What is a Lector?
- Christine B. : Lector
“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Isaiah 52:7 (New International Version)
“[Jesus] said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.’” Mark 16:15 (New International Version)
Proclaiming the Word is a ministry given to all Christians in their Baptism. Each Sunday we proclaim four passages from Scripture. The lector or lay reader is a member of the congregation who is set apart to read the first two lessons – the first usually from the Old Testament and the second from the New Testament. He or she also leads the congregation in proclaiming the Psalm. The Gospel is the only reading reserved for Clergy. The faithful, intentional proclamation of the Word blesses both the hearers and the one proclaiming.
Thanks for your dedicated service to God and God’s people!
Scheduling
- The church office sends out the monthly schedules with the Parish Newsletter each month (July/August is a combined issue). Your reading will be enclosed in your newsletter. You can also find the scheduled reading the week prior in the Bulletin or by checking St. Andrew’s “Workers for the Lord” webpage at: http://saintandrewscotia.org/news-and-events/workersforthelord/ .
- If you are not available for your scheduled service:
- Contact another lector to fill in and/or “trade” dates with you. If you do trade, please let Gail George know (via e-mail or by telephone: 518-374-8391) is she needs to update the “Workers List” prior to the Sunday service OR
- Contact Gail George, Parish Administrator, as soon as possible so she can arrange for another Lector.
Preparation
- Pray for God’s guidance with your readings – to help you understand His Word and to communicate it to your listeners.
- Read over your selected readings several times. Read them in context - looking at the verses/chapters before and after your selections.
- Read for meaning. Look at several other translations besides the Revised Standard Version to help deepen your understanding of the texts to be read.
- Practice your readings aloud several times. Look up the correct pronunciation of any words with which you are unfamiliar. Online guides such as Net Ministries Biblical Words Pronunciation Guide at http://netministries.org/Bbasics/BBwords.htm can assist you OR ask one of the parish clergy.
- Check the lectern the day of your reading to be sure:
- the Lectionary Book is open to the correct page,
- the light and microphone are working, and
- the step stool is in place (if needed).
- Unless directed to do otherwise by the Preacher, the entire reading, including the bracketed verses, is read. There also may be occasions where the Preacher could lengthen the reading, but in such a case, an alternate copy of that reading would be at the Lectern.
Format for Readings
- Bow to the altar on the steps of the chancel before going to the lectern.
- Introduce each reading with: “A Reading from .”
- Conclude each reading with “The Word of the Lord.”
- Pause before the Psalm to give the congregation time to have the reading handy. Psalms may be read responsively (between lector and congregation), antiphonally (describe how you want this done – alternating sides of the church or alternating between men and women) or in unison.
- Bow to the altar before returning to your seat.
Tips for Effective Lectors
- Read clearly and with expression.
- Speak up and be sure the microphone is picking up your voice.
- Read at a pace that listeners can understand – not too rushed or too slowly. Practice on your family at home!
Contact Us
Interested in becoming a lector? Contact Fr. Mike via e-mail or by telephone: 518-374-8391.
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