Gracious Givers – Audio and Visual Team
If you enter the back of the church and peek in the AV booth, you may feel intimidated by what looks like an air traffic control center. There are screens, control panels, a big box with lots of lights and some funky black triangular thing that I was told has a purpose, which I don’t remember. Let’s just say, it’s not decor.
The two behind the AV booth look smart, confident and cool as they work the many buttons, joysticks and switches. I’m here to interview Alex Kastner, leader of the AV team but I don’t know how to open the door to the AV booth, let alone what those buttons do.
Once successfully inside the booth, thanks to Alex’s help, I say, “this is a lot.” Alex grins and assures me “it’s not hard, we only push a few of these controls”. He admits that he’s not really a tech guy. He started volunteering on the AV team as a freshman (4 years ago) because he wanted to be involved at Hope but he plays varsity basketball for Pine Richland and many volunteer opportunities conflict with his practice or games. However, he was available each week to attend church service. Being on the AV team allows you to volunteer during the service and join in worship. In fact, Alex admits to paying attention even more to the service now, especially when you’re advancing the PowerPoint slides that include the readings and songs. “You’ll find yourself singing along to ensure the slide is changed on time.”
As leader of the AV team, Alex coordinates the schedule for the AV volunteers, trains new volunteers, creates notices for “Help Needed” and sits in the booth weekly if he can. “I remember when I was a new volunteer and something went wrong – that’s not a good feeling. I like to be here just in case.” Right now, there are only 12 youth and adult volunteers on the team who work each weekend service 5pm/9am/11am, special mid-week services and events that those at home may want to virtually join, such as funeral services and weddings. I learned it only takes an extra 15-20 minutes prior to church to start up the computers, the rest of the work is done during the service.
Christian Vogel, who joins Alex in the booth, also started volunteering 4 years ago as a freshman. He says his sister volunteered during Covid and introduced him to the opportunity. “If I was going to be at church, might as well help.” In the AV booth, Christian started learning the audio controls, muting and unmuting the mics. A cardinal rule, “when in doubt, click the red button.” After mastering the audio controls, it was cameras, PowerPoint slides and Livestream functions. He was able to transfer his Hope AV tech knowledge to his school, Seneca Valley. He works audio and visual for school dances, concerts and most musicals.
In closing, if you want a guaranteed “cool” seat on Sundays, to push the red button, and to volunteer while attending worship, email AlexKastner05@gmail.com to learn more about the Hope AV Team. Adults and teens are welcome; more help is needed before the busy holiday season begins.