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 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C
Children's Liturgy and Story
Luke 10:25-37
Janice B. Scott
Jesus told a story about someone who was unexpectedly full of kindness and compassion. In our worship today, let us ask ourselves whether we are Good Samaritans to those who really need our help.
Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes we fail to notice those who are outside our own social sphere.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes we are so disgusted by poverty that we turn away.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes we too walk by on the other side.
Lord, have mercy.
Reading:
Luke 10:25-37 (NRSV)
Children's Story
Luke 10:25-37
Janice B. Scott
But as she turned the corner by the parade of shops, Mabel almost stumbled over a drunk sprawled in a shop doorway. He looked awful, and the stench was vile. Fortunately he was asleep, so Mabel was able to step round him and continue on her way.
Intercession
Luke 10:25-37
Janice B. Scott
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.
God of the outcast and the unkempt and the drop-out,
Sermon
Colossians 1:1-14
Janice B. Scott
Sermon
Luke 10:25-37
Janice B. Scott
But there was a story a year or two ago about a young mother on one of the American airbases, who died from a sudden and unexpected heart attack. And, because her husband was away, and nobody had missed the young mother, her small toddler starved to death.
Sermon
Deuteronomy 30:9-14
Janice B. Scott
The comparison seemed to be mainly in terms of numbers of people attending church and the sort of Christianity which encouraged massive attendance at church. Success was definitely considered only in terms of numbers of people attending Sunday services which meant that the comparison was pretty one-sided, since many churches in Africa apparently attract literally thousands of worshippers to each service, whereas most Anglican churches attract only the faithful few.
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