Information & Communication Committee
St. Stephen's Communications Committee
you are welcome here
 

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9

2011/2012 Focus - Communication & Technology Updates - 'Wired' Revolution
This committee is lovingly referred to as "The Dream Team" - since they are making dreams come true (especially for our staff). The purpose of this focus activity is to identify St. Stephen’s technical needs and to develop alternatives for meeting them. The committee is identifying how staff and folks from our various ministries might use technology to better support our missions at St. Stephen’s. The world is changing and we must too, if we want to continue improving our service to God. The initial meeting was held on September 10, 2011 and there was a great turnout with great skills, great contributions, and best of all, when volunteers were needed to do the work, hands went up willingly. Praise be to God!
Meetings: Third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 pm or as needed.
 
Mission:    To welcome guests, find new members and increase the involvement and spirituality of current members through personal contacts as well as written, electronic, web-based and social media

Chairs:      Karen Morley & Mark Dutil

Contact:    memberdevelopment@ststephenstroy.org

2011 Accomplishments:
    1. Computer/ Infrastructure Dream Team Meetings: Goal to identify hardware and software infrastructure needs and create plan to upgrade accordingly. Accomplished or coming soon are:
      • Upgraded computers and software for clergy and staff,
      •  Improved wiring for network and phone lines,
      • Upgraded phone and internet service to improve quality and cut costs,
      • Use of remote (cloud) file storage to improve data security and access,
      • Broaden and strengthen the wireless footprint throughout our building,
      • Internet access and monitors for remote learning in classrooms and meeting rooms,
      • A master plan for keeping our technology current and able to support our missions.
    2. Created /Published Special Edition Witness: Liz Sinkovich produced this special Witness and it was handed out during Father Jonathan’s final Saturday & Sunday services.
    3. Completed Welcome Center Project: Many thanks to Don Ingersoll for his leadership and to Ray Aiello for designing and constructing the fantastic new information boards and sign-up table tops. The bulletin board materials and table surfaces coordinate exactly with the other accoutrements in the lobby area. The results look awesome!
    4. Implemented protocol for identifying / engaging visitors during transition: A detailed plan was created by a special subcommittee. It targeted: (a) Support Services for "Welcoming Atmosphere"; (b) Welcome during worship service; and (c) Engagement & follow-up with new folks. Father Jim Maxwell wrote an article for the September Witness explaining the discernment process for the new member welcoming protocols, stressing the importance of the “Welcoming Atmosphere” for the congregation. Initiatives were in place by Welcome Back Sunday.
    5. Parish survey and “You Are Welcome Here” tagline/ video: A survey was given to the congregation in May 2011 and responses all contained comments on how comfortable and welcome we feel at St. Stephen’s. A tag line for the church was developed: “You Are Welcome Here”. This message is now seen all over the building and the website. Mark Dutil and his friend Terry Brennan (Communicore Visual Communications - www.communicore.tv) filmed many parishioners in front of a “Blue Screen”, asked each of them to say several lines, and then mixed/ edited the video into three 30 second films. The videos were posted onto the St. Stephen’s website and the public St. Stephen’s Facebook page.
    6. Redesigned Parish website: Karen Morley evaluated two web-site builder packages and then designed /constructed the new St. Stephen’s website. Feedback to the new site has been very positive. Several of the new visitors to the church have commented that they browsed the site prior to deciding to attend a service with us!
    7. Employed a Social Networking Tool: Per input from the youth, a Facebook CLOSED group has been available for the parish since September. As of the end of 2011, there are 113 members in this Facebook group and activity on the site averages 5-10 posts per week.
    8. Redesigned our Newcomer's Welcome Package: Mugs, bookmarks and magnets with the theme “You are Welcome Here” were designed and wrapped as a gift package for new guests.
    9. New Welcome Cards for pews: St. Stephen’s specific Pew Cards which match the thematic elements of the magnets and the mugs were printed and in-place in the pews prior to Welcome Back Sunday.
    10. New Facility Interior Signage: Etching of the phrases “St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church” and “You Are Welcome Here” bordered by the dogwood design was placed on the entryway doors in November.
    11. Thank You/ Appreciation for Greeters & Ushers: Appreciation luncheons were held in October and assistance in identifying new guests in service was solicited.