York Methodist Chuch
Faith
Content Creation / Hybrid Event
2021
In June 2021, the York Methodist Circuit brought together congregations from across the region for a large-scale faith event at York Barbican – a venue more commonly used for concerts and national conferences than church services. Titled ‘Together’, this flagship worship gathering aimed to celebrate unity and shared belief following a period of disruption and distance caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
But worshipping together in a venue as large as York Barbican presents its own challenges. While the spacious hall could accommodate over 1,500 people, it was vital that every attendee – from the front row to the back of the balcony – could clearly see, hear, and feel fully part of the service.
That’s where Stream7 came in. With years of experience in delivering live video solutions for hybrid events and public broadcasts, the team was brought in to support the AV delivery for the event, including live video relay and large-scale projection for the audience. The result was a beautifully produced, accessible service that allowed worshippers to feel connected to the message and to each other.
The organisers of the ‘Together’ service had several key aims for this unique event:
To use the York Barbican’s full capacity to bring the church community together in one space.
To ensure clear visibility of all aspects of the service, including speakers, music, and multimedia.
To enable people seated far from the stage to follow every word, every image, and every expression through big screen projection.
To integrate pre-recorded content from church leaders and dignitaries who were unable to attend in person.
To deliver a professional, seamless AV experience that respected the spirit of the service while embracing the possibilities of modern technology.
Stream7 was tasked with designing and delivering a technical solution that met these goals – using their knowledge of live video relay, projection systems, and event broadcasting to create a production worthy of the occasion.
York Barbican is a prestigious venue with built-in technical infrastructure, but delivering a worship service in this kind of setting requires bespoke planning. Unlike a theatre show or concert, a faith event includes varied formats – from spoken liturgy and live music to moments of stillness, community prayer, and video presentations.
The Stream7 team began by conducting a full site assessment to determine the best placement of cameras, screens, and projectors. The layout had to account for audience sightlines, lighting conditions, and sound projection across the multi-level auditorium.
A large 16-foot projection screen was flown above the stage, becoming the focal point for visual content. This screen would show close-up views of speakers, display hymn lyrics, and host pre-recorded video content – making it an essential part of the worship experience.
Two HD video cameras were installed in discreet locations to capture wide and close-up shots of those on stage. A dedicated video director operated a live mixing desk to relay camera feeds, pre-recorded clips, and graphics to the screen in real time.
The event’s AV hub was built around the NewTek TriCaster Mini – a professional-grade live video production system that allows multiple camera feeds, videos, audio, and graphics to be switched and projected with precision. This enabled the Stream7 team to:
Switch seamlessly between camera shots, ensuring dynamic visual coverage of the stage.
Insert pre-recorded video contributions from dignitaries such as Archbishop John Sentamu and Revd Dr Roger Walton, President of the Methodist Conference.
Display large-format hymn lyrics in time with the music, encouraging active participation from the congregation.
Manage transitions and audio synchronisation for a fluid, professional audience experience.
The live video relay was essential to the success of the event. By projecting close-up shots of speakers and musicians onto the screen, the team made sure everyone in the room – even those seated at the very back – could see facial expressions and gestures that add so much meaning to a service.
One of the key features of the event was the musical performance by OneSound, a national Methodist choir made up of young people from around the UK. Their live renditions of hymns and contemporary worship songs were not only heard but seen in detail on the big screen, allowing the audience to connect with the performers and join in fully.
Similarly, moments of spoken word – including prayers, readings, and sermons – were relayed live via camera to ensure clarity and connection across the venue.
The integration of live and pre-recorded content was handled with care to preserve the atmosphere of worship while making the most of the technology. This careful balance between reverence and innovation was what made the production so effective.
Feedback from both the congregation and the organising team was extremely positive. Attendees commented on how easy it was to follow the service from all corners of the venue, and how much they appreciated the professional video presentation.
For many, the combination of familiar faith practices with large-scale visual projection was a powerful experience – one that added emotional weight to the service without detracting from its spiritual message.
The organisers praised Stream7 for their sensitivity, technical skill, and smooth coordination on the day. The use of AV technology was seen not as a novelty, but as a way to honour the occasion and serve the needs of a large and diverse audience.
The ‘Together’ Methodist Service is a perfect example of how modern AV tools – like live video relay and big screen projection – can be used to enhance faith events without compromising their traditional values. In fact, by improving accessibility, visibility, and engagement, they can help bring communities closer together.
In an age where many churches are exploring hybrid events, online worship, and new ways to reach their congregations, this case study shows how professional event production can elevate the experience for everyone – whether they’re in a conference venue or tuning in remotely.
Faith events today face new challenges – from growing audiences and larger venues to the need for inclusivity and modern presentation. With the right technical support, these challenges can be turned into opportunities.
Stream7’s work on the ‘Together’ Methodist Service combined respectful delivery with high-quality production, helping York Methodist Church create a memorable and meaningful worship experience for a large congregation.
With experience across live streaming, hybrid events, content creation, and video relay solutions, Stream7 continues to support churches and faith organisations across the UK in bringing their message to life for bigger, more diverse audiences.
If you’re looking to enhance your next church event with live video relay, big screen projection, or hybrid broadcast solutions, Stream7 can help. We offer:
Professional AV planning and support
Camera crews and live production systems
Real-time mixing and projection for big venues
Integration of pre-recorded and live content
On-site filming and post-event editing
Hybrid event solutions for online and in-person audiences
Get in touch today to discuss your event.
