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Monthly Newsletter

Discussion in 'Youth Forum' started by RLBosley, Jul 22, 2014.

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  1. RLBosley

    RLBosley Active Member

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    Hey all.

    I have a couple questions.

    I've been teaching the Sunday morning youth class (6-12th grades) at my church for about a year. At first it was to be temporary and well, it's now a year later. Not complaining at all, I actually really enjoy it. Anyway, one thing I have been horrible lax in is communication with parents. I know most of them and see them in church, but don't really keep them apprised of what is going on or what we are studying. There are also those that I don't know and that I have never met. So I am wanting to get in touch with them, and I'm thinking a monthly newsletter would be the best option. Print at first and hopefully moving to email later on. So my questions are:

    What should I include on the newsletters?

    Obviously a calendar with upcoming events is a must. I would also like to include information about what we are currently studying.

    Should I include devotional type articles? Or thoughts from my own studies? Do you think the parents would be interested in that? Would you as a parent (if you are one) be interested in it?

    What about length? 1 page front only? 1 page front and back? 2 pages? This first letter will probably be the longest as I feel like I ought to "introduce" my wife and I to the parents who I don't know.

    Finally, do you have any recommendations for a title for the newsletter?
     
    #1 RLBosley, Jul 22, 2014
  2. FriendofSpurgeon

    FriendofSpurgeon Well-Known Member
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    First of all, kudos to you and to your wife for taking on such a huge ministry. Middle and high schools students? Most parents run (or at least cringe) at the thought.

    Great idea about a newsletter. I've never heard of a SS teacher doing this, but think it's a wonderful idea. You have good ideas -- a calendar and a summary of what you are studying are two good places to start. It would be great if this could start conversations at home regarding what they are learning in SS.

    Some random thoughts...

    Front and back should be sufficient. Anything longer and it may not get read at all.

    Very good idea of introducing yourself and your wife, your backgrounds and your passion for teaching in your first issue. You can get more into detail in later issues.

    Or devote the first issue to your wife and then you have the second issue. (Now, you have the copy for your first two issues.)

    Book reviews and recommendations (especially regarding teen/young adult issues by Christian authors).

    Christian music reviews - don't know where you/your church is on CCM - so this may not be relevant.

    Devotional items (absolutely), even your personal ones - especially if something has been especially meaningful that you would like to share.

    Christian college information

    Upcoming community events.

    Lastly, what about involving some of your students - especially the older ones? Their buy-in on this would be huge --- and this would not be just a letter from their teacher to their parents.
     
    #2 FriendofSpurgeon, Jul 23, 2014
  3. RLBosley

    RLBosley Active Member

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    Great ideas! I especially like the idea of including some of the kids in making it. Good stuff.

    I hadn't even thought of including information about Christian Colleges or music reviews. Good ideas. Thanks!
     
    #3 RLBosley, Jul 23, 2014
  4. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    I had a thought -

    Are there 2 or 3 sister church in the general area?
    Get with those youth directors and publish a combined newsletter. One leader could do the devotion, another the music review, another could do community events, ect....

    And be sure to put in a verse to memorize!
     
    #4 Salty, Jul 23, 2014
  5. padredurand

    padredurand Well-Known Member
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    Why on paper?
     
    #5 padredurand, Jul 23, 2014
  6. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    to annoy you!
     
    #6 Salty, Jul 23, 2014
  7. 12strings

    12strings Active Member

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    I've had good success the last few years communicating though e-mail. At the moment, 100% of our Youth parents read and respond through e-mail....no other medium has that rate of effectiveness. Maybe in a few years facebook or texting, but right now it's e-mail.
     
    #7 12strings, Jul 24, 2014
  8. RLBosley

    RLBosley Active Member

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    That's not a bad idea. I actually really like it. I'll have to look into that.

    I'm wanting to do all electronic, but I also want to give them an option. Hopefully the first one will be the only one on paper.
     
    #8 RLBosley, Jul 24, 2014
  9. FriendofSpurgeon

    FriendofSpurgeon Well-Known Member
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    In retrospect, I wish our kid's youth pastor had done more to introduce various Christian colleges. Almost all of our church teens (who many went to a Christian high school) went to public or secular private universities.
     
    #9 FriendofSpurgeon, Jul 24, 2014
  10. SaggyWoman

    SaggyWoman Active Member

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    Seriously, have you thought about emails, texts, and /or a face book page?
     
    #10 SaggyWoman, Aug 27, 2014
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