March 2009Inside this Issue

E-Messenger Has Arrived!

In response to many congregational requests, The Messenger was published digitally for the first time on February 3, 2009. Sent as a PDF attachment by email to all email addresses in our database, the "E-Messenger" was intended to be both a convenience and a way for the church to save money on postage and supplies. An additional advantage of this format is that we are able to make use of color photos, which is impossible with our current printing equipment. Digital publishing is a new process for us, but we are serious in our efforts to provide excellent communication at a reasonable cost. We welcome your feedback!

Within 2 weeks of our first digital edition, we received positive responses from 94 households requesting only the digital format in the future. With the cost of supplies and bulk-mail postage totaling about 12 cents per mailed copy, that"s a savings of over $18 per month and over $200 per year, with less than one percent of households on our mailing list responding so far! The additional cost of creating and posting the new digital format is ZERO!

A sampling of the early, enthusiastic responses:

• Great idea to send by e-mail.
• It looked great!
• Kudos on the move to a more environmentally friendly and less expensive delivery option!
• Happy to save a tree.
• I am glad that this option is open to us. Thank you.
• Awesome. Glad to see we've joined the 21st century.
• We love the digital version! Thank you!!
• I love the look of The Messenger online.
• At long last!!
• Thanks for your efforts on this fantastic money saving practice!
• Way to go!!

Our plan is to post the PDF version of The Messenger on the church"s Web site on the same day the printed copies are assembled and delivered to the Post Office. If we have your current email address, you will receive a link to the page on our Web site where the PDF file may be found. We anticipate posting a colorized version as well as a black and white version for those who prefer to conserve their color toner when printing out their own copies at home. Lastly, please know that we intend to continue the mailing of the printed Messenger for those who prefer to continue receiving it in that format. However, if your preference is to receive only the digital version of The Messenger, send an email to slm@worthingtonumc.org indicating your request to receive only the digital format. If you did not receive an email from us on February 3, it means we do not have your current email address, so drop us a line from your preferred address. Please allow us a month to process your request. Thank you!

Inside this IssueArticle titles are given below each page title.

Parish Concerns: parish concerns page

We express love and sympathy; Best Wishes; Congratulations

General News: general news page

Thank You; Music for Holy Week and Easter; Supplies Needed for Literacy Council; WUMC Knitting and Stitching Group; Stephen Ministry; Opportunity: Sound System Help @ 11:00 am; Book Review: The Winners Manual (for the game of life), by Jim Tressel; Fun Facts About your Emerge Service

United Methodist Women: umw page

Go Kroger-ing and Support Missions; March Circle Meetings; Your Coffee Hour Hosts; WUMW Supports Missions

Family and Youth Informationfamily and youth page

Transition of Children and Youth Ministries: There is a Place for You!!; Youth News 7th - 12th grade and Family Skate Benefits New Life