In the week following the introduction of the "Steeples" television ad, the UCC web development team reports traffic to key destination pages on their site increased by an average of 21.6 percent.

Statistics collected on unique web site visitors show increases of 22.6 percent to the main UCC home page and nearly 21 percent to the "find a church" query page.

This same period saw 600 new users sign up to receive UCC email updates.

The Rev. Felix Carrion and Gwen Thomas of the Stillspeaking ministry are pleased by the response. "We are thrilled to see the kind of reception the ad has received from folks both within and outside the UCC," said Carrion.

Feedback from new visitors to the UCC website indicates an appreciation for the commercials and the message of welcome to "all the people."

"I'm new to this UCC thing. I've tried many denominations locally, but have the feeling something is missing. I think it's the 'all of us' part. What I've seen and heard of the UCC, it's here," said a new registrant to the website.

Thomas is hopeful this flurry of Internet activity will result in increased membership and activity in local churches.

"New web site visitors are increasingly searching for churches in their area," said Thomas. "We'll also be contacting each person who registered to make sure they have local church information."

In addition to connecting visitors with local churches, web site registrants have the option of signing up for daily devotional materials and updates from a variety of UCC ministries.

"Our message has been kept quiet too long and because of the generosity of our members, this welcoming and inclusive message is again touching people," said Edith Guffey, the UCC's associate general minister. "I'm sure our churches are anxious to roll out the red carpet for those who join us in worship - to see and learn more about who we are. It's great news."

The "Steeples" ad began Sept. 29 and will be shown through Oct. 12 to an estimated 12-15 million viewers on the BET, BRAVO, CNN and TV One networks.