WORSHIP ASSISTANTS

return to Worship Assistant Home Page

INSTRUCTIONS FOR WORSHIP HOSTS:

Please be at the church by 4:40 or so and pass out bulletins

·         Light the altar candles (matches are on the altar & a small lighter is leaning against the wall in the chancel)

·         Read the first two lessons.  You should receive a copy of the lectionary in the mail or via email prior to your scheduled service.   Please practice reading the passages out loud, so that you are comfortable with any unusual words or pronunciations and so that you feel confident reading it out loud.  There will always be a copy of the lectionary on the Lector’s stand for you, so you do not need to worry if you don’t bring your copy from home.  Notice that there is usually a brief introductory paragraph preceding each reading.  It is important to read these.  The readings are usually part of the larger context of a book of the Bible, and the introductory paragraphs explain that context and help people better understand the reading. 

o   Then read the introductory paragraph and the first reading.

o   Before the reading, you begin with:  People of God, listen for the Word of the Lord and the congregation will (hopefully) respond with:  Our ears are open!

o   After the first reading, pause briefly, then say:  Word of God, Word of Life and the congregation will respond with:  Thanks be to God.

o   A notation, “Silence for reflection” appears in the bulletin following each reading.  This is an important way for the congregation to internalize the Word by pausing momentarily to let it resonate with their own thoughts and experiences. 

o   As lector, you control the length of the silence if a psalm is not sung between readings.  If there is no psalm, count to 10 here, just standing at the lectern, to allow time for reflection.

o   End the second reading with a short pause and say:  Word of God, Word of Life to which the congregation responds: Thanks be to God.

·         Pass the offering plates & count heads (leave the attendance # on a piece of paper in the collection plate)  & present offering

·         Usher people to communion (starting at either the back or the front)

·         Commune last & then commune the pastor.  When you commune the pastor, say “The body & blood of Christ given & shed for you”.