 By way of introduction it was pointed out how we are always communicating something in what we say, do, through noticeboards - even by tidy verges and gardens around our churches and premises. There are various ways of putting the church on the map, though, with various different approaches. There may be ways to refine and improve how we get the message across, especially when we examine the relationship between the church and society today. The Assembly had opportunity to work through a church communications audit, including the impact and effectiveness of church websites, publicity, posters and even parish magazines. Small groups firstly determined what the church is trying to communicate - be it simply the gospel message or more: answers included:  Put the key point at the start of your article, don't leave out the royal visitor until the end. Beard shaving for charity is a good picture, too! (don't everyone do it at the same time!!). Include the what, when, where and points of interest such as the guest speaker (esp if they are in the news) or the very special extra point to catch the journalists eye. She encouraged us to include contact numbers. 'Give around four weeks warning - and a follow up two weeks later. Develop rapport with a News Editor or local correspondent. Include pictures which excite the reader - but avoid the firing squad pic!' It is worth emailing good quality pictures - as a jpg. It is worth inviting the paper to take a pic of the fund raising event, but consider also the limited resources they have - covering sports events and so on on Saturdays. Don't spend a lot of timeproducing a press release - it is possible it will be edited by the newspaper. And do use your local newspaper - more than the national press. News sense: with TV, Radio and the Press - avoid wasting your own time but put together a story which is newsworthy from everyone else's point of view. Something unusual, out of the ordinary, something people are talking about. Be ready for the reporter's question "Anything else happen this week?". Beware, though: TV is often considered to be a medium to take care with - especially to avoid controversy. And remember that August and Christmas are usually low months for news -- ideal for anyone to get a message across. What works: the reminder that 'actions speak louder than words' helped illustrate what works best when trying to communicate. Such things include community events, stories of real life which excite the readership and remembering to provide a text that elicits visual images in the reader.  The flower show or bazaar is good - but our MP would far prefer to hear HOW the church is getting involved. Today's news of the political/religious affairs in the Middle East are examples of how the church should speak up. The whole security of our people is tied up with these conflicts and never has the world been more threatened than today. The church has to help people understand what's going on, even if we're all coming from different angles. Three key issues in this area: most significant is the antisocial behaviour of our children; we must address that. The elderly have great concerns; thirdly - young families. Some churches have lots of young families - but they are a small part of the world out there - and we need to help and support them - indeed all three groups. Phil Willis asked and urged us, the Church in Harrogate, to treat everyone as human beings and concentrate on these areas over the coming year. Further group work followed a busy refreshment break - displays from CT Area and Youth groups and schools. A further exercise "Making the news" followed, looking at events we could promote in our locality. John Carter suggested that the way to write it: The delegates noted the main issues and points and put together a press release, which was followed up with feedback and comments from Jean McQuarrie. Group headlines included: Jean McQuarrie's final encouragements included: "Please make the most of the column inches. And avoid photographer calls for Football and other sports days. Or other very busy news times". The meeting finished with a rapid look at other forms of communication, including the internet, publications and printed material. No time to work on how a team approach can provide synergistic results, but the evening concluded with examples from the Christmas Advertising Campaign - expected to be broadcast on Stray FM during December. Further contributions to the Christian message broadcast still welcome - more money provides more air time. Last words: Make sure community events and other exciting, interesting ideas are included on the church council agenda - be part of the community. Let the light shine! Matthew 5, 14-16. There is opportunity to take this and other issues further - let us know how Churches Together can help your congregation. Words for hymn sung at opening of the Annual Assembly. Source for verses 2, 3 & 4 unknown, understood to have been passed on by Cloud. 1 Abba, Father, let me be yours and yours alone; |
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