Methodism was endowed by the Wesley brothers with worship characterised by a twofold practice: the ritual liturgy of the Anglican "Book of Common Prayer" on the one hand and the simple Protestant preaching service on the other. Listening to the reading of Scripture and a sermon based upon the biblical text is virtually always included in Methodist worship. The Methodist Church follows the Revised Common Lectionary, in common with other major denominations in Britain. Similar to most historic Christian churches, the Methodist Church has official liturgies for services such as Holy Communion (the Lord's Supper), Baptism, Ordination, and Marriage. These and other patterns of worship are contained in the "Methodist Worship Book", the most recent Methodist service book. It states in its preface that worship is "a gracious encounter between God and the Church. God speaks to us, especially through scripture read and proclaimed and through symbols and sacraments. We respond chiefly through hymns and prayers and acts of dedication." Methodism has typically allowed for freedom in how the liturgy is celebrated—the "Worship Book" serves as a guideline, but ministers, preachers and other worship leaders are not obligated to use it.