Bloopers make us laugh whether it’s sports bloopers or Funniest Home Videos.  Church Bulletin bloopers can make us smile as well.  Here are a few that actually made it into print.

• The pastor will preach his farewell message, after which the choir will sing, “Break Forth into Joy”.
• For those of you who have children and don’t know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
• Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our church and community.
• Weight Watchers will meet at 7 pm at the Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.   
• From the Character Core Magazine,”Here’s the good news – anyone can strengthen their ability to give attention to detail and ensure thoroughness of their work.” The following are some action steps you can take to improve thoroughness.
• Thoroughness is “knowing what factors will diminish the effectiveness of my work or words if neglected.” The opposite of Thoroughness is incompleteness.
• A tragic example of failure to be thorough: “The pilots of a Gulfstream IV jet that crashed last May, killing all on board, skipped a pre-flight checklist and ignored a cockpit warning light, realizing too late that takeoff would be impossible, according to a series of National Transportation Safety Board reports. “The pilots routinely failed to perform standard checks, records show. John Goglia, a former NTSB board member and safety consultant said, “In aviation, every pilot knows that if you do not do the checklist, it’s going to be a problem sooner or later.”
• The concern is that too many of us are hurried, overwhelmed with duties and responsibilities, and therefore look for short cuts, neglect the details, and as a result, over-look things and make mistakes that are sometimes laughable, but all too often have serious consequences.
• Though funny, a thorough check of grammar and content may have avoided someone’s embarrassment.

1. Slow down. Slowing down at the beginning of the task allows us to determine exactly what needs to be done, in what order, and identify variables that need to be managed. Slowing down at the end of a task or project gives us time to double-check our work to ensure quality.
2. Use Lists. Create a list to make sure things don’t fall through the cracks.
3. Don’t Multitask. According to research, higher instances of mistakes, accidents, and even injury occur when people are attempting to do too many things at once.
4. Take Breaks. When working on a project, take a break every so often. Use this time to take a walk, stretch, get some fresh air, and relax.
5. Use Resources. You don’t have to do it all yourself. Whether you find reliable people to help or use modern day technology such as phone apps of computer programs, there are resources available.

Recently my daughter had surgery on her broken wrist. While in the waiting room, I found myself hoping the surgeon got a good night’s rest, that he made good grades in med school, and that he did not miss that lecture on how to fix a broken wrist. And then I hoped that all the nurses attending the doctor were well prepared and organized. Trusting one to do a thorough job matters and makes a difference in our lives. Incidentally, my daughter’s surgery came out perfect.Here’s another Church Bulletin Blooper….

• The choir invites any church member who enjoys sinning to join the choir.

Whoops! Someone failed to practice thoroughness.