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The Village Shepherd

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Children's Liturgy and Story

The Village Shepherd

Mr Skillett Is Very Worried -- Luke 8:21-25 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C
Call to worship:
Henry's Hurdle -- Matthew 20:1-16 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A
Call to Worship:
The Poisonous Plants -- John 13:31-35 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C
Call to Worship:
A Very Special Person -- John 3:1-17 -- Janice B. Scott -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
Call to Worship: Let us join together today in worship of the three-in-one God; God
Molly's Silver Bracelet -- Luke 10:38-42 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C
Call to Worship:
Rory's Bark -- Matthew 21:23-32 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A
Call to Worship:
The Odd Bunch In The Street -- John 1:10-18 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
Call to Worship:
Clarice Faces The Storm -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
Call to Worship: Even storms calm down when we ask Jesus to help. In our worship
Molly's Prayer -- Luke 11:1-13 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C
Call to Worship:
Pippa Wants A Phone -- Matthew 21:33-46 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A
Call to Worship:
Puzzle Corner -- Matthew 22:1-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A
Call to Worship:
The New Girl -- Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C
Call to Worship:
Hurricane Hare Makes A Promise -- Mark 6:14-29 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B
Call to Worship: In our worship today we look at promises and at a man who made a
Maximus Hart -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C
Call to Worship:
Trevor's Pets -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A
Call to Worship:
The Maze -- John 14:1-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A
Call to Worship:
A Terrifying Walk -- John 6:1-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B
Call to Worship: Jesus was able to produce enough food to feed all the people, and
Maths! -- John 21:1-19 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday of Easter - C
Call to worship:
The Neighbours From Hell -- Matthew 22:34-46 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A
Call to Worship: Jesus said that the greatest commandment of all was to love God
The Little Tree -- Luke 24:1-12 -- Janice B. Scott -- Easter Day - C
The liturgy can start with a procession in which a child carries the Easter candle from the West
Tim Wants More -- John 6:24-35 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B
Call to Worship: Jesus offers us the Bread of Heaven and the Water of Life. Let us
Magda's Trouble -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A
Call to Worship:
Pusska -- Who Wasn't Ready -- Mark 13:24-37 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday of Advent - B
Call to Worship: Jesus said, "What I say to you I say to all: Keep awake." Let us
The Life-Saver's Badge -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Janice B. Scott -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C
Call to Worship:
What Does "Eternal" Mean? -- John 6:35, 41-51 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B
Call to Worship: In our worship today, let us come to Jesus to drink at his

Children's sermon

Children's Story

The Village Shepherd

Jo's New Teacher -- John 4:5-42 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday in Lent - A
When Jesus meets the woman by the well, he doesn't see an enemy of the state or a glorified pros
The Tale Of A Camel -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany of the Lord - B
I was only just full-grown when we set out on the journey, but I was strong and eager for advent
The Straight Furrow -- Mark 1:1-8 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday of Advent - B
Sam was the envy of all his friends. His dad was a farmer, so he drove a tractor.
Cat And Mouse Games -- Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B
Fluffy Cat was very miserable.
The Annual Nativity Play -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday of Advent - A
Roddy was plunged into gloom.
Jenny And The Missing Calculator -- John 5:1-9 -- Janice B. Scott -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C
Jenny was having fun. Her friend Martha had brought a graphical calculator into school.
The Spider's Web -- John 1:10-18 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C
When wise men from the East travelled many miles to see the new baby Jesus, they first visited K
Carnival Day At The Street -- James 2:1-10, 14-17 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B
Mr Skillett, who was as thin as two pieces of paper stuck together and as tall as a bus, always
That's Not What You Told Me! -- Mark 12:28-34 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B
Nutman the squirrel was sitting quietly at the feet of Wise Owl.
Jenni's Patrol -- Matthew 4:12-23 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A
Jenni was very excited. It was Guides tonight, and she was Patrol Leader.
The Spider's Web -- Luke 2:41-52 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - C
When wise men from the East travelled many miles to see the new baby Jesus, they first visited K
Buzter’s Busy, Buzzy Day -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Janice B. Scott -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A
Buzter hummed to himself. He was happy in his work, and he always hummed when he was happy.
Team Spirit -- John 15:1-8 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B
The football team were furious.
Jem's Baptism -- Matthew 3:13-17 -- Janice B. Scott -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A
Jem was exceedingly nervous.
The Smallest Duckling -- Mark 9:30-37 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B
Timothy Duckling was big and strong.
Bushman's Pride -- Matthew 15:21-28 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A
Bushman was busy grooming his bushy, luxuriant tail.
Terry's Dream -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A
Terry had a dream.
Jason's Stand -- Luke 13:10-17 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C
It wasn't until the early summer of his first year that Jason Court felt really fed up with his
Jamie's Uncle Jim -- Luke 24:13-35 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday of Easter - A
When Jesus walked seven miles to Emmaus with two of his friends, they failed to recognise him.
The Special Christmas Gift -- Matthew 1:18-25 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A
Matty was very excited.
Ben's Dilemma -- Matthew 22:15-22 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A
"Are you coming?" shouted Tim breathlessly.
Stepping Out Into Space -- Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C
Damien and Ora grinned at each other in excitement. The time had come - at last!
James Jacobs, Taxman -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A
James Jacobs hated the story of Matthew the tax collector.
The Skateboarding Park -- Mark 5:21-43 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B
"It's not fair," announced Kendra angrily.
Beatrice The Bee -- Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C
Beatrice knew she was a princess, for her mother was Queen Bee.

Intercession

The Village Shepherd

Holy Spirit Of God, I Constantly Turn Back To You... -- Mark 1:4-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Women And Men And Children... -- Mark 5:21-43 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Forgiveness... -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday in Lent - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Vulnerable And Self-Effacing God... -- Matthew 9:35-10:8 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
All-Seeing God... -- John 1:43-51 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Mystery, Long Ago The Church Said That You Are Three Persons... -- John 3:1-17 -- Janice B. Scott -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God who blesses the poor... -- Luke 6:17-26 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Vulnerable And Self-Effacing God... -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Forever... -- John 1:10-18 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Calming And Reliable God... -- Mark 4:35-41 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Caring God, why are you asleep when the Church is tossed about by storms?... -- Luke 8:22-25 -- Janice B. Scott
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Unconventional And Surprising God... -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of The Impossible... -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Redeemer God, Sometimes I Long For Mountaintop Experiences... -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Janice B. Scott -- Transfiguration Sunday - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
All-Seeing God -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
A Prayer For The Golden Jubilee... -- Matthew 7:21-29 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Prince Of Peace... -- Luke 2:15-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Unexpected God... -- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Janice B. Scott -- Day of Pentecost - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Faithful God, you never give up on human beings... -- Luke 5:1-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Three-In-One God... -- Matthew 28:16-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Dear God -- John 1:6-8; 19-28 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday of Advent - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Loving God, I'm A Mere Speck Compared With You... -- John 1:1-14 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
Giver Of Gifts, You Founded Your Church As The Body Of Christ... -- John 2:1-11 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of The Heart As Well As The Mind... -- Luke 23:33-43 -- Janice B. Scott -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:
God Of Mystery -- Mark 13:24-37 -- Janice B. Scott -- First Sunday of Advent - B
Prayers usually include these concerns and may follow this sequence:

Prayer

Preaching

Sermon

The Village Shepherd

Judge Not, That Ye Be Not Judged -- Romans 14:1-12 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A
Originally published in 2002.
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
Rising Above The Sea Of Life -- Matthew 14:22-33 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A
One of the most memorable lines in "Jesus Christ Superstar" is by King Herod, who cuts a comic f
A Vision For The Future -- Revelation 5:1-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B
When we decided to form a Ministry Team in our Benefice (group of six parishes working together)
Priorities, Energy And Work -- 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A
When my father was dying. he started to give away all his possessions.
God's Christmas Gift -- Luke 2:1-20 -- Janice B. Scott -- The Nativity of our Lord - C
I heard the story recently of a little boy who wanted to meet God.
Identifying God -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B
I used to be quite good
The Transfiguring Effect Of Silence -- Matthew 17:1-9 -- Janice B. Scott -- Transfiguration Sunday - A
Some years ago I remember talking with a teacher who was responsible for religious education thr
The Darkness Of Despair And Depression? -- Luke 12:49-56 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C
I remember, many years ago, attending a most extraordinary Parochial Church Council meeting.
Being Authentic -- Luke 8:26-39 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C
Some years ago I remember being rivetted by a film based on a true story.
How Can We Love One Another? -- John 15:9-17 -- Janice B. Scott -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B
Do you love anyone enough to offer them your last Rolo?
Was It A Birth, Or Was It Death? -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C
I've always found the final verse of T. S.
The Outrage Of Grace -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C
I've recently been reading a most fascinating book,
Heavenly Peace -- Isaiah 11:1-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday of Advent - A
In the film, "Big Fish", the hero Edward Bloom stumbles into a dark and terrifying swamp-like wood,
Hope For The Future -- Isaiah 65:1-9 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C
When the Seniors at the local golf club arranged their summer barbeque for a Sunday afternoon, a chu
Loving The Unlovely -- Mark 1:40-45 -- Janice B. Scott -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B
When our eldest daughter was four, she crazed us to have a dog.
Encountering The Risen Christ -- Luke 24:13-35 -- Janice B. Scott -- Third Sunday of Easter - A
The story of the road to Emmaus is perhaps one of the strangest of the resurrection appearances,
Retail Therapy -- Romans 7:15-25a -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A
I went to the Royal Norfolk Show this year, with my daughter.
A New Year's Resolution? -- John 1:10-18 -- Janice B. Scott -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B
So it's all over bar the shouting and we've survived!
Pilgrimage -- Genesis 12:1-9 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A
Our churches have been on a number of pilgrimages.
Freedom! -- Galatians 5:1, 13-25 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C
I recently read a harrowing trilogy of books by Dave Pelzer.
The Role Of The Messenger -- Isaiah 52:7-10 -- Janice B. Scott -- The Nativity of our Lord - C
In Greek mythology, Hermes ("pile of marker stones") was the god of boundaries and of the travellers
The Suffering Servant -- Isaiah 42:1-9 -- Janice B. Scott -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A
Back in the heady days when women had just been ordained and I was a new curate, I was in the vestry
The Cost Of Caring -- John 12:1-8 -- Janice B. Scott -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C
There have been a number of terrible tragedies at US Schools over recent years, which have left th
Be Sincere In Love... -- Romans 12:9-21 -- Janice B. Scott -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A
Many years ago at the age of eighteen, when I started training as a physiotherapist, we had to s

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.

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