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The Village Shepherd

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Children's Liturgy and Story

The Village Shepherd

Grandma's Birthday Present -- Acts 2:1-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Day of Pentecost - A
Call to Worship:
Wind, Clouds And Sun -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A
Call to Worship:
Praxis Throws A Party -- Luke 3:1-6 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday of Advent - C
Call to Worship:
When Anna Died -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday in Lent - C
Call to worship:
Praxis Gets Rich -- John 2:13-22 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
Call to Worship: As we listen today to the story of Jesus driving people out of the
Gordon The Groundhog -- John 10:1-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A
Call to Worship:
You Can Do It, Emily! -- John 5:1-9 -- Janice B. Scott -- Ascension of the Lord - C
Call to Worship:
Praxis Takes Care -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C
Call to Worship:
Tom Can't Be Bothered -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday of Advent - A
Call to Worship:
The Beautiful Red Balloon -- John 12:20-33 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
Call to Worship: If we wish to see Jesus, we must be prepared to follow him so that
God's Son Returns -- Luke 24:13-35 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday of Easter - A
Call to Worship:
Paul's Holiday -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
Call to Worship: Let us join together to use this time for rest and relaxation
Praxis Receives Power -- John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Janice B. Scott -- Day of Pentecost - C
Call to Worship:
Toby's Dive -- John 20:19-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
Call to worship:
Jesus Our King -- Mark 11:1-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- Passion Sunday - B
Many churches hold a Palm Sunday procession
God's Love -- John 14:15-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A
Call to Worship:
Gemma's Worst Day -- Mark 9:30-37 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B
Call to Worship: Jesus said, "Whoever welcomes a little child in my name welcomes
Praxis Meets Blue Squirrel -- Matthew 4:1-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday in Lent - A
Call to Worship:
Toby Hears The Call -- Matthew 9:35-10:8 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A
Call to Worship:
Broody's Chick -- Mark 16:1-8 -- Janice B. Scott -- Easter Day - B
The liturgy can start with a procession in which
Fluffy Cat Meets Toby Mouse -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C
Call to Worship:
Tegan's Sale -- Mark 5:21-43 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B
Call to Worship: Jairus begged Jesus, "Come and lay your hands on my daughter, so
Praxis Is Left Behind -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday of Advent - A
Call to Worship:
Tim's Time -- John 1:29-42 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A
Call to Worship:
Tom's Doubts -- John 20:19-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday of Easter - B
Call to Worship: When Jesus appeared, he said "Peace be with you." Let us take hold

Children's sermon

Children's Story

The Village Shepherd

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
The Fiery Princess -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Janice B. Scott -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C
John the Baptist told his followers that the Messiah (Jesus) would baptise with fire.
Thomas And The Cave -- John 20:19-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday of Easter - C
Thomas had never seen his friends so excited.
The Search For Kingship -- Luke 19:28-40 -- Janice B. Scott -- Passion Sunday - C
This is a story about a royal prince, who was sent by
Father Time Takes A Tumble -- John 3:14-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
Old Father Time was feeling not only old, but tired and lonely and very, very cold.
Praxis Looks For Justice -- Luke 18:1-8 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C
Praxis the pixie was ordering the other pixies around.
Luke's Grandpa -- John 12:1-8 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C
When Mary used a jar of very expensive ointment to anoint Jesus' feet, other people condemned he
The Day Of The Storm -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
The first thing Jack saw when he walked into church on the Sunday morning was a bright red o
Thomas And The Cave -- John 20:19-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday of Easter - A
Thomas had never seen his friends so excited.
Double Trouble -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A
Double Trouble was the smallest of the litter of puppies. He was also the most mischievous.
Praxis In The Dark -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Janice B. Scott -- Transfiguration Sunday - A
Praxis the colourful pixie was feeling very blue.
Lone Star -- John 1:6-8; 19-28 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
Lone Star planted his front paws firmly on the rock at the top of the hill, threw back his head,
The Christmas Thorn Of Glastonbury -- Luke 2:1-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- The Nativity of our Lord - C
After baby Jesus grew up to be a man, he got into terrible trouble, and wicked people killed him.
The Worst Pixie In The World -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday in Lent - C
In today's reading, Jesus showed that God's forgiveness is always available, although sometimes
Donovan's New Life -- Mark 1:14-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B
Dragon Fire -- Mark 1:21-28 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B
Dominic Dragon lived in a cave in the Welsh hills.
Praxis Finds Himself -- Luke 8:26-39 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C
Praxis had a problem. It wasn't a problem shared by any of the other pixies, it was his alone.
Living Like Animals -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A
Timmy and Angela glared at each other.
The Church That Nearly Died -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A
"I think," said the Archdeacon, "the time may have come to close this Church.
The White Bib -- Mark 10:35-45 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B
Clarence was always very particular, even as a fledging only just out of the nest.
Mary Louise And Her Silent Companions -- John 3:1-17 -- Janice B. Scott -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
In this story, Mary Louise's dolls come to life on
Don’t I Know You? -- John 1:43-51 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B
"Don't I know you?" asked the man. He wasn't much to look at, small and quite old.
Praxis Brings Some Friends -- John 12:20-33 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
Praxis the colourful pixie was a bright shining pink, with a tinge of orange around the edges.
Lame Ducks -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
Jane's mother wasn't very pleased. Jane had come home cradling a tiny kitten inside her coat.

Intercession

The Village Shepherd

God Of The Vine... -- John 15:1-8 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
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:
Creator God... -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany of the Lord - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Understanding God... -- Luke 12:49-56 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Risen God, I Really Do Want To Know You In A New Sort Of Way... -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday of Easter - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Life, It's Difficult To Be Grateful... -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
All-Seeing God, Sometimes Your Church Feels A Bit Like Those Pharisees... -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Immense Love... -- Matthew 3:13-17 -- Janice B. Scott -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of The Universe... -- Luke 12:32-40 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Good Shepherd, The Image Of You With A Lamb... -- John 10:11-18 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Compassionate God... -- Matthew 18:15-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Compassion... -- James 2:1-10, 14-17 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Multi-Faceted God... -- John 1:29-42 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God, The Center Of My Being... -- Luke 11:1-13 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - 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 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Challenging God... -- Matthew 16:13-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Understanding, You Know All There Is To Know About Me... -- John 6:56-69 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
All-Knowing God... -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Forgiveness... -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Glory... -- John 12:20-33 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Direct And Honest God... -- Matthew 15:21-28 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Believing In You Isn't Easy, Amazing God... -- John 6:51-58 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Love... -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday of Advent - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of The Outcast And The Unkempt And The Drop-Out... -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

Prayer

Preaching

Sermon

The Village Shepherd

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
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.
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
How Intelligent Is Intelligence? -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
There once was a report in "The Sunday Times" about the claims of Francis Crick to have located
How Much, In The Cold Light Of Day? -- Luke 14:25-33 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C
The evangelist Billy Graham was away from home a great deal when he was in his heyday of large eva
The Value Of Doubt -- John 20:19-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday of Easter - A
Several years ago, 38 members of the "Heaven's Gate" religious cult in California drank poison i
The Risk Of Baptism In The Holy Spirit -- Mark 1:4-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B
Some years ago, Japanese game shows were quite popular on television.
It's All Relative -- Mark 12:38-44 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B
A group of us from South Norfolk have recently returned from pilgrimage in Greece and Turkey, follow
About Death -- 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C
One of the world-wide (or at least Western world-wide) effects of the attacks on the Twin Trade To
Leadership Through Service — Is It Possible? -- Matthew 21:1-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- Passion Sunday - A
When I was a student physiotherapist, those students who were considered to be the best in the
What Is Sin? -- Luke 18:9-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C
Samantha is married and in her early twenties, but with no children yet.
Beyond Outward Appearances -- John 4:5-42 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday in Lent - A
The Bible doesn't have too much to say about women, and those it does mention are very often there
Sin - What A Drag! -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Ash Wednesday - A
When children are baptised in the Church of England, their parents and godparents make three
Faith -- Genesis 15:1-6 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C
One year, our church was approached by the chairman of the local council to see whether we could off
Sarah Laughed -- Genesis 18:1-15 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A
Perhaps one of the characteristics which endeared Princess Di to the nation, was her ordinariness.
God And Wealth -- Deuteronomy 30:9-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C
There was a series of programmes on British television recently under the heading, "God Is Black." I
The End Of The World? -- Matthew 24:1-14 -- Janice B. Scott
I was visiting a 98-year-old lady recently who said to me, "I'm glad I could never see into the
Night Precedes Day -- Amos 5:18-24 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A
One thing about live
God's Breath -- Ezekiel 37:1-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C
I read an article recently about the spiritual life of people with mental health problems (The Bible
How To Wake Up To A Life Of Radiance -- Ephesians 5:8-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A
Anyone who lives in the country will know that there's a particular quality to the darkness of n
How Does God Come To Us? -- Matthew 24:36-44 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday of Advent - A
Those words about the flood in today's gospel reading, are particularly poignant in light of thi
The Unexpected Delights Of God -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A
We have a number of woodland visitors to our lovely garden.
The Vine, The Branches And The Grapes -- John 15:1-8 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
One of the joys of moving house is making interesting discoveries in the garden.
Apocalypse Now! -- Daniel 12:1-3 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B
'War and Peace', Tolstoy's epic novel, covers Russian social history during the time of Napoleon.

Worship

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 23 | OT 28 | Pentecost 18
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 24 | OT 29 | Pentecost 19
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 25 | OT 30 | Pentecost 20
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

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Tom Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
George Reed
Christopher Keating
For October 26, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
I am a scoreboard watcher. I follow a lot more games than I actually watch, but since technology makes it easy to check scores on a moment’s whim, I watch a lot of scoreboards of teams and games that I am at least mildly interested in. And as I check those scores, I find myself having immediate reactions: “Great!” “Oh, that's too bad.” “Excellent!” “Nuts.” And in the midst of that sports-fan roller coaster, I must continually remind myself that not all scores are final.
Bill Thomas
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Joel 2:22-32
Martin Luther sings the praises of God’s love revealed in this lesson. He wrote:

The love of God which lives in man loves sinners, evil persons, fools and weaklings in order to make them righteous, good, wise, and strong. Rather than seeking its own good, the love of God flows forth and bestows good. (Luther’s Works, Vol. 31, p.57)

John Wesley nicely summarizes the Spirit’s role in fighting the lure of our old sinful habits:

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: This message is a role-play story. You will need two children to play the roles of the Pharisee and the tax collector. I usually ask two children if they will help me as they are all coming forward for the message, but you may select them however you choose.

* * *

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
Trouble and anguish have overtaken me, but your commandments are my delight.
Your statutes are always righteous; give me understanding that I may live. (vv. 143-144)

When I was an associate pastor in Janesville, Wisconsin one of my responsibilities was to give a lecture on spirituality once a month at a drug treatment facility. The students who attended were persons who had been convicted of drunk driving and were required to attend the class as a condition of their sentence. Attendance was always good.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

We all dislike people who blow their own trumpets, although sometimes we may be in awe of them. Jesus too deplored such behaviour and was never in awe of those who practised it. In our worship today let us open ourselves to Jesus, allowing him to see what is in our hearts.



Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we allow other people's behaviour to intimidate us.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes we refuse to reach our own fullest potential because we are afraid.

SermonStudio

Schuyler Rhodes
Every morning when sleep leaves and waking comes there is cause for praising God. Caught up, as we are, in the currents and eddies of our lives, this is easy to forget. This wonderful psalm is a reminder. God's bounty and abundance spill into our lives like waters over a causeway. God's delight in creation explodes in a million different colors. In every moment there is reason to give God praise.
Robert R. Kopp
When I was a little boy growing up in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania's First Presbyterian Church, one of those Christian chalk artists with black light, neon colors, and black felt canvas who made pictures of Jesus look like those Elvis portraits for sale on the side of the road at the beach showed up as entertainment for a Sunday evening potluck dinner.
John E. Berger
Today's sermon begins with this little one-person drama.
Mark Ellingson
Have you ever felt that you were absolutely at the end of your rope, left without hope? Sometime during the years of 539 B.C. to 331 B.C. that is the way the people of Judah felt. It seems that their land had been ravaged by a plague of locusts which had had catastrophic consequences.

Once a harvest has been destroyed, you cannot repair it. If a building has burned to the ground, you cannot repair it. In those instances you need to start from scratch with a fresh start.

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