Workshop topics —

• Visuals, Voice, and Vision: Communicating with Clarity
  Led by Jason Franklin, a creative director and Episcopal communicator with over a decade of experience shaping how churches, dioceses, and faith-based organizations tell their stories. Jason is also the founding chair of the Association of Lay Preachers. He lives in Winton-Salem, North Carolina.

  Great church communications go beyond just looking good — they should feel authentic, reflect your community, and align with your mission. In this workshop, Jason will guide you through the essentials of faith-based communications with a focus on visual clarity, strategic messaging, and theological resonance.

  You’ll also learn time-saving AI tips and creative shortcuts to help you find or create the right photo for your website, bulletins, newsletters, and social media. Whether you’re frustrated by photo selection or unsure how to make your visuals more meaningful, this session will give you tools to approach your parish communications with confidence and purpose.

  From aligning your visuals with your parish’s voice to simply making things look great and get done faster—this workshop will equip you to communicate faithfully and effectively in every medium.

• From Smartphone to Camera: Photography That Connects
  An all-day lab for anyone who snaps photos — whether with a smartphone or a DSLR — led by Chris James of Chris James Media, based in both West Hollywood and Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

  Great photos tell powerful stories. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to capture images that inspire, invite, and inform. Explore everything from basic phone photography to more advanced camera techniques, with guidance on composition, lighting, focus, and framing. The afternoon will include a fun outdoor session, where we’ll practice real-time shooting and photo-finding adventures. Perfect for clergy, staff, and volunteers alike — anyone responsible for capturing your parish’s life in action or who just enjoys snapping photos.

• Bulletin Brilliance: Crafting Worship Bulletins That Work
  Led by Natalee Hill, a seasoned communications professional and parish communicator from Wayne, Pennsylvania.

  Worship bulletins are more than just paper — they’re your parish’s first impression to your visitor and a roadmap to your worship service. In this interactive workshop, discover new formatting techniques, layout strategies, and practical best practices to improve both the function and aesthetics of your bulletins. We will also explore creative, cost-effective approaches to bulletin design that work for parishes of all sizes.  Whether you’re a seasoned designer or brand new to the task, this session is a must for anyone who wants to seek new ideas on how to improve clarity, accessibility, and visual appeal.

• A Creative Conversation with Our Workshop Leaders
  A closing plenary session with Q&A and open discussion

  Join all of our workshop presenters for an engaging panel discussion to wrap up the day. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, hear expert insights across all disciplines, and reflect on how what you’ve learned can be adapted for your parish. This is your chance to cross-pollinate ideas, connect with others across the diocese, and leave energized with fresh perspectives.