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how they can use social media to connect with popula- tions unable to physically attend worship or other events. Te Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society, a
nonprofit provider of senior care and services based in Sioux Falls, S.D., collaborates through its Vivo innovation program with Verizon and Logic PD to create a technol- ogy called Window to the World. Te initiative began when an ELCA pastor in Rapid City, S.D., approached Vivo because he was concerned about the isolation he recognized among elderly parishioners. Upon further study, it turned out that within just this one congregation some 82 families were impacted in some way by isolation. “As seniors become less mobile, unable to travel or
don’t leave their homes as oſten as they once did, they can become disconnected physically, socially and emotion- ally from the people and experience they love,” said Kelly Soyland, director of research and innovation for Good Samaritan. Te society “is innovating a solution that delivers what
seniors miss,” she said. “Te feature set includes audio and video as well as content customized to the individual senior’s interest.” Early field tests connected a homebound parishioner
with the quilting group she hadn’t attended for several years because she was uncomfortable leaving her hus- band, who had restrictive health issues, at home alone.
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www.thelutheran.org
SHUTTERSTOCK “Getting a text or even a picture via a phone from a
friend or loved one is one thing,” Soyland said. “But being able to look them in the eye on a large TV monitor on the senior end is quite a different experience.” Window to the World will use devices that already
exist in a person’s home, so the box that connects to the TV will enable the functionality. At the other end, smart- phones, laptops, tablets, action video cameras or video production entities will be used. Soyland said the technology has a variety of applica-
tions, such as reconnecting seniors with worship services, Bible studies and committees they once attended in person. “Being connected is so important to all of us if we are to thrive as we age,” she said. Jacqui Pagel, pastor of Trinity Lutheran, Phoenix,
said the congregation set up a closed Facebook group that members use to connect more deeply beyond Sundays. Tey share prayer requests, joys, concerns and lots of photos. “I hope to have Facebook open and running on our
screens during worship so anyone not physically pres- ent can see what’s going on,” Pagel said. “Perhaps stream it live and post questions about the service and even see who’s there. God created us to worship God, so we’re going to do whatever we can to get people worshiping God.”
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