Having read and listened to the video, I can see why people are interested in reader LLM.
For myself I am interested as a practice to be able to do more speaking out, building my confidence and understanding in theology. However I could see the happiness it brings especially in one woman who was talking and her face lite up when she explains the role for her.
I just don't have the same excitement, there isn't much interest to me other than learning for me.
I don't feel a passion, desire or any excitement for this role in church.
I visited a Catholic service once in Melbourne Derbyshire and noticed how the priest was reading his service from an I pad. This made me think if I was to be a vicar how you can actually read the service instead of feeling as though you have to already know word for word what to say. this was a relief to me, as reading out seems more meaningful when I have thought about it in written form and have it in front of me.
Some people bring in quite large bits of their own remarks alongside the liturgy, some add just a little to give it a bit of flavour and keep things connected. In some churches there is explanation about why we do stuff - for example, not just "Now we will say the Creed on page whatever" but "for hundreds of years, Christians have come together to say what they believe. We will join in with that by saying the words on page..." Different people find what they are most comfortable with. People in training might ask a couple of people in the congregation to give them honest feedback about what worked well and what was maybe not very helpful.
I think that styles and traditions within the Church of England vary enormously.
There is a place for reading word for word from the liturgy whilst at times others may be anointed and guided by the Holy Spirit with what to say during sermons.
Speaking in front of others I imagine is something that comes with practice and is what I am finding in my own situation.
When I have been leading services recently I follow the framework provided by the previous vicar and have written down thoughts applying to our context that I felt God prompted me to share alongside scriptures.
You both sound like you have parallels that you can identify with one another and it's so good to be able to support and encourage one another.
See you Saturday!
Tracey
Hi Chris, I know how you feel, I've been worrying about it. I think once we start it, it will all be ok. It's just the unknown. Once it's all done you will be relieved and proud of yourself.
I'm not great at it myself, but if you need any help I'm here for you 😊
Hi Alicia
Just because you feel that you need to write things down word for word doesn't make the point your trying to get across any less valid. I've had the same conversation with our vicar and curate who just have a few notes in front of them when delivering a sermon while i like you need to have it all written out in front of me. They said its just a confidence thing and that with time I might find that I move away from having to write everything down personally I can't see this ever happening. All i can say is give it a go Alicia your delivery does get better with practice there's no right or wrong way to speak at the front of church.
Chris