This series is intended as a companion to the autumn teaching sessions on worship, "The Beauty of Holiness". I hope these answers will explain some things that may be unfamiliar and show that these features of our worship are not just there for the sake of it. Their function is to teach, often by using symbolic actions that draw attention to certain aspects of Christian belief and practice. Using gestures and actions that are repeated each time is actually an economical way of teaching, saving us from having to explain something repeatedly. It is there for all to see. But we need their eyes of faith and understanding to see it.
In the Church of Scotland (not Anglican but Calvinist, Reformed) the bible is carried in just before the minister takes his seat. It is a signal that the congregation is gathered and that worship, the purpose of the gathering, is about to begin.
Our introit (opening) procession serves the same function. The bible is opened and placed on the lectern to signify that God's Word is going to opened up to us in this first part of the service (the Liturgy of the Word). Like an old-fashioned Boy Scout's tent, the Eucharist is supported by two poles, word and sacrament, and so the procession with the bible is balanced by the offertory procession, when the gifts of bread, wine and our money are brought forward to be set before God at the altar.
These two processions move forwards, out of the people towards those two poles, the lectern and the altar. The Gospel procession, on the other hand, moves in the opposite direction, down into the midst of the people. This expresses the great truth of the Incarnation, "The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us". We stand to show reverence to Jesus, whose words and actions are recounted in the words of the four gospels. We turn to face the book, as someone might tell us to "gather round" when they have something important to say. The person reading may trace a cross (the sign of Christ) on the page he is to read from and then on his forehead, lips and chest, as if to say "May the words of Jesus and about Jesus contained in this reading be inscribed in my mind, on my lips and in my heart". Those listening may wish to do so too, using this sign language to repeat the prayer.
In general terms, this movement during the service reminds us that we are called to be God's pilgrim people, not sedentary listeners but also followers on the way.
Peter