Getting your News out at WH

We want to make sure your event, service, call for volunteers and other news gets out to everyone in our congregation and, if applicable, the greater community, the Missouri Conference, even the larger UMC. To make that possible, we’ve created an online Communications Request Form.

The goal: Making sure your news reaches your target audience in enough time for people to buy a ticket, sign up, clear their calendar to volunteer and more.

First things first: Have you secured your location?
If you want to use a space at Webster Hills, you must fill out an Event or Meeting Space Request Form to make sure your desired location is available – and to confirm it’s reserved for you -- before you submit a Communications Request Form. If you have questions on reserving space, contact Amanda Hancock, ahancock@websterhillsumc.org, 314-961-3164. If you plan an off-campus event, please secure and confirm the location beforehand as well.

Submit your CRF at least SIX WEEKS PRIOR to your event. This deadline ensures your event gets publicized frequently and in as many ways as possible to reach your target audience. Most importantly, it prevents “surprises” that can negatively impact your event’s success, church staff time and possibly costs.

The Communications Request Form

Click the Communications Request Form button above or find it on the Events page at WebsterHillsUMC.org. The form will pop up and you’ll be on your way. It’s easy to navigate, complete and submit. Please attach any digital artwork (photos, graphics) you have and/or indicate what art resources are available or needed (photos, graphics, video).

How much does it cost? If your event has a charge, include all price and paymentdetails. Examples: “Pumpkins are sold according to size, ranging from $2 to $40. Cash, credit and Apple Pay are accepted.” “Tickets are $40. Order through the link at WelcomeNeighborSTL.com by March 4.” “Tickets are $5 and available at the door.” Please provide relevant links if required for purchase.

How do people register? If registration is required or desired, indicate how people can do that. For staff-led events, e.g. Bible Study, VBS or similar, the church can create a registration form for you. Sponsors of other events, e.g. Pumpkin Patch, The Listening Place or similar, should create a registration form tailored to your needs. We recommend SignUpGenius.com or SignUp.com. Always include the registration link and the name, phone number and email of a contact person on your Communications
Request Form.

If we have any questions after reviewing your request, we’ll contact the person who submitted the form for more information or clarity.
Please remember, submitting a CRF does not secure a room for your event. Please complete the Event and Meeting Space Request form to request a space.

How and where we get your news out

We have a variety of ways and places to publicize your news:

For the WH congregation: Worship slides and bulletins, worship announcements and videos (if applicable), the weekly e-newsletter, social

media posts (Facebook and Instagram), the church website and printed materials (flyers, post cards, etc.).

If your event has broad appeal or is open to the public, we can also create a Facebook Event; place it in community calendars and submit

press releases to local media.

How can YOU be in the know about what’s happening at Webster Hills?

Bookmark the church website, WebsterHillsUMC.org, and regularly check its events calendar and listings for things coming up soon -- and special or
annual events down the road.

Confirm the church has your current contact information to ensure you receive time-sensitive emails, e.g. changes to worship or a WH member’s
death, and other important communications. You can update your information via a Connection Card in church or online. Please indicate your contact information has changed. You can also call the office, 314-961-3164, to report the change.

Need a little more guidance before making your request?

The first step is to answer the “Five Ws”:

Who: Who is sponsoring the event and who is its target audience? Examples: Student Ministry; teens in Webster Groves School District. Mission & Justice Team; WH members with construction skills.

What: What is the event? Examples: Teen Skate Night; The Race for Reconciliation. New Member Class

When: Always include time and date(s). Indicate if it is a continuing series or class. Examples: “The first class meets at 10am, Monday, Aug. 17. It continues monthly on third Mondays through the end of the year.”

Where: For events at church, include specific room and building information. Examples: “Hudspeth Hall” or “CLC Classroom 234.” For off-campus events, include the location name and full address. Example: Home Sweet Home, 10 Sunnen Drive #100, Maplewood, MO 63143. Make it easy for your audience to find you!

Why: Clearly state why people should sign up, donate, volunteer and similar. Examples: “The goal is to build 50 children’s dressers for Home Sweet Home, a St. Louis furniture bank.” “The New Member Class will introduce those new to WHUMC or the United Methodist Church to our history, beliefs and leadership.” And finally, be sure to add any ticket, cost and registration information.

Together we can grow disciples to “Follow Jesus and Change The World.” Thanks for all you do to make our Webster Hills family and the greater St. Louis community better through your faith-building classes, mission projects, social opportunities, fundraisers and more.

Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully and Lead Courageously.