So at this time of year, you’re mailbox is probably full of bills, shopping advertisements, shiny Christmas cards with pictures of kids who look a lot more grown up than when you last saw them. It’s hard to compete with all that (especially the bills), but I still try to send two hard-copy newsletters every year because, as much as I love email correspondence, text messages & this blog, there’s nothing like real mail to share good news!
Why is it so important to keep friends (far & near!) in the loop with how God is moving at NU? Because real stories of transformation bring hope to the family of God & build us up in faith. It’s my prayer that these letters would be reminders of God’s goodness, that they would bring you to praise God as you read the stories, just as my heart was humbled in praise as I remembered & wrote them!
What does the newsletter-sending process look like, you wonder? Ok, so I realize that most of you wouldn’t even think to ask this question haha, but I thought it would be fun to give you some behind-the-scenes shots of what this is like!
step 1 – Think of stories that help explain some of the ways God has revealed himself on campus. Write them down. Worship as you reflect on how faithful God is to you & your students. Delete all fluffy, unnecessary sentences..which is probably about half the document (for me, at least).
step 2 – Send the stories to Maple, a sophomore at NU who loves graphic design/formatting (which I despise because I can never quiite figure it out), who neatly assembles it in a specially designed template. And/or get some fancy visuals from Adam, IV staff in Rhode Island to add to the visual appeal. Thank God for students like Maple & staff like Adam, with hearts of love & service. Edit & print – in color..no holding back with these babies!
step 3 – Gather some friends who are on staff to join your newsletter party. Fold those 100+ letters like CRAZY (and yet with precision & straight lines). Well-moisturized hands are recommended, as to prevent paper cuts. Meredith (IV staff with BU athletes) demonstrates below:
step 4 – Write your name on 100+ giving envelopes, just to make sure everything goes to the right place if they’re sent, so the wonderful elves in Madison will know what to do when they receive them. (and yes, I am indeed wearing a big, fleecy robe – it’s cold in my apartment!)
step 5 – Find peoples’ addresses & write them on snazzy InterVarsity envelopes. I could print them in labels, but I really like writing them by hand so I can think about & pray for you guys..as well as laugh at your street names. Butternut Avenue?! Lost Horse Trail? I love it. Here is my wonderful, thick fan of addressed envelopes!
step 6 – Eat some freshly-baked banana bread & freshly-bought milk.
step 7 – STUFF’EM. Please note Dave (IV staff with BU business) & his flawless form.
step 8 – STAMP’EM. Most people don’t realize that stamps have gone all the way up to FORTY-FOUR cents(!!)..we IV staff are very aware. 44cents – that could buy you 2 (very small) bananas! Anyway, once they’re bought, stamping is fun!
step 8 -Put them in the mailbox & pray that they bring life to those who read them!
I hope you enjoyed your peek into the refined art of newsletter writing/sending. When you get yours in the mail, take some time to read about the greatness of our God! And please excuse any possible smashed banana bread crumbs.
