Getting the Word Out
Sacred Place is unique in many ways. The most important way is that we’re one of the few affirming churches in Rancho Cucamonga. Many don’t even know that churches like ours exist. The ones that do, probably don’t know how to find us.
How do we change that?
Each of us has to play a part in telling others about Sacred Place. I realize many of you don’t live in the immediate Rancho Cucamonga area, yet our task remains. One of the ways Bryan and I are working to increase our visibility is by hosting Sacred Story Hour. Another is our partnership with a company called Church Fuel. Their mission is to help churches grow. One of their most successful tools is to help us leverage a Google Ads Grant.
Google awards nonprofit organizations which qualify a $10,000 per month Google Ads credit, to help people find organizations when using Google search tools. Managing Google Ads takes a very special skillset. We’ve had the Google Ad grant before, but couldn’t fully use it. The folx at Church Fuel have spent years researching how to make Google Ads most effective for churches. So, starting last week, our ads began appearing when people search for things which lead them to our website.
When they get to our website, they are given multiple options for planning a visit on a Sunday morning. When they do that, it directly connects them with me via text message and allows me to send them a quick video to introduce myself and see if they have any questions. If they have kids, they can get that info to us so we’re ready to welcome them on Sunday morning. The whole point is to get someone to make a human, personal connection with us as soon as possible. Waiting until Sunday morning is often too late!
We received a one month scholarship to spend on Facebook advertising specifically related to prayer. Since last Tuesday, I’ve received prayer requests for 14 different people from around the area. I’ve been able to offer them support and invite them to find a Sacred Place among us.
These are some of the digital ways to help people find us. Of course, these can’t be the only things we do. All of us need to work to increase our presence in the Community so that those who need to find us, can.
This Sunday, we’re finishing up our Creation Care series with “Humankind and the Environment: Devastation + Renewal.” It’s our liturgical Sunday where we share in Holy Communion in response to all that God is doing among us. I hope to see you soon.
Grace and peace to you,
Pastor Matthew
September Sundays at a Glance
- September 1
- 11 AM — Creation Care: Humankind & the Environment: Devastation & Renewal
- September 8
- 11 AM —Summer Sunday Small Groups: Humankind & the Environment, An In-Depth Look
- September 15
- 10:30 AM — Fall Kick–Off Sunday!
- 5 PM — Storytelling Workshop
- 6 PM — Story Hour
- September 22
- 10:30 AM — Mission Sunday
- September 29
- 11 AM — NEW! Fifth Sunday Fun