Instructions for Lay Eucharistic Ministers

For all worship leaders:  Please speak in a loud, clear voice when you lead the worship. 

5:30 PM Service

After the Collect of the Day, come to the lectern.  Introduce the Old Testament lesson by saying, "A reading from the Book of Genesis" or "A reading from Genesis".  You may add chapter and verse citations if you like.  After reading the lesson say, "The Word of the Lord". 

Next, introduce the Psalm by saying something such as, "The Psalm appointed for this Sunday is Psalm 23".  Tell the congregation how you would like the psalm to be read, i.e. in unison, responsively by verse or half verse, etc.  There is nothing said after the psalm is read.

The New Testament lesson is read in the same fashion as the Old Testament lesson.  After you say "The Word of the Lord", return to your seat.

After the Nicene Creed, come forward to the lectern and do the Prayers of the People.  Introduce the Prayers by saying, "The Prayers of the People will be Form ___ on page ___ of the Book of Common Prayer.  On the lectern will be a half sheet of paper with the Anglican, Diocesan and Parish Cycles of prayer.  You can integrate the different sections at appropriate places during the Prayers of the People, or you may simply read them at the very end.  When you have finished, wait for the priest to say the Collect (the prayer that "wraps up" the Prayers of the People) and then return to your seat.

After the offertory, you will assist the priest in preparing the table for communion.  First, bring the bread, waiting to return with the ciborium (bread box) to the credence table.  Take the stoppers out of the water and wine and bring them to the priest, handles facing the priest.  Return the water and wine to the credence table.  Finally, do the lavabo, using the lavabo bowl, lavabo towel and water.

After the priest says, "The Gifts of God for the People of God...." come forward to administer the chalice.  The priest will give you communion and hand you the chalice.  Follow the priest around the circle of people present.   Say, "The Blood of Christ, the cup of salvation" as each person receives.  Some people will take the chalice with their hands, others will dip the wafer in.  Hold the chalice at a comfortable level so that they don't have to bend their knees.  Wipe the chalice off and give it a quarter turn.   Return the chalice to the priest. 

10:30 AM service

Please be vested in a black robe and surplice and in the narthex (the back of the church) by 10:20 AM.  You will process in in front of the priest.

After the Collect of the Day, come to the lectern.  Introduce the Old Testament lesson by saying, "A reading from the Book of Genesis" or "A reading from Genesis".  You may add chapter and verse citations if you like.  After reading the lesson say, "The Word of the Lord". 

Next, introduce the Psalm by saying something such as, "The Psalm appointed for this Sunday is Psalm 23".  Tell the congregation how you would like the psalm to be read, i.e. in unison, responsively by verse or half verse, etc.  Nothing is said after the psalm is read.

The New Testament lesson is read in the same fashion as the Old Testament lesson.  After you say "The Word of the Lord", return to your seat.

After the Nicene Creed, come forward to the lectern and do the Prayers of the People.  Introduce the Prayers by saying, "The Prayers of the People will be Form ___ on page ___ of the Book of Common Prayer.  On the lectern will be a half sheet of paper with the Anglican, Diocesan and Parish Cycles of prayer.  You can integrate the different sections at appropriate places during the Prayers of the People, or you may simply read them at the end.  When you have finished, wait for the priest to say the Collect (the prayer that "wraps up" the Prayers of the People) and then return to your seat.

After the priest says, "The Gifts of God for the People of God...." come forward to administer the chalice.  The priest will give you communion and hand you the chalice.  You will begin to the right of the priest, holding the chalice and a purificator. Say, "The Blood of Christ, the cup of salvation" as each person receives.  Some people will take the chalice with their hands, others will dip the wafer in.  Hold the chalice at a comfortable level so that they don't have to bend their knees.  Wipe the chalice off and give it a quarter turn.  Then, move behind the priest to the left after the right side of the church has received.  The left side of the church will then receive communion.  Return the chalice to the priest.