THE BOOK CORNER

Welcome to the Book of Common Prayer

by Vicki K. Black

Black's book is short and accessible, and follows

the 1979 BCP in structure. There are sections of this

book that provide introduction and commentary for each

of the major sections of the Book of Common Prayer:

Baptism, Eucharist, Daily Office, Church Year, Making

Vows (Confirmation, Marriage, Ordination), Pastoral

Offices, and the 'extra bits'. While the BCP is arranged in a

different order from Black's chapters, the arrangement of

chapters in Black's book follow the criteria of 'most used'

there are parts of the book that are more frequently used

than others. Each chapter of Black's book can be read

independent of the other parts, which makes this a very

useful tool for Lenten studies, church groups and others

who might want to follow a different sequence.

This is a very informative and useful guide, both for those

who are new to the Book of Common Prayer, and those

who have held the book in their hands through many

editions all their lives.

Review by Fr Kurt Messick