Printed Communications
Printed communication remains a vital part of parish life. While digital platforms help you reach people online, printed materials help you reach those who prefer physical information, visit the building, or engage through community events.
Printed resources allow you to welcome, inform, and connect in ways that feel personal, tangible, and accessible to all generations.
What types of printed media can be helpful?
With printed media, it is important to consider what will be genuinely helpful to your congregation and visitors. Newsletters, flyers, welcome packs, pastoral care information, event flyers, outdoor banners and roller banners all have contexts where they’reuseful. Consider what will be most eye-catching and where you might want to place printed media for it to be seen, as well as how much information you want to convey in one space.
Why Printed Communications Still Matter
It reaches people who aren’t online
Many older parishioners or pastoral contacts rely more on printed materials than digital updates. A simple flyer or newsletter often communicates better than a website for this group.
It increases clarity and trust
Clear, well‑designed printed items show care, organisation, and a warm welcome — much like keeping a website up to date builds trust online.
It supports hospitality and belonging
Printed resources in foyer spaces, welcome desks, and events help newcomers understand your parish quickly and easily.
It reinforces your branding
Using the same colours, fonts, logos, and elements across printed and digital materials creates consistency and recognisability.
Printed Communications Overview
Below is a simple breakdown of each printed format and what it’s best used for.
Newsletters (printed or mixed format)
Best for:
- Weekly or monthly parish updates
- Notices, prayers, events
- Those without access to email
Top Tips:
- Keep short sections and simple headings
- Repeat key information (service times, events)
- Use your brand fonts and colours
- Ensure accessibility – large readable text
Flyers (general and event-specific)
Best for:
- Door‑to‑door invitations
- Community boards
- Church foyer tables
- One‑off events, groups, and ministries
Top Tips:
- Use strong imagery (real parish photos when possible)
- Include the essentials: date, time, venue, who it’s for
- Add a clear call‑to‑action and website/social details
- Avoid clutter — one message per flyer
Welcome Packs
Best for:
- Newcomers, visitors, those exploring church life
What to include:
- Warm welcome and a short introduction
- Your vision & values
- Service information
- Info about groups, ministries, and next steps
- Contact details and website
- A simple card or leaflet people can take home
- Aim for friendly, simple, and visually consistent.
Event Flyers
Best for promoting:
- Seasonal services (Christmas, Easter, Remembrance)
- Community events (fairs, lunches, concerts)
- Courses (Alpha, Bible study, confirmation classes)
Top Tips:
- Use a photo that captures warmth and community
- Clear layout: WHAT → WHEN → WHERE → WHY
- Branding consistent with all other materials
- QR code linking to event page or sign‑up
Indoor Banners & Roller Banners
Best for:
- Entrances
- Foyers and welcome areas
- Hallways or events
- Ministry areas (kids, youth, prayer corner)
Top Tips:
- Keep text minimal
- Use one main image
- Large, readable headings
- Helpful for first‑time visitors finding their way
Outdoor Banners & Noticeboards
Best for:
- Roadside visibility
- Seasonal invitations
- Clear signposting
- Showing the church is active and welcoming
Top Tips:
- High contrast colours for readability
- Simple, bold message (e.g., “All Welcome · Sundays 10:30am”)
- Durable design and up‑to‑date information
- QR code leading to website or “Plan Your Visit” page
Keeping Printed Materials Fresh
One of the biggest contributors to strong parish communication is simply removing outdated posters and creating consistent, modern replacements.
It is important to:
- remove old posters
- refresh materials
- keep design clean, consistent, and limited to your core palette
Regular maintenance helps ensure your parish building communicates the same welcome and clarity as your website and social media.