This page contains categorized links to technology resources, chosen for their potential usefulness for the churches of the Desert Southwest Conference and their members. Feel free to send additional suggestions to David Topping.

UMC Technology Resources

• UM TechShop (sponsored by United Methodist Communications)
  (discounted software for church offices and other ministries)
• UMConnect: Email Discussion for Web Servants
  (sponsored by the General Board of Global Ministries)
• UMITA (United Methodist Information Technology Assoc.)
  (church tech helpers are welcome to join)
• Web Ministry page at UMCom
• UMCom Web Ministry Training page
• Technology Resources - North Georgia Conference
  (including church management sofware information)
• Computer Resources for Churches on Tight Budgets
  (from the Rocky Mountain Conference)
• Church Media Resources
  (from the New England Conference)

Software/Hardware Sources

• Consistent Computer Bargains (alternate link)
• Christian Freeware and Free Church Software
• OpenOffice.org
  (a free alternative to MS Office)
• Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2007 File Formats
  (enables users of Office 2003 and XP to work with documents from Office 2007)

Website Hosting and Domain Registration Providers

• Free Web Space for United Methodist Churches
  (from the General Board of Global Ministries)
• E-zekiel Hosting (alternate UMC-specific link)
  (includes templates and content management system)
• Web-Empowered Church hosting from VineHosting
  (includes templates and content management system)
• Weebly.com (free website building and hosting)
• NameCheap.com (an alternative to GoDaddy)

Email Service Providers

• Constant Contact - email broadcast and event registration service provider
  (especially good for sending "pretty" emails to groups)
• MailChimp - email broadcast provider (with a free option)

Church Technology Conferences and Workshops

• Weaving a Web of Connections - Internet Technology for Effective Ministry
  (regional training events from UMCom)
• ministryTECH Church IT and AV Conference
• Church IT Roundtable

Other Resources

• CCLI Church Streaming & Podcast License
• Christian Computing Magazine
• Church Management Software Feature Chart
• Ministry Business Services, Inc.
  (computer network consulting)
• Ministry IT Blog
• Ministry Technology Advocates
• Church Technology Review
• Great Church Websites
• Internet Evangelism Day
  (including many website tips)
• Center for Church Communication
• Church Marketing Sucks
  (our apologies if that's offensive, but it's their name)
• Free for Churches
  (site hasn't been recently updated)

(Note: The links on this page to either products or services are not endorsements, but rather are provided to help you choose among some options we're currently aware of. Links most recently checked/updated: 3/15/2011)