Notes

NOTES ON USE OF THIS MATERIAL

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• The Beatitudes as in Matthew 5:1-11 are part of the so-called ‘Sermon on the Mount’, and are regarded by scholars as among the most reliable of Jesus’ teachings – thus deserving to be taken very seriously indeed by his followers!
• Each of these readings normally requires five or six voices: the radio announcer, Jesus and ‘phone callers. If they are used in a large space, care must be taken to ensure there is a good sound system
• It is axiomatic that there be some rehearsal, although there is no necessity for any of the material to be memorised. It is expected that each reader would have his/her copy of the script.
• Provided that the general theme is grasped by readers, there is no reason why there shouldn’t be a modest amount of ‘ad libbing’ – provided this does not get out of hand and lose the thread! In any case, the readings should not exceed 10 minutes in length.
• The radio network is not ‘GAL’ (as in ‘pal’) but ‘G.A.L’. as in ‘A.B.C’. or ‘N.B.C’.
• Finally, it would be helpful before the reading to offer a congregation some fairly brief ‘background’ material, as we have set out below.
• For extra attention to the Beatitudes, consult Lorraine Parkinson’s The World According to Jesus (Spectrum, Melbourne 2011)