|  | PROVIDE
AND ERECT CHURCH SIGNS GENERAL
DESCRIPTION | Provision and/or
erection of either church directional signs and/or changeable letter message signs
outside the church to advertise events and carry Bible verses and inspirational
messages. |
BACKGROUND INFORMATION | Attractive
and friendly directional signs create a good first impression and can be a big
factor in the decision of strangers to attend or not attend a church. Although
visitors can look up church addresses in the telephone book, strategically placed
signs will encourage people to attend. Changeable letter signs (6” to 7”
high letters) in front of or beside the church, especially if on a busy street
or road, will help create a climate of friendliness and are a means of evangelism.
In addition, it provides an ideal place to advertise parish events. Messages need
to be changed weekly to command attention. |
HOW
IT WORKS | If suitable signs are
not already erected, the Brotherhood Chapter can obtain approval of the rector
and vestry to proceed with design, selection of placement locations, and solicitation
of funds. Funds can come from the parish treasury, the Brotherhood Chapter or
anyone in the parish might be solicited. Upon approval, and assurance of availability
of funds, the Chapter can proceed to purchase and/or build and erect the signs.
Standard Episcopal Church signs are available through the National Episcopal Church.
Write to: 815 Second Ave., New York, NY, 10017 for information. Signs may, of
course, be designed and fabricated locally. Signs must be of good quality and
tasteful to be effective. Members of the parish might be solicited for sign-making
talents. Changeable letter- signs are more expensive. These should be about 4’
x 7’ with 6” to 8” minimum in height plastic, metal, or pressed
board letters. The entire sign may be purchased or letters and hanging track only
purchased and the sign supports and back board fabricated by a member of the parish.
Again this must be attractive and sturdy. One Brotherhood Chapter purchased (1974)
two “fonts” of 7” masonite letters in black with hooks and hanging
track for about $75. It was erected on two creosoted 4” diameter posts and
is attractive and sturdy. The letters were given an additional coat of black varnish
to increase life. The wood was painted white and a lock was provided for the swing-up
cover, which was felt necessary to reduce vandalism, etc. |
HOW
TO GET STARTED | Pray about this
to determine if the Lord wants you to do something about it. If Re does, you will
know it and it is then time to approach the rector and vestry for initial approval.
If a changeable letter sign is indicated, you might get some ideas as to cost
before you talk about it. If the cost seems high and the Chapter treasury low,
don’t give up, continue to pray. If the Lord wants the sign and you ask for
the funds, they will be provided. Trust Him! |
ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION | Results of signs
are difficult to measure. It should be obvious that attractive and well-maintained
directional signs indicate that the church welcomes others. Signs, therefore,
become almost essential for a church that seeks to reach others. The church that
erected the changeable letter sign mentioned above has had several people comment
on the encouragement they get from the scripture verses. Also, two children reported
they came to Vacation Bible School because they saw it advertised on the sign.
We believe such a sign is well, worth the initial cost and effort to change it
weekly. |
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