Reader (Christian Science Church) - Duties of Readers

Duties of Readers

The principal responsibilities of Readers in Christian Science services were established by Mary Baker Eddy and written into the Manual of The Mother Church. The Mother Church and every branch church each have two Readers who are referred to as a First Reader and a Second Reader.

Sunday church services are conducted primarily by the First Reader, who selects hymns, reads a selection from the Scriptures, makes announcements, and reads about half of the sermon from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. The Second Reader reads the other half of the sermon from the Bible.

Wednesday evening meetings are conducted by the First Reader, who reads from both books. The Second Reader has no role in the meeting, but is likely to attend in the same manner as any other member or guest.

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