Correspondent, The Alabama Baptist 

Those who can¹t attend the annual meeting of the Alabama Baptist State Convention Nov. 16­17 at Eastmont Baptist Church in Montgomery can still keep up with whats happening. People will be able to hear sessions live not by radio or TV broadcast but via telephone. Eastmont, which is hosting the convention, will offer callers an opportunity to listen to proceedings using ministry methods the church had already adopted to communicate worship services to its homebound. Lightcast Networks Inc. provides churches like Eastmont a way to connect sound systems into its telecommunications network, which enables people to hear live worship services over the phone. The churches homebound have appreciated opportunities to hear live worship services, according to Northcutt. Its been exceptional as far as the reception of it. People have been delighted to know they can hear (church services) live. He said the church has continued providing worship tapes, but Lightcast added another dimension to homebound ministry. For example, knowing that some homebound are dialing in, Northcutt said he sometimes adds a personal note by speaking directly to that person, mentioning him or her by name and thanking them for being a part of the service. Hope for the homebound Edward Baker, president of Lightcast, said although the company, which he started with partner Wayne Brown, a member of Eastmont, was established for profit, its goal is to bring joy to the homebound. They just about cry when they talk about how great it is to them to access their church again. The subscription fee often is sponsored by Sunday School classes, according to Baker. Equipment costs are separate but economical. Just the act of installing the equipment, similar to a phone, needed for dial-in, provides lay ministers, deacons and pastors yet another opportunity to visit the homebound, according to Baker, who envisions further ministry. Go out there and listen with them. He suggested taking a Bible, program and hymnbook to the homebound and joining that person in worship. Baker said churches, nursing homes and hospitals have started using Lightcast technology over the past few months, but convention use is new. Up to 200 callers at a time may access the convention by dialing 308-377-8226 on their regular home phones or cell phones from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16, or 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17. Baker said with limited ports available, callers would be served based on availability of access lines. He suggested trying back later if lines are busy.