Scripture Echo is non-denominational and seeks to provide readings to churches, retreat centers, etc. of all denominations and traditions.

Please contact us. Let us know about your experience with Scripture Echo readings – what worked, what was challenging, what might improve a reading, what new ideas you might have.  Your input will strengthen this ministry.  You may contact us at info@ScriptureEcho.com.

Scripture Echo Collaborators: Scripture Echo exists with many heartfelt thanks to the following collaborators:

Rila Hackett, who lends her voice, with all of its exquisite intensity, to each of the Demo readings, and who has helped to form this ministry from its beginning, as a sounding board and creative consultant

Mary Edith Leichliter, who helps with editing and “translation” into different versions, and whose lovely voice is found on many of the Advent recording samples

Dan Snyder, who lends his voice to many recording samples

Chuck Manners, who assists with marketing and public relations

Steve Puffer, our sound engineer, who patiently helps us wade through the recording process - www.parallelproductions.net

Dale Marx, my dear and talented husband, webmaster and supporter-extraordinaire of all my projects - www.marxart.com

Our History:
As a Presbyterian pastor with responsibility for Sunday morning worship planning, I was always on the lookout for a way that would bring a familiar passage of scripture alive to the listeners.  In my own personal devotions, I found that I was echoing the words of a psalm or other poetic portion of scripture back and forth in my mind.  I wondered how I could use a similar structure for a public reading.  In time, with much trial and some error, the idea of a “Scripture Echo” came to life. 

I served First Presbyterian Church in Lancaster, PA, as an associate pastor from 1997 - 2001. During the last couple of years of my ministry there, I created several Scripture Echo readings for use in my congregation. Usually, these were shared during the Sunday morning worship services (an informal service and a traditional service). The response was extremely positive.  I remember one woman saying, “You didn’t even have to preach a sermon after that scripture reading. That was like a sermon itself.” I have received many comments that suggest that the Scripture Echo reading helps the listener to connect to the scripture passage in a fresh and dynamic way. Here are a few more:

“That almost put me to sleep – but in a good way!”

“I’ll be mulling over those words all week.”

“That scripture reading was wonderful! Did you write it?”

I am always quick to respond that I didn’t write the words, per se, because the words are simply scripture. I’ve just arranged them so that they are echoed back and forth by different voices.

Since I left my position at the church, and have focused on a ministry of writing and spiritual direction, I have taken the Scripture Echo readings into other churches, as well as retreat and small group settings, and into denomination gatherings and seminary communities. It is a privilege to share Scripture Echo readings with others, and I am glad to have them available on our website.

When I create each Scripture Echo, I sit in the sanctuary and allow the words to bounce back and forth in my mind. I imagine each voice as an instrument and the interplay of voices and of silence as sacred music. A finished script, to me, is like a musical score. I feel that these Scripture Echo arrangements have been given to me as gift that I am called to share.

I would like to thank the members of the Lancaster First Presbyterian Church community who have encouraged and helped to shape Scripture Echo. Many of the “collaborators” listed above are a part of this church, and I am filled with gratitude for their presence in this ministry and in my life. Thanks also to Pastors Randy Riggs and Don Hackett for years of welcoming Scripture Echo readings into the worship services, and to the many readers in the congregation who have shared their voices in worship and during rehearsals.

May the peace of Christ be with you…
The peace of Christ…
Peace…

Tracey Marx, Creative Director
Scripture Echo