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 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C
Children's Liturgy and Story
Luke 16:1-13
Janice B. Scott
Jesus said, “Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much.” In our worship today let us remember the little things in our lives and ask God to help us to be utterly faithful in them.
Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes we pretend that little sins don't matter.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes we imagine that you don't notice little sins.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes we are only faithful in areas that can be seen by other people.
Lord, have mercy.
Reading:
Luke 16:1-13 (NRSV)
Story:
Children's Story
Luke 16:1-13
Janice B. Scott
The king was a good master, just but generous. All the elves in the kingdom loved him, for they knew he would do anything for them. If any elf was too sick to go down the mine, the king himself would make sure the elf's family had lots of good food to eat, and good wine to drink.
Intercession
Luke 16:1-13
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
Luke 16:1-13
Janice B. Scott
Sermon
1 Timothy 2:1-7
Janice B. Scott
Sermon
Amos 8:4-7
Janice B. Scott
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