Mitch Carnell of Charleston, South Carolina writes:
“Last year, we celebrated the first Say Something Nice Sunday on the first Sunday in June. This is now an annual event.
“We want churches and denominations of all faiths to join in. This is a Sunday when Christian will say nothing negative about any other Christian or Christian group or organization. It originated from my little book, Say Something Nice; Be a Lifter.
“We have put together an ecumenical group to promote this. It started at First Baptist Church of Charleston, the Charleston Baptist Association, the South Carolina Baptist Convention, the Charleston Atlantic Presbytery and CBF of South Carolina. Next year, we will sponsor a poster contest with middle and high school students.
“We are looking for ideas to get individuals and churches involved. We’ve provided some promotional ideas for them. Can your Hounds help with other suggestions?”
I think this would be a great topic for John Tesh to cover on his international radio show.
Through-out his show he reads quips from magazines, unusual tips and he definitely does spread the word about unusual ideas…and I think Say Something Nice Sunday would fit his mandate.
Contact him at:
http://www.tesh.com
Kim Duke
How about expanding the day to say nice things to other religious denominations as well – there are are lots of folks out there who need a kind word!
“This is a Sunday when people will say nothing negative about any other Christian or Christian group or organization” ??? Does that mean it’s OK to say something negative about non-Christian groups or organizations? Why would anyone want to help a “day” like that? I agree with candy t, who suggests expanding the day to other religious denominations. I would go further, how about expanding it to anyone who is not actively trying to do us harm?
I like the core idea behind “Say Something Nice Sunday.” But the explicit limitation to Christians is hard to fathom.
A few thoughts Mitch:
First, basically in response to a couple of earlier comments, first there’s nothing wrong with having a single point to an event. This allows you to focus time and resources. Nothing says the concept couldn’t expand later with more volunteers etc.
I believe it’s not unlike having a day to support nurses, without including other staff, or if someone has a walk supporting breast cancer research not any other kind. Such events would by no means indicate there’s any less respect for doctors or janitors or brain or kidney cancer survivors. That particular day just isn’t for them, maybe another one already is or could be created.
I didn’t download the celebration PDF, so forgive me if this is covered there, but for a simple promo idea how about encouraging churches that have an annoucement type sign out front to put the info there? Hopefully, people will end up seeing the message all over town.
Don’t forget to contact any radio or TV community calendars as well.
Blessings,
Cheryl Pickett
http://www.publishinganswers.com
BTW, I have visited and love your city 🙂
Mitch,
I just moved from Charleston and know your church pretty well.
One way to promote it with the kids (who in turn promote it to adults) is have the kids write something nice on a helium balloon and the on the back print info about the event. These will then geet take all over town and the word will spread that way.