Introduction

Reading the Bible in worship is a valuable ministry in the Body of Christ.

It is important to recognize that Bible readings have a dynamic and creative part to play in the whole service, which is in no way undermined by the fact that today numerous modern translations are available which can be easily read at home or on the way to work.

• The Bible readings link the congregation to the Christian tradition.
• Bible reading imposes upon the worshippers the duty of listening
• The readings enable the worship service to become a proclamation of the saving power of God in Christ

The most effective readers will always be those who give the impression that they are themselves adressed by the words they read. The reader should try to catch the mood of the passage as well as the message. Different parts of scripture suggest very different treatment to express the descriptive, the poetic, the dramatic and the intimate.

Availability

If you are unable to read on the day, please try to change with someone. Alter the rota in church, and inform the Parish Office or a Churchwarden.

Prepare

Read

Please read the lessons beforehand. If you find it easier to read the lesson on the web the Sunday readings can normally be linked to from our services and events page; otherwise you can look it up using the Oremus Bible Browser - this defaults to the New Revised Standard Version (Anglicized Edition) which is what the lectionary uses. Rehearse pauses and inflections. Check pronunciations of names or unfamiliar words - you can listen to many Biblical words here, or ask one of the clergy (do this at least 10 mins. before the service starts). Make a note to ask someone if you have any questions.

Find the passage

The lectionary or a Bible will be on the lectern in Church and you will read from this. Please read from it - do not bring your own Bible or other copy of the reading to read from. (Reading from the lectionary is a reminder of our part in the universal Church).

Arrive early enough to check the lectionary or Bible on the lectern is open at the right place and that you know where your lesson starts; if you are the second or subsequent reader ensure you know what page your reading is on (put a marker in). Do ask someone to assist you before the service if you are not sure where to find your reading.

Understand

If you think it would help you to understand the reading better you may find it helpful to look at "The Text This Week" website.

Movement

No movement should be rushed - Church services should exemplify peace, patience and dignity.

When reading at the Sung Eucharist, apart from in Advent and Lent, move to the pew in front of the lectern during the singing of the Gloria. If you are reading the first lesson sit in the front pew while the second lesson is read; if you are the second reader sit there for the first lesson. You can both return to your seats during the Gradual hymn that follows. (n.b. at Baptisms and Family Eucharists there is only one lesson)

At other services if your reading follows a hymn, canticle or psalm always go to the lectern during the last verse.

At the lectern

• The microphone is always switched on - don't try to turn it on, do not tap it!
• Adjust the microphone for your height.
• If necessary wait till everyone has sat down and there is quiet.
• Take a deep breath.
• Speak directly into the microphone.
• When you read, read slowly, keep your voice up.

Introduce the reading ...

... with “A reading from ...”, giving the name of the book. When reading at a Eucharist the heading is provided for you in the lectionary. On other occasions, a few are not just the book but a little trickier, such as “the first book of Samuel.” In the case of epistles, say “the second letter of Paul to the Corinthians,” etc. Two other cases of note are “the Acts of the Apostles” and “the Revelation to John” (note: “revelation” is singular). It is not necessary to cite chapter and verse. Please just say "from" not "taken from" - the passage is still in the Bible after you have read it!

Read

After introducing the reading, allow a distinct pause. In doing the reading itself, speak slowly and firmly, and enunciate. The most common error readers make is to rush. You may change tone to indicate transitions from narration to direct quotations, etc., but this is reading aloud, not drama. It is best to keep your eyes on the text, so as not to suggest “performance.”

Pause

At the end of the reading, leave a pause before saying “This is the Word of the Lord.” It is more dignified, and helps cue the congregation to be ready for their response. On occasion, e.g. at Prayer Book Evensong you may wish to use the alternate conclusion “Here ends the [first / second] lesson.”

Don't worry about any mistakes! We all make them once in a while.