One of the things the Vestry and other parish leaders are looking at these days is the question of how we can best make our parish and our mission better known in Midland. So we are talking about publicity/marketing/ advertising/evangelism—the whole thing. There are several ideas that are in the works, and nothing is final yet.
One big part of this is taking better advantage of our location. Literally thousands of people drive by St. Nicholas’ ever day, and very few of them know who we are or what we are about. One way to help change this is by a sign, large enough to be read from the loop, and having a message that we can change anytime we want to.
Now, no sign, all by itself, will send folks to St. Nicholas’ in droves—the experts say that maybe 5 to 10% of people who visit a church do so because of the sign alone. However, when combined with other forms of publicity and outreach, this can be an important way to extend our reach into our community.
We are looking at a sign that is about 25 feet tall and 15 feet across, with a changing LED message. We could use this space for service times, upcoming events, and pithy hints about how we are special.
Other things we are looking at include direct advertising on PBS and perhaps cable TV, an overhaul of the website, a presence at Midland College, and more use of the newspaper and other local media.
What do you think? How can we share with Midland our special Church community and the special perspective on the Christian faith that we value so much? Any ideas or suggestions are welcome.
Fr. Jim
A great deal of work was done by Pool and Jane’s committee that met at their home a year or two ago. We were all for this, especially the sign, but it feel through the cracks. I don’t know that I would support a changing LED message, there are enough distractions on the loop now and it is a good place to get killed in traffic.
We’re using much of what that excellent group did. I hope we can avoid the cracks this time.
I always read the local church marquees around town for an inspirational message and my fave is Tru-Lite on A street/Wadley area. You never know who might wander in to join us Happy Folks. Father Jim, you have a such religious wit about you and many others do in the church> i think it would be a great way to get creative with God and attract some other like-minded souls to fellowship and worship with us.
If the budget allows, I am for this big time!!
I can see Margaret’s concern about distractions on the Loop–an LED sign might be one of those distractions. I do like the idea of PBS and ohter options of advertising; however, that can get expensive and if the ads are not “professional”, they can be unsuccessful. The Midland College idea is excellent, provided it’s enthusiastic and creative. Word of mouth is always the best tool for marketing and today’s attendance was more than usual, so possibly we are doing something in that direction already. St, Nick’s atmosphere is so loving and warm and one can experience that IF they can only get there one time . . . that’s what we need to do–get them there one time!
How about “hosting” a farmers market on Wednesday evenings (example 4-7) in our parking lot. We could allow the sellers to set up on the last row of the parking lot – against the meadow. We would setup a sandwish style board, maybe one at each end, telling shoppers and sellers about Wednesday activities, Sunday activities etc., might draw some to healing service. Could advertise that once school starts, kids eat free…..I know someone who sells honey at the market downtown and she make have contacts with other farmers. There is no farmers market on the north side of town or during the week. We would also perhaps allow some craft vendors – in order to keep it going during winter months. Just a thought.
very neat idea! sounds like an attractor rather than a promoter!
I really like the idea of hosting a farmer’s market on Wednesday evenings and have heard about a farmer who has already tried a Wed pm market (not sure where). Check out Porters Famers Market on facebook. His location is 5401 South County Road 1140.
I’m going to check with the city to see if such would be permitted at our location before we pursue this further. I think it is a really COOL idea!
Jane
FARMERS MARKET: Per the City regulations: It will be necessary to apply for a “temporary land use permit” to use our parking lot for any kind of outdoor sale. There would be a public hearing at the City Council, to which neighbors could come if they wished — to support or oppose. The Council could grant or deny the permit. IF WE WANT TO HAVE A FARMER’S MARKET, I’d suggest (1) we identify potential ‘vendors’ who would be willing to sell at our location and (2) canvass at least the folks who back up to our property to let them know our plans (and try to gain support). All that would take a few weeks — which doesn’t leave much of the “summer growing season”, so it is doesn’t work, we haven’t invested much time. If it does seem to work, we can be ready for next year! Maybe some enterprising souls would like to can produce for sale at Heavenly Holidays??
A Farmers Market…………….ummmmmmm garden fresh tomatoes, corn-on-the-cob, honey, etc etc what an intriguing idea! We may need to check the city’s regulations (if any) about such an enterprise, but what a neat idea!
I like the Farmer’s/Artist’s Market idea as well, and I agree that a sign would help capture more attention even if it would take some getting used to on our parts.
Our presence in the community is huge. I probably still wouldn’t have walked through the doors of our church building if I hadn’t chatted with Fr. Jim when working on Bill’s campaign for state representative.
I agree that a sign is necessary– many people apparently don’t at first know what building it is when they drive by it (our church). They might know it’s a church from the cross in the meadow, but other than that, maybe they don’t see the “St. Nicholas” on the outside wall. I used to think that kind of sign was “tacky” but as the years go by, I realize that I have to get over being “superior” about status as a “tasteful Episcopalian” and think about practicalities. Having Empty Bowls here will also help, as will the Food Pantry and working with Midland College, but a sign is really important.
Overnight, I thought of a wonderful little book Stockton Williams gave me when I was Long-Range Planning Chair for HT several (!!!) yrs. back. It’s Twelve Keys to an Effective Church by Kennon Callahan. There are a couple of excellent chapters on church growth, media attention, etc., that might be helpful. Fr. Jim, you’ve likely read this book, but I’ll be more than happy to drop it by the church office if you’d like.
Also – thinking about fast and easy – how about hosting a “Trunk or Treat” for Halloween – can you tell I’m fixated on our parking lot! We all love to dress up and celebrate – this one is easy – no set up or cleanup!
I like this Erin..btw where have you been? Miss seeing you!
This could be great for families and the young and “young at heart” factions of St. Nick’s! We could advertise, too!! Flyers at Food pantry to the families there and flyers to neighboring homes, schools and our episcopal school, Trinity School!
Many of the suggestions concern a day only involvement by members of the church community and the individuals invited. Whether is it vegetables for sale, blessing of animals, soup bowls, even Angel Tree, it is still a day view presentation or a few hours of exposure. But, a sign flashing with good infomation and presentation of St. Nicks is 24/7. Let the light shine. Let it shine.
A sign, a sign, my kingdom for a sign!! (and God’s, of course)
Pithy sayings (no more than 4-5 words?) Yes, if we can afford it.
Service time change? I have no dog in that fight, but I’ve heard “talk.”
Below is the article that ran Friday, August 27th in the Midland Paper
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Of all of the many egregious issues flying about in the current “Culture Wars” that involve religion, probably the one that irritates me the most is all the controversy about science and religion—as if these two enterprises were locked in some sort of battle to the death over a piece of land called “truth”. Biology, geology, and the various applications of the theory of evolution seem the areas of contemporary science most often involved.
Now, I come to this as a person of faith with a deep reverence for the Bible, and not as a scientist—so I will engage it from a faith perspective. To paraphrase Anselm, I come with faith, and I seek to understand.
The best answer to this whole science/religion question that I have found is about sixteen hundred years old; and comes from Aurelius Augustinus Hipponensis, better known as St. Augustine. He was Bishop of the North African town of Hippo (now modern Annaba) and one of the greatest theologians the Western Church has ever produced.
Augustine developed much of his thinking in this area during the fifteen years he spent writing a commentary on the Book of Genesis. Here is a thumbnail of what he says: First, God has given us two ‘books’ that reveal who God is and what God is about: These are the Book of Nature (which is the natural world itself) and the Book of Scripture, the Bible. They compliment one another; and both Scripture and the natural world reveal God’s truth, as both have God’s hand on them. Together, they speak a single truth, and they are, at their deepest level, in accord.
The Book of Nature, the world we experience, is the easier to read and to understand, as it was created for all people, and it is ‘read’ by paying careful attention to the natural world and drawing conclusions from what is observed. (Which is very much like what science does these days.) The natural world, Augustine insists—and we continue to discover—leads to truth.
The Book of Scripture also leads to truth, but it is harder to read and to interpret, especially in the literal sense. That’s easy enough to see even now by looking at the rich and diverse interpretations of virtually any important passage of Scripture. There are literally thousands of these for most any passage one chooses. Interpretation is difficult.
Also, Scripture and Nature inform each other. Augustine says that interpretation of biblical passages must be informed by the current state of demonstrable knowledge; and he warned against the danger of embarrassing the reputation of Christianity by being ignorant or dismissive of the demonstrated scientific knowledge of the day. That was good advice in the year 400, and it’s good advice today. We need to understand these two sources of God’s truth together.
So, Augustine concludes, when the Book of Nature, (our observations of the world) and the Book of Scripture seem to conflict or to contradict one another, what needs to be done is to look again at one’s interpretation of the Book of Scripture. That’s where the problem will be. To hold stubbornly to an interpretation of Scripture in the face of the clear observations of Nature is not only to embarrass Christianity, but it is also to miss the truth that is being told by Nature and the truth that is being told by Scripture.
It is great wisdom like this from the long and deep tradition of Christian thought that seems so often missing from so much contemporary debate. A respect for reason, coupled with a respect for the Scriptures and the ancient traditions of interpretation, can go a long way toward putting some of today’s clamor to rest.
The Rev. James Liggett is Rector of St. Nicholas’ Episcopal Church in Midland.
Thoroughly enjoyed your sermon on humility! thank you, Father Jim!
JUST CURIOUS: For all that attended the consecration of the new HT rector, did anyone hear the idea of how to grow a successful Church?
The rector from South Dakota presented the 4 criteria found to be crucial that came out of the Methodist survey. The only one I can remember is the #1(first) one..small group formation and how necessary it is to get to know each other (intimacy) rather than the quick Hi, how are you surface chat which I suppose, its better than a sharp stick in the eye, mind you.
I see EFM does that for folks. Choir,Kitchen angels, handbells and my qigong class, as well do the same.
I am beginning to feel that through my DOK involvement.
What were the other 3 points?
Is there anyone not feeling apart of our Church or doesn’t have a small group to get to know people at a deeper , more satisfying level?
Also, point was made that there is nothing like sitting in a large worship service and then feeling so alone because we need God with skin on Him to feel apart of and not lonely/isolated?
And one more thought, are people of our church spreading themselves”too thin” amongst our programs and becoming tired, depleted and the such? Are their too many programs and not enough people? Are the programs not really hitting the mark and could be let go?
I suppose this what the vestry covers? Maybe I need to learn more by sitting in a Vestry mtg.
Kathy is very correct. Individuals come to and stay where they have connection, community, friendship and intimacy. It is often more emotional then intellectual; this is why some of your charismatic churches are so successful. But before the emotionally good stuff can happen, we first must get them in the door.
There are many unchurched in Midland we can reach out to especially those who have felt excluded due to doctrinal, political-philosophical and lifestyle choices. Remember Christ ministered to those typically considered unworthy of respect within the community. As we reach out to those in need, they will become our future congregants!!
My vote is for the ever changing sign. We block out those things that don’t change. Yes for the PITHY statements and let us reach out towards the unworthy and provide them fellowship and honor.
Kathy points to a real dilemma. How to have things that bring people together on an intimate level while at the same time being mindful of the pace of life and availability of time that are such powerful realities in our lives. Do we want one more program on ‘intimacy’? I know how much we ask of our active members, and there may be ways to deepen what we have, rather then trying to have one more thing.
I am all for the sign! I also think that part of letting our light shine is our attitude toward others. We may need to be consciously aware of every guest who comes to church. It is so easy to visit with friends, instead. We are open and basically friendly.The nursery still needs upgrading. Some music or activity in it so that nurturing, not just baby sitting goes on. This not a criticism of past efforts, but a reminder that young couples really do pay critical attention to appearance and program. several times we have had a suggestion to invite a few non-parishioners to visit and then tell us what was positive or not so positive. Small groups are good. Ours have sort of grown organically, rather than being “cooked up”. Lets look at all of our classes and see if the mix covers everyone’s interests. Maybe a different kind of Bible study that someone has particularly liked from somewhere else? A Sunday evening Bible study at homes was very popular here awhile back. The group was very eclectic. If it grows out of an interest, like the movie group, it might be fun.
Edna
The “Civility, Community and Compassion” event can help indicate the attitude that is valued in our parish. This is something we can all embrace and learn from. St. Nicholas’ is about challenging ourselves to self examination and spiritual growth. Whatever change and growth we represent starts with each individual. Edna