Support Ministry Team subgroup: Communications Team

Last meeting: Sept. 18

Attendees:

Steve Hale

Elizabeth Hensel

Carrie Kiekhaefer

LeAnne McFadden

Staff: Jan Sommerfeld
Absent:

Mark Des Rochers

Items that may require Council action: None

Important items of information:

• Council’s Vision 2012 strategic plan - The team reviewed its role in helping the congregation carry out its mission as outlined in the Vision 2012 document developed by the Council.
• Use multiple methods to create effective communication between the Council and congregational members: Currently a summary of the monthly Council meeting is posted ASAP in the Gathering Areas and on the Web site. Members are informed of the postings in the weekly bulletin announcements. The previous month’s minutes are published in the monthly newsletter. These ways are viewed as cost-effective methods of communication.
• Educate the congregation in the purposes and benefits of endowment funds: LeAnne McFadden has redesigned the endowment brochure that will be used as a tool for the Trust Committee. Endowment fund recipients were profiled and featured in this year’s monthly newsletters and on the Web site.
• Educate the congregation in “whole life” stewardship. The team would like clarification on “whole life.” Jan will follow-up.

• Lutherans Online message board: The team discussed the pros and cons of the electronic message board that has been created for FELC members for the purpose of providing a forum for exchanging ideas. While it was viewed as another communication tool for members to discuss important ideas relating to our ministries, it was agreed that it shouldn’t take the place of face-to-face communication, particularly during monthly ministry team meetings. To that end, it was suggested that if a discussion is taking place regarding specific ministry team items, that ministry team chair should print the discussion and bring it to the next ministry team meeting to share with team members. Also, it was noted that the message board administrators, who can edit and delete postings, will monitor the discussions to ensure that they are appropriate and make sure participants don’t abuse the system. The Communications Team will keep a close watch on the discussion topics over the next month or so to see if guidelines will need to be established.

• 2009 Time & Talent forms: LeAnne reviewed the revised cover that was redesigned in lieu of current budget restraints in order to save printing costs by printing them on our high-speed copier and offered suggestions on copy placement.

• Electronic media update: The online registration forms that were developed this summer with technical assistance from Steve have been a hit. Many members accessed the Web site to register for VBS, Sunday school, confirmation and retreats.

• Sermon podcasts glitch: Steve found the problem in our podcasting procedure and told Jan how to fix it.

• Web site update: The Web site received more than 200 hits a day in August.

• Endowment brochure: LeAnne designed the new endowment brochure. Once we receive the revised information from the Trust Committee regarding one section of the brochure, it can be sent to the printer.

• Echoes ambassador cards: LeAnne redesigned the new card and will create a Microsoft Word template that can be used with Avery labels and printed on ink jet printers at the office.

• Downtown Site bulletin board (near City Park entrance): The Library Committee requested to use the board to post library information. The team gave it the green light and agreed that the space currently is an eyesore, so if the committee could make the board colorful and attractive, it would be a huge improvement.

Next meeting: The third Thursday in October: 7 p.m., Oct. 16

Submitted by:

Jan Sommefeld