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.
Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A
Children's Liturgy and Story
Matthew 21:33-46
Janice B. Scott
Jesus said that the kingdom of God would be given to those who produced the fruits of the kingdom. In our worship today let us explore what the "fruits of the kingdom" might be.
Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes I care more about my own comfort than about your fruits.
Lord, have mercy.
Children's Story
Matthew 21:33-46
Janice B. Scott
Intercession
Matthew 21:33-46
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.
Sermon
Exodus 20.1-4,7-9,12-20
Janice B. Scott
Scott Peck expounds his statement with subjects that might be regarded askance today, including topics such as "discipline" and "facing pain" and "delaying gratification" and
Sermon
Matthew 21:33-46
Janice B. Scott
Like all heroes and heroines of thrillers, Dr Scarpetta often walks into danger. As I sit in my armchair reading about a solo midnight assignation in a cold and lonely place, I find myself willing Dr Scarpetta not to go, for I know she's going to end up in trouble!
It's always obvious to the reader or the viewer that dark and lonely places, where the hero or heroine is instructed to go alone, are fraught with hazard and much better avoided.
Sermon
Philippians 3.4b-14
Janice B. Scott
Perhaps Superman represents the sort of person that many human beings would like to be. Someone who has enormous strength, unflagging energy and who never wavers in the face of danger, but flies straight into it. And despite taking terrible beatings from time to time (especially when Kryptonite is involved!) always wins through in the end.
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