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United Methodists launch back-to-school ad campaign
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A UMNS photo courtesy of Igniting Ministry
The "I Believe" commercial showcases the United Methodist Church's inclusiveness.
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"I Believe" commercial showcases the United Methodist Church's
inclusiveness. It is one of two spots airing on 21 cable networks as
part of a $1.5 million U.S. cable television fall advertising campaign.
The other spot, "Prayer," encourages people to "believe again" in the
power of prayer. A UMNS photo courtesy of Igniting Ministry. Photo
#061025. Accompanies UMNS story #526. 9/5/06 |
Sept. 5, 2006
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The United Methodist Church is marking the
back-to-school season in the United States with a $1.5 million 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 emphasizes
the church’s acceptance and inclusiveness.
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A UMNS photo courtesy of Igniting Ministry
The television commercial titled "Prayer" is one of two United Methodist spots airing on 21 cable networks.
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television commercial titled "Prayer," which encourages people to
"believe again" in the power of prayer, is one of two spots airing on 21
cable networks as part of the United Methodist Church's $1.5 million
fall advertising campaign. The other commercial, "I Believe," showcases
the denomination's acceptance and inclusiveness. A UMNS photo courtesy
of Igniting Ministry. Photo #061024. Accompanies UMNS story #526. 9/5/06 |
The second commercial, titled “Prayer,” reminds
viewers to believe in the power of prayer with the anticipation expressed
in childlike faith.
Both English- and Spanish-language versions of this commercial are airing. The commercials are airing on 21 cable networks through Sept. 17. The two
spots will air approximately 1,200 times, creating 244 million impressions,
according to United Methodist Communications, which manages the campaign.
The communications agency also 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.
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The Rev. Larry Hollon |
The commercials are airing on 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.
The spots also can be seen online. For “I Believe,” go to http://mediawarehouse.ignitingministry.org/search.aspx?act=start&searchtxt=diversityspot.
The “Prayer” spot can be seen at http://mediawarehouse.ignitingministry.org/search.aspx?act=start&searchtxt=child-like.
The United Methodist Church began its “Open hearts. Open minds. Open
doors.” advertising and welcoming campaign in 2001. *This article is adapted from a press release from United Methodist Communications,
which operates United Methodist News Service.
News media contact: Diane Denton or Tim Tanton, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470
or newsdesk@umcom.org.
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