G

H

I

Introit

(1) Originally in the mediaeval mass, a part of a psalm with its antiphon (q.v.) sung by the choir as the priest (and other ministers) entered the church and approached the altar.

(2) By extension, a term used for a piece of music played as ministers enter the church at the beginning of a service.

J

K

L

Law of Moses

See Torah

Lection

A selected portion or passage of scripture appointed to be read on a particular Sunday. A technical term for the reading. The word lection, via the mediaeval French, became the English word lesson as in the phrase: “Here endeth the lesson.” It meant reading, not something that was taught.

Lectionary

(1) A lectionary is the official timetable of readings to be used throughout the church year, the pattern by which lections are organised.

(2) A book containing scripture readings arranged not in their biblical order, but according to the pattern of the timetable.