Liturgical Assistants

Liturgical Assistants and Liturgists Training

Hi everyone,

Each year when Vestry re-authorises you as Liturgists or Liturgical Assistants that includes your acceptance of annual training which I know some of you are very good at attending.   It is important because our services led well are very important in helping people experience God and enjoy worshipping.  You are a key part of that, as LAs and Liturgists.  I am copying this to LLMS and the other priests with whom you work so they can be encouraged to give you feedback and appreciation.  I certainly appreciate working with each of you - thanks!

However I know how busy everyone is and I'd rather not try to get you out to another meeting so I want to list some points here that I would like you all to watch as we try to lead our worship well together.  Please get back to me if you think these need discussing further, either individually over a coffee or in a larger meeting.

READING THE GOSPEL

1. Please watch where you stand when you read the gospel.   The idea is to read it from the middle of the congregation, about halfway down the aisle, definitely not at the back.   The purpose of this position is about the gospel of Christ being heard within the people, so standing at the back ruins the message.  Many churches have a gospel procession where the gospel is led by candles to be read in the body of the people, but we do it more simply. However if there is a problem with lighting in the specific spot middle of the aisle, we can provide penlights that are excellent!

2. Your reading must always be prepared well. One of our LAs asks me what I am preaching on so he knows what to emphasise, which I find very helpful.

3. Reading from amidst the people means that you should be heard more clearly more easily but do please try to speak as Bruce Carson taught us at the last training session for readers.

CHALICE

1. Please remember to wipe the chalice carefully and quarter-turn it before giving to the next person.

2. Some people have asked me about using Maori words when they administer the chalice.    There is a simple version in ANZPB ("He kapu o te ora")  which means "the cup of life".  If any of you are interested (and I am definitely not pushing you), there are certain days in our church year when it may be appropriate to use Te Reo Maori.  I would be happy to help you get the pronunciation right and do this well.   A personal challenge that I hold as priest is to be able to use either English or Maori along the row any time when I know people prefer one or the other but that's because of the expectation for the ordained to have some competency in Te Reo - not required of everyone!

ROSTER

1. Please watch the roster!   If you don't get it sent to you by email, pick up a hard copy from church or check the website (click on the date under Service Roster). At St Andrew's 9:30 I always try to send out a "To the Team" message a couple of days before Sunday so that everyone knows who is doing what but I need some help to get organised like this for the other congregations.

2. I am so grateful to Jan for what she does. I am sure that you all know her responsibility each month is to find available people to fill the positions on the parish roster. Occasionally there are communication problems but your graciousness in these times is appreciated, as is your flexibility.   Please remember that LAs and Liturgists are whole-parish roles and it is great if you can make yourself available for ministry more widely than your local church.

3. We all need to be encouraging others in their ministries (both within the church and in the wider community).   If you notice others who would make good Liturgical Assistants or LAs (or Readers or Musicians or Priests or Deacons!) please let me know.

I am particularly keen to encourage our younger people, so I invite you all to join me as we Notice, Encourage and Mentor those who are younger than us.

Blessings in all you are doing - it's all for God.

Jenny