The Ministry of the Lector/Lay Reader

​A "lector," also called a reader, is a lay person trained in reading scripture who is appointed by the clergy person in charge of the congregation to read lessons or lead the prayers of the people. The term is from the Latin, “to read.”  Immanuel welcomes both adults and youth as readers of the Old and New Testaments and the Psalms during Sunday services.
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Practical Pointers for Lectors at Immanuel: 

• Where there are two or more readings (like at the 10:30 Eucharist or special services):
  • slot 1 on the signup page is reader 1 (who reads the first lesson and Psalm), slot 2 is reader 2 (who reads the second lesson/epistle), slot 3 is reader 3 who reads the third lesson, and so forth.
    
  • A note about the Psalm: The first reader reads the Psalm and informs the congregation on what they read, whether you (the reader) decide to read by whole verse or by breaking at the asterisk.
    

• The Gospel is always read by clergy.
• Lectors are responsible only for reading.  The signup sheet and bulletin have designations for other worship duties such as Intercessor, Usher, Altar Guild, etc.; you are only responsible for the things you sign up for.

Resources for Lectors

Sign up for Lector training

certification of lector training

Lectionary of Sunday's Readings

View Sunday's Bulletin on Saturday

Bible Speak: Learn Pronunciation

Below are the Lector Trainings available as a PDF slideshow OR video with narration by Stephen Denlinger. After completing the trainings, please fill out this Google form.

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