Lectors

Instructions for Lectors

(Rev. September 2026)

The person who reads the First and Second Lessons has the title of Lector.  As Lector, you are charged with one of the most important assignments of the liturgy: the proclamation of the Word of God.  With such an assignment, the Lector becomes an agent of the Holy Spirit.  This is no minor role in the liturgy.  Without it, the liturgy does not happen.  Without it, we would be deprived of the counsel and consolation that we all need. 

When the Lector stands before the worshipping assembly to speak the words of the Holy Scripture, God’s voice is being heard and God’s will revealed.  These are the words of eternal life, and it is the Lector’s high calling to deliver such words to the gathered assembly. 

Instructions:

1.  The readings will be emailed to you by the Office Administrator a few days prior to the Sunday you are to read. 

2.  The lessons are usually printed in large type and placed on the lectern, though you may also read from the lectionary. Before the service, please confirm that the readings are in place or that the lectionary is opened to the correct page. The microphone should already be turned on, so you do not need to switch it on; however, please adjust it so it is directly in front of your mouth.  It is most important that you speak directly into the microphone. 

3.  Following the Prayer of the Day (8:00 Service) or the Children’s Sermon (10:00 Service), the Lector should approach the lectern for the reading of the lessons. 

4.      With a firm and clear voice the Lector should announce, “A reading from _________”.

5.  When the assigned reading concludes, the Lector states, “The Word of the Lord”, and the Congregation responds with, “Thanks be to God”.

6.  There is almost always a Psalmody listed in the bulletin.  For 8:00 the Lector is generally expected to read the Psalmody responsively with the congregation by verse or half verse.

For 10:00 the Cantor will sing the refrain of the Psalmody, followed by the congregation singing it. Then the Cantor will sing the individual verses, with each followed by the congregation singing the refrain again. 

7.  If there is no Psalmody, the Lector will continue with the Second Lesson by announcing, “A Reading from ___________”.

8.  When the assigned reading concludes, the Lector states, “The Word of the Lord” and the congregation responds with “Thanks be to God”. 

9.      The Lector returns to his/her seat in the congregation.

A Final Note

A Pronunciation Guide is available underneath the lectern, in addition to several guides available online (or you can ask an experienced lector or the Pastor).  It is wise to practice your reading out loud at home prior to Sunday morning.  Pace and emphasis are key to public speaking.  Generally, you need to speak louder and slower than when typically talking.  Perhaps asking a family member to listen and critique would be helpful.