Connect Groups

Design, Branding, Communications, Strategy, Social Media, Copywriting, Website, and Print

Client
Nesconset Christian Church

Year
2023, launching in 2024

Goal: Launch Connect Groups for the first time with 100 or more people in a group.

Outcome: Season One of Connect Groups starts in January 2024. As of the first week of December, about 6 weeks until launch week, we have over 50 people signed up to be in a Connect Group.

Mood board:

The Design Process:

Creation Ideation

  • 8-10 months ago, when my pastor discussed launching small groups in 2024, I suggested to the team calling them—Connect Groups. Due to the branding language I was already using, calling them Connect Groups felt natural. The team agreed.

  • After deciding on Connect Groups as the name, it took me a couple of months to ideate on a design for it. I knew that it needed to align with our brand and also be timeless. I didn’t want to rush the process since I had time to think about it.

Research

  • When I started researching design ideas, I looked at other church’s Connect Group and Small Group logos and event graphics. I searched on Google Images, Pinterest, and Dribbble for ideas.

  • When coming up with a color palette, I wanted to use colors from our brand, but I also wanted to use this as an opportunity to bring in a new color into the mix. The royal blue and kelly green were already a part of our brand. I remembered from a previous color palette I used for a Kids Ministry project that I absolutely loved the seafoam green with our branding colors. I plan on using it when I rebrand our Kids Ministry next year and wanted to build a bridge of connection by using this seafoam green color.

    • When I choose colors for a timeless project like this, I make sure to look into color psychology and make sure that I’m not just picking a color based on preference but because it means something deeper when people look at it. In my research, I found that seafoam green means freshness and renewal. Our desire for the Connect groups was to be fresh and new from the failed attempts to launch small groups in the past, and we wanted the groups to bring a sense of renewal to help our church community’s pain point of having a busy lifestyle. We want Connect Groups to be a place where people walk with Jesus together and are refreshed doing so.

Designing

  • Once I had my mood board and color palette, I knew I wanted to connect the words and group them together to visualize a connection. I went straight into Adobe Illustrator and started working some magic. Once I stacked the words together, I knew that I wanted to connect the two ‘n'’s in connect and the ‘u‘ in groups together. I loved that this visually represented a connection between the two words.

  • After connecting the words together, I decided that I wanted to create a logo mark of people connected together to represent the people in the groups. When creating this mark, I found something similar on Google Images and brought it to Illustrator to make it my own. I love the continuous flow of one line that represents the connection of people.

Feedback

  • This was presented as the first concept; there were no revisions, and it was love at first sight.

Communications:

  • As soon as we came up with a launch date for 2024, I started dripping the importance of community and connection as soon as 8 months until launch.

    8 months until launch:

    • Social Media: 4 posts a month on community and connecting with others.

    • Newsletter: Shared a few people’s stories on why they love their church community.

    6 months until launch:

    • Social Media: 4 posts a month on community and connecting with others.

    • Newsletter: Main article was on the importance of connecting with others at church.

    4 months until launch:

    • Connect Group Town Hall: Informational event on Connect Groups launching for 2024. This provided the opportunity for our church to ask questions and learn the importance for Connect Groups starting at our church.

    • Social Media: Main focus on our church’s core value — that people have value. We couldn’t do connect groups without people.

    • Newsletter & Email: Advertising about Connect Groups coming in 2024 and that we need hosts.

    • Leader training started.

    2 months until launch:

    • Connect Group season one sign ups open at our Vision Party.

      • Website page is live

      • Connect Group Booklets handed out.

    • Newsletter: Article on Connect Groups

    • Sunday Announcements:

      • 5 weeks until launch: What are Connect Groups, why our church is doing connect groups, and how to sign up for a connect group.

    • Email:

      • 6 weeks until launch: Email about major changes & pictures from vision party. Main Ad Focus: Connect Groups

      • 5 weeks until launch: What are Connect Groups & How they can Sign Up

    1 month until launch:

    • Emails:

      • 4 weeks until launch: Why they should join a Connect Group & How they sign up

      • 2 weeks until launch: Why they should join a Connect Group & How they sign up

      • 1 week until launch: There’s still time to join a group. Advertise the groups that aren’t full & how they can still join.

    • Announcements:

      • 4 weeks until launch: A short story about how their faith has been impacted by church community, connecting their story to why we are doing Connect Groups, and how to sign up for a connect group

      • 3 weeks until launch: Benefits to joining a connect group and how to sign up for a group.

      • 2 weeks until launch: Highlight some different groups that they should join (advertise the ones that have lower sign ups)

      • 1 week until launch: There’s still time to join a group and how to sign up.

  • “Find your people. Get connected.”

    “There’s a spot for you.”

    “Building meaningful friendships.”

    “We do life together.”

    “We walk with Jesus together.”

    “Connect with others on your journey.”

    “Life is better, together.”

    “This is how we engage in community.”

    “You are more than welcomed; you belong.”

    “Nesconset is much more than an hour on Sunday. We're a church family that builds meaningful friendships. From connect groups throughout the week to events and ministries for every age, we're a place for everyone to belong.”

  • Subject: Discover Deeper Connections: Join a Connect Group!

    Email:

    We are thrilled to share an exciting opportunity within our community – Connect Groups!

    Connect Groups are intentional gatherings designed to foster deeper connections with God and each other. The groups, typically consisting of 12-15 individuals, meet in welcoming environments to engage in purposeful discussions exploring relevant and thought-provoking topics.

    Here’s what happens in a Connect Group session:

    Engaging Conversations: Dive into meaningful discussions centered around various themes, topics, or passages from the Bible.

    Spiritual Exploration: Discover how God’s teachings and wisdom can be applied to our daily lives, promoting personal growth and understanding.

    Supportive Community: Forge authentic relationships with like-minded individuals from diverse backgrounds who are on a similar faith journey.

    Joining a Connect Group is a fantastic opportunity to grow spiritually, gain insights, and build lasting friendships within our community.

    Signing up is simple! Click the button below to register for a group that aligns with your interests and schedule. Whether you’re a long-time member or new to our community, there’s a Connect Group waiting for you!

    Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further information. We’re here to support you on your journey.

    Let’s connect and grow together in our Connect Groups!

  • Subject: 5 Reasons Why Connect Groups Are Worth Joining!

    Email:
    Navigating a hectic schedule while seeking spiritual growth and community connections can be quite a challenge. If you’re juggling a busy lifestyle, here are five compelling reasons why carving out time for our Connect Groups can be a rewarding investment amidst your packed schedule:

    Efficient Time Management: Connect Groups value your time. These sessions are designed to be efficient and purposeful, offering meaningful discussions that fit into your schedule without overwhelming it. It’s only 90 minutes a week!

    Relief from Isolation: Amidst a busy life, it’s easy to feel isolated. Connect Groups provide a space to connect with like-minded individuals, offering a sense of belonging and support amid life’s chaos.

    Refreshment for the Soul: In the midst of busy days, taking time for spiritual refreshment is vital. These groups offer a brief respite, allowing you to pause, reflect, and recharge your spiritual batteries.

    Building Lasting Relationships: While time is a precious commodity, investing some of it in a Connect Group leads to lasting relationships. These groups foster deep connections that extend beyond the Sunday morning gathering.

    Personal Growth Amidst Chaos: Despite a hectic schedule, these groups offer a steady anchor for personal growth. They provide tools, support, and insights that help navigate life’s complexities with grace and wisdom.

    We understand the challenges of a busy life, yet we firmly believe that setting aside time for a Connect Group can bring immense value to your life. It’s not about adding another item to your to-do list; it’s an opportunity to find solace, community, and growth amidst life’s busyness.

    Should you wish to learn more about specific groups or explore how these Connect Groups can fit into your schedule, please reply to this email. Your spiritual journey and connections within the community matter to us.

    (Sign up for a Connect Group Button)

  • Discover Deeper Connections: Join A Connect Group

    We're thrilled to introduce you to an exciting opportunity that's all about building meaningful connections and deepening your spiritual journey – Connect Groups!

    What exactly are Connect Groups? Think of these as intentional, close-knit gatherings designed for individuals seeking to forge stronger connections with God and with others within our community. These groups, typically comprising 12-15 individuals, meet in the comfort of homes to engage in purposeful discussions centered around topics that truly matter.

    What Happens in a Connect Group? Each Connect Group session is a blend of engaging conversations, thoughtful reflections, and explorations into the wisdom found in the Bible. It's about discovering how God's teachings apply to our everyday lives. These groups foster an environment where we learn, grow, and support one another. Through these gatherings, you'll forge friendships that go beyond casual encounters, where individuals from different walks of life come together in unity.

    How to Get Involved? Getting involved is easy! Find a group and register online at NesconsetChurch.com/Groups. Whether you're a newcomer or a longtime member of our community, there's a place for you in our Connect Groups.

    Ready to Join? If you're seeking a space to grow spiritually, engage in meaningful conversations, and form genuine connections within our community, then Connect Groups are for you! Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to enrich your life and the lives of others.

Contact Me

Interested in creative communications for your church or organization? Need creative direction? Need help with design, branding, or social media? Let’s work together!