This PowerPoint supplements chapters 7 and 8 of People in the Presence of God.
Ezra convenes scripture-reading event: reads 4 hours, praises 4 hours. Origin of synagogue unclear (perhaps Babylon). Synagogue worship: scroll ceremony, public-lectionary-scripture-reading, shema (creed-like), 18 benediction prayer, homily (short sermon). Any qualified person could teach/preach. Comparison of Synagogue to Protestant/Catholic service. Creative ideas on public reading of scripture. Hymn for paraphrasing the Apostle’s Creed.