Nov
12
Written by:
host
11/12/2008 5:52 AM
Next time you are in worship, take a look around during the reading of the scripture lesson. (I recommend you do this discreetly, of course!) You may see some people zoning out, particularly if the reading is a familiar passage of scripture – a part of the Bible that they have heard many times before. Presenting the scripture passage in a new format will add variety to the worship service and encourage people to listen more closely.
Once in awhile, try using a choral reading to present the scripture lesson for the day. Choral readings provide an opportunity to get lay persons involved in worship leadership. After all, worship is a participatory experience, not a spectator sport! Choral readings can be read by children, youth or adults, offering an added benefit of including all ages in worship leadership.
The psalms lend themselves naturally to adaptation for this purpose, but other scriptures can also work in this format. On our website you will find choral readings based on Psalm 46 and Psalm 100. For churches that use the revised common lectionary, Psalm 100 is the suggested psalm for November 23.
Have you written choral readings you would be willing to share with others? There will soon be a way for you to do that! Do you have other suggestions for creative ways to present the scripture lesson? Share your thoughts and ideas with us here.
~Sally