calendar April 8, 2016 in Communications

Synod Video Receives National Honor

Promo for Living Gospel Ministries wins DeRose-Hinkhouse Award for Communications Excellence.

Bob Fisher, assistant to the bishop for mission interpretation and communications, has been recognized by the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) for his work producing an informational video about Living Gospel Ministries. The DeRose-Hinkhouse Award reception was held in New York City on March 31, 2016, in conjunction with RCC’s annual national convention.

The Synod’s winning entry shared the story of Pastor Linda Manson’s work starting Living Gospel, a ministry to persons sanctioned by the criminal justice system, and the testimony of one participant, Philip, who received encouragement and new skills through Living Gospel’s LIFE program. The video received a Certificate of Merit in the Promotional/Informational Video category. Other winners in that category included Bread for the World and the Presbyterian Mission Agency.

 

The Living Gospel video was produced and written by Fisher, and featured still photos he took at Graterford Prison. Ken Selinger of CCI Video, a member of Christ’s, Oreland, was responsible for camera and editing, with additional footage by the Rev. Jesse Brown. The video was first shown at the 2015 Synod Assembly. The video can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBYZTv7YrRw.

The award recognizes the achievements of RCC members who demonstrate excellence as religion communicators. Aimee Thunberg from Auburn Seminary and Tracey Del Duca of the Ruth Stafford Peale Library in the Interchurch Center helped coordinate judging of the awards. The awards honor the late Victor DeRose and Paul M. Hinkhouse, who were leading lithographers in New York City.

Leigh Rogers, coordinator of the DeRose-Hinkhouse awards, reported that the judges were very impressed with the high quality of submissions.

The RCC is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing, and public relations. Established in 1929, it is the oldest association of religion communicators in America. There are six local chapters around the country as well as members-at-large in cities where a chapter does not exist. The chapters meet monthly, providing an outlet for education and networking for the members. The chapters also serve to promote excellence in the communication of religious faith and values as well as understanding among diverse faith groups.

A complete list of the 2016 DeRose-Hinkhouse award winners can be found at http://www.religioncommunicators.org/derose-hinkhouse-awards

The 2017 RCC National Convention will gather March 29-April 1 in Chicago, Illinois.