Guidelines For The Procession

A procession is an act of movement in worship by a group of people for the sake of all. In the Entrance, the procession symbolizes the entire congregation coming before the Lord.

General norms for the conduct of the procession are as follows: a. The people who are to process into the sanctuary line up in order of entrance at the back of the church or some other convenient and inconspicuous place. b. The order of personnel in the Entrance should be: "¢ the cross bearer (if a cross is used) "¢ acolytes or candle bearers (if used) "¢ the banner carriers (if banners are used) "¢ the Scripture readers (who may carry a Bible or Gospel book or lectionary) "¢ the choir "¢ the ministers; in liturgical churches deacons first (carrying Gospel book) then priest(s) or pastor(s). c. As the Entrance song is sung the procession enters. d. The people processing will best signify the meaning of the entrance as they: "¢ sing heartily, offering leadership to the worshiping community. "¢ assume a demeanor of prayerful reverence. "¢ do not look around or cast greetings. This is not a show in which persons in the procession are on display. The procession, when done in the right spirit, provides strong leadership to the beginning of worship and calls forth hearty singing from the people. This profound and joyous sense of coming before the Lord establishes a spirit of joyful anticipation that give life to worship. During the seasons of the Christian year, it is important to use music, banners, and colors that express the theme of the season (see Volume 5: The Services of the Christian Year).