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Last week we discussed what is a Collect.

Every Sunday we also have scripture (bible) readings, typically found on the insert in the worship bulletin. Along with the Collect and psalm, these readings are often referred to as the Proper for the Sunday. The Proper is the part of the Eucharist and daily services that changes according to the festival or church season.

The first scripture reading is taken from the Old Testament.

The second reading (often called the Epistle) is taken from one of the Letters of the New Testament, the Acts of the Apostles, or the Book or Revelation (or any other reading from the Bible other the Gospels or Psalms). The word “epistle” comes from the Greek word epistolé, which means “letter” or "message". Epistles make up the majority of the books of the New Testament. The epistles were written by apostles, who were key Christian teachers infused with the power of the Holy Spirit and inspired to tell people how they, too, could live as a Christian.

Finally, the Gospel reading is taken from one of the Gospels written by Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. The Gospel is read by a deacon or priest in the Eurcharist, and the congregation stands when it is proclaimed as a sign of reverence.

More Anglican history: The Gospel Side of the church is an archaic term referring to the left side of the altar, and that side of the church building, as viewed by the congregation from the nave. The gospel used to be read from a pulpit on this side of the altar. Alternatively, the epistle was read from a pulpit or lectern on the opposite side of the altar, which was then known as the Epistle Side. Some Episcopal churches still carry on this tradition but our prayer book discourages the practice.