The folks at NorthPoint Church have done a great job communicating to their community with their e-newsletter.  Here are a few things we love about it:

1. Great Content - Each newsletter includes a personal reflection from one of the church staff.  It's typically a few paragraphs long.  It's sometimes informational and other times inspirational.  
    
2. Upcoming Events - They included a simple list of upcoming events.  The list includes dates, times, locations, and links for more info.  It's just enough to inform but not overwhelm.
    
3. Options for Connection - They provide obvious links to connect on Facebook, Twitter, iTunes and email.  They also have their service times and a link to a map prominantly displayed.
    
4. Clear and Beautiful Layout - They layout the newsletter to match their website's look and feel.  It's clean and simple, and it's great branding.
    
5. One Click Share Options - When viewing the newsletter in a browser, you can share it via Facebook, Twitter, or Google + wtih a simple click.

What are you doing to communicate with your people?  Are you using e-newsletter?  Has it been effective?  

We had heard wonderful things about Simply TXT for quite some time.  We had seen it in action on lots of our church and youth ministry websites.  We knew that it was an amazing service.  But until recently we hadn't gotten the opportunity to meet the team that makes it all happen. 

After sitting down with a few members of the Simply TXT team this month, seeing their passion for ministry, and hearing a bit about what they do and the direction they are headed, we're more convinced than ever that you have to check them out.

If you haven't already heard, Simply TXT is a group text messaging service that helps any minister get in touch with youth, parents, or congregation in general.

It's simple to use with easy to follow, cleanly designed screens.  You can get your contacts to sign up with included subscription links that you can post on your SnapShot Website, blog, or Facebook page.  Replies come back right into the Message Stream, which is an uneditable log of every outgoing or incoming message (excellent for liability protection and accountability). You can have replies forwarded to a mobile phone of your choice. And, if you're out of the office, you can send a message right from your phone with a feature called Broadcast-by-phone.

Make sure you check them out and see how they can simplify your communication with your people.  They've got a free 30 day trial with no strings attached.  Sign up here.