By Don Roth
For all the activities that take place in your church – worship, education, or social – presentation tools can make the difference between satisfying and frustrating experiences. It is vital to have equipment that ensures all participants can hear and share comfortably, and it is equally important to maintain the tone and style of your church spaces. Fortunately, presentation furniture is available to fill both needs for any setting.
Different venues – large sanctuaries, intimate chapels, conference room, and outdoor areas — require different approaches in style, power, and mobility. Lecterns and portable sound systems deliver advanced technology, including Bluetooth streaming, to amplify sound and allow music and other media to be controlled directly from familiar handheld devices. An investment in the right equipment today will ensure years of meaningful services for your clients.
Non-Sound Lecterns Combine Functionality with Great Style
Many purposes in your church can be fulfilled by elegant lecterns without sound systems. They can be used effectively in smaller service spaces, and perform well in the narthex or reception areas to hold programs, guest books, and other materials. Without the need for cords, décor choices can include a wider variety of lectern styles. Transparent acrylic lecterns, in crystal clear or tinted finishes, provide a distinctive focal point. Elegant contemporary styles are available in a wide range of finishes to complement any space. Many can be customized with logos or religious imagery for a unique look.
Sound-Equipped Lecterns for Indoor Services
Today’s presentation lecterns combine elegant design with advanced audio technology. Materials including wood laminate finishes, veneers, and solid hardwoods provide options to complement the décor of any venue. Integrated sound systems with onboard microphones and dashboard controls make it easy to adjust volume and other settings.
Height adjustability is an outstanding new development in lectern design, allowing speakers of any height to use the lectern comfortably. Silent electric lift mechanisms make height adjustments easy and unobtrusive. Other appealing features include built-in reading lights, spacious reading surfaces, and interior shelves for water or storage. Concealed rolling casters make it easy to move and position the lectern without detracting from the lectern’s appearance.
Events can also be greatly enhanced with multimedia presentations, including music, video, and slideshows of treasured family photos. Multimedia lecterns make it easy to incorporate external devices like projectors and computers, with integrated shelves, power and USB outlets, Bluetooth connectivity, and convenient device storage. This increased functionality can all be accomplished in elegant, traditional furniture styles to complement your funeral home setting.
Portable Sound Equipment for Outdoor Services
Communication is particularly challenging for outdoor services, but no less meaningful for the participants. Portable sound systems solve this problem by providing powerful amplification in compact, mobile packages. These systems can also be useful in indoor settings without an established sound system or sound-equipped lectern.
Portable sound systems are available in a wide variety of sizes and power ranges. Portable systems can be remarkably compact: consider briefcase-style units that contain speakers and amplifiers, with sound coverage up to 1000 people. More powerful systems, with expanded coverage and added features like Bluetooth and multiple microphones, transport easily on wheels with luggage-style handles. Many systems can be set on tripod stands to increase their coverage.
For larger events, portable sound systems can also improve safety and efficiency. Event leaders can rely on convenient handheld megaphones to direct large groups of people and make announcements. Today’s megaphones are lightweight and powerful, with rechargeable batteries that run for hours on a single charge. Look for products that include a battery indicator light to ensure that the megaphone is ready to go when needed. There are even megaphone products that combine with illuminated traffic wands to maximize visibility and safety.
Sound System Products Bring People Together
Whatever sound products you select, the main goal is to enhance the meaning and effectiveness of church activities. Attractive lecterns set the scene for dignified services, and reliable, easy-to-operate sound equipment creates seamless experiences for your entire congregation.
Don Roth is the owner and CEO of AmpliVox Sound Systems, which engineers, designers and manufactures a wide array of sound and presentation furniture products, www.ampli.com.
