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Frank Ramirez

Frank Ramirez is a native of Southern California and is the senior pastor of the Union Center Church of the Brethren near Nappanee, Indiana. Frank has served congregations in Los Angeles, California; Elkhart, Indiana; and Everett, Pennsylvania. He and his wife Jennie share three adult children, all married, and three grandchildren. He enjoys writing, reading, exercise, and theater.
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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Up and Away -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2021
The resurrection of Jesus takes center stage, rightfully so, in the church calendar.
Not Who I Thought It Was -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 1 Samuel 15:7--18:5, 10-16, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41, Psalm 9:9-20, Psalm 133 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2021
Appearances are deceiving.
Need Versus Want -- 2 Samuel 11-26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2021
There’s all this cool stuff and most times we can get exactly what we want, when we want it.
A Secret Out in the Open -- Proverbs 1:20-33, James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2021
We live in an age where some people believe there are outlandish conspiracies and arcane secrets.
How It Is -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 10:46-52 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2021
Sooner or later, we see life as it really is.
Reversal of Fortune -- Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Psalm 126, Matthew 6:25-33 -- Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2021
Of course, we never quite return to the way things were -- because we have been changed by good fort
Not The Same Church -- Not the Same Christmas -- Jeremiah 33:14-16, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Luke 21:25-36 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2021
Of course, we never quite return to the way things were -- because we have been changed by good fort
The Light Shines For All -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday after Christmas - B -- 2021
Everyone wants to be in on the secret, and once we know a secret, we want to be the only ones who kn
The Personality of a Personal God -- Isaiah 40:21-31, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2021
These three scriptures tell us much about how personal God is, and how personal we are to treat each
Rescue or Ruin? -- Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, John 3:14-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
It seems obvious if we had a choice, we would choose rescue over ruin. Right?
A Whole New World -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Easter Day - B -- 2021
This year’s scripture texts invite us to proclaim not only that Jesus is risen, but that the resurre
Something Old, Something New -- Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2020
There’s that old rhyme associated with weddings, “Something old, something new, something borrowed,
Waiting for the Light to Shine -- Matthew 17:1-9, Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2020
Mark Twain once said that his pious, sainted mother never missed a Sunday’s service her whole life l
Rise and Shine -- Ezekiel 37:1-14, Romans 8:6-11, John 11:1-45 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
Eternal life. Real life.
What Does It Take? -- Luke 24:13-35, Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
What does it take to become the church? Where is Jesus to be found in our midst?
The Spirit, Out of the Box -- John 7:37-39, Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 20:19-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2020
Acts 2:1-21 is the obvious choice for your Pentecost lectionary text and perhaps you have used it on
Equalizing the Inequality -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23, Romans 8:1-11, Genesis 25:19-34 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2020
There are situations of inequality between us as individuals.
Tables Turned -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2020
As plot devices go, tables turned depends on a radical change of perspective.
Not As Entitled As You Think -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2020
“Me and the man upstairs have an understanding.”
Ready or Not! -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2020
Okay, perhaps Ferris Bueller is not a biblical prophet, yet the longevity of the 1986 film Ferri
Rites, Rituals, and a Royal Procession -- Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-15a -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
Back in the 80’s, when I pastored a multiracial church in Chicago, there was one African American fa

Free Access

Need Versus Want -- 2 Samuel 11-26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2021
There’s all this cool stuff and most times we can get exactly what we want, when we want it.
Something Old, Something New -- Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2020
There’s that old rhyme associated with weddings, “Something old, something new, something borrowed,
Waiting for the Light to Shine -- Matthew 17:1-9, Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2020
Mark Twain once said that his pious, sainted mother never missed a Sunday’s service her whole life l
Not As Entitled As You Think -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2020
“Me and the man upstairs have an understanding.”

Drama

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 (2024) -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Hebrews 5:1-10, Mark 10:35-45 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2024
Job 38:1-7 (34-41)
Sermon Illustrations for Pentecost (2024) -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:22-27, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2024
Acts 2:1-21
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 (2024) -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 10:46-52 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2024
Job 42:1-6, 10-17
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 3 (2024) -- John 2:13-22, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Exodus 20:1-17
Sermon Illustrations for All Saints Day (2024) -- Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates -- All Saints Day - B -- 2024
Isaiah 25:6-9
Sermon Illustrations for Trinity Sunday (2024) -- Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2024
Isaiah 6:1-8
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 (2024) -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2024
Ruth 1:1-18
Illustrations for Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 (2024) -- Mark 2:23--3:6, 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2024
1 Samuel 3:1-10, (11-20)
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 4 (2024) -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Numbers 21:4-9
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 27 | OT 32 (2024) -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2024
Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 5 (2024) -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 (2024) -- 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, Mark 13:1-8 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2024
1 Samuel 1:4-20
Illustrations for Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 (2024) -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20, Psalm 138, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, Mark 3:20-35 -- Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2024
1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15)
Sermon Illustrations for Passion Sunday (2024) -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Mark 14:1--15:47 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2024
Isaiah 50:4-9a
Sermon Illustrations for Christ the King Sunday (Proper 29) (2024) -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37 -- Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2024
2 Samuel 23:1-7
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 6 | OT 11, Cycle B (2024) -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34, Psalm 20 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2024
1 Samuel 15:34--16:13
Sermon Illustrations for Maundy Thursday (2024) -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2024
Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 7 | OT 12, Cycle B (2024) -- 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41, Psalm 9:9-20, Psalm 133 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2024
1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49
Sermon Illustrations for Good Friday (2024) -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen -- Good Friday - B -- 2024
Isaiah 52:13--53:12
Sermon Illustrations for Thanksgiving (2024) -- Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Matthew 6:25-33, Psalm 126 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2024
Joel 2:21-27
Sermon Illustrations for Easter Day (2024) -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, John 20:1-18 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- Easter Day - B -- 2024
Acts 10:34-43
Sermon Illustrations for Advent 1 (2024) -- Jeremiah 33:14-16, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Luke 21:25-36 -- Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2024
Jeremiah 33:14-16
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 8 | OT 13 (2024) -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, Mark 5:21-43 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2024
2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27
Sermon Illustrations for Second Sunday of Easter (2024) -- Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
Acts 4:32-35
Sermon Illustrations for Advent 2 (2024) -- Baruch 5:1-9, Philippians 1:3-11, Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 3:1-6 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2024
Baruch 5:1-9 or Malachi 3:1-4

Prayer

Sermon

Stories

StoryShare

The Arid Spaces In Your Life -- Psalm 147, Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2022
Contents “The Arid Spaces In Your Life” by Frank Ramirez
God Restores Our Joy -- Isaiah 65:17-25, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2022
Contents “God Restores Our Joy” by John Sumwalt
Around and Around -- Psalm 138 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2022
For as the Lord is high, he regards the lowly, but the haughty he perceives from far away.
Rah! Rah! Sis Boom Bah! -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2022
But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for his baptism, he said to them, “Yo
A More Honest Light -- 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Exodus 34:29-35 -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2022
Contents “A More Honest Light” by Frank Ramirez
Liars Hall of Shame -- Psalm 27, Philippians 3:17--4:1 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2022
Contents“Liars Hall of Shame” by John Sumwalt
Most Qualified -- Philippians 3:4b-14, Psalm 126 -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2022
Contents “Most Qualified” by Frank Ramirez
Good Friday is Cancel Culture -- John 18:1--19:42, Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Good Friday - C -- 2022
Contents“Good Friday is Cancel Culture” by John Sumwalt
One Hit Wonder -- John 21:1-19, Acts 9:1-6 (7-20) -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2022
Contents “One Hit Wonder” by Frank Ramirez
The World to Come -- Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22--22:5, Psalm 67 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2022
Contents “The World to Come” by John Sumwalt
A Stubborn Advocate -- Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-17 (25-27), Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2022
Contents "A Stubborn Advocate" by Frank Ramirez
Keep Your Hands Off the Steering Wheel -- 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14, Galatians 5:1, 13-25 -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2022
Contents “Keep Your Hands Off the Steering Wheel” by Frank Ramirez
Hope for Our Gay and Trans Children -- Amos 8:1-12, Colossians 1:15-28, Psalm 52, Psalm 15 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2022
Contents “Hope for Our Gay and Trans Children” by John Sumwalt
World's End -- Luke 20:27-38, Haggai 1:15b--2:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 -- Keith Hewitt, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2022
Contents "World's End" by Keith Hewitt "The Wrong Lens" by Frank Ramirez
Speaking Tender -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2021
Contents“Speaking Tender” by John Sumwalt
Whatever You Ask? -- Mark 10:35-45, Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2021
Contents “Whatever You Ask?” by Frank Ramirez
This Will Make A Great Shot! -- Psalm 24, John 11:32-44 -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- All Saints Day - B -- 2021
Contents “This Will Make A Great Shot!” by Frank Ramirez
Truth and Vaccines -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, John 18:33-37 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2021
Contents“Truth and Vaccines” by John Sumwalt
The Real Messenger -- Malachi 3:1-4, Philippians 1:3-11 -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2021
Contents “The Real Messenger” by Frank Ramirez
Christmas Come Home -- Isaiah 62:6-12, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2021
Contents“Christmas Come Home” by John Sumwalt
Darkness and Light -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2021
Contents “Darkness and Light” by Frank Ramirez

Free Access

Connect the Dots -- Luke 12:32-40, Genesis 15:1-6 -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2022
Contents “Connect the Dots” by Frank Ramirez
Rah! Rah! Sis Boom Bah! -- Matthew 3:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2022
But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for his baptism, he said to them, “Yo
A More Honest Light -- 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Exodus 34:29-35 -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2022
Contents “A More Honest Light” by Frank Ramirez
A Stubborn Advocate -- Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-17 (25-27), Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2022
Contents "A Stubborn Advocate" by Frank Ramirez

Worship

SermonStudio

Eighth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Luke 6:39-49 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 6:39-49Theme: Demote The Mote
Proper 22/Ordinary Time 27 -- Lamentations 1:1-6 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Lamentations 1:1-6Theme: The Real 9/11
Proper 11/Ordinary Time 16 -- Luke 10:38-42 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 10:38-42Theme: Not You Two, Again!
Proper 5/Ordinary Time 10 -- Galatians 1:11-24 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Galatians 1:11-24Theme: Major League Turn Around
Third Sunday After The Epiphany -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10Theme: The Meaning, With Interpretations
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 5:27-32 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Acts 5:27-32Theme: We Are Witnesses Of God's Love
A Service For Mother's Day -- John 1:1, John 1:14, John 13:34-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- 2006
Call To Worship (based on John 1:1; John 1:14; John 13:34-35)
First Sunday Of Advent -- 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13Theme: Night And Day
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- Exodus 34:29-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Exodus 34:29-35Theme: Too BrightCall To Worship
Proper 22/Ordinary Time 27 -- 2 Timothy 1:1-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 2 Timothy 1:1-14Theme: Our Blessed Past, Our Hopeful Future
Proper 12/Ordinary Time 17 -- Hosea 1:2-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Hosea 1:2-10Theme: Children Of The Living God
Proper 5/Ordinary Time 10 -- Luke 7:11-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 7:11-17Theme: Believe It Or Not!
Third Sunday After The Epiphany -- 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31aTheme: Eye, Ear, Nose, And Throat
Second Sunday Of Easter -- John 20:19-31 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: John 20:19-31Theme: Believing Thomas
A Service For Hunters -- Frank Ramirez -- 2006
One: We have come to the season of harvest, and have gathered many good things grown in the s
First Sunday Of Advent -- Luke 21:25-36 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 21:25-36Theme: God Is Near AgainCall To Worship
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2 -- Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2Theme: Ready?
Proper 22/Ordinary Time 27 -- Luke 17:5-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 17:5-10Theme: Pass The Mustard
Proper 12/Ordinary Time 17 -- Luke 11:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 11:1-13Theme: Our Father With A Twist
Proper 6/Ordinary Time 11 -- 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21aTheme: Justice Or Just Us?
Third Sunday After The Epiphany -- Luke 4:14-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 4:14-21Theme: True Is True
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 9:1-6 (7-20) -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Acts 9:1-6 (7-20)Theme: Real Change In Real People
Second Sunday Of Advent -- Malachi 3:1-4 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Malachi 3:1-4Theme: My Messenger
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17Theme: Lost And Found
Proper 23/Ordinary Time 28 -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7Theme: Make Yourself At Home
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 7 | OT 12 | Pentecost 2
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 8 | OT 13 | Pentecost 3
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 9 | OT 14 | Pentecost 4
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 July 6, 2025:

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: This is a role play activity for the children.

Note: You will need an older volunteer to help with this activity. One option would be to find a teenager with some physical ability. If a teen is not available, an adult could be used instead. For simplicity here, I will refer to my older volunteer as “TOM”. You will also need to select three of your younger children to serve as volunteers in the story.

* * *

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
2 Kings 5:1-14
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
Bonnie Bates
2 Kings 5:1-14, Psalm 30
Naaman seeks healing. He travels hoping healing will come to him when he visits the king of Israel. Yet, healing does not come in that way. Rather healing comes through Elishah. Healing comes from believing and being cleansed in the River Jordan. Healing comes through Naaman’s faithfulness and through God’s grace. Psalm 30 also reminds us to seek healing; to seek God and God will heal and restore us. Do we believe that? Do we believe that God can bring healing?

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.’ (vv. 10-11)

When I visit your church for the first time, consider the possibility that I might be looking for a church home. I am a good-looking old guy, but I have gray hair and I dress down in the summer, so don’t be put off by my cargo shorts and tank top. Talk to me!

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Damien and Ora grinned at each other in excitement. The time had come - at last! They'd been with the Leader for months and months, waiting for this moment. Not that it had felt much like training. They'd simply lived with the Leader, listening to his stories, hearing about the Kingdom, learning to get along really well with all the other people at Mission Headquarters. Now all seventy of them were ready, the spaceship had docked, and the Mission was about to begin. Ora was glad she'd been paired up with Damien again.

SermonStudio

James Evans
Stan Purdum
Carlos Wilton
(See Epiphany 6/Ordinary Time 6, Cycle B, and Easter 3, Cycle C, for alternative approaches.)

Anyone who has ever had the experience of losing a friend because of some conflict or dispute, and then has had the friendship restored because of love and forgiveness, has a unique insight into the meaning of this psalm. Although the poem begins and ends with praise, there is in the middle of the poem a brief moment of confession and contrition that puts the praise portions of the psalm in an entirely different light.

April Yamasaki
A word of encouragement came from an unlikely source the other day in a television interview with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. The former football player, wrestler, and now actor was asked about a low time in his life when he was very discouraged about his career and future.

"How did you make your way back from that?" he was asked.

The Rock replied, "You have to put yourself out there. You have to get out there and fail, and learn from your failures."

Larry D. Powell
In the summer of 1983, I participated in a ministerial exchange program sponsored by my denomination. My assignment was to a circuit of churches on the Isle of Man, a tiny island located in the Irish Sea. The months preceding the exchange included considerable correspondence with the minister on the island with whom I would exchange pastoral duties for six weeks.
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
A wealthy businessman decided to take a walk and eat his lunch at the same time. He strolled by a park. There he purchased a hot dog and a soft drink. As he walked through the park two different "street people" approached him one by one. Each asked, "Can you help me? I am hungry." Each time the businessman looked straight ahead and kept walking. After finishing his lunch, he stopped and bought a chocolate eclair for dessert. As he was about to take the first bite, he was forced to jump out of the way as a young boy raced by on his skateboard. The eclair went flying and landed on the ground.

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