You can reach out to your community with information about an
educational or worship event at your congregation by using the
media. Publicity can be a witness!
Is the event interesting? Is it somehow different, creative or
especially helpful to people? If so, consider spreading word of your
event using:
These media outlets reach different audiences and require careful
planning.
Newspapers
Depending on the size of your town or city, the local
newspaper can be a good place to publicize your event. If your
congregation is in a big city, send information to community
newspapers; they usually require plenty of advance notice. In a
smaller city or rural area, the main newspaper might be very happy
to print an announcement.
Either way, you should put together a news release that
announces the event and identifies the speaker, topic, some
background on the speaker’s expertise, along with the date, time
and location of the event. Send your news to the newspaper editor
at least 10 days in advance, and follow up with a phone call.
If the event is a major one in your community, start
distributing publicity materials about three weeks in advance.
Include photos of the speakers if available and offer to help
facilitate media interviews. Call reporters and invite them to the
event (but do not expect a commitment from them, especially on
Sunday morning).
Radio
Send a news release to your local secular and Christian radio
stations about one week in advance and follow up with a phone
call. Do not expect much from major radio outlets, but in rural
communities small radio stations are often eager for news of local
events.
If your event features a well-known speaker, and if there is
time on the speaker’s schedule, offer the radio news director an
interview at the studio or by phone. Don’t underestimate the power
of radio!
Newsletters
Start as soon as you can to place small announcements, then larger
detailed stories about the event in your congregation’s
newsletter. Be sure it is posted on the church calendar as far
ahead as possible.
While you need to present clear, accurate information, this is
not the place for “just the facts.” Your newsletter can
communicate excitement about the event. Ask your pastor and
congregation president to share their enthusiasm — and quote them!
Worship Bulletins
You can reuse material from your church newsletter in abbreviated
form in the Sunday bulletin. Again, be sure the event appears in
all calendar listings.
Posters and Flyers
It is simple and inexpensive to create an attractive poster or
flyer that communicates the facts about your event. Make it easy
to read and be sure to include all the pertinent information and
your church or organization’s phone number.
Post them liberally around the church, and ask leaders of
various small groups (Bible studies, parents groups, youth
activities) to help distribute them. Store windows and community
kiosks are also great places to post event flyers and posters.
Television
It never hurts to send information about an event, but TV stations
are not likely to help you with advance publicity. On the other
hand if your event is truly unique and has some appealing visual
features, a news crew might want to cover it.
Some local TV stations and cable TV bulletin boards air a
community calendar. Send news of your event to the station’s
community calendar editor at least one month in advance.
Internet
The Internet is an effective and convenient tool for sharing event
news with a large number of people. If you have direct access to
your organization’s Web site, consider posting a brief event
announcement or event description.
Most announcements are 100–150 words long, and clearly announce
the facts about the event. Add a short, active headline to get
readers’ attention. Even if you do not have direct access to a Web
site, send your announcement to a local newspaper that has a Web
site with a community calendar.
Most newspapers with Web pages maintain community calendars on
an ongoing basis. When sending your announcement to a newspaper,
ask the calendar editor to add your announcement to the online
community or events calendar.
back to top
The campus is open to the public. Visitors, congregations, and
other groups are welcome to stop by the campus or use the seminary
facilities.
Conferences and Social
Gatherings
Find a suitable room at Luther Seminary for your next meeting or
special gathering!
Campus Tours
All are invited to tour the campus. Tours can be arranged to fit
visitors’ schedules and may include a weekday chapel service,
lunch, and a visit to the Luther Seminary Bookstore/Augsburg
Fortress. To schedule a campus tour, contact the Tour Coordinator
at (651) 641-3419 or
lmoratzk@luthersem.edu
Luther Seminary Bookstore /
Augsburg Fortress
Our bookstore sells more than textbooks. Visit them online or in
person to see what they have to fit your congregation or
organization’s needs.
Dining Services & Catering
Visit Dining Services for a delightful breakfast, lunch or
dinner. Dining Services also caters receptions, luncheons and
dinners for congregations and church-related organizations in the
metropolitan Twin Cities area. For more information, contact
Dining Services at (651) 641-3255 or
dining@luthersem.edu
back to top
Looking for innovative ways to stimulate spiritual growth or
expand your congregation’s understanding of faith? Check out the
multimedia resources available to you though Luther Productions.
