United Methodists Begin Back-to-School Advertising Campaign

United Methodist Communications

Office of Public Information

Nashville,TN37203

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 29, 2006

Contact: Diane Denton
(615) 742-5406 office
(615) 483-1765 cell

United Methodists Begin Back-to-School Advertising Campaign

NASHVILLETheUnitedMethodistChurchis marking the back-to-school season with a $1.5 million national cable television advertising campaign that urges people to focus on God.

"The back-to-school season is a significant time to invite people to attend a United Methodist Church-after summer vacations are past and families begin to regroup and plan their fall activities," said the Rev. Larry Hollon, chief executive of United Methodist Communications. "Many churches present new programming initiatives during this time of year to connect families to church ministries." The commercials are designed to appeal to audiences between the ages of 25 to 54.

Two different television spots are included in the fall campaign. The first commercial, titled "I Believe," begins "I believe no one who asks for help should be turned away." The commercial showcases the acceptance and inclusiveness of The United Methodist Church.

The second commercial titled "Prayer" reminds us all to believe in the power of prayer with the great anticipation expressed in childlike faith. Both English and Spanish-language versions of this commercial will air.

The commercials are airing on 21 cable networks now through September 17. The two spots will air approximately 1,200 times, creating 244 million impressions. In addition to the national campaign, United Methodist Communications has awarded 70 grants totaling $240,000 to local churches to conduct media campaigns in their communities. Every dollar provided by the national agency will be matched by a dollar from local United Methodist organizations. The local campaigns involve a mix of advertising media, including broadcast and cable television, billboards, radio, and cinema advertising.

The commercials will air on the following networks: A&E, ABC Family, Animal Planet, BET, CNN and CNN Headline News, Discovery Channel, Fox News Channel, Hallmark Channel, Home and Garden Television, The History Channel, Lifetime, TBS Superstation, TNT, TV One, USA Network, The Weather Channel, and WGN Superstation. The Spanish-language commercials will be broadcast on Telefutura, Galavision, and Univision.

TheUnitedMethodistChurchfirst began its "Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors." advertising and welcoming campaign in 2001.