Lay Readers
At St. Andrew's, we use two Lay Readers per service: one to read the Old Testament lesson and the Psalm (when it is not chanted by a choir member) and one to read the New Testament lesson and The Prayers of The People.
The Readers are chosen from a list of volunteers who have expressed to the coordinator a desire to contribute to the service in that way. They are scheduled monthly (see "Those Who Serve," The Piper.) Anyone who wishes to be a Lay Reader need only speak to the coordinator.
The readings for the following Sunday (and for special services such as Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Christmas Eve) are available in the Sacristy after Sunday service and can be picked up by the Reader for practice. Or you may choose to arrive early to read over your readings for the day.
At the appropriate time for the Old Testament lesson you should approach the altar down the center aisle, pausing to reverence the altar, that is stop and bow briefly. Then go to the lectern and read your selection, either from the big Lectionary, which will be opened to the appropriate place, or from the bulletin insert. And the end of your reading you should say, "The Word of the Lord," and the congregation will answer, "Thanks be to God." The exception to this is the Psalm. If it is to be read, simply announce the number of the Psalm and refer them to the page in the BCP where it is located, (this information will be in the Lectionary before you) or refer them to the bulletin insert. Ask them to stand. You may choose to read the Psalm in one of three ways: in unison, responsively by whole verse or responsively by half-verse. At the end of the reading, simply say "You may be seated." As you leave the lectern you should again reverence the altar. (Never pass before the altar without reverencing it.)
After the Psalm the reader for the New Testament lesson should approach the altar in the manner described above. The lesson again can be read from the bulletin insert or the Lectionary. Close the reading with "The Word of the Lord." The form for "The Prayers of the People" for that service will be announced in the bulletin. At the appropriate time return to the altar and inform the people which form will be used. You should get the sheet for special prayers from the vestibule right before the beginning of the service and insert the names in the appropriate places within the prayers. The names of bishops, clergy, people in authority, and general prayers used every service are written on the lectern for your convenience. You should familiarize yourself with them. Remain at the lectern while the celebrant recites the Closing Collect, then return to your seat.
We welcome everyone in the congregation to become Lay Readers. The coordinator will be happy to rehearse all this with you if that will make you more comfortable. The current coordinator is Bill Cobb. Remember: if you are unable to read when you are scheduled, it is up to you to find a substitute from among the other Lay Readers.
