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.
Easter Day - B
Children's Liturgy and Story
Mark 16:1-8
Janice B. Scott
Let us praise the name of the Lord, for Christ our Lord is risen today! Hallelujah!
Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, risen for us, forgive us our sins.
Lord, have mercy.Jesus, risen for us, show us new life.
Christ, have mercy.
Children's Story
Mark 16:1-8
Janice B. Scott
Several his friends had been, and had come back with glowing tales of the rides and the spectacular shows and processions and even the hotel. But Mike's grandmother had fallen down and broken her leg, and she was in hospital. Since she lived a long way away in Scotland, Mike's parents had had to travel up and stay near so that they could visit her each day. She lived alone and had few friends, and apart from Mike and his family there were no other relatives.
Intercession
Mark 16:1-8
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
Mark 16:1-8
Janice B. Scott
Sermon
Acts 10:34-43
Janice B. Scott
I came across a story recently, called "The Thousand Marbles", which seemed appropriate under today's circumstances, so I hope you'll bear with me while I tell it to you. It's been written anonymously:
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