Login / Signup

The Village Shepherd

Hold down Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) for multiple selections (scroll list to see all options)

Children's Liturgy and Story

The Village Shepherd

James' Trumpet -- Luke 8:26-39 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C
Call to Worship: The madman cried out to Jesus, "What have you to do with me,
Tim's Time -- John 1:29-42 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A
Call to Worship:
Feed My Sheep -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A
Call to Worship:
Derek And The Lamb -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday of Easter - B
Call to Worship: Jesus said, "Peace be with you. You are witnesses to the living
Praxis Is Apple Green -- Luke 18:9-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C
Call to Worship:
Zog And Ergerol -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C
Call to Worship: Jesus warned against with those who store up treasures for
Thin Ice -- Luke 4:14-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C
Call to Worship:
Dandy's Choice -- John 10:11-18 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B
Call to Worship:
Praxis And The Mushrooms -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday in Lent - C
Call to worship:
Katie Cuckoo Flies South -- Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28, Matthew 15:21-28 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A
Call to Worship: When a woman knelt before him and said, "Lord, help me,"
The White Rose -- John 2:1-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C
Call to Worship:
Ant-Ipathy Leaves The Column -- John 15:1-8 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
Call to Worship: Jesus is the vine, we are the branches. In our service today, let
Poor Polly Pea -- John 17:1-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A
Call to Worship:
David's Moment Of Stupidity -- Matthew 16:13-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A
Call to Worship: Jesus saw the potential in Simon and renamed him Peter the Rock.
The Sad Tale Of Simon Slug -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A
Call to Worship:
Bilton's Accident -- John 15:9-17 -- Janice B. Scott -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B
Call to Worship: Jesus gave up his life for us. In our worship today let us explore
Paul's Play -- Matthew 11:2-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday of Advent - A
Call to Worship:
Mel's Trouble -- Matthew 16:21-28 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A
Call to Worship:
The Royal Visitor -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C
Call to Worship:
Uncle Richard -- John 17:6-19 -- Janice B. Scott -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B
Call to Worship: As Jesus prays to the Creator God for us, let us join our hearts
Mr. Skillett's Cross -- Matthew 10:24-39 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A
Call to Worship:
The Delivery -- Matthew 18:15-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A
Call to Worship:
The Quiz -- Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C
Invitation to Confession:
May The Force Go With You -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15, Acts 2:1-21 -- Day of Pentecost - B
Call to Worship: On this, the birthday of the Christian Church, let us welcome
Mr Skillett Is Very Worried -- Luke 8:21-25 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C
Call to worship:

Children's sermon

Children's Story

The Village Shepherd

Poor Little Ted -- Matthew 25:14-30 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A
Jack had a huge plastic bag full of conkers.
The Christmas Cards -- Matthew 25:1-13 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A
Thanks, Mum, chorused Jane and Tina.
Dominic’s Tree -- Matthew 22:34-46 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A
Dominic Owl lived in a big, old oak tree, right in the middle of the wood.
The Turning Point -- Matthew 16:13-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A
One day, James Butler missed his stop.
King Agadir -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Janice B. Scott -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C
King Agadir was a good and wise King.
Philip's Ears -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C
Philip first realised there was something odd about himself when he was quite young.
The Butterfly -- Luke 24:36b-48 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday of Easter - B
Thelma was in tears.
Divorce -- Mark 10:2-16 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B
The worst moment of Jake's life had happened some three years ago, when his parents had divorced
The Turtle And The Lamb -- John 1:29-42 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A
Jackie thought Miss Potter looked something like a turtle.
Justin's Dilemma -- John 2:13-22 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
Justin sighed. It was time for yet another rugby lesson, and he hated playing rugby.
Perry's Little Arrangements -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C
Perry skipped and sang as he danced his way to the Elf King's palace.
The Bully-Busters -- John 17:20-26 -- Janice B. Scott -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C
"I think," proclaimed Peter, lying on his back and gazing up at the trees, "we should become bul
Dapple's Terror -- Mark 1:29-39 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B
Dapple the fawn was terrified.
The Trouble With Trevor Reeves -- Luke 21:5-19 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C
Trevor was in trouble again.
Junior Gangland -- Matthew 10:40-42 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A
Frank was against the plan from start.
The Big Race -- Luke 12:32-40 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C
"You coming?" Andy was putting on his trainers and was nearly ready to go.
Cyril's Taste Of Freedom -- Luke 9:51-62 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C
Cyril wormed his way through the soil to his brother Toby's side.
The Treasure Praxis Found -- John 20:19-23 -- Janice B. Scott -- Day of Pentecost - A
Praxis the colourful pixie was wandering through the woods by himself, gazing at the ground.
John's Prize -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C
John was hanging around the gates of the big house, hoping he might catch a glimpse of Michael.
The Boy Born Blind -- John 9:1-41 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A
This is a story about a boy who was born blind.
Constance Caterpillar -- Mark 13:1-8 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B
Constance was really scared.
The Tortoise And The Rabbit -- John 1:1-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B
"Stop it!" cried the tortoise as he tried to withdraw his head back into his shell.
John's Special Summer -- John 15:9-17 -- Janice B. Scott -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B
John sat on the rocks with his arms locked tightly around his knees, watching the other children in
The Big City -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday in Lent - C
When Tracy was going on fifteen, her family decided to move to the city from the sleepy mark
Christopher's Breath -- John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A
It was very cold.

Intercession

The Village Shepherd

God Of Surprises... -- Mark 16:1-8 -- Janice B. Scott -- Easter Day - B
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:
God Of Love, You Offer Me Such Profound Love... -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Who Is Coming Very Near... -- Matthew 11:2-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday of Advent - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Generous God, Sometimes I Don't Even Notice Your Gifts... -- John 6:35, 41-51 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Almost Unbearable Love -- John 3:14-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Love And Understanding... -- Luke 10:38-42 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Compassionate, Caring And Incredible God... -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Radiant God... -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Welcoming God -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Rest And Quietness... -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Unpredictable God... -- John 2:13-22 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday in Lent - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God - Sower, Reaper, Gardener, Harvester... -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Creation... -- John 12:1-8 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Huge, Overflowing Generosity... -- John 6:1-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Truth, Should I Really Be Truthful When That Will Lead Me Into All Sorts Of Avoidable Trouble? -- Mark 8:31-38 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday in Lent - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Harvester God... -- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Love And Forgiveness... -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday in Lent - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Greatness And Glory... -- Mark 6:1-13 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Love, It's Tough Being A Christian... -- Mark 1:9-15 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday in Lent - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God, Lover Of The Childlike... -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Creation... -- Luke 13:31-35 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday in Lent - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Understanding, There Are Some Issues About Which I Feel So Strongly ... -- Mark 6:14-29 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Transforming God, This Is Scary Stuff!... -- John 2:1-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Accepting And Welcoming God... -- Matthew 10:40-42 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

Prayer

Preaching

Sermon

The Village Shepherd

Better To Be Myself Than To Be Artificially Good -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C
King's Lynn, that small port on The Wash in North Norfolk, boasts its very own saint, or at least,
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.
Serve God And Enjoy Life? -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A
She was a good Christian woman.
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.
Rudeness, Honesty, Humility And Healing -- Matthew 15:21-28 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A
Some years ago I was privileged to sit on what was then called The Norfolk Family Practitioner C
Weakness Or Strength? -- Isaiah 49:1-7 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A
The latest film version of "Tom Brown's Schooldays" was shown on television recently.
The Difficulties Of Letting Go -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A
I remember years ago watching an old film, which I think was "The Nun's Story." The young nun wh
Even Though You Make Many Prayers, I Will Not Listen. . . -- Isaiah 1:10-18 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C
There is a lot of angst in the Anglican Church at the moment.
The Power Of The Spirit -- Genesis 11:1-9 -- Janice B. Scott -- Day of Pentecost - C
Back in the sixties in the UK, town planners and builders and architects thought that it was a good
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 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.
From Darkness To Light -- Isaiah 9:1-4 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A
The British weather is renowned for its diversity and therefore is always a good conversation starte
Angels - Messengers Of Doom? -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
I'm told that during the war the one thing everybody dreaded was the arrival of a telegram.
Arise, Shine; For Your Light Has Come -- Isaiah 60:1-6 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany of the Lord - B
We generally have a family outing to the cinema over the Christmas period. There
Judge Not, That Ye Be Not Judged -- Romans 14:1-12 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A
Originally published in 2002.
Health And Wholeness, Healing And Happiness -- Galatians 4:4-7 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B
There have been some notable courtroom dramas on television over the years, Perry Mason, Rumpole
Being Good, Or Being Yourself? -- 2 Timothy 1:1-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C
A renegade priest was recently convicted in court of stealing thousands of pounds from the PCC of
Christ The King -- Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B
We seem to live in the Age of the Celebrity.
Rejoicing In Suffering? -- Romans 5:1-8 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A
Quite often I'm offered books to read, mostly religious books.
The Transience Of Transfiguration -- Luke 9:28-36 -- Janice B. Scott -- Transfiguration Sunday - C
When Bishop Peter visited our parish on his pilgrimage around the diocese in the winter of 1996, h
Rooted, Built Up And Established -- Colossians 2:6-15 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C
Alison (Paul's wife), Norman (Steer) our Reader from here at Starston, and I recently attended an Al
We Have An Obligation -- Romans 8:12-25 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A
There's been a lot of trouble in recent years over politicians receiving gifts.
The Day Of The Lord -- Malachi 4:1-2 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C
It's well known that delicious and delightful aromas invoke good memories for most people, so smells
Follow My Leader? -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A
There are always difficulties in Christian ministry, at whichever level you're involved in it, f
What Is Sin? -- 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C
George and Doreen lived in a prefab. They'd lived there for sixty years.

Worship

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 20 | OT 25 | Pentecost 15
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 21 | OT 26 | Pentecost 16
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 22 | OT 27 | Pentecost 17
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

Thomas Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
Dean Feldmeyer
Mary Austin
Katy Stenta
George Reed
For September 21, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Frank Ramirez
Well, it’s autumn, and by now the seeds we planted in the spring either took root and produced or else the weather, pests, rabbits, or our own laziness conspired to make this year’s garden less than a success. But at one point we had to get started and actually plant seeds for the future.

Jeremiah is looking back from the perspective of our spiritual well-being and laments than our spiritual harvest has all been for naught. He wonders if it is now too late for a recovery. Is there no healing, no balm in Gilead, to apply to our wounds?
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 and Psalm 79:1-9
In the spring as farmers and gardeners prepare to plant we are looking at a summer of possibilities. Hard work, to be sure, but also potential. What will happen? What will this season be like? At summer’s end there will be no more questions. We’ll know. Maybe it was a great season, and we have canned or frozen many vegetables. Maybe the farmers have brought in a bumper crop and they got a good price besides.

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: This message will be based on a game you will play. See the note below.

NOTE: Ask three or more adults to come up and play the role of Simon for your group. Tell them to all speak at once, asking the children to do different things. The goal is to create a nice bit of confusion for the children to experience.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Great!

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“Hey!” Annie waved at the woman standing next to the open doorway. “Can you come here?”

The woman made her way past the other nursing home residents and stood next to Annie’s wheelchair.

“What can I do for you?”

“You look familiar.” Annie squinted at her. “Do I know your name?”

“I’m Brenda.” The woman pointed at her name tag. “I work in the kitchen and sometimes help serve the meals when they are ready.”

“That’s right. I think we’ve met before.” Annie tapped her lips with her finger. “You have the nice smile.”

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus said, “Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much.” In our worship today let us remember the little things in our lives and ask God to help us to be utterly faithful in them.



Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes we pretend that little sins don't matter.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we imagine that you don't notice little sins.

Christ, have mercy.

SermonStudio

James Evans
This poignant prayer of lament and community grief gives expression to what it feels like to suffer as a person of faith. If we believe we are truly part of God's community, then the destruction of that community -- as was the case with Israel in 587 B.C. -- becomes a time for doubt, anger, and confusion. Furthermore, if we believe we are individual members of that community, our personal suffering also creates an opportunity for a crisis of faith: "Why didn't God protect me?" Of course, it does not take a national catastrophe to raise those sorts of questions.
Kirk R. Webster
If feedback is the breakfast of champions, perhaps we would do well to examine some of our prayer habits. If you have ever heard someone use The Just Really Prayer, you know exactly what problem we are talking about.

That prayer goes something like this, "Lord, we just really thank you for this day. We come before you and just really pray for mercy. We offer ourselves to you and just really ask that your will be done in our lives. Amen." I'm thankful this particular Just Really prayer was mercifully short, unlike the next example, The Good Guilt-Based Prayer.
John W. Wurster
Another season has come and gone. Promises that were made have not been fulfilled. Good intentions haven't yielded any tangible results. Dreams have not come true. High hopes have proven to be only wishful thinking. Nothing has really changed; nothing has really improved. The time keeps moving along, but we seem stuck in the same ruts. Old routines remain, prejudices persist, dullness and anxiety continue to be constant companions. Lingering in the air is that nagging sense that things aren't quite right, not as they could be, not as they should be.
R. Robert Cueni
In the scripture lesson for today Jesus tells a perplexing parable about a thoroughly dishonest employee who was praised for his dishonesty. In this story Jesus not only seems comfortable suggesting that it is acceptable to compromise with moral failings, but our Lord appears to commend his disciples to "go and do likewise." For centuries, preachers, commentators, and scholars have struggled to make sense of this outrageous tale.

Special Occasion

Wildcard SSL