Join us on January 12 at DaySpring for a free, hands-on communications conference designed to inspire, equip, and empower parish leaders.
Register Here: https://episcopalflorida.wufoo.com/forms/jan-12-2027-word-out/
PARRISH, FL – Great communication is about more than sharing announcements. It’s about telling the stories of our faith, building connections, and inviting others into the life of the Church.
On Tuesday, January 12, 2027, the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida invites clergy, parish administrators, communicators, vestry members, and lay leaders to Word Out 2027, a free, one-day communications conference at DaySpring Conference Center.
This year’s conference will feature Sarah-Emily “SE” Steinhardt and Lindsey Nickel as workshop co-leaders, bringing their professional experience, creativity, and passion for church communications together for a day of practical learning and collaboration.
Whether you’re creating your parish newsletter, managing social media, designing graphics, or simply looking for new ways to share the good news happening in your congregation, Word Out will offer fresh ideas and tools you can put to work right away.
Meet Our Workshop Leaders
Sarah-Emily “SE” Steinhardt serves as the Communications Minister & Member Engagement Coordinator at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral in Oklahoma City. Passionate about communication, connection, and collaboration across the wider Episcopal Church, SE is actively involved in Episcopal Communicators and the Episcopal Parish Network (EPN).
She has served on the Episcopal Communicators Conference Planning Committee for the past three years and recently joined the EPN Conference Planning Committee. SE has also led professional development workshops for the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma and Episcopal Communicators and served as a speaker, panelist, and moderator for EPN webinars.
Lindsey Nickel serves as the Director of Communications for the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida. With more than 20 years of experience in communications, advertising, branding, digital media, and public relations, Lindsey brings a creative and practical approach to helping churches share their stories. An award-winning producer and copywriter, she works with congregations and diocesan ministries to strengthen communications, engage communities, and share the transformative work of the Church.
Three Workshops. Practical Tools. Fresh Inspiration.
Word Out 2027 will focus on three areas of parish communications, with hands-on learning and practical resources participants can take back to their congregations.
Artificial Intelligence for Everyday Parish Communications
Curious about AI but not sure where to start? Discover how ChatGPT and other AI tools can help draft newsletters, plan communications campaigns, create social media content, and reduce administrative work. We’ll explore how to use these tools responsibly and creatively while keeping the authentic, human voice of your parish at the center.
Canva, Photography, and Video for Non-Designers
You don’t need to be a graphic designer or professional photographer to create engaging parish communications. Learn simple techniques for creating attractive graphics, capturing better photos with your smartphone, editing short videos, producing slideshows, and maintaining a consistent parish identity across your communications.
Telling the Stories That Matter
Some of the most powerful stories in our congregations are the ones we haven’t told yet. Explore how to recognize and share meaningful stories of outreach, generosity, discipleship, community transformation, and changed lives. Learn how thoughtful storytelling can help people see God’s work in your congregation and inspire others to become part of it.
Connect, Collaborate, and Get Inspired
In addition to the workshops, Word Out offers an opportunity to connect with fellow church communicators and ministry leaders from across the diocese. Share ideas, learn from one another, and discover new ways to communicate the good news happening in our communities.
Whether you’re a seasoned communications professional or a volunteer wearing multiple hats at your parish, you’ll leave with new skills, useful resources, and inspiration for the year ahead.
Event Details
Date: Tuesday, January 12, 2027
Location: DaySpring Conference Center, Parrish, Florida
Cost: Free, with lunch included
Who Should Attend: Clergy, parish administrators, communications staff and volunteers, vestry members, and lay leaders involved in parish communications.
Join us for Word Out 2027 and discover how creativity, technology, and meaningful storytelling can help your parish communicate with greater confidence, purpose, and impact.