Busbridge & Hambledon Church had a surprise when a notice on their parish noticeboard made it onto a national social media page followed by hundreds of thousands of people.
Their fun play on words, advertising a summer event they are hosting on 3 September, caught the attention of a passer-by who snapped a photo and shared it with @greatbritish.memes.
The photo of their ‘Hymns and Pimm’s’ poster ended up on the social media pages of @greatbritish.memes with the caption:
‘That’s the right way to get people to go to church.’
More than 120 people liked the photo, it was shared between friends and some people joined in on the rhyming fun with their own suggestions…
How about ‘baptisms and beer’, or ‘rum and repent.’
Whatever your tactics are for getting people into your church events it cannot be denied that Busbridge & Hambledon Church struck PR gold with their notice board. Everyone wants their ideas to be appreciated so that they are organically shared and talked about.
Getting other people to share your news and promote your events is a difficult thing. But, as Busbridge & Hambledon have proven: there’s power in a notice board being used creatively.
Your church notice board is a primary mission tool! Sometimes it’s the only interaction someone in your village or town will ever have with your church. It’s the first impression that many people have of the church. It can have a bigger impact than we realise.
The Guildford Diocese Communication Team has a section on their website about making the most of your church notice board. And many other helpful pieces of information on newsletters, branding, design and marketing for your church and events.
Take a look at their communication and marketing tips and advice and see if you get inspired to create something for your noticeboard to catch the eye of a passer-by.
And let’s not forget the main event: Hymns and Pimm’s on 3 September. If Busbridge isn’t close to you, but you still want to sing-along from home, use this link to watch Hymns and Pimm’s streamed live 6pm, Sunday 3 September.
And remember, please drink (and sing) responsibly!