Readers
Colin Hart introduces the role of the Holy Trinity Readers:
I had recently joined the congregation of Holy Trinity when, one Sunday morning at about 10.50am I was asked by the rector if I would read one of the lessons. Feeling flattered, I willingly did so. This occurred on a few other Sunday mornings, but sometimes the period of notice was even less. Not wishing to have to struggle through ‘Parthians, Medes and Elamites, residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia’ without a little preparation I suggested the publishing of a rota of readers and readings in advance. The rector thought this was a good idea and asked me if I would prepare the first one! That was 30 years ago and the rest, as they say, is history!
There have been a few variations over the years but the current arrangements are as follows: The Old Testament lesson and the Epistle at the 11am Sunday Eucharist and at a few special services such as Christmas Day, Maundy Thursday an Good Friday are read by members of the congregation. The Gospel is read by the celebrant or by the deacon. Readings are allocated by the Readers’ Coordinator who publishes a rota of readers and readings covering a period of about six to eight weeks. Members of the congregation also read at Evensong but these readings are allocated by the organist.
Whenever practicable, the coordinator contacts readers before the rota is published to establish availability on a particular date. Copies of reading in bold print are circulated with the rota but readers have discretion to use these or their own bible - any version.
The actual readings are taken from the Lectionary published by the Scottish Episcopal Church which offers a three-year cycle of readings for use at the principal service of the day on Sundays and certain Holy Days. They vary in length from two or three verses to whole chapters!
The frequency of reading at present is about once every two to three months, but clearly this depends on the number of available readers. New readers are always very welcome.
Please contact Colin Hart, 01896 822349.