Mission Yearbook Transitions to New Digital­Only Format

Presbyterian Church ( U .S.A. )

Mission Yearbook Transitions to New Digital­Only Format: Change makes Mission Yearbook available to everyone at no cost

 

August 6, 2015

Presbyterian News Service – Presbyterian Mission Agency Press Release

Melody K. Smith

LOUISVILLE

The 120-year old Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study will

become an online-only free digital resource starting in 2016. This move

broadens the reach of the book’s audience by sharing its inspiring content in a

timelier manner and also demonstrates good stewardship of church resources.

The Mission Yearbook dates back to 1892 as a simple calendar of prayer to

help women’s societies pray for missionaries on designated days. It has the

longest history of any denominational mission and prayer book in the United States.

The publication’s esteemed history will be reflected in the online version of the Mission Yearbook by connecting

Presbyterians to the greater church and energizing them for mission.

Over the past decade, as readership of the printed Mission Yearbook declined, the cost per book increased

dramatically, making it less accessible to many.

“We are saddened to discontinue the historical print publication, which has been the center of daily devotional

life for many Presbyterians,” said senior director of Communications, Kathy Francis. “With the vast majority of

people accessing information online, it was a natural and financially responsible choice to transition the book to

an online-only resource.”

The transition to digital will make the Mission Yearbook available to everyone at no cost. In addition, a new,

user-friendly Presbyterian Mission Agency website is being developed that will enable the Mission Yearbook to

be more easily accessed.

Mid councils will no longer be asked to provide content for the Mission Yearbook. Instead, Presbyterian News

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9/30/2015 Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) – News & Announcements – Mission Yearbook Transitions to New Digital-Only Format

Service reporters will call to interview mid council leaders and write stories reflecting mission. The shorter

turnaround time for digital stories will result in fresher content. Additionally, the online format will allow some

mission stories to be told using video.

“We’re encouraged that by continuing the beautiful tradition of this book in an online format, we will be able to

bring stories of mission to life in a new way,” said Francis. “We appreciate the ongoing support of the Mission

Yearbook and the prayerful financial support of the Presbyterian Mission Agency.