Connect with Ansley Brackin: Communications Specialist

4/27/2015

Fun Fact about Ansley Brackin

I was deemed an “old soul” in high school with the purchase of my first car, a 1966 Mustang. I enjoy finding and using analogue cameras, and I’m slowly growing my vinyl collection.

What services does your position offer to local Churches?

My biggest role is to write stories on the great things going on in our churches and ministries! People across the conference come up with some highly innovative ideas to better engage with their congregations and their communities, and it is my job to share those ideas with everyone in hopes of spreading that spark of creativity. I then share them on our social media outlets, like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Some stories are better told with photos, and I go out and shoot events around the conference as well.

I design and lay out the Snapshot Monthly Newsletter that is issued on the first Monday of every month. I’ve tried my best to make it both printer-friendly and digitally compatible. I began working for the Conference right after The Advocate’s final issue. I hope that Snapshot can become as enjoyable and dependable as the beloved newspaper.

What do you most enjoy about your role in Connectional Ministries?

I love seeing how colorful and impactful our conference truly is. We have a church using Oreos to connect with our troops overseas, a youth group offering to “flock” members yards with plastic flamingos to raise money for their mission trip. We have ministries and congregations who improve the lives of children by simply packing lunches.

John 13:34-35 says, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” I witness this command lived out through every story I write and every picture I take. Being a United Methodist in the North Georgia Conference equates to so much more than attending Sunday service. Here, it means skydiving for children, giving away gasoline to single moms, writing a Christmas play about a real local family. Your creativity is endless, and I am honored by the opportunity to share it with others.

What is your most important asset that you wish all churches knew about?

I’m here to write about positive church news of ANY size! There is value in your story, whether you have packed 300,000 meals for families in poverty or have discovered "small" ways to improve your church’s appearance. We have over 900 churches in our conference, and there is a good chance that one of them will find inspiration through your actions.

I will also gladly come to you! My second year with the conference ends this July, and I am still trying to get to know as many people as I can. Tell me your story over coffee, or through a tour of your church.

How do people arrange to meet with you?

E-mail is usually best for me: ansley@ngumc.org
My office number is: (678) 533-1376

Also, if you have a story similar or inspired by something we post on social media, leave a comment or Facebook message. Feedback keeps us better connected, and it helps us learn what sort of stories and ideas you most want to hear about!

What are your top 5 recommended resources?

Snapshot: This monthly newsletter is great way to share the latest news and resources with your district, congregation, clergy, and laity. Send it in an e-mail or print and distribute!

NGUMC News Section: There is a lot going on in our conference, more than we can fit into Snapshot or share on social media. Every article and announcement is posted here.

Connectional Ministries and Office of Congregational Development Staff: If one of our staff members visits your church, please share your stories with them! They always report back any newsworthy topics they hear. The same goes for your District Superintendent.

Are you a Church Communicator? Sybil Davidson and I are working to connect and build relationships with as many of our church communicators as we can! We try to meet quarterly to share ideas, resources, and struggles. If you are a communicator and are not receiving e-mails about these meetings, please e-mail me or Sybil so we can plug you in!

YOU: Never hesitate to send me an e-mail if you feel your church or ministry is doing something worth sharing. Everyone’s story is important!

Connectional Ministries staff travel across the conference, providing resources and assistance, and exchanging ideas and dynamic discussions regarding various areas of ministry at no cost to the church or clergy.