Why Zoom

During the Coronavirus emergency, with many of the wider church community socially isolated in their homes or unable to meet others in person, Oakwood Church adopted Zoom as one means of staying in touch

Oakwood Church does not endorse Zoom. Many other excellent online video services are available

Please use whatever means you have available to maintain frequent contact with family, friends and anyone you think might be isolated or in need. Please read and keep in mind our Safeguarding Policy and Code of Practice. Respect that everyone can choose who they want to communicate with, and how and when they prefer to

Oakwood Church uses Zoom alongside other means of communication for Pastoral Care, Acts of Worship, Church Governance, etc.

Some Church Groups and some of our groups for Young People are using Zoom to maintain contact  

Some of the Community Groups who usually meet at Oakwood Church are using Zoom to maintain contact

Prepare to Zoom

Zoom is described as an ‘Enterprise Class Video Meetings Service’ used worldwide by many individuals, companies both large and small, and not-for-profit organisations. On 27 March 2020, BBC News pictured the UK Prime Minister using Zoom to meet with cabinet colleagues while he was self-isolating, having tested positive for Coronavirus

You don’t need a Zoom Account to join a Zoom Meeting

And if you don’t have a suitable Internet connected device, then you can

Dial-in to a Zoom Meeting (voice only) from any telephone

A Zoom Meeting Invitation, communicated by its Host, usually includes:

A clickable Zoom Meeting URL such as https://zoom.us/test; and

An identifier called a Meeting ID

[If a Password is required it will be communicated to you by the Host]

You can quickly and easily Join a Zoom Meeting by:

Clicking the direct Zoom Meeting URL; or

Typing the Meeting ID and Password into an App; or

Clicking https://zoom.us/join and typing the Meeting ID and Password when prompted   

Most Personal Computers running Windows, Apple Mac, Chrome and Linux Operating Systems (OS):

A web-browser client called  Zoom Client for Meetings will automatically download and install when you start or join your first Zoom meeting.

The web-browser client is also available for manual download at https://zoom.us/download

Most Smart phone or Tablet devices. Please download and install the appropriate App:

For Android the Google Play App is called Zoom Cloud Meetings https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=us.zoom.videomeetings

For iPhone and iPad the Apple App is called Zoom Cloud Meetings https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id546505307

If you don’t have a suitable Internet connected device, or can’t get Zoom working on-line, you can:

Dial-in (Voice only) to any of these Zoom numbers. If one of them isn’t available, try another

When Zoom answers, it will ask you to use the telephone key pad and enter the Meeting ID and Password

Calls to Zoom’s Dial-in numbers will incur ordinary call charges but we understand these numbers are usually included in Mobile and Land-line free call allowances. If in doubt, check with your network provider

Zoom Hints and Tips

There are very helpful Methodist produced online guides and videos Here

• Try and make sure your device is connected to a good broadband Internet connection by Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable. If you use a Mobile data connection (through a SIM card) you will consume some of your Mobile data allowance and, if you don’t have sufficient data allowance available, you may incur data charges

• Use the most modern, most powerful, biggest screen, Internet connected device you have available. Generally speaking, Laptops and PCs are better than Smart phones and Tablets but modern Smart phones and Tablets may be more powerful than older Laptops and PCs

• A screen and speaker (or earphone) are essential. A microphone enables you to be heard and a webcam or selfie-camera is important as it enables you and your body language to be seen by others

• You can Join a Zoom Meeting online using microphone and camera, or just microphone if you want to hear and speak but not be seen

• During a Zoom Meeting you can mute your microphone and / or camera whenever you choose to. The Host may mute your microphone, or ask you to mute your microphone, so the Speaker isn’t interrupted by background noise

• If your device has a screen and speakers (or earphone) you will be able to see and hear the meeting even if you have muted or don’t have a microphone or camera

• During a Zoom Meeting you can choose to Join and Leave as often as you like. On joining or rejoining you may find yourself in a Waiting Room until the Host admits you

• If you experience problems getting Zoom up and running on your device then please seek help at https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us

• if a problem is unresolved, let the Host know well ahead of the Zoom meeting. They may be able to help

• Finally, to help the Host manage the meeting (and enable everyone else to recognise you), if possible please display your own name on your transmitted video window. There is a Rename option within Zoom, but if you have a tablet or smart phone you may have to change the device name (in device Settings) from a default (e.g. iPad) to your own name

Zoom your family, friends and colleagues

Anyone can sign up for a FREE Basic Zoom account at https://zoom.us/pricing

With a FREE Basic Zoom Personal Meeting account you will be able to Host unlimited-duration (maximum 24 hours) high quality 1:1 Zoom Meetings. You will also be able to Host Zoom meetings connecting up to 100 participating devices - but the duration of those meetings will be time-limited by Zoom to 40 minutes

A monthly paid Zoom Pro account enables you to Host unlimited-duration (maximum 24 hours) online 1:1 Zoom Meetings, as well as unlimited-duration Zoom Meetings connecting up to 100 participating devices

Oakwood Church does not endorse Zoom

Many other excellent online video meeting services are available