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PUBLICITY POINTERS

A publicity chairperson should be appointed to promote interest and attendance for Pastor Appreciation Sunday. The pointers given in this section offer ways to advertise the special day.

1. Posters

Design posters to place in the church building and other appropriate community locations to announce the Pastor Appreciation Sunday. Be sure to designate the time and place for the activities.

2. Special Worship Bulletins

A special church bulletin should be prepared for your Pastor Appreciation Sunday. A worship outline with a responsive reading is suggested below.

3. Church Bulletin Insert or Handout

A bulletin insert with your pastor's photo and some personal background information will add an extra touch to the occasion. List academic achievements, special awards and honors, ministry experiences, family facts, and other biographical highlights.

4. Church Sign

If your church has an outdoor sign with a message center, the Pastor Appreciation Sunday announcement should be displayed two weeks before the event to promote community awareness and provide a constant reminder of the day for the congregation.

5. Media Releases

A sample media release is provided below. You can copy it or create your own. Prepare your media release typewritten and double spaced. Be sure to include a phone number at the top where an editor can call for additional information. Photographs add interest to a news story, but be sure they are high quality. Do not submit fuzzy snapshots. The newspaper most likely won't accept them, but even if they do, you will be disappointed with the result.

Most radio and many television stations will help you publicize your events. Submit the same release you give to the newspaper. Of course, you won't need a photograph for broadcast media. Address your media release to the proper person at the newspaper or station. Call in advance to ask who should receive church news. The following article is designed primarily for a Pastor Appreciation Sunday and can be adapted for your event.

MEDIA RELEASE

Reverend (name), pastor of (church), located at (address) will be honored by the congregation on (date). The day has been designated Pastor Appreciation Sunday.

The theme for the day will be "Celebrate the Call." The event is to give recognition to Reverend (name) for outstanding service to the community as a pastor and leader. The minister came to (town) in (year), and since then has earned the respect of the community as a dedicated leader. (Note some community involvement/honors here).

The special Sunday morning service at (time) will feature a message by (name). Church members and community representatives will express appreciation to the pastor. The Wesleyan Men and Wesleyan Women ministries of the church will honor the pastor with a banquet meal following the service. All activities are intended for the public.
 

6. Newspaper Advertising

A newspaper advertisement promoting Pastor Appreciation Sunday will inform the community of the special day and add prestige to the event. Most newspapers provide special church or non-profit rates for such advertising. These rates are usually considerably lower than commercial rates. Talk with an advertising representative at least two weeks before you want the advertisement in the newspaper. This will ensure that the ad will be scheduled on the day you want it to appear, and that you can see a "proof copy" for final approval before publication.

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