Serving as a Lector

And He said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” ~Mark 16:15-16

Proclaiming the Word of God

“Faith comes from hearing, and what is heard is the Word of Christ.” ~Romans 10:17

Lector1What is a Lector

Scripture itself tells us that God’s Word is living and active. The lector serves an important role to God and the Church as one who reads the Scripture lessons during the worship service. Confirmed members of Grace may serve as lectors.

Lector Needs

Two lectors are needed each week – one lector for the 8:00 a.m. worship service and one lector for the 10:45 a.m. worship service. Each lector will have two readings:

  • The Old Testament
  • The Epistle

Lector Responsibilities

  • Sign up on the bulletin board in the narthex for the Sunday you wish to read.
  • Request that the church secretary either mail or e-mail the readings to you. You may also request the chapters and verses by calling her. Please note that the English Standard Version is used in our lectionary.
  • During the week prior to serving as lector, spend some time in prayer. Pray that the Holy Spirit will guide you in your proclamation and speak through you as His instrument.
  • Prepare your reading well. Reflect on its meaning. Practice to become comfortable with your reading and know how to pronounce difficult words.
  • On Sunday, please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to worship to familiarize yourself with the lectern. Turn the lectern light on and ensure the correct reading is there.
  • At the appropriate time during the worship service as indicated in the bulletin, walk up to the lectern. If possible, be up front and ready to read the lessons in order to prevent a long silent pause during the service.
  • You may announce the lessons by using the proper liturgical format to indicate the Sunday in the church year or festival, the name of the book, and the chapter. These are located on the back of the worship bulletin.
  • Introduce the first reading by saying one of the following:

The Old Testament reading for ___ is from ___, chapter ___.

The first reading for ___ is from ___, chapter ___.

The Old Testament reading is from ___, chapter ___.

The first reading is from ___, chapter ___.

  •  At the conclusion of the reading, proclaim, “This is the Word of the Lord.” The congregation will respond, “Thanks be to God.”
  • Introduce the second reading by saying one of the following:

The Epistle Reading for ___ is from ___, chapter ___.

The second reading for ___ is from ___, chapter ___.

The Epistle is from ___, chapter ___.

The second reading is from ___, chapter ___.

  •  At the conclusion of the reading, proclaim, “This is the Word of the Lord.” The congregation will respond, “Thanks be to God.”
  • Wait for the congregation to complete the response, then return to your pew.

Additional Notes

If you have additional questions, please contact Melba Sibrel. If you cannot serve the day you signed up for, please find a substitute and inform the Pastor.

A Lector’s Prayer Before Worship

Almighty God. As I prepare myself to read, still my heart. Help me immerse myself in the Scriptures to hear Your message in them, that I may proclaim Your message to others. I ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen