FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Getting More Out of Connect
+ How do I join Connect?
Click on the Connect image and select sign up. Choose, your site, enter your info and submit.
+ Why are we doing this?
The transition to Connect has been a part of a much larger attempt to improve communication within St. Luke Lutheran Church. We are updating our database and all our information, and we saw this as a natural time to transition to a much better communication tool.
As Pastor Dan said in the “Introducing Connect” video, we view Connect as a powerful tool that will aid us in drawing people into faith through reaching up, helping them grow their faith by reaching in, and helping people by reaching out to others.
+ What’s the purpose of Connect?
Connect is our way to communicate with you and each other. It’s a tool that can be used to help advance both the discipleship process at St. Luke Lutheran Church and our vision of reaching the world for Jesus, one highly valued life at a time, through equipping disciples in relational environments!
+ What kind of security and privacy measures are in place to keep my information safe?
Connect is created and hosted by Church Community Builder. Both St. Luke Lutheran Church and CCB are committed to protecting the privacy of every user. CCB utilizes no less than industry-standard security measures to safeguard any information collected. To view the techno-speak details, please see this page.
+ Are people going to have access to my financial information?
No. Connect is tied to our financial accounting tools at St. Luke Lutheran Church, but besides yourself, there are less than 5 people at St. Luke Lutheran Church who can see your financial records – and they’re the ones who already have access to that information in our current system.
The only additional person we’re allowing to see your financial records, in this transition to Connect, is you! And that’s a benefit to you – now you can see your transactions, print off tax documents, and stay more up to date. Think of this as a non-profits “giving” page.
+ If I don’t want to get emails from you, should I delete my email address in Connect?
No. You can control who and how frequently (and from where) you receive emails from St. Luke Lutheran Church. By default, the only people who can see ALL of your contact information is church staff alone.
Once logged in, take a look at the “Privacy Settings” and “Communication Settings” in the upper right corner, by clicking on your name. Here is where you can set your preferences for being contacted.
Please be aware, if you do choose to delete your email address, you’re preventing the church and church staff from getting in contact with you as well.This is our member database.
+ Is this like Facebook for the church?
While you might see some features that are similar (and some language), Connect is a very different animal. Think of it more as a communication tool than a social network. It allows us to share updates with groups and keep our contact data up-to-date, but it isn’t a social tool like Facebook is. There are no ‘statuses’ or ‘walls’ to post on.
You will notice the word ‘friend’ used. Making someone a ‘friend’ puts them in a category that allows them to see more of your contact information. It’s not a two way street, though – you’re allowing them to see your information; for you to see theirs, they’ll need to make you a ‘friend’ as well. Settings that control what friends, and the public, see can be found under ‘Privacy Settings’ in the upper right corner.
+ I have a question!
If you’re in Connect, click the gear icon in the upper right corner and type a question is the query box there. Otherwise, feel free to call the church office during business hours and we’ll get you an answer!
+ No Internet Access?
No problem…simply stop by Welcome Center located in the lobby.
Need Help?
Email: office@stlukeaa.org OR Call: 734.971.0550
How to…
1) UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION.
CLICK MY PROFILE > EDIT PROFILE > BASIC
Edit your email, phone number, address, etc., and every group you belong to will have your current information. Don’t forget to upload a photo, too!!
2) UPDATE YOUR PRIVACY SETTINGS.
CLICK MY PROFILE > PRIVACY SETTINGS
We value your privacy and treat your information with the utmost care. YOU decide what information to share (or not share) with others!
3) SELECT YOUR COMMUNICATION PREFERENCES.
CLICK MY PROFILE > COMMUNICATION SETTINGS
You have the option of choosing how people in your group communicate with you. Choose to receive text messages, a weekly summary of group activity and/or emails from other members in your groups.
4) FIND GROUPS TO JOIN.
CLICK GROUPS > DISCOVER A NEW GROUP
We believe people find community best inside groups. A group can be a LIFE group, an Sunday morning class, a weekly Bible study, or a volunteer opportunity group. If it’s not an “open” group, simply CLICK REQUEST TO JOIN.
5) SET UP YOUR PERSONAL STYLE AND ABILITIES.
CLICK MY PROFILE > EDIT PROFILE > MY FIT
Tell us how you’re wired. (Are you task-oriented or people-oriented? A leader or follower?) What are your abilities? (Office skills? Photography? Events planner?)
6) WHAT ARE YOUR PASSIONS?
CLICK MY PROFILE >EDIT PROFILE > MY FIT
What are you passionate about? Helping orphans? Working with college students? Working with preschoolers?
7) FIND A PLACE TO SERVE.
CLICK MORE >POSITIONS > BROWSE POSITIONS or MY PROFILE > INVOLVEMENT
> POSITIONS
Looking for a place to contribute your time and talent? Browse open positions in Connect. Once you’ve shared information about your personal style, passions and abilities, you can find positions that are specifically suited to you! Check back as more group leaders post positions.
8) SET UP ONLINE GIVING.
CLICK HOME > GIVE or MY PROFILE > FINANCIAL > GIVE
St. Luke Lutheran Church will begin accepting online contributions in the near future. Giving via Connect will be easy, and you can be confident that your financial information is safe and secure. You will be able to make a one-time contribution, or schedule a recurring contribution!
Currently you can view your contribution records online. Please continue giving in the manner you are currently doing and watch for this opportunity to support the ministries of St. Luke Lutheran Church!
**Online Givers Please Note**
Connect will soon take the place of the previous online giving software being used by St. Luke Lutheran Church. You will create a new login for Connect.
