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The Village Shepherd

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Children's Liturgy and Story

The Village Shepherd

Oh Dear, Roly! -- Mark 1:9-15 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday in Lent - B
Call to Worship: In Jesus, the kingdom of God has come near. Let us turn to him and
The Bible Club -- Luke 5:1-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C
Call to worship:
Tarika And Amy -- Luke 12:32-40 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C
Call to Worship:
James' Barbeque -- John 10:22-30 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C
Call to Worship:
The Dove's Tale -- Mark 1:4-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B
Call to Worship: God said, "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well
The Apple Pip -- Luke 17:5-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C
Call to Worship:
John's Train Journey -- Luke 9:28-36 -- Janice B. Scott -- Transfiguration Sunday - C
Call to worship:
Holly And Michael -- Matthew 3:13-17 -- Janice B. Scott -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A
Call to Worship:
Rupert's Shame -- John 1:43-51 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B
Call to Worship: Jesus says, "Follow me." Like Philip, let us find our friends and
Stamp Collections -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A
Call to Worship:
Mrs Round Bakes Some Cakes -- John 12:1-8 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C
Call to worship:
Hannah's Homework -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A
Call to Worship:
Lonely Joe -- Mark 1:14-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B
Call to Worship: Jesus said, "Follow me and I will help you to connect with
Spiky Is Transformed -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Janice B. Scott -- Transfiguration Sunday - A
Call to Worship:
The Wandering Minstrel -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
Call to worship:
Grandma's Pendant -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C
Call to Worship:
Silas The Thief -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Janice B. Scott -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C
Call to Worship:
Mrs Cluckabut's Chick -- Luke 13:31-35 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday in Lent - C
Call to worship:
Grandma's Computer -- John 16:12-15 -- Janice B. Scott -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C
Call to Worship:
Jilly's Evening -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Janice B. Scott -- Transfiguration Sunday - B
Call to Worship: Jesus is God's beloved son. In our worship today, let us listen to
Sadie's Night Light -- Luke 21:5-19 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C
Call to Worship:
Will My Hamster Go To Heaven? -- Luke 20:27-38 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C
Call to Worship:
Grandma's Birthday Present -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Day of Pentecost - A
Call to Worship:
The Harvest Loaf -- Mark 8:31-38 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday in Lent - B
Call to Worship: Jesus said, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny
Rosie Diamond Sulks -- Luke 13:10-17 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C
Call to Worship:

Children's sermon

Children's Story

The Village Shepherd

The King Is Coming? -- John 18:33-37 -- Janice B. Scott -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
The jungle was abuzz with excitement.
Mike's Great Disappointment -- Mark 16:1-8 -- Janice B. Scott -- Easter Day - B
Mike was fed up.
Uncle Sol's Visit -- Mark 13:24-37 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday of Advent - B
Ben was excited. It was a cold winter's day, but Uncle Sol was coming to visit.
Why Should I? -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A
"Where's Ruth?" asked Jamie's mother.
Praxis' Special Job -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
Praxis, the pixie whose skin changed colour according to his moods, was a beautiful, bright oran
Gotcha! -- Matthew 10:24-39 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A
Steven couldn't believe his luck.
The Holy Grail -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Janice B. Scott -- Transfiguration Sunday - C
This is a story about a boy who is tormented by bullies, but his life is transformed when he makes a
Michael's Snow -- John 1:10-18 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B
When Michael woke on New Year's Day, he gasped.
Tracey's Temper -- Luke 12:49-56 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C
Tracey was afraid. They were all playing Truth or Dare, and Tracey didn't know which was worst.
Winston's Race -- John 10:11-18 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B
Winston was determined to win the race.
Praxis' Mother Has A Headache -- Mark 6:1-13 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
Praxis' mother was uptight, which was unusual for her.
God's Messenger -- Luke 2:15-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B
"Oi!" said the angel.
The Hermit In The Woods -- John 17:1-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A
Old Jack lived in a caravan in the woods.
Mary Louise And Her Silent Companions -- John 16:12-15 -- Janice B. Scott -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C
Mary Louise was a little bit lonely. Not completely lonely, but just a little bit.
Tony's Experiment -- John 6:24-35 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B
"Do you want a sandwich?" asked Tony's mum.
Riding On A Donkey -- Mark 11:1-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- Passion Sunday - B
I hadn't long been born when I first saw my mother being savagely
Praxis Turns Scarlet -- Mark 9:38-50 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Praxis, the pixie who changed colour according to his feelings, was a bright and healthy pink.
Friar Tuck's Decision -- John 3:1-17 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday in Lent - A
Friar Tuck was worried.
The Great Chess Game -- Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C
Stephen started playing chess when he was quite small.
Mandy's Cloth -- John 14:1-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A
Mandy was only four when she started school.
Toby's Box -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A
Toby was playing with his favourite toy.
Pinning The Tail On The Donkey -- Mark 10:46-52 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B
Those who think they can see everything are often the ones
Praxis Plays A Prank -- Matthew 21:33-46 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A
Praxis the colourful pixie was up to mischief.
Fluffy Cat And Toby Mouse -- John 6:56-69 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B
Fluffy Cat and Toby Mouse lived together in the same house.
The First Winter -- Matthew 24:1-14 -- Janice B. Scott
The young sapling stood tall and strong.

Intercession

The Village Shepherd

Risen And Living God... -- John 21:1-19 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday of Easter - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Loving And Forgiving God... -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Law And Order... -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A
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:
God Of Creation... -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Creator God... -- John 3:1-17 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday in Lent - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Caring God... -- John 10:22-30 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Rescuing God, Your Sense Of Grace Is Outrageous... -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of The Whisper... -- Matthew 21:33-46 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Creation, You Gave Us Laws... -- Mark 10:2-16 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Astute And Understanding God... -- John 4:5-42 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday in Lent - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Self-Giving And Self-Emptying God... -- John 20:19-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Generous God... -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Loving And Tolerant God... -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
All-Powerful God, When Your Church Is Filled With Your Spirit... -- James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Understanding God, Temptation Is Nasty... -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday in Lent - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Love, How Can I Love Everyone I Meet... -- John 15:9-17 -- Janice B. Scott -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of The Universe... -- Luke 14:25-33 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Overwhelmingly Generous God... -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Refining Fire... -- Mark 9:38-50 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Humility... -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Dear God, Sometimes I Hardly Dare Say What's In My Mind... -- John 17:6-19 -- Janice B. Scott -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Courageous God... -- Luke 13:10-17 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Forgiving God, It's Not Fair... -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Creation, You Call Your Church To Take Up Their Cross... -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

Prayer

Preaching

Sermon

The Village Shepherd

The Pursuit Of Wisdom -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
The USA probably has the right idea. Americans only allow their presidents to remain in office
Curiosity And Courage -- Exodus 3:1-15 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A
According to personality indicators such as Myers-Briggs, there are a number of different
Fashionable Clothing -- Ephesians 6:10-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B
Every week the Sunday Times has a magazine devoted to style. It's
Passing Over -- Exodus 12:1-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A
At the moment it is a
Experience Or Tradition? -- James 1:17-27 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B
I'm presently reading an excellent book by Marcus Borg, entitled,
The Culture Of Blame -- Exodus 16:2-15 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A
According to the media, there is a shortage of surgeons in the US. The reason for this is that
Trust In God -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
There has been an inspiring
Laws For Life -- Exodus 20.1-4,7-9,12-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A
The psychologist Scott
While The Cat's Away.... -- Exodus 32:1-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A
As churches which enter interregnum know, there can be an uncertainty when organizations
Certainty -- Exodus 33:12-23 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A
On the death of a loved one
Is It Fair? -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A
There is a church on the top
The Covenant -- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday in Lent - B
The Gentleman's Agreement is
Sheep -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 -- Janice B. Scott -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A
We English are renowned as a nation
Who Needs Rescuing? -- Isaiah 61:1-4; 8-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
There seems to be something of an outbreak of modern slavery throughout the world. In the UK in
Laws For Life -- Exodus 20.1-4,7-9,12-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
The psychologist Scott
God's Call -- Isaiah 40:1-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday of Advent - B
At a recent seminar on
God's Kingdom -- Mark 1:14-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B
I once attended a meeting where the Liberal Democrat Shadow
Discerning God -- Genesis 18:1-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C
On our first visit to Malta many years ago, we stayed in the rural south of the island.
The Lakeside -- John 21:1-19 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday of Easter - C
I've recently spent several hours by the lakeside, for I've been in retreat this past week in the
Addicted? Not Me! -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
Christmas is a great time in this country.
Humility -- Or A Lack Of Self-Worth? -- Philippians 2:1-13 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A
I recently heard a story about a lorry driver who stopped at a roadside cafe for his tea.
From Warnings To Blessings -- Isaiah 66:10-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C
At the 2004 Professional Golfers' Association golf competition at Wentworth in Surrey, the rather su
Did The Cross Really Work? -- Hebrews 9:11-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B
In any daily newspaper there are always catalogues of horrific
Leaps Of Faith -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A
There seems to be something about mountains which appeals to the human imagination.
The Value Of Doubt -- John 20:19-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
Several years ago, 38 members of the "Heaven's Gate" religious cult in California drank poison in

Worship

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Christ the King Sunday
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Thanksgiving
14 – Sermons
80+ – Illustrations / Stories
18 – Children's Sermons / Resources
10 – Worship Resources
18 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Advent 1
30 – Sermons
90+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
Nazish Naseem
For November 16, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Coffin
Another natural disaster has flattened a number of coastal communities. Despite the weather and major television station warnings, and government disaster preparations, the dystopian destruction nightmare of Luke 21 has decimated another community. Also, it is reasonable to believe that this is not the last year for hurricanes, Tsunami’s, wildfires, mudslides and tornados. They will occur again. However, as weary citizens are interviewed in one group of people with the background of homes in rubble and streets still draining flood waters, they will not leave. This is their home.
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez

Isaiah 65:17-25 and Isaiah 12

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
“The wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox, and dust will be the serpent’s food. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain,” says the LORD. (v. 25)

A week after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, country singer Toby Keith — who died Feb. 5, 2024 — wrote a patriotic ballad titled “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue.” It was filled with populist fighting rhetoric that matched the mood of a nation shaken by the shocking death and destruction of that day.

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A blood pressure monitor. It is actually called a sphygmomanometer, and is pronounced “sfig·mow·muh·naa’·muh·tr”.

* * *

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

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.

SermonStudio

Stephen P. McCutchan
With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.
-- Isaiah 12:3

John W. Clarke
No reading of Luke is complete without coming to realize that Luke is concerned that the world understands that Jesus is the hope of the world and that any teaching that leads away from that fact is a false teaching. No matter what, no matter when, Jesus will be there to give us life.

Scott Suskovic
Whoever does not work should not eat!
-- 2 Thessalonians 3:10 (NLT)

Wow! Kind of takes your breath away, doesn't it? Not a lot of ambiguity in that rule. "You don't work, you don't eat." For a religion based on grace, it seems a bit unyielding.

Mark Ellingson
Freedom is such a lovely word, a compelling image. What is freedom? How would you define it? What does it mean to you? Webster's New World Dictionary defines freedom as being exempt from control or from arbitrary restrictions. Freedom is said to be the ability to choose or determine one's own actions.

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