Hello team,
This has definitely been a noteworthy year, but you may not be aware that 2020 also marks United Methodist Communications’ 80th anniversary.
The denomination’s first communications agency, called Methodist Information, opened its doors on October 1, 1940 with a focus on telling the church’s stories. The church’s communications functions underwent several name and structural changes before the General Conference consolidated the Television, Radio and Film Commission and Methodist Information with the Division of Interpretation in 1972. The resulting agency was named United Methodist Communications.
Along the way, communications has evolved dramatically. A constant over the decades has been a willingness to shift to meet the emerging needs of audiences. That was evident in 2001 when, six days into the very first United Methodist ad campaign, the 9/11 terrorist attacks occurred and the messaging pivoted overnight to one of hope and healing. And it’s never been more apparent than in 2020 as agency staff have stepped up to meet new challenges.
A new video from the Creative Services and Production teams, titled “The Power of Communication,” recaps our journey over the first six months of 2020. It tells a story that we can be proud of. I want to thank each of you for your contributions to UMCom’s work, and I hope you will watch.
Be blessed,
Dan