A Reading the Signs column written by Jo Ackerman, Pastor at Clay Center, NE

When I have complained to others about my failing eye sight and how frustrated I am with cooking directions that are printed in the smallest of type on the “side” of the box or the struggle to read information that is printed with black ink on red paper, I get comments of agreement and learn that others also have this frustration.

In the privacy of home, we who are in this fog of different stages of changes to our eyes, resort to using a variety of tools like extra strength reading and magnifying glasses to assist us in our plight. The problems surrounding failing eye sight are often connected with aging and the onset of cataracts. Fortunately, many of these problems can be dealt with by our eye doctors, but there is still a percentage of us needing some assistance in seeing until we get further help.

Facing eyesight problems in public is even harder. Most of us hate to admit we are having a hard time a reading menu or our church bulletin at worship. Colorful paper can make the problem worse. Red Christmas letters and programs, purple Lenten bulletins, make seeing printed material more difficult.

When Thomas asked Jesus to see the wounds suffered in Christ’s crucifixion, he only wanted to see what the others had been shown. Christ knew that there were only a few who would see what those first witnesses saw when they were in Christ’s presence. He also blessed those who would believe in him even if they had not been witnesses.

There are some simple solutions to help those who are struggling to see what others see when they take part in worship or receive newsletters and other communications from the church. Large print bulletins can be enlarged on a copier with enough copies so other members of the congregation may use them and those who need the help will not be singled out.

We can avoid printing on dark papers and work toward proper lighting in our sanctuaries and meeting rooms. We can take a que from advertising about designing printed copy: “Legibility is the most important rule.” Remember this when choosing fonts on your computer. Watch for those fonts that might be harder to read.

We can be of help to those in our congregations who struggle to read our printed materials by caring enough to make some small changes. Do you see what I mean?

Reprinted by permission of the Nebraska Conference UCC and to be used in your newsletter.