Prepare

Please read the lessons beforehand. It is also a good idea to arrive early enough to check the lectionary on the lectern is open at the right place and that you know where your lesson starts. (Ask someone to show you if you are not sure.) 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. Make a note to ask someone if you have any questions.

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 Gospel. 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 the lectern

• Adjust the microphone for your height.
• If necessary wait till everyone has sat down and there is quiet.

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. Please read from the lectionary and not from a piece of paper with the lesson printed on it. (Reading from the lectionary is a reminder of our part in the universal Church). 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

When done, 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 lesson.”

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