
Help is available. There are a number of programs available with simple templates and helpful hints for issuing newsletters and communication. Constant Contact is just one of these. (www.constantcontact.com) The concept is simple and you may find that your church already has a subscription. If so, ask if you can access this online program for your children's ministry communication. If not, trial it for free and see it's potential. The concept is simple. Create a list of your children's ministry families with their contact details, particularly their email addresses. (You'd need to check beforehand that families are open to receiving email newsletters and other communication, but we've found that families are more than happy to receive this information.) Make a list of your volunteer' details, too, so that you can quickly and easily communicate meeting information, encouragement emails, training support and ideas and more with everyone.
Constant Contact guides you through the creation of your email newsletter or invitation using predesigned templates that can easily be customised, but you can also create a printed version for those who do not have email facilities.

Special event promotions can also be generated with an event website, online registration and other useful information.
There are also many helpful articles and online tutorials to help you utilise social media in conjunction with Constant Contact to create a buzz about your ministry and upcoming planned events.
Cost??? A subscription cost $15-$20/month but hopefully your church already has a subscription. If not, why not highlight the concept to your church leaders and mention the advantages of using Constant Contact to send out a regular church e-newsletter plus information from other church ministries, including children's ministry. It's an invaluable media for your children's ministry to regularly connect with families but can certainly be extended to use for other ministries or church-wide communication.