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 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Children's Liturgy and Story
Mark 9:38-50
Janice B. Scott
Jesus said that whoever is not against us, is for us. Let us welcome all those who are not against us and thank God for their support.
Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, when we judge others too harshly,
Lord, have mercy.Jesus, when we wrongly feel that all are against us,
Christ, have mercy.Jesus, when we enjoy our own cliques and keep others out,
Lord, have mercy.
Reading:
Mark 9:38-50
Children's Story
Mark 9:38-50
Janice B. Scott
There was only one other pixie who changed colour, and he was very old and had grown very wise. The wise old pixie had been just like Praxis when he was small, but now he was old, all his colours combined to produce a radiant, brilliant white. The white was a sign that inside himself he was at peace, and as a result of that peace he had become very wise and very well loved.
Intercession
Mark 9:38-50
Janice B. Scott
These responses may be used:
Let us pray for the Church and for the world, and let us thank God for his goodness.
Almighty God our heavenly father, you promised through your Son Jesus Christ to hear us when we pray in faith.
God of refining fire, sometimes one branch of your Church shows intolerance towards another branch. Sometimes one branch of your Church claims exclusive rights to you. May all your church be so salted with fire that we open our arms to one another, accepting and welcoming each other in your name.
Sermon
James 5:13-20
Janice B. Scott
That seems to me to be such a good description of prayer, to be leaning on a garden gate talking to God. It conjures up a feeling of intimacy and friendship and relaxation in God's presence.
I think perhaps one of the greatest of human needs is the need to pray. Those who have the ability to pray are able to enjoy fulfilling and secure lives, but many
Sermon
Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22
Janice B. Scott
One of the Jewish heroines is Esther. Her exploits are recounted in the Book of Esther, which is very important for Jewish people but less well known by Christians. Esther's deeds are remembered and celebrated annually by Jews at the two-day Feast of Purim, but the events of the Book of Esther are not thought to be historical, more of a very exciting novel.
Sermon
Mark 9:38-50
Janice B. Scott
On one memorable occasion when we were very young, my brother and I were sent shopping and met a little friend at the shop. Because we had been taught to be kind and generous children, we bought our friend an ice cream from the shopping money.
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
