HOWWETALK essentially is a basic electronic discussion mechanism.  It works the same as any basic personal email system as well as a remote discussion group.  You may want to discuss a matter with a member(s) of the church.  Typically of a church related matter, but the email doesn't care what you talk about - maybe tickets to the ball game.  We are just people wanting to be close to other people; to know what they think; to share thoughts on people matters.

What might a conversation email look like?  Maybe like these addresses and the following samples:

You can send any email to an individual or to a group that contains pseudo-names of members of the body (see overview in the header),
       with any subject or attachments - as joejones@ourdomain.com or everyone@ourdomain.com. 

Here are some email subjects I have really seen in our system.

We need a couple helpers in the Nursery next week.  Let me know if you can help!
Remember the special meeting Thursday night about the new driveway
Moving Help Needed
Friday Notes
Cross Country Race this wekend
October Newsletter
PRAYER REQUEST
Evening converstaion notes
Borrow a car?
Volunteer signup
Nursery coverage?
Middle school youth trip
Memorial for Joyce
Friday night dinner
Looking for gym monitors - it's a paid position
MaryJane is a lot better
disregard my previous message
Apples - pick your own
Walk run for Life Support Center

You do not see a lot of "churchy" stuff in the above. We do "churchy" stuff, of course - we are a church, but the whole point of this is to make it very easy for folks to communicate in all ways, to encourage the most casual conversation - we're a family, are we not? Now a real family will often join together around the kitchen (or whatever) table and discuss as they eat. We encourage that, but we don't eat all the time - at least most of us don't. We might talk with our house family around the house, but Helen lives a couple blocks away so it could take longer to get her into the loop without a good conversation tool.

We all want to encourage all types of conversation among our members - our flock - our family, the folks God has brought together in our place.   That is the way this system has worked for us at our church.  Expressed needs are quickly met and opportunities also.  Discussions are started and have a score of responders - often within hours.  Then, when folks get together eyeball to eyeball much has already been considered. Many have been praying on the matter. Others have done a little research as to how other bodies have addressed it.  Maybe a few have drawn up a few plans to consider.  The body working together allows the Spirit to speak to all - because the body is listening.

Remember in Acts 15 when Paul went back to talk to the Elders and Apostles?  He had done some homework.  He took along a few witnesses.  He had some documentation.  He had the greeting of those with whom he had been working.  And, remember, Peter was also prepared to put in his experience.  When the body talks together the will of the Lord can be more easily seen.  "It seems right to us and the Holy Spirit . ."

       Maybe you are not with a formal church, or maybe you are just a club with more than a few members, BUT -

This works.