1. Why are we creating members-only area on the website?
   As we grow, communications become more difficult. Getting information out, viewing signup lists and signing up from home/work, reviewing Church Council minutes, or matching a face with a name are examples of how a website can benefit Soapstone members. We can also share pictures of events, recordings of special services and music events, and more details on missions than fits in the bulletin

2. Why do we have public and members-only pages?
   The public pages are for public viewing and contain information about Soapstone, staff directory/contacts, the newsletter, and a calendar.
   The difference is that the member pages require a user ID and password to access. This will allow posting information and pictures we want to share only with Soapstone members. In addition, many of the functions, such as sign-up lists and schedules, will be interactive and “self-service.” That is, you can log in and sign up directly for events or maintain a class calendar, both for the entire church and for small groups that choose to use the website in this way.
3. Will this replace existing communications?
   The website is not meant to replace any current communications, rather to augment and improve communications. At some point we hope to offer the option of receiving an email with a link to copies on the web site, saving postage and avoiding clogging your in-box with large files. If this works well, some groups (missions, worship, music, etc) may be able to offer additional information that doesn't fit in the bulletin. On the web you'll also be able to look at archived newsletters and minutes.
   Eventually if we are able to reduce the number of members preferring to get communication by mail, it may be possible to move many mailings from bulk mail to first class so that everyone gets their communications faster.
4. What is being done to make the website secure?
   We are fortunate to have members with experience building websites. The current site is built using Microsoft.net technology and Forms Based authentication. What this means is that we are using industry standard technology to secure the site. The site is being designed with security as a priority. For example, since people often use the same password on many sites, only an encrypted version of your password is stored in our database. When you enter your password, it is encrypted and compared to the encrypted copy in the database. No one but you has access to your password.
5. Could the site be made more secure?
   Yes, security is an area where no matter what has been done, it can always be improved. Reviewing and improving security will be an ongoing process. For example, sites that take credit cards often employ SSL (Secure Socket Layer) connections. Although more secure, SSL requires additional complexity and purchasing certificates. At this time we are only planning on having limited personal information and no financial transactions, we do not think it's necessary at this time.
6. What personal information will be on the member web site?
   Mostly information that is already published in other communications.
   • Member directory (see next question)
   • Pictures
   • Names of people signed up for events
   • Information already in the bulletin, weekly email or minutes
7. Can you tell me more about the on-line directory?
   The directory will have only the information already in the printed version plus your email address. We feel this is a good idea for several reasons.
   • You can change your profile at any time to opt out or hide specific information.
   • Only members have access.
   • Having this information allows moving to a security model where we only send things like a lost password to the email address on file.
   • More and more people communicate via email.
8. Will people be able to use the website to generate mailing lists and send me spam?
   NO! There will be no way by a user to create distribution lists or perform mass mailings or download the database the directory is stored in.
9. Actually I was hoping the on-line directory would have more information in it.
   We'll provide the basic directory, but we are open to making options available for members to add additional information about themselves. The directory may become a way to get to know each other better, but any such additional information will be strictly “opt-in”; it will only be there if you add it yourself.
10. Ok, fine, it's a wonderful idea, but I still don't want to use a computer. Why should I care?
    Even if you don't plan to use the website, you can benefit. For example:
    • Church Council produces minutes and a budget update every month. These are filed in the office but not easily accessible. We've decided to post them on the web each month, but this also prompted us to make hardcopy available near the Church bulletin board.
    • When we start putting sign-ups online, we plan to have a person with a computer in the narthex to sign up anyone not comfortable doing it themselves.
    • As more members become comfortable using the member website, we can spend less time shuffling paper and more time talking one on one.
    • When you need something from the bulletin you just threw out, at least you can call a friend and ask them to look it up.
    • Maybe all the great things on the site will make you want to try using a computer after all.

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