Welcome, good morning, and thank you for being here and joining the Ministry of Readers and Intercessors. I am thrilled to start this journey with all of you. We have a few handbooks that we'll need to share among us. Father, will you have the handbook ready for our next session? Excellent.

Getting Organized

We’ll go through a few highlights today, and I have the schedule to distribute. I want to sincerely thank everyone for their commitment and for stepping in when others aren't able to make it. We truly appreciate it. I assure you that each one of you will receive a schedule so you'll always know when you're assigned. Additionally, I will send it out electronically for your convenience.

Spiritual Preparation and Practice

As we prepare for our readings, it's essential to embrace the spiritual journey that accompanies our duties. Please turn to page seven of your leaflet in the handbook. Father has put together this wonderful prayer for us; it begins with "eternal God." Let us say this together as we prepare for our readings, even at home. Practice is vital to ensure that when the time comes, we do not stumble over our words.

Mindfulness in Reading

Everyone here is a capable reader, and it's essential to take our time and pause in the appropriate places. Breathing is crucial—a point I often remind myself of as I tend to get excited. It’s important to adjust your tone when using the microphone. You’ll understand how far you need to be from the mic since the sound system generally remains consistent. You are the one who must adjust your volume accordingly.

Etiquette in the Church

When it comes to our posture and movement in the church, some people might genuflect at different points—usually doing so to acknowledge the presence of God. When you genuflect, especially when near the cross, you're showing respect. Please remember to genuflect first before you turn to the lectern. The lectern, the pulpit, and the podium are all different, so bear this in mind as you participate in the service.

Technical Adjustments

Let's discuss some technical aspects. Please avoid adjusting the microphone once it has been set. If it falls, they’ve taped it up for security, so there’s usually no need to touch it. We previously discussed choosing the right translation for our readings. Do ensure you're using the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) as stated in the handbook. If you’re practicing at home, this is the version to use.

Keeping Updated with Service Details

We aim to improve communication by sending out service details in advance. Today, it appears there's a minor mistake in the bulletin, where the full readings for next week have been included. We're working on only listing the title in the future to avoid confusion. If you’d like to receive the dateline newsletter, which contains all the service details, please provide your emails. I will pass them to Greg, our secretary.

Preparation and Intercessions

Before the service, make sure to arrive early, especially if you're reading. Always check the stool’s position and confirm the readings. Verify if they are printed correctly, and prepare for any intercessions by ensuring the microphone is ready. We have a strong team that's been filling in seamlessly, so if someone is unavailable, another can readily take over.

Conclusion

If you have any questions or need further clarification on today’s discussion, please feel free to reach out. Thank you once again for your dedication and participation in our ministry.