Lecterns and Pulpits

Lecterns are small podiums with slanted tops used to hold the text or Bible during a religious service. Produced in many different styles, some include lights to make reading easier for the minister or other clergy. Styles of the lectern can range from classical wood to modern Lucite, to fit the congregation and style of the church.

A pulpit serves a similar function to the lectern, and they are often interchangeable. The main difference between the two is that a pulpit is generally a more substantial piece of furniture.

Books, Bibles, and Bulletins

Weekly bulletins typically feature writing and organization by a member of the church, and can be taken to a printer or printed in-house on special paper. Church bulletins feature news about upcoming events, members of the congregation, and the weekly service.

Most churches have Bibles in the back of each pew, along with a hymn manual, generally a traditional version of each one.

Other books within the church help people apply the Bible’s teachings to their everyday lives. There are chronological study Bibles, Bibles aimed directly at certain groups, like Dads, men, and leaders, and large print editions for those with vision issues.

Candles and Stands

Most church services begin with the lighting of the candles on the altar. This lighting signifies solemnity of the service, and in some religions, the entrance of Jesus into the service.

Church candles are most often long and thin, and white in color with brasstone tops. Depending upon the religion, there might be two candles on each side of the pulpit, or a set of candelabras on the altar.

Along with the candles and stands, the acolytes will need combination candle lighters and snuffers to carry out their duties.

Communion Supplies

Besides the elegant tray that the communion bread is served on, there are also many other supplies needed to serve communion regularly. Small disposable communion cups, the communion bread, and communion grape juice are necessary. Optionally, filler bottles for the small cups make preparation easier, and communion cloths and napkins add a classic touch.

There are also portable communion sets for those times when communion needs served away from the church. These are excellent for prison ministries and home or hospital visits.

Choir Robes

Choir robes are available unadorned and plain, or with embroidered crosses or other religious emblems on the yoke. Some have overlay stoles to add a more formal look.  They are available in standard adult sizes for choir members and other assistants and in junior sizes for the youth choir and acolytes. Color choices generally are candlelight, black, chianti, sapphire, and white, with custom colors available. Though these typically fall below the knee, there are surplice styles available, those fall only to the hip.

VBS supplies

Everyone knows that keeping the attention of grade-school children is often an amazing feat. To that end, there are lots of vacation Bible school supplies available to help kids learn about religion in new and fun ways. There are sets available with start to finish instructions for leaders, including books, songs, and other group activities to keep them interested and focused.

There are also books available for VBS- children’s Bibles and even picture Bibles for the youngest kids, and books with lots of games that are appropriate for young people.

Of course, nothing gets little one’s attention like music, so there are lots of CDs available with songs for them to learn and sing along.