21st Century Congregations

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Fall Tune-Up for Email Communications

To: Parochial Clergy, Non-Parochial Clergy, Wardens

From: The Canon for Communications

Re: Diocesan Email Practices

Date: October 1, 2021

Greetings!

You may or may not have noticed that our email communications look a little bit different. We were overdue for a refresh. We hope you like the subtle changes. If not, let me here it.

In fact that's what I really want to talk about here. We can always improve our communications - at Diocesan House and in our congregations. I am grateful to colleagues - lay and ordained - who reach out to me periodically and say, "I can't find the Constitutions & Canons on the diocesan website." If one person can't find something, there are others so maybe it's not in all the right places. I love to hear these things because then we can make ministry just a little easier on your end.

An Example: Who Gets What Email?

Recently, I had a couple of inquiries seeking clarity around who gets what email. It's a good question. It opened the door for some great back-and-forth that yielded a change.

Here is the low-down on diocesan emails.

Mission Matters goes to all lay and ordained leaders in active ministry, and parish administrators. If you have retired from active ministry and no longer wish to receive MM twice each month, let us know and we can remove you from this particular communication.

Creation Care Network, Beloved Community Commission and Social Justice Commission emails go to all those who have opted in plus clergy, wardens & parishes admins. This content is missional and often time-sensitive.

Announcements from the Bishop generally (but not always) go to clergy and wardens.

21st Century Congregations is our monthly topic-based communication with all active lay and ordained leaders: wardens, vestry, clerks, treasurers, parochial clergy, non-parochial clergy

I heard appreciation for the practice of the Bishop's Executive Assistant, Mrs. Lainey Hurlbut, who uses the standard memo form. So, from now on, in communications from this office, you will be seeing the same format. I hope it is a positive change that will help you decide what to do next with our diocesan communications.

Do we have the right email?

We may be in love with Instagram and Tik Tok, but old-fashioned email is still the most critical pathway for reaching our lay and ordained leaders. So let us know if we need to make a change.

If you'd prefer we send our communications to a different email address, please update your email preferences using the "Update Profile" link in the footer of the email or send your changes to Alison Gamache.

We pledge never to send more than two emails a day to diocesan leaders. If we miss that mark, let me hear it.

If you unsubscribe at the bottom of any email, Constant Contact will remove you from the database. You will receive nothing from us. Sometimes we need to make different commitments and if you are taking a break from active ministry, you can always opt back in.

This may not be my most scintillating column, but I hope learning more about our email practices will be helpful to you. Remember, we can always do it better. Be in touch...

Vicki+

The Rev. Vicki Ix

Canon for Communications

The Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts

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