Janice Scott ... The Village Shepherd

After being ordained in 1994 with the first wave of women priests, Janice became curate in a large city centre parish in Norwich and from there, moved to South Norfolk in 1999 as Rector of a rural benefice of six parishes. After completing her MA in Pastoral Theology with the Cambridge Theological Foundation in 2008 she was appointed Honorary Canon of Norwich Cathedral. Janice now lives with her husband Ian just outside Norwich. In addition to her diocesan work and writing "The Village Shepherd," she is a freelance writer for Redemptorist Publications in the UK. She has also written and broadcasts "Pause For Thought" on a local radio station and has written several novels, all with a church background.
Sixth Sunday of Easter - C
Children's Liturgy and Story
John 5:1-9
Janice B. Scott
Jesus said to the paralysed man, "Stand up, take your mat and walk." In our worship today let us explore all that paralyses us, then let us respond to Jesus' command to stand up and walk.
Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes I'm so afraid of ridicule that I keep my head down.
Lord, have mercy.Jesus, sometimes I'm so afraid of doing the wrong thing that I do nothing at all.
Christ, have mercy.Jesus, sometimes I find it easier to criticise than to take positive action myself.
Lord, have mercy.
Reading:
John 5:1-9 (NRSV)
Children's Story
John 5:1-9
Janice B. Scott
As the bell sounded for the next lesson, Martha asked for her calculator back. "Hang on a minute," said Jenny. "I just want to finish this game. I'll give it back in a minute." So Martha went on her way. She forgot all about the calculator until that evening, when her brother roared at her.
Intercession
John 5:1-9
Janice B. Scott
The Church of Christ
Creation, human society, the Sovereign and those in authority
The local community
Those who suffer
The communion of saints
These responses may be used:
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
Healing God,
Sometimes I'm afraid of your glance, for it's like a scimitar which slices straight through me to the depths of my being, to those parts I'd like to keep hidden and undisturbed. I dread the pain of facing my hidden depths, and would prefer to remain in unhealed comfort.
Sermon
Ezekiel 37:1-14
Janice B. Scott
Sermon
John 5:1-9
Janice B. Scott
One letter said this:
Sir,
I have cancelled my order for The Times. I am not paying you, to pay a writer, to pay a killer for a story. Yours faithfully.
Another letter said:
Sir,
Listening (at the Reith Lectures) to the historical account of Japanese soldiers brutalised in their training in order to create merciless killing machines, I couldn't help but see the parallels to the Mary Bell debate.
Sermon
Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5
Janice B. Scott
I always find walking along the beach both relaxing and bracing (especially on the North Norfolk coast!) and I very much enjoy rivers and streams and waterfalls.
What is The Village Shepherd?
The Village Shepherd offers sermons, bible stories, children's stories and prayers based on the Revised Common Lectionary. These inspirational sermons, stories, and prayers are sure to touch your heart, because they reflect the simple virtues and tranquil serenity that characterize Reverend Scott's English countryside pastorate. The questions "Where is God in this particular situation?" and "Where does the Gospel story cross our own human story?" are always at the heart of these meditations -- but rather than finding overt answers, instead you will be gently led to make your own connections and discover the powerful ways in which God works. Janice Scott has the unique ability to find interesting details in ordinary life that illuminate scripture, while still challenging even the most intellectual reader. And that gift is precisely what also makes her an outstanding communicator with children.
Most weeks include:
- Sermon based on the Gospel reading
- Sermon based on the Epistle reading
- Sermon based on the First reading
- Children's stories linked with the Gospel readings
- Children's liturgy and story (a different story than mentioned above)
- An intercessory prayer