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The Oahe Messenger
What it is: The Oahe Messenger is the newsletter of Oahe
Presbyterian Church, Pierre, South Dakota. The newsletter is published
monthly September through May. During the summer months, publication is at
the discretion of the Pastor and the newsletter editor.
Its purpose: The Oahe Messenger is a tool used by the church to
communicate with its members and friends, near and far. When effective,
the newsletter will inform, educate, and entertain its readers.
Its content: The Oahe Messenger includes articles about the
church's organizations and activities and its individual members and
friends. Prayer concerns are welcomed and encouraged. The Oahe Messenger
especially likes to include original stories, poetry, cartoons, or
articles by or about our members, friends, and former members. The Oahe
Messenger enjoys hearing from members and friends who have moved from the
Pierre-Ft. Pierre area and relaying their greetings to its readers.
Its editorial policy: The standards of truthfulness and common
decency and a desire to honor God and His people apply to everything
published in the Oahe Messenger. Each article or other contribution must
be signed; all submissions will be published with the name(s) of the
submitter(s).
- The Oahe Messenger may print letters or articles of a controversial
nature. These will be put in the "Open Forum" section and must be signed
by the author. Under the "Open Forum" heading in the newsletter, the
following disclaimer will be set forth:
- The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of
Oahe Presbyterian Church or the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
- If an article or other contribution, or a part thereof, was first
published elsewhere, the original source must be credited. The Oahe
Messenger cannot reprint copyrighted material without written permission
of the copyright holder. The Oahe Messenger cannot clear copyrights.
- Due to the limited space available, each submission should be kept
as short as possible. Ideally, submissions should be made on a diskette
or typed on white paper with the font set at not less than 12 point.
Submissions should be delivered by the 20th day of the month preceding
the desired month of publication and placed in the newsletter editor's
mailbox in the church office. Submissions may also be made by e-mail to
the editor, again by the 20th day of the month preceding the desired
month of publication.
- The editor of the Oahe Messenger and the pastor of Oahe Presbyterian
Church ordinarily will review all articles to determine compliance with
the editorial policy. When appropriate, the Session of Oahe Presbyterian
Church shall be consulted. The Session holds the final responsibility
for determining the content of the Oahe Messenger.
Its production: The editor of the Oahe Messenger is a volunteer
approved by the Session of Oahe Presbyterian Church. Production workers
are members and friends of the church who volunteer or are recruited by
the editor.
- After members and friends of Oahe Presbyterian Church submit
articles, pictures, and other items by the 20th of the month, the editor
compiles the submissions and composes the newsletter. The editor submits
a draft to the pastor for editing. After the draft is returned with any
corrections or suggestions, the editor prepares the final newsletter.
Volunteers copy the newsletter (generally 240 copies), collate and fold
the pages, and place an address on each newsletter. The newsletters are
mailed to effect delivery on or near the first of the month using the
church's postal permit in compliance with regulations of the United
States Postal Service. Any extra copies of the newsletter are given to
the pastor for distribution to new members or other interested persons.
- Paper and postage costs for the newsletter are paid from the
“Administrative—Postage” section of church's budget. The treasurer of
Oahe Presbyterian Church regularly deposits funds with the Post Office
to meet the bulk mailing expense. Paper is purchased as needed by the
pastor or other volunteer.
- The mailing list for the newsletter includes members, friends,
former members, other Presbyterian churches in South Dakota, other
churches in Pierre and Ft. Pierre, the Presbytery of South Dakota, and
the historical office of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
The mailing list is compiled in zip code order to aid compliance with
postal regulations. The mailing list is updated whenever new or corrected
addresses are presented to the editor, church secretary, clerk of session,
or pastor. Further, twice a year, the return address on the newsletter
shall include the notation "Address Service Requested." This insures that
the church is regularly advised by the Post Office of any changed or
incorrect addresses. A return postage fee is paid for this service by the
Post Office.
Policy Adopted By The Session on September 26, 2002.
To be reviewed by the Christian Education Committee.
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