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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

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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

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Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 2 | OT 2 (2025) -- Isaiah 62:1-5, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, John 2:1-11 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2025
Isaiah 62:1-5
Behind The Scenes -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2025
Did you ever notice in most of the old movies how the credits are at the front and they don’t share
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 3 (OT 3) Cycle C (2025) -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Luke 4:14-21 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2025
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10

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

Prayer

Sermon

Stories

StoryShare

No Sweetness in Pain -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 32:1-7 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2022
Contents “No Sweetness in Pain” by John Sumwalt
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
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
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
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.
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

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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

The Resurrection Of Our Lord/Easter Day -- John 20:1-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Easter Day - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: John 20:1-18Theme: Ha!
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
Second Sunday After The Epiphany -- John 2:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: John 2:1-11Theme: Mother Knows Best
Thanksgiving Day -- John 6:25-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: John 6:25-35Theme: Real Bread -- Real Good
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 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!
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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?
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
Second Sunday Of Easter -- John 20:19-31 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: John 20:19-31Theme: Believing Thomas
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?
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
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
Second Sunday Of Advent -- Malachi 3:1-4 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Malachi 3:1-4Theme: My Messenger
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
Proper 6/Ordinary Time 11 -- Galatians 2:15-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Galatians 2:15-21Theme: The Past Through The Present
Proper 13/Ordinary Time 18 -- Hosea 11:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Hosea 11:1-11Theme: All My Compassion Is Aroused
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
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 10 | OT 15 | Pentecost 5
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 11 | OT 16 | Pentecost 6
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 12 | OT 17 | Pentecost 7
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...

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John Jamison
Object: You may present this message as a simple story, or have the children act it out as a role-play. I will show the role-play version, but you can ignore the acting pieces and just tell the story if you prefer.

Note: For the role-play version, you will need to select two girls and one boy to play the roles. You might also have a broom and a dust rag if you want to.

* * *

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

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
Nazish Naseem
For July 20, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Amos 8:1-12, Psalm 52
Amos proclaims the word from God that punishes the people. The people are to be punished for their lack of faith, for their focus on practicing deceit, betraying honesty to their neighbors, and being impatient for the time after the Sabbath when they can focus on profit and selling their crops and wares. Oh, my! What a terrible message for people. You have been unfaithful so I will punish you. And then in the psalm, God is proclaimed to be the olive tree, that which brings blessing.
David Kalas
I have tried to find different ways of saying it so that my children don’t tire of hearing it. But the basic principle remains the same, and my kids have heard it a ton. “First things first.” They ask if they can do this or they start to do that, and I will endeavor to redirect them, saying, “Why don’t we make sure we’re doing first things first!”

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. (v. 24)

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
One of Martha's earliest memories was of her little sister Mary singing and dancing in the middle of an admiring crowd of friends. Mary had always been a dancer, from the time she could walk. Privately, Martha thought she'd always been something of a show-off and ought to go on the stage, for Mary loved an audience.

SermonStudio

John E. Sumwalt
Jeanne Jones
Several years ago, before we moved to Wisconsin, I was an honorary nanny for our pastor's son, Jonathan. I took care of him from the time he was able to walk until our pastor moved, when Jonathan was about five. We had wonderful times together. One time, when I was at their house, and we had been doing some spiritual direction together, Pastor Michael asked me if I knew the name of my guardian angel.
James Evans
We are not surprised when we learn about crooks and robbers boasting about "mischief done against the godly" or "plotting destruction" all day long. The image we have in our minds about who "bad" people are, and how they conduct themselves, make such accusations completely plausible. We are less inclined to believe such things about leaders, especially respected leaders among us. We have difficulty believing someone with wealth and power would deliberately plot to do someone else harm.
Arley K. Fadness
Today's gospel from Luke 10 follows the parable of the good Samaritan. Luke positions the good Samaritan and the Mary-Martha story back to back for good reason. The parable and the story are examples of the Great Commandment "to love the Lord your God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself." The good Samaritan parable illustrates "love to neighbor," whereas the Mary-Martha story illustrates "love to God."
Kirk R. Webster
In the early 1990s, Wesley Nunley of Dallas completed a project he had dreamed of for decades. "I tell you, this could be a big thing," he explained. Wes then walked out to a concrete octagon in the middle of his backyard. With a beaming smile, arms raised up in excitement, the energetic retiree said, "This welcomes the UFO to land, which has never been done before."
John W. Wurster
It was the best of times. A time of prosperity and confidence, a time of relative peace, a time when most everything looked pretty good, a time when most everyone felt pretty good. It was a time maybe not unlike our own time.
H. Burnham Kirkland
Words Of Assurance
Our God is both wise and caring: afflicting the comfortable and comforting the afflicted.

Pastoral Prayer
God, we bow before you this morning, knowing that you hear every prayer. We know that in all of Creation, you are the source of life. You are the one who set the light swirling between the galaxies. The breath of your Spirit pulses through all life. You have even become flesh among us. We praise you, Lord, that in all your wonder, you have not forgotten us.

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