Check this insight into what they're dealing with outside the church walls. 100 pieces of paper between two kids in 5 days. I can relate. It takes me 10-20 minutes to sort through the handouts and "flyers" sent home with my 2 kids every day from school. It stresses me out.
So, ask yourself before you create that mass mailing, hand out that brochure or send that email "Will this information I intend to be helpful just add to the clutter? Is there any way to simplify what my audience sees to make their experience with the church easier and more rewarding?"
Because, Lord knows, the public school system isn't asking themselves this question. It's the least we can do as the Church. Don't you think?
This is one of the hardest things to talk about as a church staff.For some reason we think our "stuff" speaks louder than all the other "stuff" in peoples lives. Maybe it should, its GOOD stuff! I'm just not convinced anyone has the time, energy or desire to sort the "stuff" out. Truth is I don't.
Posted by: Kim Hogue | Aug 27, 2008 at 06:11 PM
As a children's pastor, all I can say is WOW great point. I need to rethink what we send home and why.
love the new header.
Posted by: sam | Aug 24, 2008 at 08:24 PM
So true. So true.
Posted by: Greg Atkinson | Aug 24, 2008 at 03:42 PM
I am thinking of leaving the paper on my floor. Won't have to worry about stains that way. At least the paper will serve some purpose. :)
ps got 30+ more pieces on Friday...no joke.
Posted by: Michelle Wegner | Aug 23, 2008 at 08:01 PM
Oh! And PLEASE make it readable! The public schools tend to put things in long paragraphs that are impossible to glean information from! Bullets are so much easier - pictures are even better! Emails with bullets get an '8' - emails that send me to a page where there are bullets, sign ups, a 'one stop shopping experience' get a '10'!!!
Posted by: Kim Martinez | Aug 22, 2008 at 09:14 AM
This is exactly what it looks like - I've had to buy two huge paper dividers (9 columns each) just to deal with it!
PS - Had not seen your new header - Love it!
Posted by: cynthia | Aug 22, 2008 at 08:49 AM
Amen!
Posted by: jen cox | Aug 22, 2008 at 07:22 AM
I understand completely!!! I really struggle with a too busy schedule and raising my two granddaughters (who I adopted). Not only the handouts and the homework, but what do you do with all the craft and art projects. I don't expect you to answer that for me, but I'm not someone who has time or space to carefully collect all of that and archive it, but it is hard to toss.
Thanks for your post - it helps me feel more "normal".
Posted by: Linda | Aug 21, 2008 at 11:07 PM
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. This is just the thing I need to take into a staff meeting on Monday to talk about all of the stuff we send out to our people.
Posted by: Greg on the Run | Aug 21, 2008 at 06:08 PM