Communications Exchange
Sharing the Good News in Indiana & Illinois Synod of Lincoln Trails, PC(USA)
July 2010
Synod of Lincoln Trails, PC(USA)
Greetings!
 
Welcome to the first issue of Lincoln Trails' "Communications Exchange." We hope that this resource will be helpful to everyone who works in church communications in our synod - and that includes just about everybody, doesn't it? So much of ministry involves communications, whether you're a pastor, a webmaster, a teacher, an administrative support person, a newsletter editor; whether you're paid or a volunteer.

This month, there is news of no fewer than four conferences coming up this fall for church communicators! Check it out...and let us know if you hear of other opportunities, so we can pass the word.

Do you know someone who would also enjoy hearing church communications news from time to time? If you do, please forward this newsletter to them and encourage them to sign up for upcoming issues.
 
Blessings on you and your work!
M2LIVE Chicago Event Web Ministry and Social Media Training
Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary, Evanston, Ill., Oct. 8-9

If you are a church leader or volunteer interested in learning how to develop an effective social media strategy, create a more appealing and usable church website, or would like to grow your ministry using web technology, you will be interested in the M2LIVE Chicago event, to be presented Oct. 8-9 at Garrett Theological Seminary.

M2LIVE has offered a special discount to Presbyterian attendees! To save an additional 20% off your registration (in addition to the Sept. 17 early bird discount), use the following discount code when registering online: PRESBY20. Additional discounts are offered for multiple attendees from the same organization. For more registration information, visit www.M2LIVE.org/Chicago.

M2LIVE is a non-denominational grassroots effort allowing believers of all backgrounds to come together to celebrate Christ, while sharing and learning from one another. A series of web-based and live hands-on workshops, M2LIVE is designed for church leaders and volunteers interested in enhancing their ministry using the latest in Web technology. Learn more about them at www.M2LIVE.org.
McCormick Continuing Education Social Media in Ministry
McCormick Campus, Chicago, Oct. 15 - 16, 2010

The use of social media has impacted our culture in ways that we could never have imagined just a short time ago. And, while some would keep the church isolated from these changes in culture and technology, many others are seeking a way for the church to use this new media in ways that build up the body of Christ and the support the ministry of the church.

"Blessings and Burdens" will explore this compelling place where our call to be the church in the world and the possibilities that social media provides us to be that church converge. Bruce Reyes-Chow, past moderator of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and expert in new media, will lead this two-day workshop that will provide a knowledge base and create a level of comfort so that participants will be able to appropriately integrate healthy social media practices into their local ministry contexts. More...

Registration is $175, which includes the program, all materials, four breaks and two lunches. Fees are discounted for additional attendees from the same church or organization.
Plugging In Without Shorting Out Plugging In Without Shorting Out
The Presbyterian Communicators' Network is presenting two regional conferences in October:

October 18-20, Crestfield Conference Center, Slippery Rock, Penn.

October 25-27, Zephyr Point Conference Center, Lake Tahoe, Nev.

Each conference will offer unique plenary speakers and workshops focusing on web-based media and resources for churches and middle governing bodies. Cost is $250, which includes room, board, speakers, and workshops. Online registration will soon be available on the PCN website.

Communicators from the Synod of Lincoln Trails can receive a $125 grant to attend either conference! Contact Marta for more information.

What's Next for Communications in the Synod?
The synod is looking for people with skills in news writing, design and marketing to join a communications advisory committee. This group will advise the synod's standing committee on Mission Coordination and Administration about new ways to use communications tools to carry out synod mission. Want more information? Contact Nate Rush or Marta Kramer.