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The Village Shepherd

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Children's Liturgy and Story

The Village Shepherd

Jasmine's Christmas Present -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Call to Worship:
Tarika And Amy -- Luke 12:32-40 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C
Call to Worship:
The Bible Club -- Luke 5:1-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C
Call to worship:
Honesty Really Is The Best Policy -- Luke 23:1-49 -- Janice B. Scott -- Passion Sunday - C
Call to Worship: Jesus refused to answer Pilate or any of his accusers, even
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
James' Barbeque -- John 10:22-30 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C
Call to Worship:
John's Train Journey -- Luke 9:28-36 -- Janice B. Scott -- Transfiguration Sunday - C
Call to worship:
The Apple Pip -- Luke 17:5-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C
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
Holly And Michael -- Matthew 3:13-17 -- Janice B. Scott -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A
Call to Worship:
Mrs Round Bakes Some Cakes -- John 12:1-8 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C
Call to worship:
Stamp Collections -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - 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
Hannah's Homework -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A
Call to Worship:
The Wandering Minstrel -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
Call to worship:
Spiky Is Transformed -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Janice B. Scott -- Transfiguration Sunday - A
Call to Worship:
Grandma's Pendant -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C
Call to Worship:
Mrs Cluckabut's Chick -- Luke 13:31-35 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday in Lent - C
Call to worship:
Silas The Thief -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Janice B. Scott -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - 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
Grandma's Computer -- John 16:12-15 -- Janice B. Scott -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - 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:
Sadie's Night Light -- Luke 21:5-19 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C
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
Grandma's Birthday Present -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Day of Pentecost - A
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.
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 Doesn't It Work? -- Matthew 18:15-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A
They were huddled together leaning against straw stacks in a corner of the old barn, where they
Gotcha! -- Matthew 10:24-39 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A
Steven couldn't believe his luck.
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
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.
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
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.
Why Should I? -- Matthew 18:21-35 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A
"Where's Ruth?" asked Jamie's mother.
God's Messenger -- Luke 2:15-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B
"Oi!" said the angel.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Winston's Race -- John 10:11-18 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B
Winston was determined to win the race.
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
Friar Tuck's Decision -- John 3:1-17 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday in Lent - A
Friar Tuck was worried.
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.
Mandy's Cloth -- John 14:1-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A
Mandy was only four when she started school.
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.
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
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.
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.
Martin's Story -- Luke 5:1-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C
The disciples may not have understood or agreed with Jesus' instructions to lower their nets on

Intercession

The Village Shepherd

Bountiful God... -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
All-Seeing God... -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - 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:
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:
Caring God... -- John 10:22-30 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - 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:
God Of Creation... -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - 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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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 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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
Transforming God... -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Janice B. Scott -- All Saints Day - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Humility... -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

Prayer

Preaching

Sermon

The Village Shepherd

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
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
Passing Over -- Exodus 12:1-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A
At the moment it is a
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
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
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,
Laws For Life -- Exodus 20.1-4,7-9,12-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A
The psychologist Scott
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
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
Living Water -- Jeremiah 17:5-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C
Last April we had a group of visitors from a parish in Northen Sweden.
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
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
Addicted? Not Me! -- Hebrews 2:10-18 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A
Christmas is a great time in this country.
What's The Point? -- Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14; 2:18-23 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C
Riding a bike is a very good way of discovering the multitude of
What Is Love? -- Matthew 22:34-46 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A
John Humphrys, the radio and television journalist of forty years' experience, has written a boo
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.
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.

Worship

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John Jamison
Object: You may present this message as a simple story, or have the children act it out as a role-play. I will show the role-play version, but you can ignore the acting pieces and just tell the story if you prefer.

Note: For the role-play version, you will need to select two girls and one boy to play the roles. You might also have a broom and a dust rag if you want to.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Great! Let’s get started.

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
For July 20, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Amos 8:1-12, Psalm 52
Amos proclaims the word from God that punishes the people. The people are to be punished for their lack of faith, for their focus on practicing deceit, betraying honesty to their neighbors, and being impatient for the time after the Sabbath when they can focus on profit and selling their crops and wares. Oh, my! What a terrible message for people. You have been unfaithful so I will punish you. And then in the psalm, God is proclaimed to be the olive tree, that which brings blessing.
David Kalas
I have tried to find different ways of saying it so that my children don’t tire of hearing it. But the basic principle remains the same, and my kids have heard it a ton. “First things first.” They ask if they can do this or they start to do that, and I will endeavor to redirect them, saying, “Why don’t we make sure we’re doing first things first!”

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. (v. 24)

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
One of Martha's earliest memories was of her little sister Mary singing and dancing in the middle of an admiring crowd of friends. Mary had always been a dancer, from the time she could walk. Privately, Martha thought she'd always been something of a show-off and ought to go on the stage, for Mary loved an audience.

SermonStudio

John E. Sumwalt
Jeanne Jones
Several years ago, before we moved to Wisconsin, I was an honorary nanny for our pastor's son, Jonathan. I took care of him from the time he was able to walk until our pastor moved, when Jonathan was about five. We had wonderful times together. One time, when I was at their house, and we had been doing some spiritual direction together, Pastor Michael asked me if I knew the name of my guardian angel.
James Evans
We are not surprised when we learn about crooks and robbers boasting about "mischief done against the godly" or "plotting destruction" all day long. The image we have in our minds about who "bad" people are, and how they conduct themselves, make such accusations completely plausible. We are less inclined to believe such things about leaders, especially respected leaders among us. We have difficulty believing someone with wealth and power would deliberately plot to do someone else harm.
Arley K. Fadness
Today's gospel from Luke 10 follows the parable of the good Samaritan. Luke positions the good Samaritan and the Mary-Martha story back to back for good reason. The parable and the story are examples of the Great Commandment "to love the Lord your God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself." The good Samaritan parable illustrates "love to neighbor," whereas the Mary-Martha story illustrates "love to God."
Kirk R. Webster
In the early 1990s, Wesley Nunley of Dallas completed a project he had dreamed of for decades. "I tell you, this could be a big thing," he explained. Wes then walked out to a concrete octagon in the middle of his backyard. With a beaming smile, arms raised up in excitement, the energetic retiree said, "This welcomes the UFO to land, which has never been done before."
John W. Wurster
It was the best of times. A time of prosperity and confidence, a time of relative peace, a time when most everything looked pretty good, a time when most everyone felt pretty good. It was a time maybe not unlike our own time.
H. Burnham Kirkland
Words Of Assurance
Our God is both wise and caring: afflicting the comfortable and comforting the afflicted.

Pastoral Prayer
God, we bow before you this morning, knowing that you hear every prayer. We know that in all of Creation, you are the source of life. You are the one who set the light swirling between the galaxies. The breath of your Spirit pulses through all life. You have even become flesh among us. We praise you, Lord, that in all your wonder, you have not forgotten us.

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