The note simply said: “Let’s eat Grandma!”

It was meant to say: “Let’s eat, Grandma!”

…Proofreaders save lives!

Sometimes, as preachers and teachers, we know what we want to say, but we’re not the best communicators – especially when we write!  We cannot be flippant about the gospel message, for it is the most important and powerful message in the universe.  We must be clear and pure in our communication of this message, if no other – not only verbally, but also visually.  The church and the gospel should not take 2nd-seat in class or clarity to the world’s false messages of love or peace, especially when we hold the “word of life.” (Philippians 2:15-16)

1. Read & re-read.

There are no more important words than the ones we use to communicate God’s truth.  Think through them and never take the reader for granted.

2. Ask for help.

Never underestimate the power of a good proofreader.  Enlist the help of a volunteer from your church with experience in English grammar.  He/she will be an invaluable resource and their red pen, a blessing.  Only ask a family member (spouse) to help if you’ve got thick enough skin to handle it!

3. Peat and repeat.

‘Repetition is the mother of all learning.’  I remember that because I’ve heard it so much.  “If you tell a lie long enough and loud enough, people will believe it.” [Adolph Hitler]  This is even more true because we have a message backed by the power of God in the person of the Holy Spirit!

4. Learn from the experience of others.

Below are some church bulletin bloopers that represent lessons learned the hard way… take note!

For those of you who have children and don’t know it, we have a nursery downstairs.

This evening at 7 pm there will be a hymn sing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.

Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.

Attend and you will hear an excellent speaker and heave a healthy lunch.

The church will host an evening of fine dining, superb entertainment, and gracious hostility.

Our next song is “Angels We Have Heard Get High.”

Mrs. Johnson will be entering the hospital this week for testes.

The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.