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In addition to receiving
text and picture messages, IMU can also send them. Messages can be sent
individually ("I'm glad your mother is out of the hospital") or to a group
("Youth services start 1 hour earlier, at 5 pm next week"). You can set up
different groups; for example, all members, youth only, church board
members, etc. Since just about everyone has a cellphone, you're ensured
that recipients get the message reliably and in just a few minutes after
sending.
The messages can be
informational: "Fellowship meeting tonight at 7 pm". They can be
inspirational, such as a Bible Verse of the Day. They can be comforting,
such as a daily prayer list: "Please pray for Martha McCormick and Eileen
& Ted Simpson".
Connect with youth via
"texting"
IMU has the potential to
connect with younger people who rely heavily on cell "texting" as a means
of communication. By incorporating this cutting-edge software in suitable
religious settings, leaders have the potential to actively engage their
younger audience and help influence them positively outside of traditional
church settings and methods. Inspirational messages can provide timely
advice and reassurance to people in need of spiritual support.
Display over in-house video
or cable channels
The IMU software handles the
receiving and processing of incoming messages, while the actual display of
those messages is carried out by an SMS text display program called Video
Messaging Unlimited. The VMU software arranges the approved messages and
outputs them to a video feed. Therefore, pastors with TV programs or
cable channels can use IMU as a way to create live "chats" where viewers
can converse - in text - with other viewers.
The software provides tools
for quickly creating professional looking video backgrounds and display
screens on which various elements such as scrolling text, streaming video,
live feeds, and static or animated graphics can all run simultaneously
on-screen without overlapping or interfering with on-going chats.
For example, moderators can
have a set topic such as a verse from the Bible displayed in one section
of the screen. A second section can display a streaming video, while a
third section shows the incoming responses from viewers partaking in the
live chat.
Inclusion for all
It has been suggested that
the IMU system can be incorporated into church services as a means to
connect with hearing- or speech-impaired parishioners. By using IMU's
video display capabilities, sermons could be shown in a
"closed-caption-like" manner, which would allow for a greater involvement
during traditional services.
At points in the sermon
where audience participation is desired, hearing- or speech- impaired
members could text questions to the pastor or Bible study teacher. The IMU
system offers more options in communication when it comes to enjoyment and
participation of conventional church activities for all of its members.
Easy to set up and use
One of the best things about
Pangolin's Interactive Messaging system is that anyone can set it up and
use it. You probably already have staffers who would enjoy working with
this easy-to-use technology. All you need is a Windows-based computer.
For display, you can use video monitors or
projections, as well as standard laser
graphics projectors.
For more information
To find out more about how the technology works, see
our pages about the IMU
message handling software, and the
VMU video display software. For additional information on Pangolin's SMS text messaging system,
e-mail, fax or call us.
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