Digital may dominate many aspects of life.
But some religious congregations still opt for more traditional communication.
Social media, email, the Internet — like many of us, churches and other religious institutions rely on technology to communicate with members and prospective members.
But a number of faith communities are still old school — utilizing simple signs outside their buildings to convey messages to passersby.
St. Matthew’s Church gets its message across with a bit of wit. | Robert Herguth / Sun-Times
A Lutheran church along Milwaukee Avenue in Niles is one of the more humorous, with a recent message for drivers that read: “The best vitamin for a Christian is B1,” with the letter “B” and the number “1.”
Outdoor signs for some congregations are more utilitarian, aimed at recruiting new members or announcing upcoming events.
The message at the Techny Towers spiritual retreat center in Northbrook. | Robert Herguth / Sun-Times
Farther north, the Techny Towers spiritual retreat center recently sported a thought-provoking sign that said, “To Ceasar [sic] what is his.”
A priest at the center explained how this related to a weekend scripture reading.
Overall, low-tech signs rather than email blasts, he said, are “less invasive and more effective.”
The Religion Roundup is also featured on WBBM Newsradio (780 AM and 105.9 FM) on Sundays at 6:22 a.m., 9:22 a.m. (unless preempted by Bears coverage) and 9:22 p.m. For more religion coverage, check out the “Face to Faith” column at suntimes.com. For tips and comments, email Robert Herguth at rherguth@suntimes.com.
