United Methodist Communications
Office of Public Information
www.umcpresscenter.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 14,2010
Nashville, Tenn. On December 15, The United Methodist Church will officially launch a newly redesigned website for young adult spiritual seekers, RethinkChurch.org, which invites visitors to question, discuss, get involved and make a difference.
Throughout December, advertising on cable networks (ABC Family, Comedy Central, Discovery and MTV) and multiple digital channels will direct viewers to the new site. The advertising messages are informed by research that says 18- to 34-year-olds desire to make a difference with their lives.
The initial advertising emphasizes the importance of giving of one's self at Christmas, with the message "What does the world really need for Christmas this year? Hope, peace, joy and love. Find out how you can give of yourself. Rethink Church this Christmas." Beginning on December 26, new spots emphasize living more simply so that we may ultimately focus attention on the needs of others by asking the question, "Should we live more simply, so others can simply live?"
The new RethinkChurch.org offers visitors an opportunity to read, watch, comment, and interact on topics that are important both to them and to The United Methodist Church-from the environment, to global health, to disaster relief.
The site asks seekers to consider that spirituality and church can be "an everyday connection, present and available anywhere, anytime. It exists in global issues, communities, and it is a part of your personal life."
RethinkChurch.org features more engagement capabilities and content offerings than its predecessor site, 10thousanddoors.org. Registering as a user is the first step to engage on the website. Users may then enhance their personal profile by adding photos, videos, areas of interest, and more. Once registered, a user may start or add to conversations.
An interactive map connects seekers to a church in their area. The map allows users to search for a local church based upon parameters such as distance and ministry offerings or outreach programs that appeal to their particular interests, and provides additional information such as service and event schedules. They may also request a free Common English Bible (New Testament), written in easy-to-understand, everyday English.
About Rethink Church
Rethink Church, the next evolution of The United Methodist Church's "Open hearts" welcoming and advertising campaign, highlights the many opportunities available within United Methodist churches to engage with the world-from literacy programs to feeding the poor. Targeting a globally minded 18- to 34-year-old audience, Rethink Church advertisements appear in traditional and new media, and direct viewers to the website RethinkChurch.org, where visitors may interact, learn more about the church, and search for involvement opportunities. Rethink Church resources are available to local congregations at umcom.org/rethinkchurch.
Media contact:
Diane Degnan
[email protected]
615-742-5406 (w)
615-483-1765 (c)
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