Free church newsletter template
A church newsletter that people read has the same parts every issue: a short word from the pastor, a verse, service times, what's coming up, one ministry spotlight, prayer requests shared with permission, and how to give. Download the free template below (Word and Google Docs) or copy the example text for each section.
Last reviewed October 22, 2026
Get the template
Word file (.docx), about 40 KB. Opens in Google Docs, Microsoft Word and Pages. Free, no email needed.
Masthead with service times, a word from the pastor, verse, Sunday and weekday times side by side, a photo spot, coming up, ministry spotlight, prayer requests and a giving box. In Google Docs, choose File, Open, Upload.
The church newsletter, section by section
Copy any of these and change the details. Weekly bulletins can drop the pastor's note and the spotlight; monthly newsletters usually keep everything.
Subject line
November at Grace: fall food drive, Advent schedule, new small groups
A word from the pastor
Short and warm. Three or four sentences, signed by a person.
Dear church family, November is a month for gratitude. As we gather food for our neighbors and get ready for Advent, I'm thankful for each of you and for the ways you show up for one another. I hope to see you this Sunday.
Grace and peace, Pastor Dan
Verse for the month
"Let all that you do be done in love." 1 Corinthians 16:14
Service times
Sundays
- 8:30 AM traditional
- 10:30 AM contemporary, with nursery and kids church
During the week
- Wednesday 6:30 PM, family dinner and Bible study
- Thursday 7 PM, choir practice
Coming up
- Nov 9: Food drive ends. Bring canned goods to the welcome table.
- Nov 16: New small groups start. Sign up in the lobby.
- Nov 26: Thanksgiving Eve service, 7 PM
- Nov 30: First Sunday of Advent
Ministry spotlight
Our nursery team cares for about 30 little ones every Sunday so parents can worship. They need three more volunteers for one Sunday a month. Talk to Karen after either service.
Prayer requests
Only share what people have said you can share, and keep health details general.
Please pray for the Alvarez family as they welcome a new baby, and for Bill Thompson as he recovers from surgery.
Giving
Thank you for your generosity. You can give online at [link], by text to [number], or in the offering plate on Sunday.
Tips for church newsletters
- Ask before you print a prayer request. Share only what the person said you can, and keep health details general.
- Dates first. Most people open the newsletter to check a time. Put them where the eye lands.
- One ask per issue. Volunteers for the nursery, or the food drive, not both at full volume.
- Weekly or monthly, then stick to it. See how often to send a newsletter.
Need ideas for next month? See church newsletter ideas. Looking for software to send it instead of BCC Gmail? See email newsletter software for churches.
Or skip the doc
The church office already has enough to do on Friday. MailWild takes the announcements you'd have typed into the doc and turns them into a newsletter that reads well on a phone, in a look made for churches.
With MailWild you tell it your news in a few lines, add your photos or a YouTube link, and it writes the whole newsletter in seconds. You don't start from the doc. Drafts come back in Clean, a plain modern look in your brand color, and one click shows the same draft in Sunday Bulletin, the look below, or any other look. Your words and photos stay put. You can also pick a look first and have MailWild fill it in.
- Edit anything in a simple block editor: photos, buttons, two-column rows and color bands. It looks right on phones automatically.
- Send from your own address at your own domain, signed so inboxes can verify it. Schedule it for later or send a free test to yourself first.
- Unsubscribes are handled. A one-click unsubscribe link and your mailing address are added to every email, and bounced addresses are removed.
- See who opened. Each newsletter shows delivered, opens, clicks and unsubscribes.
- Bring your list. Import a spreadsheet (CSV or Excel) or paste a list of emails. Duplicates and bad addresses are set aside for you.
The templates come with the software. Setting up is free: import your list, write, connect your domain and send yourself tests. You pay when you send to your list, priced by list size, with a 14-day money-back guarantee on the first payment. There is no free plan. See pricing.
Questions
What should be in a church newsletter?
A word from the pastor, a verse, service times, upcoming events, a ministry spotlight, prayer requests shared with permission, and how to give. Put dates near the top.
How often should a church send a newsletter?
Many churches send a short weekly email with times and events, and some add a longer monthly newsletter. Pick what your office can keep up with every time.
Can I include prayer requests in a church newsletter?
Yes, with permission from the person. Share only what they agreed to, keep health details general, and remember an email can be forwarded.
Is this church newsletter template free?
Yes. It's a free Word file that also opens in Google Docs (File, Open, Upload). No signup needed.