Almost everything I have learned about what is going on in the diocese is from our rector. I have not had any mailings, etc. from the diocese since moving to California. 

Although we get information about meetings, etc. through the Aurora, and mailings I feel we are losing a sense of what being part of a diocese is all about and maintaining a connection with what is happening around the diocese in other congregations - a unique Episcopal structure. I am very disappointed that The Missionary was discontinued. I am serving as the Diocesan Coordinator for Episcopal Relief and Development and The Missionary and its MDGs page was very helpful in widely disseminating information about ERD. Because I have not gotten cooperation from many clergy in selecting parish reps for ERD, information in The Missionary was very important for reaching a wider number of people. I have found this past year very frustrating in getting information out and have struggled to get matching funds for a Clean Water project funded by the MDGs committee. Perhaps the committee can give me some suggestions for communicating with the people in the diocese about the work of ERD. Just going electronic will only make the diocese seem farther away. I read several newspapers online, as well as many other sites, but I also read print media - newspapers and magazines - as well. Both are important. Please keep this in mind in your planning.     

Because I am ill and don't attend church as regularly as I like, I truly don't know if we've been updated more on diocesan issues. I do know that I hear much of what I do know of diocesan affairs from a friend who lives in Mt. Shasta. While I would read the missionary on line, I know several cradle Episcopalians who don't have access to the internet and at their age have no interest in learning computer skills. Could there be a way to use paper communications AND electronic media and let people choose which form works for them? Thank you, Sharon Cronan sharon.cronan@sbcglobal.net           

Bring back Lovie and The Missionary!        

Coaching is needed for clergy and Bishop's staff on small group communication. Often there is little feedback loop. Presentations tend to be stiff. 

Communication format depends on timeliness and type of information to be shared. Current web site is not on target. Communication is not a one-way street. What about diocesan organizations? To ask about The Missionary when it is an unknown is not helpful.

Communications Director is a good idea provided that the funds for this position are not additional to the budget as it is now. Electronic communication is fine, but nothing that requires major downloading.

Communications Strategy didn't offer the choice to have BOTH paper and electronic info--but I want both. I can't read the news from the computer in the bathtub, which is where I often catch up while relaxing. I also can't take it other places where I could be reading.  

Emails & video conferences are efficient and cost effective in my buiness maybe they'll work for church?

From a pesrson looking in from the outside of the dioscean office....It looks very confused and a bit unorganized  

Given the diocese's pinched economic condition, it is far more cost-effective to produce materials and information to be distributed electronically. Don't let the whinings of the minority without electronic access derail this communication channel. It is the way of the future.   

Glad to see this important issue is being addressed. Please keep in mind that not everyone is tech updated. I have just not gotten into the habit of checking the diocese website. Sometimes we get overloaded with emails, but I like the idea of saving paper. However, I really prefer reading my daily newspaper, & do not like, & will not read long articles on-line.      

Grace does not get information from the financial office on a timely basis. We may very likely lose our Treasurer because she is so frustrated with trying to get the information or answers to her questions. We are a mission and the financial office does not seem to know how to deal with a small church. Treasurers are hard to fine.   

Have an English teacher proof read and edit any written communications. The younger generation and use the text abbreviations in every day writing without a thought, but we have to communicate with a lot of age groups

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Have not recieved any communication from the diocese in the mail or on the internet other than the Aurora. Really miss the Missionary. 

Haven't seen the Missionary in a long time and boy do I miss it. If electronic communications will be replacing the Missionary, please have it include all the ins and out and little things going on, plus the photos etc. The Aurora is ok for postings but it is very dry. The Missionary had heart!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Hope you didn't pay to have this survey put together, it's not very good

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How are people who don't have access to a computer going to complete this survey? I vote for less paper and more electronic communication.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

How is this survey being distributed to those who don't have easy internet access? And - clusters have existed in this diocese for years. And - what about mobile internet access?       

How is your budget? Paying for a communications director sounds good only if it can be economically justified.      

I always believe that more communication is better than not enough. Our family is happy to receive it electronically; but there are still many people that don't use the internet and should receive paper communication. 

I am anxious to learn more about the Diocese 

I am unaware of any DIOCESAN Lenten materials and would be interested in hearing about them. I would have been incluned to use an "effective" category between "very effective" and "somewhat effective" for some of he questions.  

I believe the Missionary has not represented a wide variety of theological opinions. It seems to be a medium primarily serving as PR for a few theological agendas. It would be great to see a wider range of theological persuasions represented in this media. Also, I appreciate communication that is both written as well as electronic, but know of many who are not connected electronically and would be interested to know the results of this survey. Will the results be made available through the Aurora or in some other way? thanks 

I didn't know we had a Facebook page or Yahoo group on Evangelism. I am interested in both.

I feel that the elimination of the Missionary was a mistake. Several of our parishioners do not have access to the internet. Although I do use the internet, I prefer to receive information s printed copy unless time is important.

I feel that we receive little or nothing from the Diocese information wise.

I found it interesting that this is the first I learned of all the various methods the diocese uses for communication -- if I had know about blogs, chat rooms, ListServs, etc. I would have used them. Maybe we don't need more communication, just teaching people what communication methods are currently available.   

I have access to most Diocesan news: I am a clergy widow and active in my Parish and am kept 'in the loop' I can't speak for others but I have no complaints. M.K.      

I have been a member of St. Luke's since I moved to the area from another diocese about 10 months ago. I haven't yet been put on any mailing lists for the diocese (or for the national church for that matter) and greatly miss receiving news. I haven't put any effort into getting on a list but it would be nice if it happened automatically for those of us who are overwhelmed with the tasks of moving to a new community.

I have been very concerned for a while about the overt bias that exists in The Missionary newspaper. It often reads like a propaganda paper for the liberal wing of the Diocese. I would like to see space created for the "alternative voice" in diocesean communications. This could be accomplished by seeking out one or more individuals willing to write a "counterpoint" article in The Missionary.   

I have heard so often lately how people are feeling really "in the dark" as far as what is going on in the diocese. I have more access to info on the website etc than those without internet access/ability but have run into frustration when trying to get the word out about things because I know it won't reach as many people and due to technical issues it is harder , for example, to show people what is going on, with the use of pictures. I know the Missionary had its limitations and problems but I do miss having a centralized way to reach and communicate with and hear from, the entire diocese.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

I have missed "The Missionary" with the "Episcopal Life" inserted. I know I can subscribe to "Episcopal Life" but how about making "The Missionary" available online if it is too expensive to print and mail (perhaps use email to notify us when it is availble)?   

I have none, but, thanks for taking the time to study this survey for better Diocesan communications!!! 

I like Aurora, and believe such a weekly email anchored with a message from the Bishop could be expanded to cover additional materials. I would prefer to get one weekly/bi-weekly email rather than a variety of communications. I also like the idea of moving the Missionary to quarterly, and making that and all communication tools excellent. High quality is essential to capture attention, inform and inspire.    

I like to sit with a paper, magazine or book in my hands. I use the Internet and e-mails often, but I get bored sitting in front of the computer. E-mails can become more than I want to deal with. Some e-mails can be a real nuisance as far as I'm concerned. Hence I enjoy sitting down with the Missionary and reading it over a period of time, selecting articles of special interest to me. I don't find computer newsletters inviting. I know I'm a dinosaur. So be it.       

I love my church :-)  

I still am having a hard time with an open gay bishop!     

I suggest a quarterly print edition of The Missionary as a wrap for Episcopal Life (the previously used version which effectively provided parish, diocesan national and internation Chuch news) augmented with a monthly electronic version sent via listg serve and posted on teh diocesan website.   

I think doing a least some of the newpaper on line would be a great idea, however I have enjoyed reading the national paper, just to get an idea of what the rest of the church is doing, thinking. This was the first time that I had ever read that paper and I'm a lifelong Episcopalian.

I think they have greatly improved at the Diocese. The Parishes need help and direction to get into the 21st Century  

I think we need a blend of communication offerings to meet all needs. I like email and the Internet, but I know most in our church do not. Some consider it a nuisance or too difficult. I miss the Missionary, can we do it on line? 

I think we should maximize electronic communication methods, but at the same time find a channel for those memebers who do not use e-communication formats. Possibly folks could be given a choice of how to receive information.

I use the internet for short communication and business purposes. .....I would not read or download The Missionary for example. I would think, "I'll get to that later" and later would never come. I read that type of information in a comfortable quiet place. I hear or know very little about what is going in the Diocese. It is seldom if ever mentioned and I do not feel that we are encouraged to participate. I have been very active in my parish and have asked who I would contact at the Diocese in regard to those interests and get the blank look with no answer in response. I'm not sure how to correct the problem.....but would enjoy conversation about it.  

I wasn't aware of any communications publications other than the Missionary.  

I worry about how increased electronic communications will impact people who are not online, particularly the low-income and the elderly.    

I would like to caution the Diocese about moving too fast to predominately electronic communications. There are many, many people within our church who do not have or use computers. We need to be very conscious of this. Also, I would like to see the Missionary back, but would like to see information about what congregations are doing, upcoming events within congregations (perhaps by Deanery). Supporting each other through attendance at social events is important. But so often knowledge of these events is lacking. I would encourage the Diocese to consider re-examining the Deanery boundaries. Perhaps making them smaller would allow for better attendance at meetings and more constructive use of clericus time as well as involvement of congregations for information sharing.  

I would welcome emails.       

Improving communications at EVERY level is a positive way to keep everyone informed of even the smallest event.        

In my experience, blogs provide one person's perspective on a topic (or series of topics). At various periods of my life, I've read one or more blogs on a regular basis and have gained by reflecting on them. A blog to disseminate news/information would seem not in keeping with this. Although I am aware of diocesan groups on facebook, yahoo, etc., these do not seem to get tremendous amounts of traffic. Groups such as these "work" when there is synergism to generate excitement about their use. A wiki might be a better use of technology than a blog. See daviswiki.org for an *extremely* useful example.  

Information that comes out is too late for those who make long range plans and have complicated calendars.      

Is there something worth communicating?     

It has been very difficult for to feel that I am a part of this Diocese, but I can see that that may improve in the next months and years.    

I've had printed booklets on Lent (The Lenten Papers) and Advent plus many devotionals for church consumption. I'm suggesting using the local talents as the Holy Spirit works even in our Diocese to bringing forth inspirational writings. See my web site at www.elderscribe.com if curious on my style:Inspiration, Travel, Humor...all orchestrated by dear Holy Spirit. More writings on my blog: marthascribe.blogspot.com. Sincerely, Martha Peterson ... marthascribe@aol.com        

Let's get started!          

Mass communication FROM the DNC leaders seems adequate, esp. with shift to more use of electronic media. More "show and tell" articles would help other churches to "barrow" those ideas to change their ministries and programs. I am not at all satisfied with responses from DNC Office staff to telephone & email requests for information/aid. EVERY REQUEST SHOULD BE ACKNOWLEDGED WITHIN 2-3 WORKING DAYS, informing the requestor of what to expect and when a final response is to be made. NO RESPONSE IS A HUGE DISCOUNT of the importance of the request and the person making the request.     

Message: Allowing same-sex marriage cermonies in a church will destroy, atomize the Episcopalian Church in the U.S. . People will leave this church in droves, around the nation, if it occurs. I do not 'hate' these people. I pray for them just as I pray for myself or anyone, burdened with the challenge of sin. However, we cannot glorify their sin, under the sanction of Holy Matrimony. Sinners come into this church and be cleansed by Christ, yes. Holy Matrimony, no. If we say yes, where is the line drawn on sanctified perversion/sin? I won't elaborate with examples; I hope you see where this is going.           

Never heard of Aurora. Only diocesan information is from our minister or in the bulletins, or if some Episcopal news makes a major newspaper. Sometimes I read the Missionary.       

No mention of parish websites or parish blogs which I do use.

None of your questions address use of parish/mission websites. That is where my parish is trying to put more energy.

Perhaps Diocesan events can be added to the calendar we receive of activities at St. Lukes so we can at least be aware something is going on if we would like to attend the activity.  

Please keep the information you send related to Episcopal news/religion. Do not advocate for or against propositions, candidates, gay rights, etc. It is a big enough job to tell us how to live according to Jesus/God....how to vote is simply not the Bishops or any other clergy's role. Remember that our forefathers at the wisdom to separate church from state. I love our church at the history associated with it. Please do not become activists for social change....just be supportive to the people. God has people, not religions. Thank you.

Please, quickly get on with this project! This current blackout of community-building information formerly provided by The Missionary is coming at a time when parishioner affiliation with the diocese and with DNC is very fragile.   

Since I am so new to this part of the Christian world, I really am slowly learning little by little about Episcopalianism.....so communications are good for me...to better understand.       

SINCE I AM THE REITREED ASSOCIATE PRIEST IN THIS MISSION AND NOT DIRECTLY RESPONSIBNE FOR THE DIRECTION OF THE MISSION, I FEELK THAT DIOCESAN AUTHORITIES SHOULD BE SURE TO SEND MESSAGES DIRECTLY TO THE WARDEN AND TREASURER AND NOT DEPEND ON ME TO TRANSMIT INFORMATION. IN NO WAY AM I THE "PRIEST IN CHARGE." A. Gillett Bechtel      

Some form of The Missionary (electronic or paper) is critical to link the parish with diocesan events and news. While some in our parish are comfortable with electronic communication, many others value written communications; our parish newsletter is very important to most. Those who do not or cannot log into the Diocesan website for the Aurora are at a disadvantage in knowing what is happening in our diocese.

Survey is a great idea, I pray that many people take advantage of how easy it is to convey desired/wants to you

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Thank you for asking. I would like to see more use of email communication from the Bishop & Diocese to me directly. the web site could also be more useful with links to events like the Lay Ministry training with objectives and outcomes, etc.

Thank you for taking the time to study this survey! I hope it helps.  

The Aurora is fairly effective for those with internet access. But the Missionary has become a little too political and a little less relevant. There are also problems that go beyond method, and speak more to the decisions of our diocesan staff. For example the Bishop chose to sign the Prop. 8 statement without the majority of the diocese knowing he was even thinking about it. Rather than seeing it in the Aurora or reading it in an email, I saw it in the SF Chronicle and the Living Church. So often I have to read something on an outside blog before I hear it from the Diocese. Frankly I think we could also use a central events calendar that congregations could contribute to. Not just the existing schedule of visitations and committee meetings, but of parish events, special holy day services, fundraisers, etc...  

The Diocesan communications are fine. It's the lack thereof at the parish level.

THE INTERNET WORLD IS SUCH A WONDERFUL THING,HOWEVER SO IS A PEN & PAPER. COMUNICATION IN MY CHURCH LIFE IS DONE MOSTLY BY MEETING IN PERSON W/ SOME E MAIL. ALL FORMALITIES OUR ON PAPER... 

The last question fails to include "Decline to State"          

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