Hay River (May 10/04) - A church in Hay River has turned to TV to spread the Word.

Since Easter, St. Andrew's Anglican Church has recorded Sunday morning services and replayed them on the community channel in the afternoon.

Rev. Haydn Schofield adjusts the TV camera and checks a monitor at the back of St. Andrew's Anglican Church in Hay River. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

It's nothing like the glitzy, big-budget American evangelical shows. St. Andrew's broadcasts a service that is familiar to church-goers anywhere in smalltown, Canada.

"We're not trying to produce a TV show," explains Rev. Robin Trevors, the church's assistant minister.

"It's trying to allow folks to attend church who are not able to get out."

The service is recorded by one stationary camera mounted above the door at the back of the church.

"It just sort of comes on," says Rev. Haydn Schofield, noting there are no titles or credits.

Schofield first had the idea for such a TV broadcast many years ago. "The problem was the technology. It didn't seem to be available and it was too expensive."

The cost came down and several members of the congregation now have the technical skills to help.

The church spent about $1,100 for a DVD burner and uses Schofield's own camera and Trevors' monitor.

The church broadcasts its services under a three-month trial agreement with the Hay River Elks Community Channel.

Jeane Kerr likes the TV services.

"I think it's a really good idea," says the 66-year-old, who recently had surgery and finds it difficult to get out. "I think there will be a lot of people taking advantage of it."

However, Kerr hopes the sound quality will improve. She watched a couple of times, and found it hard to hear the audio, even with her television on maximum volume.

"Once they get the wrinkles ironed out, I will watch."

Schofield says the church practised for several weeks to make sure the program was presentable and to work out the bugs with sound, lighting and camera position.

"We were caught between spending a lot of money or doing the best with what we had," Schofield said.

The congregation took some time getting used to the camera, he adds, but "as time goes by, we're becoming less aware of the camera."

The minister hopes other churches in Hay River will pick up on the idea, and alternate broadcasting weekly services.

"Our vision is that this does not stay with us."