CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The communication efforts of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) were recognized by the Associated Church Press (ACP), which presented awards for editing, writing, graphics, design and electronic publishing at its convention April 18-21 in Portland, Ore. The ACP encompasses 175 religious publications.
The Southern Bulletin newsletter, Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, Columbia, S.C., earned an "Honorable Mention" in the "Best in Class" category, ACP's top award. The magazine's editor is the Rev. Marguerite M. Rourk.
The Lutheran magazine of the ELCA received 11 awards, three "Awards of Excellence." The "Awards of Excellence" were given for "Breathing the Faith Deeply," by the Rev. Edgar R. Trexler, best magazine opinion piece; "What Do Kids Need," by the Rev. David L. Miller and Sally D. Ketchum, most personally useful article; and "Stories of Resurrection," by the Rev. Mark A. Staples, Lois A. Rumfelt and Miller, tied for best seasonal piece.
The Lutheran also won four "Awards of Merit" for best mission statement, news story, photography with article or cutline, and home page design. The magazine received Honorable Mentions for best graphics, magazine cover, professional resource and best biblical interpretation piece.
"The 11 awards are the most ever received by The Lutheran during any year," said Trexler, the magazine's editor.
"The number of honors is gratifying, but I'm most pleased that so many parts of the magazine were lifted up. The award for best mission statement was special. It said that The Lutheran 'fulfills its mission admirably by providing accessible content on a broad range of subjects relevant, of significance and important to the church and its people.' I am delighted at these affirmations about how the magazine is fulfilling its ministry of journalism in our church," he said.
Trexler was voted an ACP "Honorary Lifetime Member" by the ACP board. "At the same time this honor was shared, it was announced that the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary Alumni Association presented Trexler its 'Alumni Award for Distinguished Leadership in the Church,'" said the Rev. Eric C. Shafer, director for the ELCA Department of Communication.
"Roger Kahle, ACP president at the time of his death last December, received 'The William B. Lipphard Award,' ACP's highest honor," said Shafer. Kahle is the fifth recipient of this award, which was established in 1966 in honor of Dr. William B. Lipphard, a long time ACP participant and executive secretary from 1951 to 1961. Kahle's wife, Susan, accepted the award during a worship service held at the ELCA offices in Chicago April 27.
Seeds for the Parish, a resource publication for ELCA congregation leaders, edited by Elizabeth M. Hunter, tied for an "Honorable Mention" in the mission statement category. At the convention Hunter was elected to the ACP's board of governors.
Lutheran Woman Today, edited by Nancy J. Stelling, received an "Award of Merit" in the Bible study category. Lutheran Partners magazine won an "Award of Merit" in a magazine cover category and an "Honorable Mention" for a feature article. ELCA member Linda Post Bushkofsky accepted an "Award of Merit" in the "Best in Class" newsletter category for the Presbyterian Life and Times. Bushkofsky edits the newsletter.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
