COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE

The Communications Committee has the responsibility to assess communications needs and preferences of the congregation and help St. Mark to respond as technology and communication methods evolve. We have oversight responsibility for updating and maintaining Discover St. Mark and other official Social Media accounts, websites and church presence on community online sites and written media (newsletters, bulletins, etc.). In addition, the committee also monitors, assesses and provides assistance as needed to St. Mark staff, Ministries, Committees and official groups to communicate their mission, ministries and programs to church members and the community by means of written communications (such as websites, newsletters, bulletins and public relations announcements). 

Being such a busy congregation, the need for communication is great. The church website (www.discoverstmark.org) provides a great platform to deliver timely information. A huge thanks to Stacey Caplinger, who keeps the church website updated for the congregation. Stacey also continues to organize and edit the church newsletter – The Messenger – and publishes it by email. Stacey sends out the newsletters each month via email. In addition, printed newsletters are mailed each month to members who could not receive digital copies. Stacey also oversees the bulletin for worship. 

Electronic media continues to play an important and vital role in communications with the church’s blog (www.discoverstmark.blogspot.com) and a presence on Facebook via a public page and private bulletin board. Our public Discover St. Mark Facebook page has over 542 subscribers reaching out to individuals all over the world. Items were also posted to the private St. Mark Congregational Bulletin Board Facebook group by both members and staff. The Congregational Bulletin Board provides a great avenue to share images of church life for those who cannot be there in person. The private page has 183 subscribers within our own congregation.

As this is my last year on session and the committee, I wanted to thank everyone who has served on this  I am also looking forward to the return of John Northrip on session and as the chair of the committee. John’s experience in communications and wealth of St. Mark knowledge are a huge asset to the committee and the congregation as he takes over responsibilities for the committee in 2024. 

Respectfully Submitted, Clayton Douglas – Chair