Login / Signup

The Village Shepherd

Goodbye Summer Sale!
ALL-ACCESS...$99 OR
Individual Components...25% OFF
Renew or Signup Now!
Sale Ends Sept. 28th
Hold down Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) for multiple selections (scroll list to see all options)

Children's Liturgy and Story

The Village Shepherd

You Can Do It, Emily! -- John 5:1-9 -- Janice B. Scott -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2013
Call to Worship:

Jesus said to the paralysed man, "Stand up, take your mat and

Maisie's Game -- Mark 6:1-13 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
Call to Worship:

Through our worship today, let us join the band of disciples and

When Mrs Round Was Sick -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2012
Call to Worship:

Jesus came, took Peter's mother-in-law by the hand, and lifted her

What's The Plan? -- John 3:14-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
Call to Worship:

Here's an astonishing thought - God loves us as much as he loves

The Weekend Away -- John 6:56-69 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2012

This is a story which tries to explain how Jesus can be the Holy

The Video Game -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2012
Call to Worship:

The rich man asked Jesus, "What must I do to inherit eternal

Paddy's Prayer -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2012
Call to Worship:

Jesus said, "What is it you want me to do for you?" In our

Bleat The Black Sheep -- Mark 13:1-8 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
Call to Worship:

Life isn't always smooth. Jesus calls us to difficult and painful

Prettybush And The Ugly Place -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2011
Call to Worship:
Beth's Gift -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2011
Call to Worship:
Kit -- John 9:1-41 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Call to Worship:
Boris In The Forest -- Matthew 10:40-42 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2008
Call to Worship:
Jesus calls us to welcome everyone in his name. In our worship
He's Not One Of Us -- Mark 7:24-37 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B
Call to Worship:

When Jesus entered a house, he didn't want anyone to know he was

The Black Cave -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
Call to Worship:

John the Baptist came as a witness to the light. In our worship

Benjy's Birthday Party -- Mark 8:27-38 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B
Call to Worship:

Jesus said, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny

Praxis And The Wandering Minstrel -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
Call to Worship:

The Angel Gabriel called Mary to special work for God. In our

The Friends From The Street Want To Swim -- Mark 9:38-50 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Call to Worship:

Jesus said that whoever is not against us, is for us. Let us

The Best Present Ever -- Luke 2:8-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- The Nativity of our Lord - C
Call to Worship:

Come, let us go even now to Bethlehem with the shepherds and the

Bushman's Acorn -- Mark 10:2-16 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B
Call to Worship:

Jesus said, "What God has joined together, let no one separate."

Mr. Skillett And Mrs. Round Make Changes -- Luke 2:15-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B
Call to Worship:

In our worship today, let us praise and glorify God for all we

Mr. Tweedie, The Organist -- Mark 10:46-52 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
Call to Worship:

They said to the blind man, "Take heart; get up, he is calling

A Page Boy's Story -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany of the Lord - B
Call to Worship:

With the kings, on this feast of the Epiphany let us come to

Mo's Love For God -- Mark 12:28-34 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B
Call to Worship:

Jesus told us to love God and to love our neighbours as ourselves.

Lazy Linda -- Matthew 25:1-13 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A
Call to Worship:

Jesus said, "Keep awake, for you do not know either the day or the

Thin Ice -- Luke 4:14-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C
Call to Worship:

The Spirit of the Lord was upon Jesus as he worshipped in the

Children's sermon

The Village Shepherd

Sabbath Refreshment -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2018
Note: There is no content for Proper 4 / OT 9 / Pentecost 2 from The Village Shepher
All brothers and sisters -- Mark 3:20-35 -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B
Note: There is no content for Proper 5 / OT 10 / Pentecost 3 from The Village Shephe
Just The Right Time -- Mark 4:26-34 -- Wesley T. Runk -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B
Note: There is no content for Proper 6 / OT 11 / Pentecost 4 from The Village Shephe

Children's Story

The Village Shepherd

Praxis Sees The Light -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2011
Praxis, the pixie whose skin changes colour according to his mood, was bright, bright blue.
Praxis Feels Angry -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2011
Praxis, the little pixie whose skin changes colour according to his moods, was a dull, ugly red.
Praxis Hits Back -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2011
"We got them!" Praxis was proudly relating his story to the Wise Old Pixie, who was listening with a
The Search For Kingship -- Luke 19:28-40 -- Janice B. Scott -- Passion Sunday - A
This is a story about a royal prince, who was sent by
Holly's Worry -- Matthew 6:24-34 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A

Jesus tells us not to be anxious about trivial things, for God

Donovan's New Life -- Mark 1:14-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B

One of the interesting features about this story of the calling of

Mary Louise And Her Silent Companions -- John 3:1-17 -- Janice B. Scott -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
In this story, Mary Louise's dolls come to life on
Simon's Shoes -- John 6:35, 41-51 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
For his tenth birthday, Simon's uncle George gave him a pair of shoes. Simon was quite excited.
Awkward Jennifer -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A
Nobody liked Jennifer.
The Sad Tale Of Nutman -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B
Nutman was very excited.
'i'm Not Afraid.....' -- Mark 6:14-29 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B
Andrew was hanging about on the age of the group, as usual.
Simon And The Holy Spirit -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Janice B. Scott -- Day of Pentecost - B
When he grew up, Simon was going to be a great football player.
Baby Genie's New Home -- John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Janice B. Scott -- Day of Pentecost - C
BG was very frightened.
The Reluctant Bridesmaid -- John 2:1-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C
When Jesus visited a wedding at Cana in Galilee, he showed that human disappointments matter to
I Want To Be? -- Luke 6:17-26 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C
We tend to think of Saints as special holy people who are perhaps not quite real.
Perry's Little Arrangements -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C
Perry skipped and sang as he danced his way to the Elf King's palace.
Roly's First Christmas -- Luke 1:39-45 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C
Roly the dachshund puppy was feeling rather bewildered.
Anna's Story -- Luke 2:22-40 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C
The story of the presentation of Jesus in the temple is strong on two 'bit-part' characters, Sim
The Refugees -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
Joe shivered and cuddled up against his young wife, now sleeping at last with the baby held secu
I Want To Be -- Luke 6:20-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- All Saints Day - C
Casper's aunt was visiting.
Oscar's Courage -- Luke 4:14-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C
When Jesus chose that particular passage from Isaiah, he went to the heart of his gospel - an op
Roly Shows The Way -- Luke 3:7-18 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday of Advent - C
The three children were racing through the woods, and Roly was keeping up as best he could with
Amanda's Special Party -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A
Amanda Squirrel hummed as she put the finishing touches to the icing on the huge cake she had ma
The Prayer Diary -- John 17:6-19 -- Janice B. Scott -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B
Sandy wasn't very good at prayer.
I Don't Know How To Love... -- John 14:15-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A
"I love chocolate," mumbled Paul as he stuffed the last fragment of Mars bar into his mouth.

Intercession

The Village Shepherd

Suffering God... -- Janice B. Scott -- Passion Sunday - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

God Of Creation, Your Church Is The Body Of Christ... -- Mark 1:14-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Inclusive God... -- Mark 1:21-28 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Foolish God... -- Luke 6:20-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- All Saints Day - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Joyful God, It's Your Birthday... -- Luke 2:1-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- The Nativity of our Lord - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:


Matthew 6:25-34 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Understanding God... -- John 17:1-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of The Heart As Well As The Mind... -- Luke 20:27-38 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Father God... -- Luke 2:41-52 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Healing God, Nothing Is Too Small For You... -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Understanding And Loving God... -- John 14:15-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Unexpected God -- John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Janice B. Scott -- Day of Pentecost - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:


Courageous And Long-Suffering God -- Luke 9:51-62 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Ever-Present God -- Luke 21:5-19 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Advent God, As Christmas Frenetically Approaches... -- Luke 3:7-18 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday of Advent - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Gentle And Self-Effacing God... -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Janice B. Scott -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Our Shepherd... -- John 10:1-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God's Family Christmas -- Janice B. Scott -- The Nativity of our Lord - A, The Nativity of our Lord - B, The Nativity of our Lord - C
Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion

Call to Worship
Outgoing And Self-Emptying God... -- Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Understanding And Forgiving God... -- Luke 18:9-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Christmas Babe, Born In A Cowshed... -- Luke 1:39-45 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Transcendent God... -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Janice B. Scott -- Transfiguration Sunday - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Courageous God... -- John 14:1-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Surprises -- Easter Day -- Janice B. Scott -- Easter Day - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Loving And Forgiving God -- Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

Prayer

The Village Shepherd

Restrictive religion versus redemptive righteousness -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Dennis Koch -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1993
Note: There is no content for Proper 4 / OT 9 / Pentecost 2 from The Village Shepher
God Of Vision -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
Let us pray for the Church and for the world, and let us thank God for his goodness.

Preaching

The Village Shepherd

Healing A Withered Hand -- Mark 2:23--3:6 -- Harold H. Lentz -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 1999
Note: There is no content for Proper 4 / OT 9 / Pentecost 2 from The Village Shepher

Sermon

The Village Shepherd

A Life Worthy Of The Calling -- Ephesians 4:1-16 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2018
Some years ago, I was privileged to spend a long time talking to and listening to a young man wh
Profound Experiences -- Isaiah 6:1-8 -- Janice B. Scott -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2018
The highlight of the famous Alpha course is the Holy Spirit weekend, although it has to be said that
Will The Meek Inherit The Earth? -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Janice B. Scott -- All Saints Day - A -- 2017
Every so often in our national press, there's a call for a return to the Ten Commandments, a cal
Consequences -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2012
As Newton's Third Law of Motion tells us, every action has an equal and opposite reaction.
Consequences -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2012
As Newton's Third Law of
God The Creator -- Isaiah 40:21-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2012
According to some research undertaken in 2000, in the last twenty years or so there has been a
Symbols And Idolatry -- Numbers 21:4-9 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2012
Present day icons
Hold To God's Ways -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2012
Life is unfair. It seems especially unfair when something which has been denied one person is
Judgment Day -- Hebrews 4:12-16 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2012
I was watching yet another television programme on near-death
God's Justice -- Hebrews 5:1-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2012
One thing which perhaps separates humans from other animals, is
Do You Need To Go To Church To Be A Christian? -- Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2012
Many churches in England in small country parishes are struggling.
Being Christian -- Matthew 5:13-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2011
An abiding memory of my childhood is of my father in the garden.
The Great Antitheses -- Matthew 5:21-37 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2011
Jane had marriage problems.
No Strings Attached -- Matthew 5:38-48 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2011
I remember, as a child, the loathsome task of writing thank you letters after every birthday and Chr
Does Anybody Tell the Truth Anymore? -- Mark 3:20-35 -- David R. Cartwright -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2011
Note: There is no content for Proper 5 / OT 10 / Pentecost 3 from The Village Shephe
All Things Work Together ... -- Exodus 14:19-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2011
Perhaps one of the harder lessons which Christians have to learn is that bad things happen
When The Oil Runs Dry -- Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2011
When we first discovered that there was oil beneath the North Sea in 1965, it was a cause for
God Never Gives Up On Us -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- William J. Carl, III -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2008
Note: There is no content for Proper 5 / OT 10 / Pentecost 3 from The Village Shephe
Unexpected God -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Back in the early seventies when divorce was still regarded with shock and horror, Melanie fell in l
I've Got A Home In That Kingdom -- 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Nibs Stroupe -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2008
Note: There is no content for Proper 6 / OT 11 / Pentecost 4 from The Village Shephe
Sacrifice -- Genesis 22:1-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2008
When Jane left school she
The Lord Looks On The Heart -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2006
Many years ago when I was at Primary School, an Australian girl joined our class.
Things Change -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10, (11-20) -- Stan Purdum -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2005
Note: There is no content for Proper 4 / OT 9 / Pentecost 2 from The Village Shepher
Parades And Crosses -- The Challenge Of Ministry -- 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2005
Note: There is no content for Proper 4 / OT 9 / Pentecost 2 from The Village Shepher
Looking To The Unseen -- 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1 -- Maurice A. Fetty -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2005
Note: There is no content for Proper 5 / OT 10 / Pentecost 3 from The Village Shephe

Worship

The Village Shepherd

Proper 5 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2002
Note: There is no content for Proper 5 / OT 10 / Pentecost 3 from The Village Shephe
Parables of the Kingdom -- Mark 4:26-34 -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 1990
Note: There is no content for Proper 6 / OT 11 / Pentecost 4 from The Village Shephe
God Of Vision -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
Let us pray for the Church and for the world, and let us thank God for his goodness.

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Bethany Peerbolte
George Reed
Christopher Keating
Mary Austin
Thomas Willadsen
For September 23, 2018:
  • Memory and Wisdom by Dean Feldmeyer -- What’s the difference in being wise and being experienced? Or is there one?

StoryShare

Keith Hewitt
David O. Bales
Contents
“Buzzkill” by Keith Hewitt
“A Capable Woman, Past And Present” by David O. Bales
“Like A Tree To The Very Last Leaf” by David O. Bales


Buzzkill
by Keith Hewitt
Mark 9:30-37

CSSPlus

Arley K. Fadness
“Whoever welcomes one such child in my name, welcomes me...” (v.37a)

Good morning children,

It is so good to see you. I have a message this morning about little people like you. Want to hear it?  (children respond)

Do you ever argue? Do you argue with your sister or brother? Do you ever argue with your parents? Or teachers? Or classmates?

Arguing is not the same as fighting. Actually, it is healthy to argue. Arguing can be fun and useful as long as there is respect for one another.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Bill Thomas
Bonnie Bates
Mark Ellingsen
Bob Ove
Frank Ramirez
Ron Love
Proverbs 31:10-31, Psalm 1
Betty Ford was the wife of Gerald Ford, the 38th President of the United States. Gerald Ford took office on August 9, 1974 with the resignation of Richard Nixon. Betty loved domestic life, but this was no longer possible when she became the First Lady. When asked about the difficulties of her new life in the White House she replied, “I wish I’d married a plumber. At least he’d be home by five o’clock.”

Application: A good marriage does require sacrifice.
Ron L.
Wayne Brouwer
In H. G. Wells’ tale “The Queer Story of Brownlow’s Newspaper,” it is November 10, 1931, when Mr. Brownlow returns to his apartment at the end of work and sits down to read his evening paper. As he takes the wrapped bundle in his hands he thinks it feels different than usual. Looking at the address he notices that it was supposed to go to an Evan O’Hara. Still, if he got Mr. O’Hara’s newspaper it is likely that this is only a minor mix-up, and that Mr. O’Hara is already enjoying Mr. Brownlow’s paper over a cup of tea. So Mr. Brownlow unwraps the daily journal and settles in.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Timothy Duckling was big and strong. His had been the first egg to hatch and so he was older than all his brothers and sisters and the strongest of the brood. Timothy had learned to swim almost as soon as he staggered out of his egg, for he had instinctively followed his mother to the water.

SermonStudio

George W. Hoyer
In order to be last, you must give others a place in front of you. This is important to realize if you are interested in reaching first place. For Jesus here says, "Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all." Realize also that, given the kind of world we are part of, the people whom you must permit to go before you will be a mixed bag, indeed. You can't pick and choose, because that would mean the discards would be behind you. They would become last.

Special Occasion