1. Indexing – we are grateful for all the increased efforts with Indexing across the stakes in our area. We don’t want you to slow down – so we hope you got the following information on a 2 day closure of Indexing – and please share this with anyone who asks – and reassure anyone who wonders what is happening:
“Recently so many volunteers have been coming to participate in this worldwide indexing effort that we’ve been experiencing some growing pains. The time it takes to sign in, and download and submit batches has increased significantly on some days. We apologize to any of you who felt your time was wasted during the longer waits, but we are excited that so many people want to join us in this indexing initiative.
This year is already a milestone year, and our indexing community has been doing such great work that we’ve decided to give everyone a couple of days off! Starting Monday, March 7, at 11:00 PM (MST, GMT-7) the indexing system will be down for approximately 48 hours. No batches can be downloaded or submitted while the system is down.
During this time, we will be moving our computer servers to a new data center with newer and bigger hardware. This will allow us to accommodate a heavier workload and keep up with all of the great work that is happening on a weekly basis.
For those who want to continue indexing during the downtime, you may download up to 10 batches before the shutdown, work on them offline, and then submit them when the system is back up.
There is a possibility that we won’t need the full 48 hours to complete the move. We will send another e-mail when the system is back up. We hope that everyone will join us again at that time, refreshed and ready to continue this milestone year.
FamilySearch indexing is the largest indexing initiative in the world. Hundreds more volunteers are signing up every day. We thank you for your patience as we’ve experienced some growing pains. We hope this move to a new location will help everyone have a more enjoyable experience while indexing.
For questions or concerns, please contact FamilySearch support.”
2. Church Missions – there is an urgent need for more part time Church Service Missionaries in the Family History area. Please look around – maybe even look in the mirror! You need to be available for at least 15 hours a week to serve from home. The following article from the Miller’s Newsletter in New England gives more information:
What Do Family History Missionaries Do?
If you’ve wondered about Family History missionary activities you can serve – from your home, here are some thoughts on what it is like. Our appreciation to Elder Winston G. Allred, coordinator of Family Search Field missionaries, for providing information.
FamilySearch missionaries help patrons bring families together so temple ordinances can be provided. FamilySearch missionaries are called to serve in one of five different groups:
Product support: The main focus of this group is the new FamilySearch. Potential missionaries should have experience in the operations and purpose of FamilySearch.org.
Indexing support: Over 100,000 people around the world are helping to index millions of records so they can be searched online. Members who have experience in indexing and arbitration will enjoy this calling.
Research support: Patrons can talk to a qualified missionary and ask for guidance and direction in their efforts to research their ancestors. In addition, missionaries monitor the FamilySearch Wiki and familysearch Forums, making comments as needed.
Historical Records: FamilySearch contains millions of records. Missionaries serving in this group should be familiar with and know how to utilize these records.
Family History Center support: Directors and staff members in the thousands of centers will call these missionaries with questions about policies, procedures and equipment.
All of their training, their service and support, including spiritual support is conducted online over the internet as these missionaries serve in their home. It is important for potential missionaries to contact the FamilySearch Missionary Coordinator to explore the area they can be called to serve in and arrange to have their internet and computer capabilities assessed. The FamilySearch Missionary Coordinator can be contacted by calling 800-453-3860 ext. 20850 or by email at mission@familysearch.org.
