Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Revamping our Website

Why are we updating the website?

Our current website runs on WordPress, which has become harder to maintain and more vulnerable to technical issues over time.

We are taking this opportunity not just to move platforms, but to:

  • Improve how people find us online
  • Make information easier to navigate
  • Reflect the persona and engagement work (who do we serve/want to serve) completed in 2025
  • Create a structure that can be sustained by volunteers and staff
  • Improve search engine visibility (SEO) so more people can discover UU Hamilton

⭐This work supports our mission by helping new visitors find us and helping members access information more easily.

 

What is happening?

The website revamp will take place in two main phases:

 

PHASE 1: Moving Off WordPress

During Phase 1:

  • Content will be moved from WordPress to a new website platform
  • Landing pages will be created to organize information more clearly
  • Existing content will still be used, but reorganized
  • Structure will reflect the persona and engagement funnel work completed in 2025
  • The website will be prepared to support better search engine visibility (SEO)

This phase is primarily about building the foundation.  Not everything will be perfect yet, and that’s expected.

 

PHASE 2: Community Content Ownership

During Phase 2:

  • Page and section owners will be identified
  • Program teams and staff will review their areas
  • Content improvements will be suggested
  • Teams will help shape how their content evolves over time

This phase is about shared responsibility and sustainability.

 

Who is doing this work?

A Website Team has been formed to guide this project.  

Church Staff/Volunteers: Rev. Danie Webber, Jennifer Wallace, Jessie Golem
External members: Laila Khimani (Project Manager), Steve Viau (Website Builder)

They are:

  • Moving content into the new structure
  • Organizing information more clearly
  • Supporting teams as ownership roles are established

Staff and program teams will become more involved during Phase 2.

 

When will this happen?

This work will happen gradually.

  • Phase 1: Moving content and building structure
  • Phase 2: Team review and long-term content stewardship

We will share updates as milestones are reached.

 

What will this mean for you?

For most people:

  • The website will continue to function during the transition
  • We will communicate when the new website is ready for launch

For program leaders and staff:

  • You will eventually be asked to help review content in your area
  • Page ownership roles will be defined
  • Training and support will be provided

Where can I ask questions?

We expect questions and welcome them.

Please email: communications@uuhamilton.ca

We will continue updating this page with answers.

 

I heard something about Google Drive – Is this related?

Yes, but it is a separate project. 

Currently a team named EMBR, is working on improving how we organize and share internal files. This work focuses on building an intranet (SPARC) and better file organization, including improved access to shared documents for teams and program areas.

While this work is related to improving our overall systems, it is not the same as the website revamp.

Who is team EMBR?

EMBR has been formed to guide this project.   EMBR means Expedient Migration of Bethal Resources.

Church Staff/Volunteers: Jessie Golem, Deb Shannon and Julianna Beckett 
External members: Laila Khimani (Project Manager)

Updates from the EMBR will be shared separately as their work progresses.

⭐For now, there is nothing congregants need to do regarding Google Drive.  We will communicate clearly when changes affect you.

Will the website disappear during the transition?

No. The existing website will remain available while content is moved into the new structure.

Are we losing content?

No. Existing content will be moved and reorganized.  Content will not be removed without review.

Why are we leaving WordPress?

WordPress requires ongoing maintenance and has created technical and security challenges. Moving away helps create a more stable and sustainable platform.

Why are we using Google?

We know that there are concerns about the Google organisation and putting our content onto a platform that is run by an American company. However, Google Drives has a lot of functionality that are not necessarily available on comparable services, and the price point is very accessible for us. 

If at some point in the future a Canadian option that meets our needs is developed, we should be able to transition to that service easily with the way that we are organising our materials. 

Will pages look different?

Yes. The goal is to make pages easier to read and navigate.

Who decides what goes on the website?

Page and section owners will be identified for Phase 2 work. These individuals or teams will be responsible for guiding their content areas.

Will volunteers be needed?

Yes. Volunteers are essential to maintaining strong content over time.

Will there be training?

Yes. Training and guidance will be provided to page owners and teams.