Parish Magazines

Parish magazines have a circulation of thousands throughout the diocese. they are a major source of information about parish life and are a key factor in the mission and ministry of the church.

Very often the magazine is the first thing that people will notice about the church so it is important the newsletter gives the right image of your church. You are also competing with every other magazine, newspaper your readers may be looking at. You need to think about these questions (among many others)

Frequency How often do you think you can produce a magazine that is good quality and interesting?
Readers Who do you want to read the magazine? You will not have a magazine that appeals to everyone and the look and feel of a magazine that appeals to older people will be very different from one targeted at a younger audience. You will also need to think about how you reach your readers and make sure they see a copy.
Content The magazine needs to be well written.Stories need to have headlines that grab attention. Readers get bored easily so write in an interesting way. If you ask other people to write make sure they are clear about what you want. Controversial and topicla stories are good but remember your magazine will be subject to the laws of libel so check the facts. Use humour where appropriate.
Write  clearly.  Use short sentences. Avoid church jargon - or at least explain it. Try and use plain English. Mame sure you get someone to proofr ead for errors.
Layout Design is very important. Your magazine needs to be easy to read. Collumns can be good and subheadings are useful. Well chosen photgraphs can support the story but think about how the magazine is being printed as some photos don't reproduce well. Choose a standard design that works throughout the magazine and stick to it. Readers get confused if the design, type of font, number of collumns keeps changing.

Help and support

There is much more you can think about but that gets you started. If you want more help and advice then contact the Diocesan Communications Team.
We will be developing a series of links to help editors access news, articles, cartoons and other items to make the parish magazine more interesting and effective. here are a few for starters:

Parish Pump is a website dedicated to helping parish magazine editors.
The Association of Church Editors can provide help and support

For something completely different, try Ship of Fools

Keep up to date with anglican news by subscribing to ecurrents or at the Church of England media centre

Help and support

If you need any help or support with your parish magazine then contact

Stuart Haynes
Media Manager

0151 705 2150
stuart.haynes@liverpool.anglican.org

Already a Parish Magazine Editor?

Then we want to hear from you. We want to build a network of Magazine Editors across the Diocese to offer support, hints tips and ideas. We want you to be able to share good practice and have the chance to work with others to make your magazine the best it can be.

Join the group by contacting us at the above address.

And don't forget to send a copy of your magazine to the Communications Team here at St James' House.