September 2005

Featured Event Idea - Harvest Festival


Real Stories - Case Study- "Outreach Events"


Performer Profile - Featuring Scott Wood


Special Promotions - 500 Free Direct Mail Post Cards


Effective Resources - Event Planning Guide


Event Planning Tip of the Month - Brainstorm With Your Team


News & Updates - Team & Performers, National Outreach Convention, Night of Comedy, Comedy Break and the Outreach Roadshow


Joke of the Month - Featuring Scott Wood

 

 

Harvest Festival

Check out these ideas for hosting a community-wide Harvest Festival and outreach-a great Halloween alternative! Take a few tips for your own Event, or plan a full-blown festival complete with all the trimmings. This family-friendly Event has something fun for everyone!

Target Audience
  • Families
  • Entire church
  • Neighboring community
Location
  • Church building
  • Parking lot
  • Other open space
Site Set-Up Ideas
  • Game booths
  • Stage
  • Maze
  • Picnic area
  • Obstacle course
  • Ticket sales booth
  • Welcome table
Decorations
  • Dried ears of Indian corn
  • Hay bales
  • Scarecrows
  • Pumpkins
  • Candy wreaths
  • Autumn leaves
Game Booths
  • Set up any number of concession stands with candy and toys as prizes.
  • Rent a dunk tank with pastoral staff ready for drenching.
  • Hold a cakewalk with homemade cakes as prizes.
  • Set up an obstacle course and races.
Maze
  • Create a maze from cut up plastic garbage bags or miscellaneous items.
  • Set up goodies at intervals or dead ends.
  • Position creative characters within the maze as guides or storytellers.
  • Set up the maze as the entrance to your Harvest Festival.
Contests
  • Consider holding competitions that guests can be involved in.
  • Here are some ideas: pumpkin carving, best costume, best square dancing couple, pie eating contests, apple dunking, chili cook-off, etc.
Stage
  • Have a main stage set aside for entertainment and contests.
  • Try entertainment like hoedown music, a family friendly Outreach Comedy performer, storytelling, and square dancing lessons.
  • To host an Outreach Comedy performer, contact an Event Coordinator at  866-400-2036 for more information, or click here.
Food
  • Set aside an area where guests can purchase additional goodies.
  • Serve foods like hot apple cider, caramel apples, nachos, hot dogs, and pizza.
  • Set out picnic tables and trashcans for convenience.
Welcome Table & Ticket Sales
  • Equip a hospitality crew to greet guests with information on the church or ministry.
  • Have contact cards or sign up sheets available to collect visitor information for follow-up.
  • If selling tickets for entry or a raffle, collect contact information on back of tickets for follow-up. Have ministry information available to visitors at a welcome booth.
  • Have visitor welcome gifts available.
Outreach Ideas & Tools
  • Canvass local neighborhoods with Outreach DoorHangersT.
  • Send a postcard mailer or Outreach ImpactCardT to the community.
  • Equip church members with Outreach InviteCardsT for their friends.
  • Hang an Outreach ImpactBannerT across a main road or pathway.
  • Send a press release to local newspapers.
  • Take out airtime on local radio stations.
  • Cross-promote at other events, movies, concerts, etc.
  • Leave flyers at local businesses.
  • Get listed on newspaper, Internet and radio community calendars.
  • For Outreach communication tools, contact an Outreach Specialist at   800-991-6011 for more information, or click here.
Budget Booster Ideas
  • Have church members donate candy and toys.
  • Solicit local businesses to sponsor booths.
  • Put each church ministry or club in charge of one or two booths.
  • Have the men's ministry build any needed booths several weeks before the Event.
  • Sell game tickets in packs of 20 for a minimum of $5 per pack (4 tickets for $1).
  • Attach a cover charge for the evening: $10 per adult, $5 per student and child, free for seniors and children under the age of 5. Sell tickets in advance and at the door.
  • Hold a raffle with tickets for $10 each. Announce winners from stage

 

 

 

Case Study:

"Outreach Events"

Event Basics

Customer Interviewed:   Steve Franklin, Steward

Organization Name:  Bethel A.M.E. Church in Omaha, NE

Event Name:  Annual Men's and Women's Day Christian Comedy Banquet

Event Type:  Dinner & Entertainment Opened to the Public

Event Dates & Times:  Saturday, June 18, 2005 at 6:00 p.m.

Event Location:  DoubleTreel Hotel, Downtown Omaha

Location Profile:  Robust area of town, familiar to our target, 3 miles from our chur

Attendee Type:  99% African American, ages 12-80, 30% men, 60% women, 10%

                        under 18

Price per Attendee:  $35.00 per person;  $350.00 for a table for 10 people

Total Attendees: 280 people (plus Ad/Program Book Support  

Behind the Scenes Efforts

Publicity Tools Used: fliers w/guest’s photo/bio, letter w/flier to 60 churches 25

businesses & politicans, benefits of comedy/laughter, church bulletins/annoucements & newspaper articles.

Tickets: Printing donated by member’s employer and asked for a commitment to

purchase/sell a minimum of 5 tickets by the Officers of the church.

Team Efforts Included: 1 male/1 female as co-chairs w/5 member committees for

PR, Ticket Sales; Finance, Facilities and Ad/Program Book; monthly reports required beginning February 2005 with final report due early July 2005.

 

About the Event

Event Purpose: as an outreach tool to increase membership and  asa fundraiser

Event Content Included: Sit-down dinner, gospel choir and 1 male/1 female was   recognized for their contributions, over the years, to Bethel (a new tradition was started here)!

Decorations: None required.  The Grand Ballroom was very elegant.

Capturing Visitor Information: Only mistake we made!  This will not be overlooked next time!

 

 

About the Comedy Performance

Performer: Kathy Westfield

Type: Humor-filled tales based on her own life experiences, with light testimony.

Response to Performer:Supporters sought Kathy’ autograph following the event    (she performed last); many were pleasantly surprised to find out what christian comedy really was; Kathy performance was the catalyst for members to be mobilized if they wanted to see Bethel grow; every age and gender was able to get something positive from the performance.

Results

Total Visitors: Did not get a count, but a guess would be about 25% were visitors.

Overall Response to the Entire Event: Absolutely upbeat, positive and Christ-     honoring!

New Attendees Retained: Bethel has gained more ushers, choir members and Sunday School attendees from its existing membership; a couple of new members, but also created an excitement for wanting to try something new and different.

 

Additional Comments

Biggest Concerns Heading into the Event: Will people pay $35.00; defining “christian comedy”
 

How These Concerns Were Addressed & Resolved: use of Outreach Comedy materials, Kathy’s video, DeLisa’s suggestions, internet research, secured buy-in from the officers of the church (committed to 5 tickets minimum)

How This Compares with Past Events: this one events had more positive results than 4-5 “traditional” events; involved more people, on-going mobilization of members, derived some of the same guests, but many more new guests to Bethel,  and more profit.  This event demands more organization, which is never a bad thing!

Would You Do This Event Again? Given the same quality or better in entertainment, yes we plan to do this again in June 2006.

What Would You Do Differently Next Time? Have a Guest Book available to conduct follow-up and to issue personal invitations to our church services.

What Would You Say to People Planning a Similar Event? Try Outreach Comedy for a difference!

 

 

 

Scott Wood

Where are you from, and what was it like growing up there?

I grew up in Glendora, California. As a kid, I would drive my family crazy by impersonating the cartoon voices blasting away on T.V. As a teenager, I wanted to be cool, so I gave into peer pressure just to fit in. Being funny is the way I fit in. Doing drugs was another way I "fit in."  When I think of it, I should have either been dead or in jail, but God had a different plan for me. My mom raised four children on her own. Every Sunday morning, she made sure her kids were in Sunday School and Church. My life eventually changed in 1984 when God took over my life.

When and how did you become interested in being a comedian?

Growing up, I was influenced by comedians such as:  Rodney Dangerfield, Henny Youngman, Woody Allen, Jonathan Winters, Johnny Carson. I was funny as a kid, so comedy came natural to me.

How did you become a Christian and How do you see the Lord impacting your comedy?

When I was a young man I had totally turned my back on God-what a mistake. By the time I was 21, I was a full blown alcoholic, drug abuser and dealer. But in 1984, I gave my life over to Christ. Then I realized my humor was a gift from God. I got down on my knees and said, 'Lord if You can use my humor, use me,' and He did. Thank God I'm now doing both comedy and ministry-sharing the source of my humor, which is Christ. It is now good to know that God is using something that I'm good at-Comedy, as a tool to reach others, and I've learned that He can do that in anyone's life.

What's your favorite thing about being a comedian?

I truely love writng and performing. It's fun for me to travel the United States because I meet some very funny and unique people along the way.

What are some of your current career struggles and triumphs?

I would love to do more events on a broader scale to impact people with "clean comedy" and the gospel. The philosophy is that you don't have to be filthy to be funny. Laughing is fun! God made it that way. One of my triumphs has to do with being featured on World News Tonight with Peter Jennings, spotlighting my "clean" style of Comedy.

Are you where you thought you would be both professional and personally five years ago?

Yes I am. I would be interested in having more national exposure.

What is your favorite Bible verse?

Ephesians 5:1-We are called to be LIKE Christ.  Eventhough I do impressions, I want my greatest imitation to be like Him.  When God looks at you, He sees His Son...What do others see?

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I really enjoy reading and writing. I also love spending time with my beautiful wife and daughter, Yoney and Amelia.

What's your all-time favorite gig?

Every performance is my favorite!  I am blessed to be doing gigs full time.

Anything Else?

As believers we are called to LOVE people into God's Kingdom. I try and encourage believers to ask God to be used as His instrument to reach out to their family, neighbors, and community. If I could have people remember two things, they would be: First of all,whatever your talents are, God can use them for His glory.  When you give your life to Him, give Him your talents too. Secondly, Don't give up on your unsaved friends.  Keep praying for them and inviting them to church. Remember, "If your about God's business, He's about yours!"

 

 

Monthly Website Promotion

 

500 FREE Direct Mail Postcards!

500 FREE DIY (Do-It-Yourself) ImpactCards are yours when you schedule your Event* by September 30, 2005! A $99 Value!

 

Event Planning Guide!

Features:

-3 Ring Binder. 96 pages.

-1 CD ROM with worksheets and forms.

The Event Planning Guide gives your everything you need to organize an effective Outreach Event. Based on the 3 P's of Event planning: Pray, Plan and Promote, the 96-page guide features planning schedules, discussion guides, budget and fundraising ideas, preparation checklists, follow-up guidelines and more! If you find this eNewsletter helpful, you'll LOVE the Event Planning Guide!

Yours FREE* when you book an Outreach Event, or $24.99 from the Outreach Catalog. Call 800-991-6011 to order it directly!

*Limit one per customer.

 

 

 

 

Brainstorm with your team!

Brainstorm with Your Team

Start with a vision, and don't be afraid to "Dream Big!" Hold a brainstorming session with your team-this is a great way to set goals and objectives, and get some great ideas for your Event. Gather all ideas and feedback, without discouraging anything as too outlandish or extravagant. You probably won't use all ideas this time around, but don't squelch brainstorming excitement-your team's passion is critical to having a great Event!

 

 

Speaker: Richard Abanes         

Richard is an author and religion journalist who has written various books dealing with cults, the occult, world religions, and pop-culture issues related to religion including "Harry Potter, Narnia and the Lord of The Rings: What You Need to Know Regarding Fantasy Books and Movies"  and many others.  Richard Abanes specializes in the following features:

  • Church Services on Narnia Topics
  • Questions and Answers on Narnia with Pastor
  • Special Narnia Outreach Programs

Comedian: Scott Wood 

Scott Wood is an accomplished impressionist with over 300 celebrity and animated voices in his repertoire, such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, George W. Bush, John Travolta, The Simpsons, Sylvester Stallone, Michael Bolton, Frank Sinatra, and The Backstreet Boys.  Scott’s impressions have been heard on KLOS, KABC, and the Rick Dees show.

 

Check this Out!

Comedian: Scott Wood to perform during a Night of Comedy show at this year's National Outreach Convention in San Diego, CA taking place November 2-5. Also, make sure to  check out the new Comedy Break segment of the convention. For those of you with busy schedules, take 10 minutes to laugh 10 minutes at Comedy Break

                       

                                                                  

 

 

Just A Friendly Reminder

 

NOC 2005 Convention

 

The National Outreach Convention has something for everyone. Click here for complete details.

 

 

Featuring:


Scott Wood

"There's a lot of crime where I live.  Yesterday someone stole my visa card. Right now it's "Everywhere I want to be."

"I ran over the neighbor's cat.  I felt awful. It took me three tries."

"I took my neighbor's Lexus for a test drive. They're hard to hotwire."