Communications tool kit

The Communications and Marketing Team wants to help churches to communicate better. Here are some resources and tips for you to use.

For more information, please email communications or phone 07 3377 9910.

Topics

Download the guidelines for using the Uniting Church in Australia logo.

The logo of the Uniting Church in Australia shows the cross of Jesus Christ, in its light and love, standing over a darkened world—redeeming it through grace and truth. By that cross people are bound to Christ and each other. The Holy Spirit, symbolised by the dove with the wings of flame, empowers and guides us to be witnesses to Jesus Christ. The wide U at the bottom points to the fact that we are uniting; as a semicircle it also reminds us that the renewing of both the church and the world are as yet incomplete.

The Uniting Church in Australia logo is available for download in different sizes and formats.

Communications within the Uniting Church should follow guidelines and principles which convey a consistent message. We should use every communication opportunity to reinforce the mission of the Uniting Church in Queensland, as expressed through the Priority Directions.

These brand protocols provide Queensland Synod employees, congregations, stakeholders, and suppliers with the key elements of the church’s corporate brand.

The brand protocols outline the process for the design of corporate stationery and templates including information regarding the use of fonts, spacing and colours. It includes specifications relating to the Uniting Church in Australia logo and protocols for its use in the production of materials for both internal (within the Queensland Synod office) and external communications.

Consistent, clear and concise terminology strengthens and supports the Uniting Church brand.

The style protocols cover words and phrases specific to the Uniting Church in Australia and others referring to Queensland Synod strategy, initiatives and businesses. It is important to avoid jargon and “churchy” language in all instances while communicating the church’s message to the wider community. These style protocols also cover exclusive language, style including capitalisation, punctuation and the use of initialisms and acronyms, as well as a list of commonly misspelled words and phrases.

Here’s the Uniting Church in Queensland’s branded PowerPoint slide template which may assist in the preparation of your presentations and church services.

The Queensland Synod office encourages positive interaction with the media. The Communications and Marketing Team can assist with any media enquiries you may encounter or with publicising your story.

The Communications manager is responsible for media liaison and can be contacted via email at communications@ucaqld.com.au or by phone on 0418 203 073.

Have you been contacted by the media for a story?
The first step is to take down key information including name, phone number, media outlet and subject of the story. Contact the Communications Coordinator and pass on the details. Refer to the policies and processes below for more information.

Do you want to contact the media about a story?
Contact the Communications Coordinator to discuss how your story can gain maximum positive publicity for your congregation and the church. Refer to the policies and processes below for more information.

Resources

Copyright fact sheet

Social media graphics

  • You are welcome to download/share the bible verse graphics from the Uniting Church Queensland Facebook.
  • If you find an image on Facebook you like, use the share button instead of downloading the image for your own use, so that the owner and copyright holder is acknowledged.
  • Free stock images are available from Pixabay, Pexels, and Unsplash.
  • Free church graphics are available from Ministry Designs and Life.Church Open Network.
  • Free graphic design program: Canva.
  • Paid stock images are available from Shutterstock, iStock and Adobe Stock photos.
  • Paid church graphics are available from Sharefaith and SundaySocial.tv

This information applies to printed and digital materials (photograph, audio recording or video footage) produced by or for the Queensland Synod office, presbyteries and congregations.

You must obtain written permission from the individual or parent/guardian of all children who appear in any photograph or video footage, prior to using the image in any format. In addition, you should ensure that the child is willing to allow their image to be used. To assist in documenting permission, a talent release form and an image release form for children has been developed. Alternately, you can obtain an email which specifically gives permission for the use of images.

Photos of children should focus on small groups rather than individuals. Leaders should not identify in writing the person/s in the photograph (e.g. tagging on Facebook) unless permission has been explicitly gained from the person themselves and the young person’s parent/guardian. All young people must be appropriately dressed when photographed (e.g. not in swimsuits or pyjamas). Children should not be able to be tracked down as a result of the manner in which photos are taken and shared e.g. because of school uniforms, name tags, etc.

When a video of a service or activity is distributed or streamed online, signs and/or notifications should be posted that indicate the service is being or will be broadcast.

  • Signs should assist first time guests
  • Signs should answer basic questions
  • Signs should be easy to read
  • Signs should avoid jargon and “churchy” language

Church newsletters whether printed or digital should follow these guidelines to make them easy to read and relevant to church members and visitors.

  • Header/banner with the congregations full name and logo
  • Contact details
  • Website address and social media links
  • Maximum of two different fonts to make it easy to read
  • A consistent, minimal colour scheme to increase readability and reduce printing costs
  • Details about service times and regular gatherings e.g. playgroup, kids church, bible studies, etc.
  • Details about upcoming events
  • Be aware of privacy and copyright