Behind the scenes at CM

March 7, 2018 | Editorial | Volume 22 Issue 6
Virginia A. Hostetler | Executive Editor

Here are some things you may not know about Canadian Mennonite:

• It takes a while
The print magazine goes through a production schedule that includes the writing, editing, proofing, design, printing and mailing. Each issue takes two weeks to produce (three weeks in the summer and at Christmas), but it takes Canada Post up to another three weeks to get it to readers spread out across the country. That’s why we publish seasonal content several weeks ahead of the dates, and why we ask you to send us your Calendar items at least eight weeks in advance of the event.

• It’s on the internet
Readers may be surprised that some content we publish never makes it onto the printed page. So it’s good to follow CM online by popping on to our website regularly (www.canadianmennonite.org) or by subscribing to our RSS feed. Also, check out the “Online Now!” box in our print issue, with leads to web-first and web-only content.

• Two ways to read
You can receive a paper subscription or a digital subscription—or both. If you sign up for digital delivery, you’ll receive a link to the entire magazine five days before the paper issue is mailed. Ask your church administrator to sign you up or go to our online “Subscribe” page.

• Ways to connect
In addition to the Readers Write section in the print magazine, our website offers you a chance for responding through the “Comments” option. Some conversations are already started there; feel free to add your own thoughts. An increasing number of followers on Facebook and Twitter are connecting with Canadian Mennonite. We’re happy when you “like” our content there and share it with others in your own circles!

• Just a taste
If you’re too busy to read an entire issue, “CM Now” can help. The free twice-monthly email has links to selected recent stories, plus prayer items you can share with your church. You can sign up online.

• Easy to share
Organizations can now submit their Calendar items online. Hit “Events” on our website menu to access the submission form. See a Classifieds ad you want to share with someone? These ads are also posted online, so you can share links with your friends and family in other places.

• Getting the word out
Some advertisers want a continual presence in our pages. The new Service Links section offers that opportunity to businesses and organizations. Those loyal advertisers have the option of designating a 1/6-page ad to a charity of their choice. More information about this print-only option is at canadianmennonite.org/advertise.

• Be our ears and eyes
Our writing team includes five regional correspondents, one senior writer, the editor of Young Voices and an editorial assistant. We begin profiling them in this issue, starting with B.C. correspondent Amy Dueckman (see below). If you know of an upcoming news event, a person with an inspiring faith journey or an interesting congregational project, pass the details on to the writer in your area. Their contact information is on page 3.

• Your prayers—and ours
Occasionally readers tell us that they cheer and pray for the work of Canadian Mennonite. That means a lot to us. Our prayer is that the content we share informs and inspires you in your Christian journey. Thank you for your contributions and suggestions. We are honoured to have you join in the dialogue about things that matter to the Mennonite community across Canada.

As we live in the last weeks of Lent and enter into the Easter season, may we all experience the power of Christ strengthening and encouraging us in our walks of discipleship.

Amy Dueckman, B.C. Correspondent
Amy grew up in Newton, Kan., and has lived in Abbotsford, B.C., since 1981. She expresses her creativity best through music and writing: the music through playing violin in the Fraser Valley Symphony and on church music teams; and the writing through being a correspondent for Canadian Mennonite since 2005, as a devotional writer for Rejoice!, and as an occasional freelancer. She has previously worked for Mennonite Central Committee’s Information Services in Akron, Pa., and for Mennonite Weekly Review in Newton. She is the mother of three and a member of Emmanuel Mennonite Church in Abbotsford.

 

 

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