▶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.
Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C
Children's Liturgy and Story
Luke 2:22-40
Janice B. Scott
Jesus grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favour of God was upon him. As we grow, let us too become strong, with the favour of God upon us.
Invitation to confession:
Lord, we would grow inwardly strong, as you were strong.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, sometimes we are weak and do that which we later regret.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, may we hold fast to you and become filled with wisdom.
Lord, have mercy.
Reading:
Luke 2:22-40
Children's Story
Luke 2:22-40
Janice B. Scott
My name is Anna. I'm a very old lady now. I think at my next birthday I shall probably be eighty five, although I'm not sure exactly when I was born. My life now is very quiet. I spend most of my day and night at the temple, and when I'm able, I even sleep in the Courtyard of Women. Sometimes the guards throw me out and I sleep huddled up against the outer walls of the temple, but mostly they're very kind and allow me to melt into the shadows. I guess it's because I've been here so long.
Intercession
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.
Sermon
Ezekiel 43:27-44:4
Janice B. Scott
Sermon
Luke 2:22-40
Janice B. Scott
Sermon
1 Corinthians 13:1-13
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