wfn.org | UCC - New "God is Still Speaking Campaign"

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

> Counting down to a new campaign

> Written by Gregg Brekke
> March 16, 2010

The United Church of Christ is just a month away from the the viral launch of the next "God is 
Still Speaking" commercial called "The Language of God."

The April 16 debut is a first for the UCC, relying exclusively on social 
networking and the church's best communicators, its own members, to spread the 
message.

"Yes, a new Stillspeaking ad is coming," says the Rev. Felix Carrion, coordinator of the 
UCC's Stillspeaking Ministry, "and what makes this debut so significant is that we are 
counting on the moxy of our million-plus supporters to spiral this viral message around the 
world."

"We're asking people to set aside that morning ? April 16 ? for unparalleled 
texting, Twittering, Facebooking and emailing of this new spot," he says.

The 60-second video message is being produced by Think Media, a national 
advertising firm known for its edgy, innovative video work. Its household-name 
clients include the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Cleveland Clinic, Progressive 
Insurance and Nestle, among others.

Leveraging the existing graphic identity established by the Stillspeaking 
campaign, the UCC plans to purchase targeted ads ? touting the video message ? 
on Facebook and the most widely trafficked blogs.

"Marketing data now shows that our target audience is now more likely to be found sitting in 
front of a computer screen instead of a TV screen," says the Rev. J. Bennett Guess, the UCC's 
director of communications. "Just as we found it important to take to TV in 2004 and 2005, 
we're taking to the internet on April 16 like no denomination has ever done before."

In preparation for the launch, a webpage with instructions on how you can help spread the 
word April 16 has been posted in addition to changes to the UCC's home page. "We 
want the excitement of this new ad, and its potential for invitation and awareness, to 
reach every corner of the church - including cyberspace," says Connie Larkman, the 
UCC's strategic media coordinator.

A printed promotional piece explaining the April 16 launch is available for 
churches in quantities of 100 for only $5, plus shipping and handling. Order 
online or call 800-537-3394.