Thank you for helping with the readings during the service at St. Ursula's.
Mark the date of your assignment and which reading you are responsible for - the first person on the rota should read the Old Testament and the second person the New Testament reading. If you need to check your assigned duty, look at the rotas page.
If you cannot be present on the day assigned, it is your duty to change with someone and notify us at rotas@stursula.ch. If you do not know who to ask, please contact Ruth Freiburghaus.
Prepare by looking up the passages in your own Bible as listed in St Ursula's magazine. The church uses the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible. Read the version published on the church website which will be available on the Friday before your date, at the latest. This is what is printed and given out in church on Sunday.
Note that the version on the website and on the reading sheet sometimes begins with a few words to set the context.
(For example, the words in the Bible begin "At that time...", but what you are expected to read, and what is on the website and reading sheet begins "When Jesus was in Capernaum...")
Please read the version on the reading sheet!
If you need help with the pronunciation of difficult names of people/places, check with someone who might know (Helen, David, Peter Hawker, Hector Davie, Belle Täuber), or look it up on Google. Be aware that the English pronunciation of some names is quite different from their pronunciation in other languages!
The reading desk has a microphone, so you do not need to shout! A slow, clear, loud voice will help the Bible passage come alive for the congregation. Often, the sermon of the day is based on passages read. Should you need training for reading, or would like feedback after reading, please contact the chaplain who will suggest someone to help.
Remember the opening and closing words (A reading from ...; This is the word of the Lord.)
Note that the two readers take the collection during the Offertory hymn. The sidesperson will give you the collection bag, along with the reading sheet before the service. Should you be on duty elsewhere at this time, ask someone else to take your place - and tell the sidesperson who it is.
If you have any further questions, please ask Helen or Hector