| The
Fig Tree |
stories of
people putting their faith into action in the Northwest |
Updated 12/1/04 |
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Fig Tree draws partners
for web site and grants from Presbytery The Fig Tree takes the gifts of media and transforms ink, paper, web space and video into stories that encourage and empower people to act. “We supplement what people gain in worship and other gatherings with stories of people living their faith and connecting what they do with what they believe,” said editor Mary Stamp, reporting on the Rural-Urban Connections Project and the Interactive Website Project. Three Gonzaga University public relations students helped The Fig Tree reach out to congregations in the region by sending a postcard to each of about 400 congregations, asking if they “want more local faith-in-action stories?” The card said The Fig Tree “sparks awareness and understanding across the faith community, reinvigorating people in their lives and ministries.” It also reminded of its role in strengthening “involvement in congregations, communities, society and the world by connecting people throughout the region.” The goal is to bolster the capabilities of staff and build a network of story-idea gatherers, contributing writers and editors of special area pages or sections. In a student-organized phonathon, callers asked for names of contact people, for newsletters, email, websites and links. Of 225 calls made, 80 people answered and 34 provided names of contact people. Callers also learned of several story ideas. Some are in this issue, and will be in future issues. Fig Tree staff refined the Interactive Website Project description during November to clarify how it will build on the newspaper’s role as a trusted voice in the region, energizing people and overcoming their isolation through sharing stories of faith-in-action. “We see the website as a way to multiply our scope, covering more stories and more area geographically,” Mary said. “So we are making contacts, sharing the summary with people in Yakima, Vancouver, Bainbridge Island and Seattle, seeking to draw in more partners in the faith and higher education communities. “Often faith and nonprofit communities chase mass media, reshaping their message to the mass media mindset. We have stories to tell that can reshape thinking and lives, if the stories are not remolded into something trendy, sensational or conflict centered,” Mary said. The Rev. Jim CastroLang, website project coordinator, is meeting with people one-to-one. Jim said that “the key is for us to build personal connections and relationships on the web. Many websites have teasers, but do not complete the job. We need to use this medium in relational ways.” The Inland Northwest Presbytery voted on Nov. 20 to grant The Fig Tree $3,000 for the website and $1,000 for the rural-urban outreach, joining the Pacific Northwest United Church of Christ which gave the same amounts in September. Those grants provide a challenge for other regional churches to match those amounts, so these projects can take root. For information, call 535-1813. By Mary Stamp, Fig Tree editor - © December 2004 |
The
Fig Tree
•
Connects
people •
Shares stories •
Builds understanding •
Explores issues •
Offers reflection •
Opens dialogue •
Networks people • Inspires action |
| The Fig Tree
1323 S. Perry St., Spokane, WA 99202 (509) 535-1813 or 323-4037 |