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What did this communication look like?

Let's take a look. Please keep in mind the three goals and the five new learnings mentioned earlier. While you do, check out the following major parent communications pieces we produced this year—and my "journal entries" for the what and why and how that existed for each.

Our spring piece was created to share upcoming dates and information. This piece served as our first venture into the world of creatively designing our communication. We could have shared this information just as easily in a standard letter—which would have been largely ignored. However, by using a graphic designer and putting creativity into the information, it was not only widely read but highly complimented as well. This piece was mailed home to every family.

[Click here to view It's a New Day in Promiseland]

Last summer, we tried something new in our programming and curriculum department. We decided not to have a theme for the summer. What? Okay, "no theme" served as our theme. Our summer took on a popsicle box metaphor with the idea that a box of popsicles comes with a variety of fun flavors—and definitely communicates "summer fun." In Promiseland, each weekend had a different theme to keep kids excited and looking forward to something new. Our summer calendar captured all 11 weekend topics in a captivating way through bright colors and quick quips that served as enticing explanation for the weekend. This piece was passed out to all families of kids fours years of age and older. It was also available on literature racks throughout our ministry during the entire summer.

[Click hereto view the Promiseland Summer Calendar 2006]

We launched our new ministry year in late August 2006. As the beginning of a new season, we used this piece to give a vision for what parents and Promiseland can do together. The highlight of this piece was unveiling four milestones of the journey kids are on in our ministry. We distributed this piece to all families on weekends and placed it on literature racks from August through November.

[Click hereto view Promiseland Fall 2006… Let the journey begin]

I know favoritism in ministry is a generally frowned upon concept but, I must admit, our Christmas piece has been my favorite so far. I love the cover, the way the piece opened down the center, the way the red bow popped off any rack or table I laid it out on. When this piece came out, it was then that I knew our communication really worked! We distributed this piece to families on weekends and made it available throughout December on literature racks.

[Click hereto view Christmas Unwrapped]

I can't believe how quickly spring came this year. Although Chicago had one of coldest, longest winters I can remember in a long time, spring still seemed to come around fast. Wow, it has been a year since we started our new communication plan. So far, we have had nothing but positive, thankful responses from parents. Everyone seems to love hearing from us now—they even ask for it! Who knew it could be like this?

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