WELS: [Welstech] Mass e-mail options on today's WELSTech Podcast

[Cindy Krueger]

At Shepherd of the Hills we have used a closed Yahoo group list for almost 10 years. I have been the manager the entire time. It is a small list with less that 100 addresses so the management is not extremely time consuming. Once a month a reminder is automatically sent to remind people of the purpose of the list. There is also info regarding how to subscribe or unsubscribe in this message.
 
Anyone who subscribes to the list can also post messages. Members use the list to post prayer requests for loved ones, send notices about group events or anything else important to other members. The church secretary sends messages about upcoming events, reminds us to volunteer for projects and sends cancellation notices.
 
We have a separate group for people who are not yet members. We use this list to push information only, members cannot post to the list. We send them church events information, devotions and, when necessary, cancellation notices.
 
We only add addresses to the lists with permission. No one is subscribed to a list without being asked if they want to participate. Not everyone who has e-mail wants to be a part of the group. Periodically we have reminders in our newsletter or church bulletin to let people know how they can subscribe.
 
Not long ago we tested the service available with FinalWeb but it seems a bit clunky and did not offer many of the options we enjoy with the Yahoo group.
 
Cindy Krueger
Shepherd of the Hills
Lansing, MI