Tech Corner #1 - Introduction to Fellowship One

Wondering why the children's ministry has computerized check-ins now? Curious how the pictorial directory is being made? Interested in how different ministries are beginning to have online event registrations? All of these questions have the same answer: Fellowship One (F1).

Fellowship One is our church's new web-based database software that was developed by and for Fellowship Bible Church 10 years ago. It is now offered worldwide and over a thousand churches in nine countries are using this wonderful program for ministry. Check back here next week for more information on F1 or email Kathryn@ottercreek.org if you have specific questions.

Tech Corner #2 - Children's Class Check-In

Beginning in June, the children's ministry began using Fellowship One (F1), our church's new web-based database, for the new computerized check-in stations. Every time a child or a teacher/volunteer checks into their class, the computer records their attendance automatically in that person's record in F1.

At any time, Janet, Melanie and Ginger know exactly which classroom each child and teacher is in for security reasons. Any allergies a child may have are noted on the child's printed nametag for safety reasons. Guests who come to class are entered into this computer system that not only allows greeters to match the child to the right class or nursery (based on their birthdates), provides a secure return at pickup matching parent and child but also alerts our staff that we had a guest come that week. The staff can then reach out to these guests the following week with a welcome letter or phone call.

This check in system helps make a church that has become very large seem small because the staff is able to keep up with who is attending and who might have missed several weeks. It is the staff's hope that having this information will allow them to lovingly minister to people who might be going through a difficult time. Check back here next week for more information on F1 or email Kathryn@ottercreek.org if you have specific questions. back to top

Tech Corner #3 - Online Event Registrations

Can you imagine how much work is involved in organizing a youth group trip, Otter Creek Christian Camp, and a mission trip to Guatemala? Applications must be copied, distributed, and collected, permission slips signed, deposits and payments collected and then assigned to the right applicant. Excel spreadsheets are constantly updated—one person has the master list and must update everyone else whenever a change is made.

Because of our new church database, Fellowship One (F1), relief is here! We are now not only offering online registrations for these types of activities but our members can also securely pay for them with electronic checks. When someone registers online, their information is immediately captured and reports are automatically updated. Every staff member has access to the most current information since it is all housed in our online database. Reporting is easy; keeping up with who has paid is a breeze; paperwork is significantly reduced. And because of this, our ministry team has more time to build relationships instead of handling administrative details. Check back here next week for more information on F1 or email Kathryn@ottercreek.org if you have specific questions. back to top

Tech Corner #4 - Finding a Small Group

Just for a minute, put yourself in the shoes of a guest at Otter Creek. You have come to church for several weeks and even brought your kids to class. You think you'd like to visit a life group or two, but aren't sure how to find one that is fairly close to you and that has people like you in it.

Fellowship One (F1), our new church database, has a feature that solves this problem. Beginning this week, members and guests can click here to search all the open life groups by location and demographic information.

An email can be sent to the life group leader with the person's contact information, allowing the him or her to extend an invitation to their next meeting. It's easy and just another way F1 is helping our large church seem small.

Check back here next week for more information on F1 or email Kathryn@ottercreek.org if you have specific questions. back to top

Tech Corner #5 - Future for Fellowship One

Now that you’ve heard about Fellowship One, (F1) our new online church database for a few weeks, let’s look ahead to what the future holds. The online pictorial directory will constantly be updated through F1 and then posted monthly to our church website for member use. At some point in the future, contribution records could be stored within F1 and, if done, members would have the ability to view their giving history and print summaries for their records at any time. Online giving (that members control) is another feature that is available in F1. Surveys and volunteer applications can be done online through F1 for any church ministry. And to help our large church feel small, at some point all members may check in at computer kiosks like the children do. This will allow everyone to have nametags to facilitate community and will help our elders and ministers know who is attending each week in order to minister more effectively.

Check back here next week for more information on F1 or email Kathryn@ottercreek.org if you have specific questions. back to top

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