As part of the Church”s outreach and evangelism efforts, print ads in various sizes and postcards are available for local and regional use by dioceses, congregations and provinces.

The print ads and postcards were originally created by the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio, which is generously making them available to the wider Church.

“Secular Christmas is expensive and full of stress. A return to the real meaning of Christmas is the best antidote,” explained Anne Rudig, Director of Communication. “The purpose of these materials is to welcome all to the experience of Christmas in the Episcopal Church.”

The print ads, which can be customized for local and regional use, read: “You can”t fill that empty space with fruitcake.” The postcards may be used as direct mail: “Need to believe in more than flying reindeer?”, “Give them something they can”t outgrow”; “Gift tip: Super-hero that won”t break on Christmas day”; “No elves. No credit cards. No mall music”; and “You can”t fill that empty space with fruitcake.” All materials carry the familiar Episcopal shield with the words, The Episcopal Church Welcomes You.

The materials are available here: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/adcollaborative.htm

The materials are available at no cost. Additionally, space is provided for customization of local church and web site address.

“We encourage dioceses and congregations to place these ads in their regional media outlets and to use these postcards to increase outreach and attendance during Advent,” Rudig said. “These are important tools in our efforts to evangelize and retain.”

Rudig noted this is another in a series of materials that will be available as an overall communication strategy for The Episcopal Church is developed.

The Episcopal Church welcomes all who worship Jesus Christ in 109 dioceses and three regional areas in 16 nations. The Episcopal Church is a member province of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

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