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.
Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
Children's Story
John 18:33-37
Janice B. Scott
Some of the more timid animals were terrified. Kings were big and powerful and important, and sometimes they ate little furry creatures for breakfast. There was much hurrying and scurrying as the little creatures rushed around to their friends and neighbours, urging them to find good hiding places before the king's arrival.
Intercession
Revelation 1:4b-8
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.
Servant King, through the ages your Church has found it difficult to be both servant and leader. Remind us that together, we are the Body of Christ, and that different parts of that body may be called upon to exercise different functions. But remind us above all that your kingdom is not of this world and that you are not an earthly king.
Sermon
Revelation 1:4b-8
Janice B. Scott
When I see some of the choices I find myself shuddering and wonder what on earth people can see in such a person. But I suppose the choice is usually based on good looks and charm, which is probably reasonable if you only have one evening out with a celebrity. But I often wonder which celebrity people would choose if they had to spend the rest of their life with that person and what they would
Sermon
Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
Janice B. Scott
Sermon
John 18:33-37
Janice B. Scott
It's difficult enough when one person stands out from the crowd, but in that case there are often (although not always) sufficient "normal" people around to enable the different one to be tolerated. But when there's a whole crowd or a whole nation of different people, they are often perceived as a threat and treated accordingly. And as time goes on, prejudices deepen until people are hated for no apparent reason.
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
