Hoosier UM News to launch e-HUM

In an effort to increase the speed at which news of the Indiana connection is delivered, the Hoosier UM News is pleased to announce the unveiling of e-HUM on Feb. 1. A project of the Area Communication Commission's Internet and Computer Committee, the e-HUM or Electronic Hoosier UM News will allow subscribers to receive timely news briefs such as late-breaking news or statements from the bishop via their e-mail.

During the Hoosier UM News' 31 years, "Our monthly publishing cycle has limited our ability to get Church news out to the Indiana connection in a timely way. With our new e-HUM, we can bridge the information gap between publication of the monthly print versions," according to Lynne DeMichele, Indiana Area Communications director.

In any given month, subscribers will receive a mid-month edition of the e-HUM as well as periodic e-HUM alerts, which will include late-breaking or emergency information. Falling under the guidelines of the Hoosier UM News, participants can expect to receive the same excellent reporting that they receive with the print edition, in digest form. The e-HUM will include the following:

Late-breaking news briefs concerning the Indiana Area
Area-wide event announcements
Statements from the bishop
Pertinent national and world news briefs

Job postings
Appeals and instructions during emergencies
Information concerning Special Offerings
Area-wide volunteer opportunities

With the growth of the Internet, Indiana United Methodists have greater potential of linking the connection in the future. "This is an exciting time in church communications," according to Matthew Carlisle, chair of the Computer and Internet Committee. The e-HUM will begin solely as a means of delivering news and emergency information, but the potential of creating group or subject-specific mailings isn't that far off. "The success of e-HUM will be driven by its subscribers. The more people involved will lead to more opportunity," says Carlisle.

A free service of Indiana Area Communications, e-HUM will be sent solely to those participants who register their e-mail address. You may pre-register beginning Jan. 1. To do so send a blank e-mail from your primary account to add@inareaumc.org ; the system will add you to the e-mailing list automatically. Or visit our Web site: www.inareaumc.org , where you will find instructions. Personal information and addresses will never be shared with agencies outside of the Indiana Area UMC. Those without e-mail may contact the Hoosier UM News office at 317/924-1321 for information regarding monthly print subscriptions.

Last updated on January 14, 2004

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