New advertising focuses on faith in action

Highlighting community outreach across the Episcopal Church and the theme “Put Your Faith to Work,” new print and video advertisements are scheduled to debut starting May 22 for a summer run in public media.

The first of a series of print ads -- headlined “Get Closer to God. Slice Carrots,” -- is scheduled to appear in USA Today May 22-23. The accompanying video spot is targeted for the CNN Headline News/Airport Channel during peak holiday travel times, including the Memorial Day weekend.

The ads point readers and viewers to a dedicated website, www.putyourfaithtowork.org, which includes links for locating local congregations churchwide. The site also provides links to service-focused ministries within the Episcopal Church.

The ads are the first project of a new partnership, the Episcopal Communication Alliance (ECA), which taps the expertise of corporate communication professionals to collaborate with the Episcopal Church Center’s communication and public affairs offices.

Nancy Fisher, senior vice president and communications director for the Church Pension Group, created the concept for the new ads. She wrote and designed the print editions pro bono, and has agreed to serve as chairperson of the ECA steering committee. Michael Collins, the Episcopal Church’s director of digital communication, collaborated with freelance editor Eric Suquet to produce the video spot.

The ads are available free of charge to congregations and dioceses wishing to fund placement in local media. Copies may be requested through the Episcopal Church’s InfoLine, 800-334-7626, ext. 6136, info@episcopalchurch.org.

Securing funding for future advertising is a current priority, said Episcopal Church communication director Robert Williams. Related inquiries may be directed to Williams in the Church Center Communication Office.