You too can be a Lector!

One of the scripture lessons for this Sunday is 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, where Paul reminds us that “the body does not consist of one member but of many,” and that God has assigned various roles within the Church.

In last week’s column, I highlighted the importance of Eucharistic Ministers and Acolytes/Servers. This week, I’d like to focus on the role of the Lector. A Lector (or Reader) is a lay person who reads the scripture lessons, the responsive Psalm, or the prayers of the people during worship.

In the Episcopal Church, worship is a participatory act that unites the congregation as the Body of Christ. Lectors serve as the voice of Scripture in our services, proclaiming God’s Word to the gathered community.

When a Lector reads, they do more than simply convey words. They bring life to the sacred stories that form the foundation of our faith. Whether it’s a passage from the Hebrew Bible, an Epistle, or a Psalm, their delivery enables God’s Word to resonate in the hearts of those who listen.

This ministry also reflects the communal nature of Episcopal worship. While clergy preside over the sacraments and typically preach, the ministry of the Word is shared with laypeople. Lectors remind us that we are all called to participate in and share God’s story.

If you feel called to this ministry, I encourage you to consider becoming a Lector. Please reach out to me to schedule a time to discuss this further. Your voice may be the one through which God’s Word touches someone’s heart.

Kevin+