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.
Day of Pentecost - B
Children's Liturgy and Story
John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15, Acts 2:1-21
On this, the birthday of the Christian Church, let us welcome God's Holy Spirit into our hearts and into the heart of our Church.
Invitation to Confession:
Holy Spirit, sometimes our hearts are cold or luke-warm.
Lord, have mercy.Holy Spirit, sometimes we fail to believe that you still have power in human lives.
Christ, have mercy.Holy Spirit, sometimes we are afraid to allow you fully into our lives.
Lord, have mercy.
Children's Story
John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15
Janice B. Scott
Simon always returned from the playing field the same way. He'd run across the field, with the ball at his feet, then when he reached the far side he would pick up the ball, cross the road, run round the corner, down a couple of side streets and home.
Intercession
John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15
Janice B. Scott
These responses may be used:
Let us pray for the Church and for the world, and let us thank God for his goodness.
Almighty God our heavenly father, you promised through your Son Jesus Christ to hear us when we pray in faith.
Sermon
John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15
Janice B. Scott
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