| ISBN:0898699290 |  |
| LANGUAGE:English |
"The idea for this Lectionary is great, however the actual text is a flimsey paperback printed on newsprint... Not worth the $50 price, nor is it appropriate for use in the liturgy." Jim Buchman said.
"I have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of this lectionary which I pre-ordered as soon as it was available. The price was reduced by the time they shipped it - but the $46.57 price tag is absolutely appropriate for a multi-year resource for the children of my congregation. Our youngsters are at varying stages of reading competence, from being able to sight read without stumbling to still struggling over sounding out the words. This lectionary comes at a perfect time for them to practice with one another as they prepare to read aloud in the whole congregation. I shared the volume with my vestry leadership this morning, and they were particularly taken with the psalm paraphrases, with the bold-faced response to allow for responsory reading. Our intention is always to incorporate our children into the worshiping life of the whole community, and this will be appropriate for them as they learn, and as they begin to read in front of all those grownups. I particularly appreciate the hints the author provides for encouraging young people to read for one another and for the whole congregation. She has a lot of practice doing this -- and we're so fortunate to have her share her obvious delight in growing minds with all the rest of us. Another reviewer remarked about the paperpback binding. It's definitely not "imitation leather" (is that available?) but it is a flexible cover with large-print format very much like the lectionary book we are using in worship. The format parallels what they would see in the "grownup" lectionary - also helping them to make that transition as their comprehension and confidence grow. I would only hope (next edition?) that there would be inclusion of both distinct "tracks" in Ordinary Time. But then the book would be even more huge!" Mary E. Rivetti said.
"This lectionary fulfills a huge need to share the stories of our faith tradition with our children. It is clear and well written and easily understood by children and will also be appreciated by many adults for its clarity in the communication of its message. There is a great need within faith communities to engage children in the stories of scripture. This book does a splendid job in that engagement and deserves a place in every Christian faith assembly." Daniel Andrus said.
"A wonderful and thoughtfully written lectionary resource for use with children, and in family worship. Lyn has done an excellent job in making the lectionary Scriptures accessible to children, without losing the truth in the translation, adding non-scriptural details, or dumbing it down. Indeed, this lectionary would also work very well in a setting where many of the adult congregation are unfamiliar with the Bible, or have low standards of literacy.
I am sure this book will encourage many children and youth in our congregations to participate more in the liturgy as lay readers, and engage with the readings in a way that many are unable to do with the adult Bible translations. I hope Episcopal bishops (and similar authorizing persons in other churches) will permit the use of "God's Word, My Voice" at services where children are actively present in the worship.
My one disappointment is the 'flimsiness' of this book. I do not see the book, which is quite heavy, lasting very long with continual use, especially when small children are trying to lift and use it. I understand a soft back makes it more affordable (though it is still quite a big expense for a church on a small budget). However, there are thicker soft back covers - many of my theological books have such thick soft backs." Butterfly bookworm said.
"Amazing book. Lyn Briggs has rewritten the entire lectionary of the Episcopal Church in a language that is appropriate for children (and for adults too). Masterfully done. A work that will stand the test of time. Should be used in all Episcopal parishes with a children's ministry." Joyce Mitchell said.
"This is a wonderful resource for family services, classrooms, chapels. Easily read by 8+ year olds. It maintains
the integrity and message of the lectionary readings." Nancy Sewell said.
"Content = phenomenal. The language is accessible, there is diversity (some responsive readings, mostly the text written in child friendly language). This is going to be incredibly useful for me in my ministry!
Book (paper) = disappointing. For as much as this book costs I expected a much higher quality. I'm fine with it being paperback because it's easier to handle and lays open well, but the pages feel like the pages from a workbook." amy said.
