Dear Church Member,
(Kelcie A., Ray B., Dan B., Carrie B., Gerry B., Tom F., Chuck G., Dave G., Jill H., Wayne K., Al L., Anne M., Patricia S., Tricie R., Carmine R., Joanne S., Bill S., & Sue V. S.)
Calvin has been involved in an intentional visioning/strategic planning process and has implemented several steps toward a vital future. An important component in this effort is communicating not only who we are, but what we aspire to be, in a unified, consistent and compelling way, within the congregation and to the larger community.
The Session has recently contracted with Yellowbox, an organization that helps congregations with 21st century methods and practices of communication. Branding is the process of translating who we are and what we are about into effective messaging and visuals, and is crucial for telling our congregation’s story, effective social media, standing out in the community, and marketing. It is also essential for motivation, unity, and participation within the church body.
Major Steps include:
- BRAND AUDIT / DISCOVERY
Gathering information on what is unique about our church, how people see us and how we want them to see us moving forward.
- IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT
Interpreting our church’s characteristics in a visual and verbal way. This typically includes:
• Logo design
• Create Key message statements
• Develop visual identity (fonts, color palette and universal graphic design guidelines)
• Stationery design (Business card, envelope, letterhead)
• Social Media branding
• Church collateral design (e.g., handouts, posters, signage, guest gifts, etc.)
- BRAND GUIDELINES
The basic guide for how to properly express our brand: where and how to use the logo, colors, fonts, and just as importantly, how NOT to use them.
- IMPLEMENTATION
All print and electronic stationery, brochures, bulletins, handouts, signage, social media, and advertisements will have a consistent look and message.
How you are being asked to help?
- We believe that your opinion matters and it is important that we hear from you in forming our new message and look.
- Please read this short article about why rebranding is important.
- Take an online survey (linked below) that is being conducted by Yellowbox. You will need to set aside about 20 minutes. Please use your home computer as you will be asked to upload a few items and this is difficult to do on a smartphone. If you need help or would like to use an office computer, please make an appointment and we will be glad to assist you.
- Please take the survey by Friday, June 21
As you take the survey you will find some interesting and challenging questions designed to get us thinking about our congregation, its purpose, who we are trying to reach, etc. And you will see a couple questions about changing our church’s name. No decision has been made on that question, but it is important for us ask what Calvin (a Reformer who lived in the 1500’s; or “who the heck is Calvin?”) Presbyterian (a once strong mainline denomination that may or may not sound inviting) conveys to the community and people we hope to reach in a changing culture.
Because this survey is designed to gather thoughts and impressions, with any and all decisions a ways off, we ask that you practice confidentiality and not share any information or the survey questions with others.
We believe this is an important step forward. Thank you for your input and help!
Alex Mason, Communication Director
Pastor Jim Wallace
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