Producing Order of Services
Layout
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justifying texts left and right is very difficult to read: texts are poetic often, and should
ideally have a phrase a line
centring texts is always bad
if you are using bold you probably don't need to use the word all
font - the default font in Common Worship is Gill Sans. We would encourage you to use Gill
Sans or a Sans serif font like Arial or Calibri
Common Worship has opted to put the headings on the right hand side of the text in bold
and in bigger writing and in bold. This is something to think about.
using colour for headings
Line Spacing in Common Worship is 1.2 - it makes it easier to read
Good practice
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using the inside covers of the order of service for prayer or explanation
page numbers
white space
quality graphics
rubrics [stand, sit, kneel] are helpful to the stranger
On the front of the order of service letting people know large print orders exist
Large print orders of service
Card cover
Congregational hymns printed in bold
Copyright info for 1) Text 2) Bible text 3) CCL Hymn licence [where appropriate]
Think about A4 vertical (as opposed for A4 booklet). Good for fitting in hymn verses and
putting liturgical texts into "poetic shape"
Colour on graphics on cover
Laminated cover
Music notation - though you are committed to using this until the next reprint
Bad practice or practices worth thinking about
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irregular line spacing within individual sections of text and ideally consistent line spacing
through the text
avoid 'widows'. These are lines of text with just a single word. Move some of the preceding
line down.
splitting a text between pages. Aim to have the whole text [Gloria, Creed, Lord's Prayer] on
one page. Certainly avoid title of text on one page and actual text on another
avoid putting things in boxes - these are very difficult to centre when you start folding
things. Distracting to the eye.
blank pages - spread things out. You look disorganised
Not putting a space between Headings and the following text
Avoid centring text - really difficult to read
too many options in Seasons; they are too short a time to have more than one. Train your
congregations!
Giving name of Eucharistic Prayer if only using one.
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Making up your own Prayer over the Water (making up our own sacramental texts is not
part of the deal)
underlining texts - looks ugly
not thinking through where the appropriate line breaks should be in the liturgical texts listen to the rhythm of the language - "poetic" layout.
Mixing serif and sans serif fonts
Comic Sans
Churchy Titles (Liturgy, Confession, Collect) - examples of re-wording to explain.
Cluttered cover with too much information - not "clean"
Target audience - think through who might read / see this. Is it appropriate
If you put the text in - the Peace for instance - you are committed to use it. Words like other
words may be used are confusing. It's easier simply to omit the text to give yourself
flexibility.
Very small font - 8 point Times New Roman.
Seasonal variation
Keep it simple. No season lasts very long. Too much variation is unhelpful for formation of our
worshipping congregations.
Colour coding of the covers in the seasons
Please think about varying the changes at
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confession [introduction, confession itself, and absolution],
creed/affirmation of faith
response to intercession
peace
varying Eucharistic Prayer and/or using preface of the season
acclamation of faith
introduction to Lord's Prayer
words at fraction
post communion prayer
blessing
supplementary words to dismissal
Final question;
If I took this booklet home, would it honour the Lord and give me food for my soul to reflect on?