Recap of Vermont Episcopal Communicators’ Workshops
Participants Share Tips and Tools from Practical to Theological
By Maurice L. Harris | Diocesan Communications Minister
Congregations often ask me, “How can we get the most from our communications?” The answer, of course, varies based on each congregation’s needs and opportunities, but there are some best practices common to all. And there is much that parish communicators can learn from each other. This was the spirit of the VT Episcopal Communicators’ Workshops held on July 22, 26 and 29.
The workshops drew a cumulative total of 29 participants from our 46 parishes, a healthy showing for our inaugural event. Each participant had a role or interest in church communications. We gathered at Trinity Episcopal Church, Shelburne; Zion Episcopal Church, Manchester; and St. John’s in the Mountain, Stowe, and devoted a half-day to discussions ranging from practical to theological.
The workshops drew a cumulative total of 29 participants from our 46 parishes, a healthy showing for our inaugural event.
Are grants and loans available for communication projects? (Hint: Yes. Visit the Grants & Loans Committee page.) How can we enhance our online presence? What role does social media play? Are newsletters passé? What do we mean by ‘evangelism’ and ‘the Jesus Movement’—and how might we frame these ideas? These were the major agenda topics, but other issues emerged that opened the door to discussions extending beyond the workshop.
To help facilitate these ongoing discussions, follow-up materials have been made available on my Ministry Support Team Member page. The new content includes practical tips, communication planning documents, and educational resources, such as a link to a comprehensive Facebook tutorial requested by the participants who were seeking to increase their social media skills.
Follow-up materials are available online at www.diovermont.org/post.php?p=6237
As a takeaway, all attendees received a copy of 2017 Perspectives on Communication, a book of critical essays written by members and friends of the Diocese. A limited number of print copies are available upon request. An e-book version is also available free-of-charge.
To view the follow-up materials and request the book, visit www.diovermont.org/ministry-support-team.php and select Maurice Harris, Diocesan Communications Minister, or simply click www.diovermont.org/post.php?p=6237.