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RE: Church Bulletins- Good or Bad? - 6/17/2008 12:10:32 PM
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daughter_of_faith
Posts: 1062
Joined: 1/10/2008
From: Great Plains, Kansas
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Church bulletins....extremely useful when they have the pertinent information in them as not a lot of communication gets done in many churches today. Seems like the days of fellowshipping for 30 minutes to an hour after church are gone.
If there isn't pertinent information in the bulletin, what's the use? I've seen those far too many times.
What's even worse is if you *gasp* want a church bulletin (if for nothing else but taking notes on the provided notesheet)...and DON'T receive one. Guess that happens when you've been around "too long" to be greeted & handed a bulletin...and for some reason they are not ever laying around...they're always in someone's hands!
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RE: Church Bulletins- Good or Bad? - 6/17/2008 12:27:15 PM
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hjemerson
Posts: 209
Joined: 3/4/2008
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Been I church over 30 year I belive they are a waste of money and time! Give job surity Yes I belive if you want to take note take a pad/note book then you have all you need for notes .from pastor/upcoming events. I like the once a month new letter If you plan it should be a month ahead or call people. as for song I like to think the Lord does lead in the picking and not alway the week ahead(my HD does the music and many times he has told them the Lord has change the Bulltening) I do like it that some church have the web page and things can be posted , As for time of events most og the people under 30 have a way to check a events thatmay be coming uop. Our daughter and family checj eveything that way! As to word of the song I LOVE POWER POINT!!! More Chrch should in vest in a power point and some one to run it correctly! All just my two cents!
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RE: Church Bulletins- Good or Bad? - 6/17/2008 4:18:25 PM
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real58
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I do a bulletin every week, yes sometimes it is frustrating but every now and then someone tells me how much they appreciate it and that makes it worth while. In it I include an order of service, the hymns, some of the prayers. I also include the calendar for the week and announcements (which are not announced because every one gets a bulletin) Most important in my view is the opportunity to educate, I almost always include some article or short story that may relate to the lessons for that Sunday or just explain something about Christianity in general. I see it as a ministry and try very hard to make it interesting and informative. It works in our little Anglican church!
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RE: Church Bulletins- Good or Bad? - 6/17/2008 4:49:03 PM
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jstbeliev
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Our church recently decided to go even further. They now have, in addition to the bulletin, a presentation(complete with loud music, interviews, little skits,etc) on the big screen which reiterates the bulletin...word for word....... 
_____________________________
Why should you die? HE already died for you...
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RE: Church Bulletins- Good or Bad? - 6/17/2008 4:51:28 PM
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daughter_of_faith
Posts: 1062
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From: Great Plains, Kansas
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quote:
ORIGINAL: jstbeliev
Our church recently decided to go even further. They now have, in addition to the bulletin, a presentation(complete with loud music, interviews, little skits,etc) on the big screen which reiterates the bulletin...word for word.......
That's probably a good thing!!! It will help *some* people remember better. I'm a teacher....trust me when I say that we all learn (and thus remember) things differently. For some, they need a creative way or else they will forget it. Others can simply read it aloud and they'll know when things are going on with perfect accuracy!
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RE: Church Bulletins- Good or Bad? - 6/17/2008 4:59:35 PM
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freakofnature
Posts: 737
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I like the buletin as well...
What else am I supposed to read while the pastor is preaching...
Bah dum..ching... "thank you table number 3"
Seriously tho... Our church stopped doing "announcments" it got in the way of the movement of the spirit or time between worship and sermon, our Pastor, and I agree, likes to take the area where the church is worshipful and move right into the word. If you want to know what is going on, you have to read the buletin, also, we have announcements on the projector in the morning before service starts and after the service has ended...
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RE: Church Bulletins- Good or Bad? - 6/18/2008 8:22:26 AM
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kernsfamily
Posts: 1221
Joined: 4/26/2006
From: Dallas (originally Detroit)
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quote:
extremely useful when they have the pertinent information in them as not a lot of communication gets done in many churches today.
at first you say that church bulletins are "useful"...and, then say "not a lot of communication gets done in churches"...
The church bulletin IS a method of communication....and a very effective one, as well!
_____________________________
Proud dad of 3 great girls....Erin, Emilie and Elise
Blessed to have all of them in a "totally awesome" public elementary school!
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RE: Church Bulletins- Good or Bad? - 6/18/2008 10:51:45 AM
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ezri
Posts: 2840
Joined: 3/31/2005
From: Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Point B, NC
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quote:
ORIGINAL: kernsfamily
quote:
extremely useful when they have the pertinent information in them as not a lot of communication gets done in many churches today.
at first you say that church bulletins are "useful"...and, then say "not a lot of communication gets done in churches"...
The church bulletin IS a method of communication....and a very effective one, as well!
The bulletin is a sad form of communication when it replaces actual person to person communication. I do not believe that anything that removes our actual person to person contact/communication strengthens the body of Christ. Yes- get rid of the bulletins, then lets ditch the pews- they form divisions(several parallel type divisions in a single building) 
~e
_____________________________
<- proof I am not yet qualified for the senior citizens discount. I know it is hard to fully grasp, knowing I have 6 kids, 4 cats, a dog, a silver streak the like of X-Men's Rouge, and a 20yo marriage... Really- I am only 38.
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RE: Church Bulletins- Good or Bad? - 6/18/2008 10:59:12 AM
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daughter_of_faith
Posts: 1062
Joined: 1/10/2008
From: Great Plains, Kansas
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quote:
ORIGINAL: kernsfamily
quote:
extremely useful when they have the pertinent information in them as not a lot of communication gets done in many churches today.
at first you say that church bulletins are "useful"...and, then say "not a lot of communication gets done in churches"...
The church bulletin IS a method of communication....and a very effective one, as well!
Bulletins are NOT effective forms of communication UNLESS they have the pertinent information in there (see bold part of quote). Ours usually just has a repeat of the previous week's announcements/schedule repeated over and over. If there IS something going on at the church, it seems like it doesn't make it into the bulletin a lot of times.
When I first came to this church, there were TONS of activities going on. Most were not covered by the bulletin and the pastor wouldn't announce it from the pulpit. It was like people were supposed to automatically know what is going on. Like I said...lack of communication.
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RE: Church Bulletins- Good or Bad? - 6/18/2008 11:19:26 AM
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bluestone
Posts: 2720
Joined: 2/25/2008
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Our problem was over kill..bulletins read out loud, taking up time, and the aforementioned lack of response when asking leaders for information to go in the bulletin.
I am not against them..I just don't see the need for that AND announcements.
_____________________________
"Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are DEAD"
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RE: Church Bulletins- Good or Bad? - 6/18/2008 11:22:33 AM
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daughter_of_faith
Posts: 1062
Joined: 1/10/2008
From: Great Plains, Kansas
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quote:
ORIGINAL: bluestone
Our problem was over kill..bulletins read out loud, taking up time, and the aforementioned lack of response when asking leaders for information to go in the bulletin.
I am not against them..I just don't see the need for that AND announcements.
The need is that not everyone understands by simply reading. Some people need to HEAR the announcements to know what is going on. Seems silly, I know, but that's why teachers use different methods to help kids remember and learn things.
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RE: Church Bulletins- Good or Bad? - 6/18/2008 12:28:22 PM
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kernsfamily
Posts: 1221
Joined: 4/26/2006
From: Dallas (originally Detroit)
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quote:
ORIGINAL: ezri
quote:
ORIGINAL: kernsfamily
quote:
extremely useful when they have the pertinent information in them as not a lot of communication gets done in many churches today.
at first you say that church bulletins are "useful"...and, then say "not a lot of communication gets done in churches"...
The church bulletin IS a method of communication....and a very effective one, as well!
The bulletin is a sad form of communication when it replaces actual person to person communication. I do not believe that anything that removes our actual person to person contact/communication strengthens the body of Christ. Yes- get rid of the bulletins, then lets ditch the pews- they form divisions(several parallel type divisions in a single building)
~e
"Sad when it replaces "Person to Person" communication?
How exactly will it work when, perhaps, our church's foundation has a Will & Estate Planning Drive? Or, a financial planning seminar?
If someone doesn't PERSONALLY tell me about it, how will I know it is even going to happen? It can take a significant amount of time to stand up there and "read off" the announcements....and everything else that is simply there in the "bulletin"...
What about the many visitors who may not be "in the loop" when it comes to the "goings on" at church? Who will tell them about making sure their child knows that the youth soccer league starts in 2 weeks? Perhaps someone will, or perhaps it's assumed that someone already has?
OH...can't forget about websites....another VERY crucial "method of communication" to not only your congregation, but all in the community (who may be new to the community, "unchurched", or people who attend another church)...and those throughout the world. our church gets e-mails ALL THE TIME from every corner of the globe (especially U.S. servicemen, who watch our services either "archived" online, or LIVE at 11am CST on Sunday mornings).....
< Message edited by kernsfamily -- 6/18/2008 12:35:26 PM >
_____________________________
Proud dad of 3 great girls....Erin, Emilie and Elise
Blessed to have all of them in a "totally awesome" public elementary school!
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RE: Church Bulletins- Good or Bad? - 6/18/2008 12:53:26 PM
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ezri
Posts: 2840
Joined: 3/31/2005
From: Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Point B, NC
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quote:
How exactly will it work when, perhaps, our church's foundation has a Will & Estate Planning Drive? Or, a financial planning seminar?
How did your great Grandparents and Grandparents find out about important church meetings? I am guessing the Pastor, Sunday school director or chairman of the deacons or committee in question made an announcement from the pulpit OR in the Sunday school classrooms. It isn't hard, open mouth... say words... thank folks... see them there! neat how that works. 
The church I went to as a child was the same size as the one I currently attend. they had no copy equipment. No bulletin. NOTHING printed aside from the Hymnal and Sunday school curriculum. they went to a printer in town and had the programs printed for special events such as the Christmas program. Everyone was where they needed to be when they needed to be there and they had Will & Estate Planning meetings though i will admit they did not have any financial planning seminars. I can attest to the fact that they, as do all baptist churches, had more than their fair share of committees and the meetings that those same committees had and again- everyone was where then needed to be.
Bulletins are not essential, just like air conditioning is not essential(and boy howdy do I love my A/C). However both seem to have their dedicated followers and if Mr. M turns the AC down again before sermon I am gonna tell him that he may be cold but he can put on a sweater and remain socially acceptable- whereas my arriving at church in a swim suit with a misting fan so that I can remain cool and comfy would be frowned upon. I think I may just buy him a sweater and hand it to him as I bump the AC back to 72 and skip the whole swim suit thing.
~e
_____________________________
<- proof I am not yet qualified for the senior citizens discount. I know it is hard to fully grasp, knowing I have 6 kids, 4 cats, a dog, a silver streak the like of X-Men's Rouge, and a 20yo marriage... Really- I am only 38.
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RE: Church Bulletins- Good or Bad? - 6/18/2008 12:54:48 PM
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Covaan_Meshuga
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Different forms of media hit different groups of people. The written bulletin form is something people take home and keep for future reference. The spoken schedule is for those who, for whatever reason, cannot read or cannot read well. The projected information is to get the attention of those who miss things in the other mediums, to emphasize various items, and to be sure that things that didn't make it into the bulletin are not forgotten.
Sorry, but not everyone receives information in the same way. Be nice to those who are different from you!
_____________________________
Abiyah
Why does He keep quoting Torah? Doesn't He know He's about to abolish it?
A tree's fruit is obvious; you have to look harder for the worm hole.
G-d has only one natural Son; EVERYONE else is adopted.
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RE: Church Bulletins- Good or Bad? - 6/18/2008 1:09:31 PM
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doinkdom
Posts: 3978
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: The higher lowcountry
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Typical conversation at a previous church:
So, I'll see on Wednesday night, right?
Why?
Cause that's the starting date of the study we're doing.
I didn't know that.
It was in the bulletin.
I don't read the bulletin.
It was also on the big screen.
Well, we were late this morning.
They made the announcement this morning.
I didn't hear it.
It was also listed in the newsletter.
Mine must be lost in the mail.
seriously 
sometimes, the responsibility for information is misplaced into the hands of those delivering instead of those receiving.
_____________________________
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RE: Church Bulletins- Good or Bad? - 6/18/2008 1:31:27 PM
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ezri
Posts: 2840
Joined: 3/31/2005
From: Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Point B, NC
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: doinkdom
Typical conversation at a previous church:
So, I'll see on Wednesday night, right?
Why?
Cause that's the starting date of the study we're doing.
I didn't know that.
It was in the bulletin.
I don't read the bulletin.
It was also on the big screen.
Well, we were late this morning.
They made the announcement this morning.
I didn't hear it.
It was also listed in the newsletter.
Mine must be lost in the mail.
seriously
sometimes, the responsibility for information is misplaced into the hands of those delivering instead of those receiving.
Doink- I think I like you...
_____________________________
<- proof I am not yet qualified for the senior citizens discount. I know it is hard to fully grasp, knowing I have 6 kids, 4 cats, a dog, a silver streak the like of X-Men's Rouge, and a 20yo marriage... Really- I am only 38.
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RE: Church Bulletins- Good or Bad? - 6/18/2008 1:36:45 PM
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ta_mosquito
Posts: 10938
Joined: 3/31/2005
From: from MN, now in Ontario :D
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I think part of the issue here is the church size. In a church of a couple thousand or more, there are (1) so many things going on that announcing them all would take forever, and (2) it's easier for people to fall through the cracks when it's word of mouth since there are so many people.
In a smaller church, sure, announcements can be easily done in Sunday School and the service and cover everyone. It's a lot harder in a larger church without printed info.
_____________________________
Tricia
"There's a fine line between being open minded and being empty headed." ~Michael Coren
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RE: Church Bulletins- Good or Bad? - 6/18/2008 1:59:36 PM
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kernsfamily
Posts: 1221
Joined: 4/26/2006
From: Dallas (originally Detroit)
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quote:
ORIGINAL: ta_mosquito
I think part of the issue here is the church size. In a church of a couple thousand or more, there are (1) so many things going on that announcing them all would take forever, and (2) it's easier for people to fall through the cracks when it's word of mouth since there are so many people.
In a smaller church, sure, announcements can be easily done in Sunday School and the service and cover everyone. It's a lot harder in a larger church without printed info.
Good point.
Different churches have different needs. Some churches need to do things differently than other churches do. Doesn't mean that doing it "differently" equates to doing it "wrong"....... just done differently.
Our church happens to have "bulletins", and they are used very well....if they were NOT useful, then our church would NOT use them.
And, not EVERYONE attends "sunday school"....there are many that come for just church services....so, those "church wide" announcements that are read in sunday school class, don't reach everyone.
as i mentioned before, BY FAR, our church's most EFFECTIVE means of communication has got to be our website.....no doubt about it.
_____________________________
Proud dad of 3 great girls....Erin, Emilie and Elise
Blessed to have all of them in a "totally awesome" public elementary school!
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RE: Church Bulletins- Good or Bad? - 6/18/2008 2:17:48 PM
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KuKu
Posts: 592
Joined: 5/20/2005
From: Somewhere out there
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quote:
ORIGINAL: daughter_of_faith
quote:
ORIGINAL: bluestone
Our problem was over kill..bulletins read out loud, taking up time, and the aforementioned lack of response when asking leaders for information to go in the bulletin.
I am not against them..I just don't see the need for that AND announcements.
The need is that not everyone understands by simply reading. Some people need to HEAR the announcements to know what is going on. Seems silly, I know, but that's why teachers use different methods to help kids remember and learn things.
We have announcements printed into the bulletin (time, date, details), but during 'announcement' time at church it is just the event, the group, the date, and who to contact (ladies shopping trip, june 15, see Sue for more information). It makes the whole church aware, but QUICKLY, so we can get back to church proper... and then there is the option of reading the rest in the bulletin, or seeing Sue if there are reading issues, questions, etc. We also have the 'spoken' version on powerpoint prior to services...
_____________________________
We are mortal until God is done with us C.S.S. 
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RE: Church Bulletins- Good or Bad? - 6/18/2008 2:20:56 PM
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doinkdom
Posts: 3978
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: The higher lowcountry
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: ezri
quote:
ORIGINAL: doinkdom
Typical conversation at a previous church:
So, I'll see on Wednesday night, right?
Why?
Cause that's the starting date of the study we're doing.
I didn't know that.
It was in the bulletin.
I don't read the bulletin.
It was also on the big screen.
Well, we were late this morning.
They made the announcement this morning.
I didn't hear it.
It was also listed in the newsletter.
Mine must be lost in the mail.
seriously
sometimes, the responsibility for information is misplaced into the hands of those delivering instead of those receiving.
Doink- I think I like you...
_____________________________
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RE: Church Bulletins- Good or Bad? - 6/18/2008 2:21:56 PM
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JimboFletch
Posts: 5739
Joined: 4/11/2005
Status: offline
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Churches where news was only communicated from the pulpit often included 50% or more information that had no interest for half the congregation and sometimes was delivered by someone that loved the sound of their voice and hated to move on.
Bulletins help me sift through the events that don't effect me (preschool, teen happenings, really-old codger trips) and find what I need to know. Having it in print also helps me later in the week.
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RE: Church Bulletins- Good or Bad? - 6/19/2008 10:28:23 AM
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kernsfamily
Posts: 1221
Joined: 4/26/2006
From: Dallas (originally Detroit)
Status: offline
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As promised a few days ago, I dug up a recent "Church Bulletin" (didn't make it to church this past sunday, was out of town)...but, this is just from the previous Sunday....so, here it goes:
the "Front Cover" is a couple of very short paragraphs from the Pastor, sort of "introducing" the "message" that will be given in the sermon.
As I open it up (it's a 6-panel piece, with a short "tear off" on the far end), there's all the info about VBS (both for kids from age 3 to grade 6....AND, making sure everyone knows about the VBS programs for "special needs" kids, up to 16 years of age)...
Here's an announcement making sure everyone knows our choir/orchestra is doing a LIVE recording soon....(invite your friends & neighbors to come with you and to watch & listen!)...the CD will be released late summer...
We've had a "theme" carrying on since around Easter called "Tell the Story" (giving people the opportunity to tell their testimony about how God has worked in their lives...."where they are from", and how they got to where they are now" regarding their "walk")....there's a brief "tell the story" piece in the bulletin...
Here's a list of the 3 or so dozen people from our church who are currently in Romania on a mission trip.....everyone who went is listed, so we can pray for each of them.
There's a reminder to register kids for a "summer bible camp" (a week at a camp in oklahoma)....and the information to attend a "required"" parent meeting regarding that, along with how to sign your kids up!
Our church, each Tuesday, at 11:45, has something called "PowerLunch"....an opportunity to spend your lunch time at church, hear a speaker, and bring your friends/co workers from the office (it's more of a business lunch thing more than anything)....anyway....this "annoucement" is a reminder about PowerLunch this week, and who the speaker will be.
There's a mandatory meeting for all jr. high students who will be attending camp in colorado in a few weeks
A new bible fellowship/sunday school class (in the "open" division), has just begun....
For those who would be interested, the church is organizing an East Asia mission trip for this fall...."orientation" meeting is june 29
a "continual" reminder about "church night" at the local water park, every wed. night this summer...discount tix available through the childrens ministry...have friends/family come for fun, short devotional....and, fellowship
a new "kingdom finances" class is beginning soon....it gives times/dates and location....
and information about the summer bible studies/discipleship classes that are starting....
and, here's an announcement: the Pastor's assistant is celebrating her 15th year in that position.
OH...and, then an announcement to join with other Dallas area churches and various organizations to bless the community through service projects: "Clean Sweep" one weekend in a public housing project area.....the building of 6 "habitat for humanity' homes beginning on june 14., landscaping project at an 'inner city ministry' building, and dates when people can participate in the Prison Ministry (men & women's units)...
and, then on the far side of the bulletin, is the "tear off" guest registration form....through which, if you choose, you can give your name, contact information, and specifically request what types of information about the church you'd like to receive (children's ministry? senior adults? youth?.....and, to be added to the weekly e-mail updates.....and all of that sort of thing....just drop that in the "offering plate".....
A schedule of the topics our pastor will be talking about on his radio program during the upcoming week, heard around the nation and the world....and the times/stations you can listen....
I have never been to a church that did not, in some way or another, list somewhere the attendance for the previous week....so those numbers are listed in the corner over here....
AND, i guess that's pretty much it....
So, that's what is in a "TYPICAL" church bulletin that I pick up on Sunday morning at church.....and, with that much "diverse" information.....it's clearly a very effective means of communication....
< Message edited by kernsfamily -- 6/19/2008 10:36:30 AM >
_____________________________
Proud dad of 3 great girls....Erin, Emilie and Elise
Blessed to have all of them in a "totally awesome" public elementary school!
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RE: Church Bulletins- Good or Bad? - 6/19/2008 10:52:11 AM
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tapestry
Posts: 178
Joined: 8/19/2005
From: Ontario, Canada
Status: offline
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I like them. However, looking over the last months worth, I think we could go to a once a month format since the same basic information is in each one with only a few things different from week to week.
_____________________________
Joshua 24:15 B
..."As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
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