CALVARY EPISCOPAL CHURCH
At the core
of the Protestant Reformation,
historically, was the belief that lay persons should have access to both the
liturgy and the scripture in their own language. This belief is reflected in the language of The Book of Common Prayer:
“In all services, the entire Christian assembly participates in such a
way that the members of each order . . . fulfill the functions proper to their
respective orders, as set forth in the rubrical directions for each service.” For the service of Holy Eucharist lectors are specified for the two
lessons preceding the Gospel, and for the Prayers of the People.
·
Formal organization and scheduling
apply only to late service lectors;
selection of lectors for the
earlier services is done by arrangement with regular attendees of those
services.
·
Draft schedules covering roughly
half of the church year are distributed near Advent 1 and Pentecost. Lectors may request changes
before the final schedule is printed.
If a schedule conflict arises later, please contact someone on the list of lectors who can switch dates with
you and contact the church office (587-6011) as early as possible so that
correct names may appear in the bulletin.
·
The first name listed reads the
lessons, and the second reads the Prayers of the People.
·
No special garb is required for lectors. Choir members who read usually just wear choir vestments. Members of the congregation are welcome to
simply walk forward from the nave to
read the lessons or prayers. If
the (non-choir) lector wishes to
be part of the procession, however, the appropriate dress is black cassock and
white surplice (a supply of these is found in the acolyte vesting room
on the second floor), and be
sure to check with the clergy about where to position yourself in the
procession and where to sit in the chancel.
·
It is helpful if lectors planning to walk up
from the congregation make their presence known to the clergy before the service, and they should sit near the
front of the church during the service (preferably
in the first five rows on the lectern side), so that they may easily and
quickly reach the lectern. If reading
two lessons, they should remain in the choir during the Psalm; if the Psalm is
spoken (rather than sung), they should introduce it appropriately and lead the
reading from the lectern.
·
Lectors should be prepared in advance. For listeners to understand the
lesson, the lector must
understand it. If you have a question regarding the pronunciation of a word(s) in the
lesson, consult with the clergy,
or someone else who is knowledgeable about the scripture. There is a guide to the pronunciation of Biblical person and place names in the
Library on the shelf to the right of
the door that enters into the chancel. It helps to visit the church's website and to check the bulletin posted
there to be certain the lessons you are planning to read correlate with those
in the bulletin. This is usually available by the Friday before you are
scheduled to read.
·
Read clearly and plainly, with
appropriate emphasis. Do not rush; do
not “drag.” Try to tell a clear story
or make a clear argument.
·
Both scripture readings and the Prayers of the People are
printed in the bulletin, a copy of which is on the lectern from the start of
the service. (For the lessons, you may
find it easier to read from the lectionary
book itself located on the
lectern, as the print is larger and it tells you what to say before and
after the reading, but you should check before the service to make sure the
correct page is open.)
·
Scripture readings should be introduced as follows:
“A Reading from Jeremiah” or “A Reading from Hebrews.” Nothing more (or less) is needed. Make
discreet pause after you have introduced the reading before beginning the
reading itself. Do the same at
the end of the reading before saying
“The Word of the Lord.”
Please do not say “This is the Word of the Lord.”
·
First-time lectors
should familiarize themselves with the lectern a week or two before
they read. There is a footstool you may
choose to stand on or to push aside.
The sound system is activated by pulling the switch toward you AND
directing your first syllable straight into the microphone. Despite the sound
system, more than a “conversational” voice is required; speak loudly and slowly
and direct your voice into the microphone.
The co-chairs or the clergy
are happy to walk you through any of these procedures.
Thank you for serving in this vital
ministry. A well read lesson can enhance and deepen someone's experience of
worship. If you have any questions, please call the chair or the clergy at the
church office.