Steve over at Communicate Jesus is seeking insights into the use of church email newsletters. I said I'd post an example of ours here.
I aim to make the weekly email newsletter readable in one page without having to scroll. I think that's important for almost all email correspondance. I avoid advanced formatting because I think its spammy and it doesn't translate to phones anyway.
I do use basic formatting a lot: bullet points, short paragraphs and bold for key information and actions. I also try to populate the email with some hyperlinks, to help the group interact with our website and Facebook.
I think the weekly newsletter is very important so I have done it myself up to now, seeing it is an important place to set the values and outlook of the ministry. I also think it is such an important and powerful form of communcation that I work hard to train people to read email, and don't offer any paper-based newsletters – they have to get onto our email list.
Anyway, here's an example of our weekly email newsletter:
Dear University Fellowship,
Please keep praying for the two Scripture Under Scrutiny courses that are currently running, that God's word does its work in the hearts and lives of those who are attending. Another two SUS courses will be starting after mid-Semester break, one at the Med School, more information coming soon.
This week is our main meeting, the Citywide Gathering:
- We hold these event only once a month, so that even those people who have regular commitments on a Thursday night can excuse themselves once a month to join with UTAS students from around the city.
- This week Mikey Lynch will be preaching on Romans 8.
- We will also be singing some classic hymns in big, loud old-world style.
I encourage you to invite friends along, perhaps to dinner beforehand?
After mid-semester break, we have a very special event: My Journey With Jazz and Jesus:
- This concert is intended to give an example of how spirituality and music interact and to commend the Christian faith.
- In the context of excellent performances the presenter, musician theologian and gifted communicator Con Campbell, will share his personal story as a musician and Christian.
This looks like it will be fantastic night and a perfect event to bring non-Christians friends along to.
Finally, it might be worth keep an eye on our website NOTES (also imported to our Facebook Page). In addition to a range of interesting articles and links, Mikey is also answering some recent questions from the SUS courses: 'Isn't it all like some big game?' someone asked. Mikey's answer part 1 can be read here.
Have a great week and I will see you all on Thursday night at our August Citywide Gathering.
Mikey
