Good News for Mistake-Makers

A few weeks back, those of you who read the ePistlevia email got a little surprise, when you saw your own name in the headline of this space. It was not on purpose--even though some people suspected it was aimed at them--and your name wasn't included on anyone else'sePistlebut your own. It was something in the HTML code that added a greeting instead of the real heading, after it was sent. Another one of those cases where the machine outsmarted the man sitting at the keyboard.
Hey, we all make mistakes. That's one of the encouraging messages of the Christian life--that we all blow it, that it doesn't surprise God that we blow it, that there are second chances whenwe blow it. In fact, that's the essence of the Gospel itself: Jesus came into the world to save sinners, and to give His life as a sacrifice to pay the price for our "mistakes," big and small. "God demonstrated His love for us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8). Now,that'sgood news!
With His grace in mind, here are a few examples of some rather humorous mistakes, this time by people sitting where I'm sitting, in a church office. You have probably seen some of these before, in emails of "church bulletin bloopers" that have been circulating for years, supposedly real-life mistakes in real-life bulletins. Enjoy, all you mistake-makers, with a smile, reminded that God is still in the business of overcoming our mistakes!
The associate minister unveiled the church's new tithing campaign slogan last Sunday: "I upped my pledge. Up yours!"
The Rev. Adams spoke briefly, much to the delight of his audience.
The Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10. All ladies are invited to lunch in the fellowship hall after the B.S. is done.
Due to the pastor's illness, Wednesday's healing services will be discontinued until further notice.
The senior choir invites any member of the congregation who enjoys sinning to join the choir.
For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.
The cost for attending this year's Fasting and Prayer Conference is $39, which includes meals.
Ladies, don't forget the church yard sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Don't forget your husbands!
Applications are now being accepted for 2-year old nursery workers.
Weight Watchers will meet at 7 p.m. Please use the large double door at the side entrance.

If you choose to heave during the postlude, please do so quietly.
And, I might add to that last one, please do so outside. I do hope you'll allow God to pour out His grace on your mistakes, whatever they may be. I'm praying for you, and I look forward to seeing you Sunday.
--Pastor Ken

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