tomb is empty and - on Easter - churches are full. Alleluia!

Looking back over the past few weeks - I've been reflecting on the Easter Sunday experience. Did your church do anything different? Special music or more musicians? More flowers and other decor? Did the people sitting around you differ from your Sunday regulars? Ladies and girls in Easter dresses; men and boys in Easter suits - or at least a little dressier than usual?

Now - what about the week after Easter? Did that Easter experience, either during the worship service or during their visit to your website, bring them back the next week?

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During a recent church social media Twitter chat, the discussion drew its theme from Matthew 7:7. Specifically - seeking, or searching. and the technological manifestation, search engine optimization (SEO).

Seeking and finding on the Internet! How do people find you and your church or judicatory?

The topics:

T1: Do you track how people find your digital presence?
T2: Thinking digitally, how are people finding you? Ads? Keyword search? Linksharing?
T2a: Do you use AdWords or Facebook ads to help people find you?
T3: Where is search on your radar/priorities?
T4: Time to share your #protips. What are your best practices for search optimization?
TBonus: Forgetting the rules of search, what keywords would you want people to use to find you?

Over the course of the chat, some things started surfacing that are worth further examination. Mainly - Who are the seekers and what are they seeking?

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The landscape is changing - and sometimes a blog post is more appropriate than a news article or and expanded article, Hence, today we launch our blog. The posts will reflect more observations and reflections on the web, the Church, strategy and mission.

Thanks for listening and Merry Christmas!