wfn.org | Lutherans Praised for Their Communication Efforts

[Brenda Williams <BRENDAW@elca.org>]

Reply-To: ElcaNews <ELCANEWS@ELCASCO.ELCA.ORG>
ELCA NEWS SERVICE

May 4, 1998

LUTHERANS PRAISED FOR THEIR COMMUNICATION EFFORTS
98-15-098-MR

     LOUISVILLE, KY (ELCA) -- Communication efforts of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America were recognized by the Religious Public
Relations Council and the Associated Church Press.
     Ten DeRose-Hinkhouse awards were given to ELCA communicators at the
annual convention of the Religious Public Relations Council (RPRC), held
here April 23-25.  The award recognizes work of the 500 RPRC members in the
United States and Canada in print, audiovisual and video media, public
relations and special projects.
     "Award of Excellence" went to Tim Frakes for "Weaving a Global
Neighborhood with Rick Steves," an ELCA video documentary, and to Susan
Greeley for "Lutheran Vespers -- The Sixth Commandment: Right, Wrong and
Renewal."  Lutheran Vespers is a radio ministry of the ELCA hosted by the
Rev. Walter M. Wangerin Jr.  Frakes and Greeley are on the staff of the
ELCA's Department for Communication.
     "Award of Excellence" also went to Nancy Stelling and Susan Edison-Swift for
"About the Bible," a series featured in "Lutheran Women Today," a
magazine of Women of the ELCA.
     An "Award of Merit" went to Laurel Hensel, ELCA Department for
communication, for a "Lutheran World Federation" poster.  Also receiving
awards of merit were the book, "God's Story Is My Story," and "MOSAIC"
video magazine, both produced by the ELCA Department for Communication.
Awards of Merit also went to "Women of the ELCA Interchange" newsletter;
the Rev. Marguerite M. Rourk, Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary,
Columbia, S.C. for "Hearts and Minds in Christ Jesus" brochure; and
Frederick H. Gonnerman, Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minn., for "Advent
Devotional Booklet" and "Annual Report 1997."
     At the convention, RPRC members voted to change the "Religious Public
Relations Council" to Religion Communicators Council" with the acronym
"RCC."  Members also adopted a 1999 projected budget of $111,900.  The 1999
convention is set for March 18-20 in Washington, D.C.
     RPRC promotes high standards for religious public relations and
communications and provides training and continuing education.  Founded in
1929, it is the nation's oldest public relations association.
     ELCA efforts also won 12 awards at the annual convention of the
Associated Church Press (ACP), held April 19-22 in Hendersonville, N.C.
The ACP, which encompasses more than 200 religious publications, presented
awards for writing, editing, graphics, design and electronic publishing.
     "The Lutheran" magazine of the ELCA received six awards, one "Award
for Excellence" and five Honorable Mentions.  "The Lutheran" was recognized
as the "best denominational general interest magazine."  It received
Honorable Mentions for best topic of the year, web site, humor, in-depth
coverage and convention or meeting coverage.  The magazine's editor is the
Rev. Edgar R. Trexler.
     "Seeds for the Parish," a resource publication for ELCA congregation
leaders, edited by Elizabeth M. Hunter, received an "Award of Merit" and an
Honorable Mention.  "Lutheran Woman Today," edited by Nancy J. Stelling,
received two awards of merit. Other winners include:  "The Southern
Bulletin," Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, Columbia, S.C.,
Honorable Mention, and "Lutheran Partners" magazine, "Poetry Award of
Merit" for "Snowfall."
     The 1999 ACP convention will take place April 18-21 in Portland, Ore.

For information contact:
Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html