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.
Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
Children's Liturgy and Story
Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
Janice B. Scott
While the Prodigal Son was still far off, his father saw him, ran to him, put his arms around him and kissed him. In our worship today, let us turn to God so that he may run to us, put his arms around and kiss us.
Invitation to confession:
Jesus, for the times when we run away from you,
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, for the times when we have wasted our inheritance on dissolute living,
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, when we return to you,
Lord, have mercy.
Reading:
Luke 15:1-3
Children's Story
Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
Janice B. Scott
This is a story about Richard, who resents his mother's discipline and breaks out against it, just as the prodigal son broke out against his father.
Richard was about seven or eight when he first realised his Mum wasn't perfect. It came as a great shock to Richard, for before that, he had assumed his Mum knew everything and was always right.
Intercession
Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
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.
Welcoming God,
Sermon
Joshua 5:9-12
Janice B. Scott
Sermon
2 Corinthians 5:16-21
Janice B. Scott
Sermon
Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
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