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The Village Shepherd

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Children's Liturgy and Story

The Village Shepherd

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:
When Simon's Dad Went Away -- John 20:19-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday of Easter - 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
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

Mike's Great Disappointment -- Mark 16:1-8 -- Janice B. Scott -- Easter Day - B
Mike was fed up.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Toby's Box -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A
Toby was playing with his favourite toy.
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.
Tim Takes Up His Cross -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A
Tim was never allowed to go anywhere with his big brother, Fred.
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.

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:
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:
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, 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:
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:
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 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:
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:
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 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:
Transforming God... -- Matthew 5:1-12 -- Janice B. Scott -- All Saints Day - A
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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

Worship

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 13 | OT 18 | Pentecost 8
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 14 | OT 19 | Pentecost 9
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 15 | OT 20 | Pentecost 10
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Nazish Naseem
For August 17, 2025:
  • When Good News Is Bad News by Dean Feldmeyer based on Acts 2:1-21. Charles Darwin believed that the two most significant achievements in human history were the development of language and the harnessing of fire. Today we apply both, language and the symbol of fire, to our understanding of the gospel.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
Isaiah 5:1-7
David Coffin
When does the status quo no longer seem to be working? In her book, The Last Flight Julie Clark begins with the seemingly flawlessly choreographed life of Claire Cook, the wife of a wealthy politician at the peak of this political dynasty. Despite the elegant surroundings of the Manhattan townhouse, staff of ten servants, life behind closed doors is different. Her husband Rory has a hot temper, and is abusive. There is also the memory of the mysterious death of his first wife.

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
How long? Will the hearts of the prophets ever turn back—those who prophesy lies, and who prophesy the deceit of their own heart? (Jeremiah 23:26)

You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time? (Luke 12:56)

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A fire extinguisher.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Great! Let’s get started. But I need to warn you that this is a really strange story. At least the things that Jesus says sound really strange. But let’s see if we can figure out what the story is really all about.

(Show the fire extinguisher.)  This is a little reminder that sometimes it is really hard to follow Jesus and do what he wants us to do!

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus said that life would not be easy for Christians, but calls us to stand up for our beliefs. In our worship today let us acknowledge and explore the difficulties of standing as a Christian in today's society.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we find it easier to go with the flow than to stand against other people.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we feel overwhelmed by the number of people who ignore you.

Christ, have mercy.

SermonStudio

James Evans
(See Advent 4, Cycle A, and Advent 1, Cycle B, for alternative approaches.)

William E. Keeney
49"I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what stress I am under until it is completed! 51Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division! 52From now on five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three; 53they will be divided:
father against son
and son against father,
mother against daughter
and daughter against mother,
mother-in-law against her
Elizabeth Achtemeier
This passage is famously known as Isaiah's "Song of the Vineyard." It begins with the prophet singing, in what we would describe as troubadour-fashion, a love song about his dod, his friend, the beloved. Everyone is interested in a love affair, of course, and so the song is intended to capture the interest of Isaiah's listeners.
Clayton A. Lord Jr.
What can faith do? It can part a raging sea and allow a nation to walk through. What can faith do? It can knock down the walls of a fortified city so that God can prove a point. What can faith do? It can single out a woman who follows God's lead and protect her from certain death. Today many people are into "reality" television shows where individuals are put to extreme tests. We watch them because we like to see others battle against great odds and come out victorious.

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