Here are some tips for improving the professionalism of bulletins or newsletter for churches.
- Use ‘inverted’ “commas” and apos’trophes correctly and avoid straight quotes.
- Nothing show a lack of care like titles with straight quotes in. Most word processors (Microsoft Word, OpenOffice.org writer, automatically convert straight quotes and wordpress itself converts straight quotes in posts.
- Use Kerning
- A less well known ability of word processors is the kerning function because it is not usually turned on by default. Kerning uses the information found in the font to adjust the space between pairs of letters, producing more readable copy. To use: Microsoft Word (Format -> Font -> Character Spacing -> Kerning for fonts) and OpenOffice.org Writer (Format -> Character -> Position -> Pair Kerning).
- Avoid Mixed typefaces
- There is a tendancy when someone new takes over the bulletin to try something new, and all those fonts installed on the computer can be very tempting. Try to avoid mixing type, using one type family is possible, or just using two. Consistency of typeface usage will enable your publication carve its place in people’s memories.
- Avoid Comic sans
- One typeface to avoid is MS Comic Sans, it was designed as a ‘fun’ font for children, but has spread like a virus. Your newsletter deserves better. If you want ‘fun’ there are better choices.
- Avoid Excessive Capitalisation
- When you use all caps, it looks like shouting, which in any publication just makes you look rude. If you must use all caps, then use sparingly.
- Use Only One Exclamation Mark
- One final point is sentences which end with multiple exclamation marks. You words speak for themselves, so if you must use an exclamation mark then use only one.
Some of these points are fairly basic, but get them right and the weekly bulletin will impress.
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28 October 2006 at 10:33 am
Mary Jane Danko
I started making our church bulletin in mid-September, with no previous experience with that type of publication, although I’ve made several newsletters over the years. I love doing it, and the pastor and I communicate well with sharing information (he makes a simple email newsletter every week). I still feel like it could look so much better, though, plus I’m not certain what all should be in a bulletin, or how to set it up more attractively. Your comments on fonts was very helpful – I am obviously using too much variety. An easy to read one, in my opinion, is Helvetica, (pardon spelling) but I don’t have that one, and was planning to download it from internet. Which ones would you recommend? I’ve been using Verdana quite a bit. I also appreciated the information about kerning.
I have downloaded a few (free) bulletin covers from Gilead, but is there anywhere on internet where I can view samples of what a nice bulletin should look like on the inside? I am using Publisher, which is wonderful except hard to email. I could email it easier from Word…do you think that program is as good as Publisher? Thankfully, because our church is small and informal, everyone just seems grateful to have a bulletin once again! Thank you for your tips.
10 May 2011 at 3:45 pm
Ephesus
Arial print is very clear and easy to read
30 October 2006 at 5:23 pm
David
Thanks for the comments Mary Jane.
You’ve asked a lot of questions 😉
I am not very good on the design and arty side, preferring to concentrate on content. I cannot understand it when people say, ‘if you made it more exciting, more people would read it’. But I have been printing it on coloured paper to give a little interest and to allow people to more easily distinguish it from week to week.
Also, like yourself, I belong to a small church that is grateful I produce the bulletin, but I am reliant on church members providing information and news to include. It does not matter how good it looks if it does not have relevant content in it.
The bulletins that I have done are available on my church’s website.
As you can see the amount of content varies each week, but there tends to be information for visitors and a bible verse at the beginning and then other news and advanced notices. After that, a calendar for the week and then admin information for the church.
I have been producing the bulletin in a word processing package but creating a PDF file (which you can do for free in openoffice.org) to upload to the website. I have then been emailing members (who request it) with a link to the church website.
I do not have publisher so I cannot comment, but if you could export the file as a PDF or another more transferable filetype perhaps this could work quite well? Microsoft has some ideas here.
Thanks again for taking the time to comment.
17 November 2006 at 10:07 pm
Tim
I need some tips for eNewsletters. Particularly, how to publish and maintain requests and removals. Any ideas?
17 November 2006 at 10:37 pm
David
Interesting Tim. The bulletin I do for church is handed out on Sunday mornings and posted on the church website accordingly for people to download.
On the church’s website I use the subscribe2 wordpress plugin to manage notifications. People subscribe to the church website (which is effectively a church blog) and are sent email notifications. They can unsubscribe as well. It is all automatic.
Does that answer your question?
27 April 2007 at 1:01 am
sue
Regarding professionalism, I would suggest you be very aware of spelling and grammar as well. Please note that this really applies especially to your last paragraph about exclamation mark usage.
27 April 2007 at 5:11 am
David
Thanks Sue, you may a good point in how easy it is to criticise. Mistakes will always slip through (just look at any book or newspaper), but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t strive for accuracy.
28 January 2008 at 2:57 am
Chris Sealey
Get Christian themed puzzles, customized for your newsletter, that are available in four puzzle formats: Christian crossword puzzle, Christian word sudoku, Christian word search-n-rescue, and Christian word scramble crossword. Each puzzle can be designed with a custom size and shape to further enhance its visual appeal in your newsletter. Visit http://www.chrissealey.com/puzzles4christians.htm to view sample Christian themed puzzles.
28 March 2008 at 3:52 am
adunate
As a graphic designer/writer, I’m a strong proponent of both the design (form) of a piece, and the content (function). You need good design to attract the reader. You need good words to maintain the readers.
I’ve covered creating readable newsletters at http://www.communicatingchrist.wordpress.com
26 May 2008 at 5:36 pm
David Stratton
I am a Pastor doing the church bulletin for my small church. I am now using Microsoft WORD and a format I got from someone else. I have available to me an OpenOffice Word Processor and I want to create the same bulletin on it. OpenOffice is an application of Linux which is on a different PC from where WORD is located. I don’t suppose I can some way import the word format into OpenOffice or can I? If not how do I create the bulletin in OpnenOffice? The bulletin in Word has two pages each 17 inches wide and 8.5 inches high. Each half of each page is itself a “bulletin page” so that the finished bulletin has four pages. The finished bulletin WORD page 1 is printed and then WORD page 2 is printed. When they are copied and folded WORD page 1 becomes the front and back pages of the bulletin and WORD page two becomes the two inside pages of the bulletin.
I was hoping that there might be an existing template for OpenOffice that would create this bulletin format. If such a thing exists I would sure appreciate having it.
David Stratton
3 May 2010 at 10:59 pm
Karen Wilson
Hi David,
I am responsible for the church bulletin and I did have a program on the church computer for a weekly printable bulletin like the one you described but we recently had an electrical storm the wiped out the computers hard drive, I can reboot the computer with the boot disc but I won’t be able to get the program back for the bulletin. I need help to set up another bulletin with our church information on it and it is 8.5 x 11 and when it is printed it is 4 pages if you can tell me how to set up another program like this in microsoft works I sure would appreciate it and Praise God for your help.
4 May 2010 at 7:42 am
David
I don’t have works, but this link might help:
http://www.ehow.com/how_5135591_create-newsletter-using-microsoft-works.html
There doesn’t seem to be any free templates for bulletins/newsletters on the MS website.
Sorry.
27 May 2008 at 1:44 pm
David
David
You can save the Word template as a word file and open it directly in Openoffice.org which can read Microsoft Word files. You can then save it as an Openoffice.org file for convenience.
If you have trouble accessing the hard disk that the file is saved on from Linux, save it down to a floppy or CDR so that you can open it when you are in Linux.
Of course, Openoffice.org is available to Windows as well.
Let me know how you get on or if more info is required.
David.
26 July 2008 at 4:39 pm
Anonymous
jmm
20 January 2009 at 6:48 am
Vanessa
Someone mentioned where to get covers for the bulletins– I, too, go to a small church and on average make about 13 copies of the bulletin… enough for one per family or single person. I buy my bulletin paper from Christian supply–you can get a package of 100 sheets for abut 8 dollars. That covers about two months for me, so eight dollars isn’t too much. If you sign up with the store or you’re a pastor they may also give you a discount. You can also buy them online at church supply sites or even discount ones.
I’ve seen a church before, though, that just put the church name and some clip art or a Bible verse at the bottom for the front… this works too, just make sure it’s as professional as possible. If you have the equipment, it can be fun for children’s events to scan in pictures they’ve colored in Sunday School and use them for the covers–I’d only do that for a children’s service, though, like if it’s VBS week or something.
So my layout looks like this:
Picture with Bible verse on front (I buy bulletin paper). Inside on page 1 is the week’s events, followed by a “Looking Ahead…” section on the bottom portion. I’ll usually list one or two events coming up. Anymore than that and I’ll use the entire back. On page two inside (this one faces page one–I use just a two-fold brochure… like one page folded in half)… on page two I put at the top “Welcome to [church name]” then underneath that in smaller font is “We pray you feel the presence of God as you join us today” or something like that. Then under that several spaces down I do the order of service (i.e. Worship, Offering, Sermon). At the very bottom in fine print is a message saying that the offering is for people who consider this their church home and that guests need not feel obligated to give.
The back of the bulletin is what changes week to week. SOmetimes I’ll use the whole back to list several events coming up (usually in summer when there’s something every week!). Sometimes I put a passage of scripture. Other ideas are: Listing birthdays and anniversaries (but if you do this you have to be consistent all year), an advertisement for a specific event (VBS or Christmas Eve), an advertisement for a service (Mid Week Prayer Meeting), or sometimes I’ll just put at the top “Today’s Sermon Notes” and leave the rest blank so the people can use it so write their notes on.
Before I’ve used fold-out bulletins and I’ll usually have the same info, but reserve one page for a “Letter from the Pastor”.
29 February 2012 at 10:59 pm
Laurie
I use regular copy paper, and “landscape” it for a smaller version of a bulletin, and put info on the inside, and on the back is “Sermon Notes.” The front has all our info, sermon title (if I can get it!) and date, plus a picture that is relevent to our theme for the year. It’s simple, and I don’t have to do much every week but make the regular changes. You can peek at copies on our website, http://www.cpchristiancenter.com. We also have old newsletters on the site. I use Microsoft Publisher Porfessional. It was well worth the price since this is part of my Office Manager job at church, plus the fun creative things I can do. Take a look and call me at the church if you want more info! Hope this helps!
24 February 2009 at 4:56 am
GW
I am responsible for the church bulletin as well as other publications, such as fliers, etc. I’ve been using Publisher with a tri-fold format. We are getting ready to make some changes to the bulletin and at the request of the Pastor they want the bulletin front to be the same all the time. We are currently working on the design for the front which will be a picture of the front of our church and families either going in or coming out. I have someone working on setting up a photo shoot for that. My question has always been about content. Is there a specific layout design? What is first, second, etc.? Currently when you open our bulletin the back flap (remember tri-folded, so it is the first thing you see) has information about what we have to offer. When fully opened the first section (left side) starts with “Welcome” and information about our church, such as what we believe, etc. That is followed by the title of the sermon for the day and who will be speaking. Usually I like to use the center for the most important announcements, or information about the Youth group. I will change up the design and use artwork depending on the amount of space I have available. The last section I use for reminders, such as work days, ministry opportunities, etc. If there is room at the end I will enter a short story or devotional, or just a scripture. I like artwork and photography so I include that as it is appropriate and many times create my own art work and designs. Primarily I was interested to know if there is any kind of “rule” about layout in terms of what should be included, and in what order. Can anyone speak to that?
29 February 2012 at 11:04 pm
Laurie
I usually put announcements/ministry opportunities in date order, and have a section for Opportunities This Week above. There are really no “rules” about layout, just whatever works for your content. In our bulletin (8 1/2 X 11, landscape 1/2 fold) The front cover has all our info, sermon title etc., the inside left has greeting plus Opp. this Wk., right inside has announcements, etc. back had chuch leadership and core beliefs. Easy, only mess with date, sermon title, and announcements pretty much!
24 February 2009 at 6:24 am
ultimoAdios
Your article “Tips for church newsletters and bulletin” is very informative. I really want to use the tips for student’s project when creating newsletters and bulletin. Lastly, I found this blog entry through the incoming link at my wordpress dashboard.
18 March 2009 at 5:35 pm
Ian
Like everyone else who has commented, it is my job to create the bulletins for my church. My pastor recently decided that he wants us to get “nicer” paper and requested that I get online and research companies to find best quality and lowest cost. Any suggestions on what type of paper to get and where to get it?
4 February 2010 at 1:20 pm
Kay
I do all the printing for our church (bulletins, newsletters, etc). We wanted a nicer look to our publications and was referred to Church Paper. Check out their website at http://www.churchpaper.com. We use royal Fiber Ice Blue 23/70 lb 8 1/2 x 11 and I do a tri-fold bulletin.
29 February 2012 at 11:06 pm
Laurie
Try Hammermill color copy digital, 28 lb. It’s a tad heavier, has a super smooth finish and works in all printers. A little pricey, but well worth it!
23 March 2009 at 6:03 pm
Carrie
Ian, I also create the bulletins for my church and we just switched to “nicer” paper and I LOVE the new paper we have and every person at my church has had nothing but positive things to say about it.
We get our bulletins from Outreach (www.outreach.com) and we get the 11×17 size. When you order the 11×17 size, the entire paper (front and back) has a background image that goes along with the front cover of the bulletin.
I thought I’d share…check it out. We love them!
18 June 2009 at 3:42 am
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24 September 2009 at 9:18 am
Connie Scarberry
I have been doing the bullentins for our small church. I’ve found its less expensive to order the covers from online, Christianbook.com, I can get 100 for $5.99. This last me 2 weeks. On the back i’ve printed a picture of our pastor in the corner and have what I call The Pastor’s Desk. She writes me something for that. On the first page I have an outline of our normal service times, prayer requests, and announcements, second page I’ve been putting an article I call Food for Thought. And I have a different person every week give me something for that. Sometimes its something humerous, or a testimony or a good commentary to study for the week. And then the birthdays and anniverseries. But I love new ideas.
30 September 2009 at 4:45 am
ron
how do i make Tri Fold bulletins ? I want to print inside and have 3 separate columns. word on my pc only has option of 2 fold book. any sites I can go to for simple layman instructions
18 November 2009 at 6:51 pm
Anonymous
Ron, if you’re using MS Word, you can create 3 columns by going to the Format menu at the top and click on “Columns”. Then click on the “Presets” section, choose the icon with the 3 columns. (Of course, you want your paper orientation to be “Landscape”.)
You can also go to the microsoft office online page.
2 December 2009 at 7:07 pm
Catherine
Ron,
Have you thought about putting video to your newsletters? I use VMdirect’s AttainResponse. This is great for small to medium size churches. To see a presentation go to http://www.myvideopartners.com On the left hand side click on past show. You’ll see how it can benefit pastors in spreading the gospel and a way to generate funds for outreach and other projects. This month is a great time to get started. The start up cost for a fast track is $99.00 a savings of $400.
18 February 2010 at 8:27 pm
Carolyn
I am looking to move our Publisher-created monthly newsletter from PDF to online at WordPress. Does anyone know of templates I can use?
28 March 2010 at 2:12 pm
debra rodgers
Where can i find bullentin supplies that already have the front cover in the trifold style with or without preforations. Most of the suppliers i’ve seen dont have them.
29 March 2010 at 6:32 pm
Glenda
Our church gets our bulletins from Cathedral Press. They recently came out with bulletins that have the perforated flap. It’s not what is usually considered tri-fold, though. Not sure what you mean. You can check them out at http://www.cathedralpress.com
4 May 2010 at 8:00 am
Harogreedia
Hey
Really glad to get into this forum
It’s what I am looking for.
Hope to know more member here.
6 April 2011 at 3:43 pm
5 tips for publishing an attractive church bulletin | Bulletin Digest
[…] sites devoted to church bulletins or some aspect of church communication offer tips, such as churchblogger (denominational site). Also, see general tips for publishing, editing, and writing. Because the […]
24 June 2011 at 12:04 am
Christi
Is it time to axe the church bulletin and its related cost in materials and time? Are we enabling church goers to “not” refer to the church blog by always providing printed material?
29 February 2012 at 11:11 pm
Laurie
Nope! We have several people that still do not have access to computers, so it’s worth it to have a paper copy. Also, it’s nice to take to shut-ins etc. along with a CD of Pastor’s latest sermon etc. But for a large church, paper copies, especially in color, can get pricey. For us, both ways works great, it keeps everyone informed, and is a nice touch for a family firendly church!
17 May 2012 at 4:18 pm
Maureen Tauriello
We produce our bulletins on the computer using Publisher and then send them to an outside company for printing…this also gives us an automatic download onto our website. The company we use is Liturgical Publication Inc. They also provide clip art, and lots of supplemental material…check out 4lpi.com and go to art and media portal
21 May 2012 at 11:08 pm
Tanya
I’m from Milwaukee, WI and there’s a local company, Liturgical Publications, that offers all kinds of services to cater to the customer’s needs. This includeds full color, 2-color, digital print, offset, as well as having an online community site called Seek and Find. This has been a great tool to the parishners as well as to the community.
12 August 2013 at 6:46 pm
5 tips for publishing an attractive church bulletin | Bulletin Digest
[…] sites devoted to church bulletins or some aspect of church communication offer tips, such as churchblogger (denominational site). Also, see general tips for publishing, editing, and writing. Because the […]
6 October 2014 at 10:07 pm
doulci
Have you ever considered creating an e-book or guest authoring on other websites?
I have a blog based upon on the same subjects you discuss and
would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know my readers would value your work.
If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e mail.
13 January 2015 at 7:35 am
Bossie
I have just been put in charge of my church publications department, I really need to transform the bulletin the previous persons work always turn out almost empty, please I need your help on what to do.