The History of the Toque de VIda TV Program

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The Toque de Vida program

 

The Toque de Vida program marked the IELB's return to broadcast television in Brazil in 2004. After many years absent from this medium, the daily program premiered on November 26 of that year as a project of ULBRA's Pastoral Ministry, launched in partnership with UlbraTV. Dieter J. Jagnow describes the program as consisting of four segments over six minutes: an opening, a message, a music video, and a closing. He elaborates: “The program is produced and presented by Pastor Lucas Albrecht, who works in the Campus Ministry.”

Jagnow also notes that the program’s language was specifically crafted to reach individuals without ties to a religious denomination, aiming to communicate with those unfamiliar with the Gospel. Its focus was on connecting with a broader audience outside the Lutheran community.


1.3.1 Production Routine

Interviews with three producers—Tatiana Nucci, Fernanda Chacon Bordinhão, and Fabiano Ribeiro da Silva—provided insight into the technical aspects of Toque de Vida’s production.

Tatiana Nucci, a journalist and publicist involved in the program from 2004 to 2007, shared that the message segment was the longest and often used analogies to everyday life. She explained that the program initially aired at the start and close of UlbraTV’s daily schedule. During her tenure, the production routine involved the presenter organizing the content weekly. The team, based in the UlbraTV studios in Porto Alegre, traveled to the ULBRA campus in Canoas once or twice weekly for recordings. Nucci detailed the recording process:

“We divided it into the following moments: heads, messages, and final reflections. The three parts were recorded for each day of the week, ensuring fresh content.”

This dedication meant that recordings were scheduled even during vacation periods to avoid reruns.

Fernanda Chacon Bordinhão, a publicist who worked on the program from 2008 to 2013, recalled that recordings during her tenure were completed in one-hour weekly sessions. The presenter recorded all episodes for the week in one sitting. The production team received scripts, reviewed the texts, and recorded the openings and main messages.

Fabiano Ribeiro da Silva, a journalist and current producer of Toque de Vida, highlighted the program’s “productive and organized routine,” which adhered strictly to logistical plans and schedules.


1.3.2 Visual Language

According to Bordinhão, the program’s visual language was developed using closed shots in studio recordings and open shots with camera movements for outdoor settings. In some messages, interactive elements were incorporated. Music video clips related to the theme were also added during editing.

Nucci shared that in the program's early days, Ulbra Canoas’ chapel was used as the primary setting due to its aesthetic appeal. Over time, other university locations were utilized to visually complement message themes. This variety enhanced the program’s visual appeal. Silva emphasized that real-life thematic illustrations remain central to the program's format.


1.3.3 Content and Target Audience

The program’s spoken language, developed with Pastor Lucas Albrecht, was intentionally simple and conversational to connect with a wide television audience. Bordinhão observed:

“A program that enters people’s homes daily must be easy for the whole family to understand.”

Nucci noted that the objective was not to delve deeply into Lutheran doctrine but to communicate the religion’s basic principles in a relatable way. She stressed:

“It was made for all types of viewers, using language that integrates seamlessly into today’s societal context.”

Silva attributed the program’s success to its clarity and brevity, making it accessible to Christians and non-Christians alike. He emphasized the importance of clear, concise language that resonates with viewers' daily lives. Nucci highlighted the artistic care taken during production, including lighting and camera angles that created visually pleasant experiences.


1.3.4 Effectiveness of Format and Language

Bordinhão believed the program achieved its objective by appealing to contemporary audiences seeking comfort and motivation. Silva emphasized that its effectiveness lay in addressing everyday situations and commemorative dates through simple, brief communication.

Nucci noted that the program’s dynamic format made it suitable for morning and evening broadcasts, appealing to a broad audience. She concluded:

Toque de Vida successfully connected with all types of viewers.”

The producers, none of whom were Lutheran, reflected on their experiences. Silva appreciated the program’s diversity and creativity. Bordinhão valued the learning experience, noting that the program was inclusive and relevant to everyday situations. Nucci observed that the messages resonated universally, addressing common life scenarios with simplicity and clarity.


1.3.5 Lutheran Worship on TV

In 2008, Toque de Vida facilitated a major communication breakthrough for the IELB. During the IELB's 104th anniversary service on June 22, the first full Lutheran service was broadcast live on TV, covering UlbraTV’s entire audience. This initiative also marked the beginning of regular Sunday broadcasts of recorded services from Ulbra’s chapel, integrated into the Toque de Vida program.

Pastor Lucas Albrecht emphasized that the Lutheran Church had much to learn about television, noting that the broadcast format and liturgy remained unchanged for the TV audience.


1.3.6 Format and Periodicity in 2015

By 2015, Toque de Vida aired on UlbraTV from Monday to Friday at 7:15 AM and on Saturdays at 8:00 AM and 12:20 PM. The program maintained its commitment to quality content, continuing to blend reflection, emotion, and thematic relevance.

Silva emphasized the importance of visual and audio quality, ensuring that each broadcast effectively conveyed Christian values while resonating emotionally with viewers.

 

1.3.7. Numbers 2004-2015

 In over 10 and a half years of existence, from November 2004 to June 2015, the Toque de Vida Project records the following numbers:

Toque de Vida Program, ULBRA TV: The program was aired for the first time on November 26, 2004. There are no records in the pastoral files of the number of recordings and programs of the debut year. During the following year, 2005, the Pastoral's records are not very precise, but they make it possible to identify about 80 recorded messages, some of them delivered by guest pastors.[79] During 2006, even without a more precise organization of dates and message titles, around 170 recorded messages can be reckoned with a few more messages made by guests.[80]

From 2007 onwards, the archive of the Campus Ministry’s retrancas has more precise information allowing a better visualization of the recorded and reruns. For that year, there were 224 programs recorded by the presenter and 45 programs recorded by guests. Still in 2007 a variety program is launched, the Sunday program called “Touch de Interview” with 16 editions. Among those interviewed were Seminary professor, Ulbra Professors, local Pastors, a student, an American pastor, and representatives from Celsp. The other dates showed reruns in a total of 80. Among the message recording locations, in addition to the chapel, are the Martin Luther Library, the Football Stadium, the Dental School building, streets, parking lots and inside a moving car.[81]

The year 2008 was one of the seasons of most intense activity for the program. It is possible to identify the following: 223 programs recorded by Pr. Lucas, 11 interviews/special programs on Saturday/Sunday, 38 messages from guest pastors. There were also aired 25 Sunday services, whose recording and exhibition began on that this year,[82] and a rerun. Also, 68 reruns of daily programs. Among the illustrations and locations used for the daily programs are a clipboard, scaffolding, chapel, piano, hanger, train, ladder, car, battery, lake, tree (climbing), museum, pipe organ, air conditioner, University Hospital, Bible Fair, classroom, chimarrão, camcorder and war tank.[83]

The year 2009 presents the following records: 204 messages from Pastor Lucas, 41 messages from guest pastors, and reruns on the other dates. There were 41 services aired on Sundays, including the IELB’s 105th Anniversary Service and the ULBRA’s Anniversary Service, in addition to the Celsp’s Anniversary Service. It is not possible to determine, however, how many of them are new and how many are reruns. This year, the special story “Um Toque de Natal”(A Touch of Christmas) was recorded, produced and directed by Ulbra TV's production team. It had the special participation of Pastor Lucas[84], and among others the University Chapel was also a location.[85] Among the illustrations used on this year are: photos from the web, chess piece, pen drive, knife, tractor noise, lamp, balloon, cold, cell phone, keychain, orthodontic device, coffee, chair, pen, key, fountain, terminal bus, alcohol gel, rails, sticks, elevator and matches.[86]

In 2010, Pastor Lucas recorded 180 new messages. The guest pastors had 46 participations, some of which were recorded at the IELB National Convention in Foz do Iguaçu, PR. 33 services were aired on Sundays and there were about 100 reruns. Among the illustrations are a screen, a coffee cup, a parking lot, a data show, a fire extinguisher, a card machine, electronic scrap, air conditioning, a chimarrão bowl, a rear-view mirror, a dental appliance, an orange leaf, rain, a cell phone, haircut, cars, aspirin, coffee powder, book, glasses, cell phone charger, ruler, monitor, framing, weight, hospital.[87]

In 2011 there were 157 messages from Pastor Lucas and 74 from guest pastors. 33 services were shown on Sunday and there were Easter and Christmas Special Programs. The reruns totaled 101. From the illustrations we find accordion, altar, works on campus, white cloth, candles and chandelier, air conditioning and a self-interview, where Pastor Lucas recorded the part of interviewer and interviewee, with a week of difference.[88]

In 2012, the numbers indicate 129 messages from Pastor Lucas, 97 from guest pastors and the exhibition of 25 services on Sundays, with a total of 114 reruns. Among the illustrations: piano, chapel, baptismal font, medicine, notepad, blood pressure measuring device, microphone, library, crumpled paper, credit card, Facebook.[89]

In 2013, there were 90 messages from Pastor Lucas and 127 messages from guest pastors. On Sundays, 17 services were exhibited. A special program was recorded for Sundays detailing the Lutheran Liturgy part by part.[90] This year was the debut of Toque de Vida Varieties, with programs of debate and special messages. The topics covered on the Varieties program were: How a Lutheran congregation works, Pentecost, Interview with the IELB National Board, Church and State, 4th International Luther Symposium, University Chaplaincy, Concordia Seminary, Lutheran Bible School, School Chaplaincy, Hospital Chaplaincy, Biblical Society of Brazil and Advent and Christmas. The reruns totaled 119 editions.[91]

In 2014, reruns greatly surpassed unpublished messages. 58 messages from pastor Lucas and 29 from guest pastors are recorded, with 270 reruns throughout the year. On Sundays, when there was no rerun, recorded messages were shown in the Toque de Vida services, in addition to the DVD of “the Worship Leader” Project.[92]

As of June 30, 2015, the records of the program are: 38 messages from Pastor Lucas and 139 reruns. On Sundays, mainly reruns, except for three messages from the Toque de Vida Services and the documentary “Forte em Santa União”.[93]

In summary, considering the unpublished daily messages (the focus of this work), the total indicates at least 1550 messages produced by Pastor Lucas and approximately 500 by guest pastors.

Webblog Toque de Vida: Started on January 20, 2006, [94]the pastoral electronic diary recorded 336 posts in 2006, 449 in 2007, 605 in 2008, 457 in 2009, 348 in 2010, 327 in 2011, 196 in 2012, 142 in 2013 and 75 posts in 2014, In 2015, there are 10 posts until April, in a total of 2945 posts in the period.[95]

Touch of Life by e-mail: Started on September 21, 2006, sending short messages by e-mail, it reached the following numbers: 56 messages in 2006, 204 messages in 2007, 211 messages in 2008, 149 messages in 2009, 117 messages in 2010, 89 messages in 2011, 67 messages in 2012, 60 messages in 2013 and 53 messages in 2014. In 2015, 12 emails were sent until the month of April. In total, 1018 emails with message, closing phrase and, on some occasions, information, news, comments and promotions.[96]

Toque de Vida by email, English: On May 17, 2008, the English version of Toque de Vida, “Touch of Life” was started. In the beginning, written and edited by Pastor Lucas. As of July 18, of the same year, the text was revised and edited by Deaconess Kim Starr, from St. Louis, Missouri, USA. Most messages are translations of Toques de Vida in Portuguese. The numbers indicate 35 messages sent in 2008, 28 in 2009, 21 messages in 2010, 19 messages in 2011, 12 in 2012, 6 in 2013 and 9 in 2014, in a total of 130 emails. In 2015, until the month of June, the sending of messages had not yet resumed.[97]

Toque de Vida by email, Spanish: On June 6, 2008, The Spanish Toque de Vida was launched. Most messages are translations of Toques de Vida in Portuguese. Until 2010, they were made by Rev. André Luiz Müller. In 2011 and 2012, by the (then) Brazilian missionary in the Dominican Republic, Rev. Walter T. Ries Jr. The numbers of Toque de Vida in Spanish are 26 messages sent in 2008, 16 in 2009, 5 messages in 2010, 7 messages in 2011 and 6 messages in 2012. Since then, the sending was suspended and, in 2015, until the month of June, messaging had not yet resumed.[98]

Minuto Toque de Vida, Mix FM: Started on September 20, 2013 as a program of approximately 90 seconds, it has the following numbers: 102 unpublished programs in 2013, 65 conducted by Pastor Lucas and 37 by Rev. Angelo Elicker; in 2014, a total of 365 messages, 47 were recorded by Pastor Ângelo, 189 by Pastor Lucas and 129 were reruns. Until April 30, the 2015 recordings totaled 24 programs, while the reruns, 96 editions.[99]

Toque de Vida page on Facebook: Started on June 29, 2011, the page had, in April 2015, 705 likes. The space is essentially used to publish the messages written in the Toque de Vida by email and the messages in a reduced version, used in the Minuto Toque de Vida of Mix FM.[100]

Touch of Life Services: An ULBRA Campus Ministry Project started on May 10th, 2014. It consists of Christian Lutheran Confessional Services held on Saturday evenings at ULBRA Cristo Redentor Elementary and High School. On its Facebook page the Services are described as: “a community of people coming together for a moment of contemporary Christian music, both vibrant and reflective, prayer and biblical teaching applied to practice.” In July 2015, the page, which was essentially used to publicize the themes of services and programs, had 298 likes.[101]

Minuto Toque de Vida, Ulbra TV: Started in the first half of 2015 as a program of approximately 90 seconds, to be broadcast during breaks on Ulbra TV. Until June 2015, it had 16 finished programs.[102]

 

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[25] JAGNOW, Dieter. TV as a vehicle for evangelization in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Brazil. In: Theology Magazine. Year 1, number 2. Dec 2010- Jan 2011, p.36.

[26] http://www.ulbratv.com.br/historico/ Accessed on: April 29, 2015

[27]Jagnow,. Dieter. TV as a vehicle for evangelization in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Brazil. In: Theology Magazine. Year 1, number 4. February and March 2011. p.14

[28]Id.Ibid., p.14

[29]Jagnow, Dieter. TV as a vehicle for evangelization in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Brazil. In: Theology Magazine. Year 1, number 4. February and March 2011, p.14

[30]NUCCI, Tatiana. Master's Interview. March 2015. (Communication via email)

[31]Id.Ibid.

[32]Id.Ibid.

[33]NA: Journalistic term. “Head: It is the lead [introduction] of the matter. The person who reads it is always the presenter who introduces the subject of the article made by the reporter”. Available in: http://jornal.metodista.br/tele/manual/glossario.htm Access: April 30, 2015

[34]NUCCI, Tatiana. Master's Interview . March 2015. (Communication via email)

[35]NUCCI, Tatiana. Master's Interview . March 2015. (Communication via email)

[36]NA: Journalistic term. “Call: Text about the main highlights of the newscast, transmitted within the broadcaster's normal programming. It aims to attract the viewer”. In the case of Toque de Vida, the term Retranca, used internally between presenter and production, would probably be more appropriately applied. Retranca: Identification of the topic. It is the name of a given program. It is only used internally and only highlights two words from the Video.” Available at: http://jornal.metodista.br/tele/manual/glossario.htm Access: April 30, 2015

[37]BORDINHAO, Fernanda Chacon. Master's Interview . March 2015. (Communication via email).

[38]SILVA, Fabiano Ribeiro da. Master's Interview. March 2015. (Communication via email).

[39]NA: Closed shot, or close-up: “the camera is very close to the subject, so that it occupies almost the entire scene, without leaving large spaces around it. It is a plane of INTIMACY and EXPRESSION.” Source: http://www.primeirofilme.com.br/site/o-livro/enquadramentos-planos-e-angulos/

[40]NA Open plan, or long shot: – “the camera is far from the object, so that it occupies a small part of the scene. It is an AMBIENTATION plan.” Source:  
 
http://www.primeirofilme.com.br/site/o-livro/enquadramentos-planos-e-angulos/

[41]BORDINHAO, Fernanda Chacon. Master's Interview. March 2015. (Communication via email).

[42]Id.Ibid.

[43]NUCCI, Tatiana. Master's Interview. March 2015. (Communication via email).

[44]SILVA, Fabiano Ribeiro da. Master's Interview. March 2015. (Communication via email).

[45]BORDINHAO, Fernanda Chacon. Master's Interview. March 2015. (Communication via email).

[46]NUCCI, Tatiana. Master's Interview. March 2015. (Communication via email).

[47]SILVA, Fabiano Ribeiro da. Master's Interview. March 2015. (Communication via email).

[48]NUCCI, Tatiana. Master's Interview. March 2015. (Communication via email).

[49]Id.Ibid.

[50]BORDINHAO, Fernanda Chacon. Master's Interview . March 2015. (Communication via email).

[51]NUCCI, Tatiana. Master's Interview . March 2015. (Communication via email).

[52]BORDINHAO, Fernanda Chacon. Master's Interview . March 2015. (Communication via email).

[53]SILVA, Fabiano Ribeiro da. Master's Interview . March 2015. (Communication via email).

[54]BORDINHAO, Fernanda Chacon. Master's Interview. March 2015. (Communication via email).

[55]SILVA, Fabiano Ribeiro da. Master's Interview. March 2015. (Communication via email).

[56]NUCCI, Tatiana Master's Interview. March 2015. (Communication via email).

[57]SILVA, Fabiano Ribeiro da. Master's Interview. March 2015. (Communication via email).

[58] See p.20.

[59]BORDINHAO, Fernanda Chacon. Master's Interview. March 2015. (Communication via email).

[60]Id.Ibid.

[61]Id.Ibid.

[62]“TV service broadcast marks 104 years of IELB foundation”. Available at: http://noticias.gospelmais.com.br/transmissao-de-culto-pela-teve-marca-104-anos-de-fundacao-da-ielb.html . Accessed on April 30, 2015

[63]Ulbra confirms it will have a new sponsoring entity”. Available at:             http://www.diariodecanoas.com.br/_conteudo/2014/04/noticias/regiao/39503-ulbra-confirma-que-tera-nova-entidade-mantenedora.html Accessed on April 30, 2015

[64]TV Service broadcast marks 104 years of IELB’s foundation”. Available in:          
 
http://noticias.gospelmais.com.br/transmissao-de-culto-pela-teve-marca-104-anos-de-fundacao-da-ielb.html . Accessed on April 30, 2015

[65]Id.Ibid.

[66]Touch of Life ”. Available at: http://www.ulbratv.com.br/toque-de-vida/ Accessed on April 30, 2015.

[67]Id.Ibid.

[68]Touch of Life”. Available at: http://old.hagah.com.br/programacao-tv/jsp/default.jsp?uf=1&action=programa&canal=ULB&operadora=15&programa=0000071040&evento=000000530358992&gds=1 Access: April 30, 2015. The description of the program's content, on this website, says: “Moments of peace and reflections on the screen. Touch of Life is presented by Pastor Lucas Albrecht who brings to our life, through the Lutheran message, the word that comforts us”

[69]Head-Chaplain”. Available at: http://www.ulbra.br/sobreaulbra/pastor-lucas-andre-albrecht.html Accessed: April 30, 2015

[70]“Daily Pastoral ”. Available at http://toquedevida.blogspot.com.br/2006/01/pastoral-diria.html Accessed: April 30, 2015.

[71] Touch of Daily Life. Email sent on September 21, 2006.

[72] Pastoral Activities. Available at: http://www.ulbra.br/pastoral/atividades-da-pastoral/ Accessed: April 30, 2015.

[73] The Book. Available at: http://toquedevida.blogspot.com.br/2008/10/o-livro.html Accessed: April 30, 2015.

[74] Launch. Available at: http://toquedevida.blogspot.com.br/2008/11/lannamento.html Accessed: April 30, 2015.

[75]Available at: https://www.facebook.com/programatoquedevida Access: April 30, 2015

[76] Pastoral Activities. Available at: http://www.ulbra.br/pastoral/atividades-da-pastoral/ Accessed: April 30, 2015.

[77] Touch of Life Services. Available at: http://ulbra.br/pastoral/culto-toque-de-vida/ Access: May 5, 2015. In their description on the Facebook page , the Toque de Vida Cults are presented as “a community of people who meet for a moment of contemporary Christian music, both vibrant and reflective, prayer and biblical teaching applied to practice. Messages that seek to answer the question: “What do the Bible and faith have to do with my daily life?” Available at: https://www.facebook.com/cultostoquedevida/info?tab=page_info Access: May 5, 2015.

[78] Available at: https://www.facebook.com/programatoquedevida Access: June 30, 2015

[79] Touch of Life. Material available at the Pastoral archive in Canoas, RS. Accessed May 21, 2015.

[80]ID Ibid.

[81]ID Ibid.

[82]“TV service broadcast marks 104 years of IELB foundation ”. Available at: http://noticias.gospelmais.com.br/transmissao-de-culto-pela-teve-marca-104-anos-de-fundacao-da-ielb.html . Accessed on May 21, 2015

[83] Touch of Life. Material available at the Pastoral archive in Canoas, RS. Accessed May 21, 2015.

[86] Touch of Life. Material available at the Pastoral archive in Canoas, RS. Accessed May 21, 2015.

[87] ID Ibid.

[88] Touch of Life. Material available at the Pastoral archive in Canoas, RS. Accessed May 21, 2015.

[89] ID Ibid.

[91] Touch of Life. Material available at the Pastoral archive in Canoas, RS. Accessed May 21, 2015.

[92] ID Ibid.

[93]“Touch of Life ”: Material available in the archive of Pastoral Canoas. Accessed on July 10, 2015.

[94]“Daily Pastoral ”. Available at: http://toquedevida.blogspot.com.br/2006/01/pastoral-diria.html Accessed on: May 12, 2015.

[95]Source: http://toquedevida.blogspot.com.br/ Accessed on: May 12, 2015

[96]“Touch of Life ”: Material available in the archive of Pastoral Canoas. Accessed in June 2015.

[97]“Touch of life ”: Material available in the archive of Pastoral Canoas. Accessed in June, 2015.

[98]“Touch of Life ”: Material available in the archive of Pastoral Canoas. Accessed in June, 2015.

[99]Minute Toque de Vida Mix FM ”: Material available in the Pastoral Canoas archive. Accessed in June, 2015

[102] Drops Touch of Life Ulbra TV: Material available in the Pastoral Canoas archive. Accessed in June 2015

 

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