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I am a bit worried that you are moving too quickly into the project planning. As a result, the discussion seems to be shifting away from the context analysis.

It seems to me, Dale, that of all the members of our group, your context is the most difficult to describe and analyze. Thus it is difficult to keep the focus on context without slipping into a (premature) discussion of your project and its limits.

You make, it seems to me, a good start by describing your context as ecumenical. But it is also an extra-ecclesial, extra-institutional, freelance ministry. You might reflect a bit on that. Furthermore, you might reflect on whether your context can be described in geographical terms at all.

Anyway, these are a few thoughts. Use them or ignore them as you see fit.

I have enjoyed reading your idea. My own input is that a basic understanding of the limits and potential of ecunet to deliver a graphic file like the one you describe is challenging. I like the idea of distributing newsletters through Ecunet. Working with youth, however, I see the potential and near necessity of graphics being used somewhere in the system. As a teaching tool graphic images are very helpful. I encourage you to experiment with ecunet and stretch it to its limits. Only then will it grow and develop. Indeed, I think that you have already done some significant stretching for us, and I appreciate it.

Dale,

You continue to amaze me with you wealth of information. One of the problems that I am having is the same as you describe: so much to do and so little time. In my discussions with my cohorts they remember me that it is important to be focused. I believe it is important to focus in on one aspect.

I would be interested in your telling a little more about your present situation. Are you still working with cable? Thanks for sharing.

The context of my ministry project is, in its broadest aspect, ecumenical and global. The concept and possbilities for Computer Based Communication (hereafter referred to as CMC) knows no boundaries except perhaps those of accessibility. This problem must be combatted with the same energy as that of earlier efforts to educate and teach literacy skills to the less priveleged in society. It is also crucial that we seek to develop interfaces and make equipment available that will allow wider global access from all parts of the globe where persons live and seek community and connectedness.
My base of operations is the ecumenical community in the US, primarily through connections via theological education (ie., United Theological Seminary in the present, and perhaps the American Theological Schools consortium as I endeavor to communicate my vision). Since it has been the task of the theological education community to prepare leaders in the church for effective enabling of Christ's body, I identify this same structure as being charged with the calling of beginning to help leaders and laypersons to utilize the important communication channels available to us.
As I feel the church needs to be, in fact, is CALLED to be, a present reality in the marketplaces and meeting places wherever its people live, so it is called to be present and active on the "information highway".