Share Your Why #BeUMC Story

On Tuesday, March 29, Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr released a video statement declaring his intentions to remain as an active leader of and member in The United Methodist Church. In the video, he also shares his “why” for choosing to #BeUMC. You may view the video and/or read the transcript at ctcumc.org/bishop-saenz-shares-why-he-is-choosing-to-beumc.

Now, It Is Your Turn!

Bishop Saenz would love to hear from those in the CTC who have decided to remain in The United Methodist Church as they share one or two reasons for choosing to #BeUMC. All you need to do is record a quick (:60-:90 seconds-ish) video and share what you love about being a United Methodist and/or about your local church. These can be “selfie” style or, better yet, have a friend or family member record you and then you return the favor for them – please just turn your phone or tablet horizontally (side-to-side) when you record. Other recording tips and upload instructions are below.
 
When you begin your video, please share your name and your home church/city. Then, when you end, if you are comfortable, please say “I am UMC. Let’s Be UMC together.” If you are having trouble coming up with how to share your story, maybe just answer one or two of the questions below.

  • What’s your favorite thing about being a United Methodist? (i.e. worship, service, mission projects/trips, intergenerational communities, justice ministries/activities, faith seeking opportunities, being connected to UMs around the world, etc.)
  • What does it mean to you to be United Methodist?
  • Why are you a United Methodist?
  • How has being a United Methodist helped you help others?
Please note that these videos will likely be featured on the conference website and our social media platforms. By sending the Central Texas Conference your video, you are consenting to let us post them publicly.
VIDEO RECORDING TIPS

The #BeUMC videos are designed to be recorded using a personal device (phone or tablet). However, if you have a video team at your disposal, you are welcome to use them. If you do use a phone, tablet or pc, please see the below for some instructions and tips.

  • Turn your phone/tablet horizontally (side-to-side) instead of vertically (up and down)
  • If someone other than you is holding the phone/tablet, please speak loudly and clearly and be close enough to the device for the mic to pick up your voice without also getting too much “room noise” (traffic, air conditioning vents, dogs barking, etc.)
  • Make sure the primary light source is in front of you – (i.e. don’t stand in front of a bright window that is to your back)
  • When you start recording, silently count to three before you start talking so that we don’t miss anything. Likewise, when you are finished, do a similar count before hitting stop on the recording so that your final few words aren’t cut off.
  • If you have photos or other video that you’d like to include to be edited into your story, please submit that content when you submit your video (see above)

HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR #BeUMC VIDEO
  1. After you record and save your video to your device or PC, go to www.ctcumc.org/be-umc-uploads and click the blue Select Files box on the BeUMC Video Files page.
  2. Find where you saved your video on your device, click on it and hit open
    1. If you have other content, hit the +Add more files link and repeat step 2.
  3. Click the blue Upload button.
After the files are uploaded, you’ll see a confirmation screen. There is a button on the confirmation screen that will allow you upload more content if you forgot to attach something previously.
Thanks in advance for your time and talent and helping us share the stories of why we choose to #BeUMC. Please share this opportunity with others and go to umc.org/en/what-we-believe/umc-topics/our-people/beumc to learn more about this national campaign of The United Methodist Church. If you have any questions about recording or submitting the video, please email dustinkaps@ctcumc.org and/or vancemorton@ctcumc.org.
 
The CTC does reserve the right to edit videos for length. Videos submitted are not guaranteed to be posted to the conference website and/or social media properties.

#BeUMC