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Bible Reading 2008 Pre-convention (Grades 7-12)

(NOTE: The LTC-SW Board of Directors has determined that this event should emphasize the idea of training in Bible Reading more than has been attempted in the past. The LTC-SW Board encourages as many as can to participate in this event as it is meant to better equip our young people in this much needed skill.)

PURPOSE: To provide an opportunity for young people to develop skills through the oral reading of the Scriptures.

PROCESS: This event will be for grades 7-12. (Grades 3-6 may participate as a Convention Event. See Convention Event Rules in the Convention section of this manual. Note: Grades 3-6 may participate in Bible Reading as a Pre-Convention event as desired, following the 7-12 rules, or if scheduling prevents participation in another convention event. However, a 3-6 grader must choose to participate in either the Pre-Convention Event or the Convention Event. He/She must make the choice between the two. Grades 7-12 will NOT be allowed to participate in Bible Reading at the Convention.)

Each congregation shall:

• Choose a reading from Old or New Testament for each participant. (Due to the format which the Pre-Convention readings will take place the Pre-Convention Scriptures are not required to relate to this year's theme.)
• Choose reading from a standard translation, no paraphrases.
• Properly register each participant.
• See Convention section of rules for grade divisions 3-6.
• See that the certification form is complete. i.e., dates, times, verses, signatures, etc.
• Mail the following to the Event Director for each Pre-convention participant:
• The verified certification form
• A stamped postcard with the Church Coordinator's mailing address if receipt confirmation is requested.

Pre-Convention Bible Reading Evaluation Form

Pre-Convention Bible Reading Certification Form

THE PACKAGE MUST BE POSTMARKED BY MONDAY, February 25, 2008

The Event Director shall:

• Send a confirmation of receipt to the Church Coordinator if a stamped postcard is included.
• Report results to the Awards Committee.

RULES:

General Rules (7-12)

A brief introduction is required. The participant should not attempt to explain or interpret the passages. However, participants should place major emphasis on the actual Bible reading and not on prepared statements.

Pre-Convention Rules (7-12)

• The participant shall read before a group of people in a public setting such as: College Age Bible Class, Adult Bible Class, Ladies' Class, Small Group of Adults, or Worship Assembly as appropriate. If the size of your group makes this difficult, readings can be done in front of one or two people. The aim is to train young people in Scripture reading. Conduct your approach based on what works best for your group. Each reading should take place at a different date and time. Also, if possible, each reading should take place before a different group of people.
• Although pre-convention participants will not read before an "LTC" judge as at Convention, they should remember that they are leading others in the reading of God's Word. The judging criteria used for the Convention participants should reflect the goals for the Pre-Convention participants.
• Congregation Coordinators should copy both parts of the certification form for each participant. The form entitled, "Areas of Achieved Excellence" should be used by the judges for comments for the participant. This should be shared with the participant after each reading. It may be helpful to use multiple forms so a separate form can be shared with the participant after each reading. Participants need to know their areas of excellence and improvement, but no more than 2 areas of improvement should be mentioned each time they read. Only the "Certification Form" should be sent to the Event Director for award verification.
• The length of the reading, due to the format in which the Pre-Convention reading will take place, will vary. Each reading shall be from a different passage.

AWARDS:

Pre-Convention (7-12)

Gold -- Six (6) public readings
Silver -- Four (4) public readings
Bronze -- Two (2) public readings

Failure to follow the rules will result in a one level drop in award.

JUDGING CRITERIA:

Introduction - The effectiveness of the participant to identify: (1) the passage, (2) the translation, and (3) the setting of the passage.

Poise - Proper poise while reading, i.e. composure, self-confidence, handling of the Bible.

Posture - Proper posture while reading. One should stand straight with both feet firmly on the floor. Movement should only be done to emphasize a point.

Voice Tone - The proper voice tone.

Voice Volume - The proper voice volume. Can the speaker be heard clearly in relationship to the room size and audience?

Rate and Flow - Does the reading flow well? Not too fast or too slow.

Articulation and Enunciation - Does the participant enunciate the words clearly and distinctly? Is there good articulation?

Eye Contact - Does the reader have the ability to look away from the text and look at the audience to give emphasis to the reading??

Overall Impression - What is the overall impression of the reader and his/her reading?

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