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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

Fast Food, Past and Present Tense, Future Indicative -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2022
The late science fiction writer Robert A.
The Triumph of Love -- Acts 11:1-18, Revelation 21:1-6, John 13:31-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2022
One of the problems about living in the present is that the only perspective we get on our current t
Not On Our Own -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a, Galatians 3:23-29, Luke 8:26-39, Psalm 42 and 43 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2022
My guess is that we’ve all got a favorite book about Lincoln. The list is endless, of course.
Learn and Live -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21, Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2022
There are lessons to be learned at all levels of life.
Life or Death: Make A Choice -- Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Luke 15:1-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2022
Choices matter.
What Just Happened Out There? -- Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14, Psalm 65 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2022
Nothing is something because it provides a blank stage for God’s miracles to be clearly seen.
Filled With The Bread of Life -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Philippians 4:4-9, John 6:25-35, Psalm 100 -- Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2022
One of the joys of Thanksgiving is having a reason to give thanks to our Creator.
Insight In Sight -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19, Romans 1:1-7 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2022
The truth is out there, if you’re willing to see it.
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.

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Truly Acknowledging God -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Romans 10:8b-13, Luke 4:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2022
It’s not uncommon to hear folks thank God for their blessings, almost as a pro forma kind of thing.
Learn and Live -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21, Psalm 107:1-9, 43 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2022
There are lessons to be learned at all levels of life.
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.

Drama

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 4 (2024) -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1:21-28 -- Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2024
Deuteronomy 18:15-20
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 (2023) -- Exodus 17:1-17, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:28-32, Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2023
Exodus 17:1-7
Sermon Illustrations for Ascension of the Lord (2023) -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2023
Acts 1:1-11
Sermon Illustrations For Lent 2 (2023) -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17, Psalm 121 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
Genesis 12:1-4a
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 (2023) -- Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2023
Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20
Sermon Illustrations For Easter 7 (2023) -- Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - A -- 2023
Acts 1:6-14
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 (2023) -- Exodus 32:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Matthew 22:1-14, Isaiah 25:1-9, Psalm 23 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2023
Exodus 32:1-14
Sermon Illustrations For Day Of Pentecost (2023) -- Acts 2:1-21, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 20:19-23 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2023
Acts 2:1-21
Sermon Illustrations For Lent 3 (2023) -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42, Psalm 95 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
Exodus 17:1-7
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 (2023) -- Exodus 33:12-23, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Matthew 22:15-22 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - A -- 2023
Exodus 33:12-23
Sermon Illustrations For Trinity Sunday (2023) -- Genesis 1:1--2:4a, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, Matthew 28:16-20 -- Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - A -- 2023
Genesis 1:1--2:4
Sermon Illustrations For Lent 4 (2023) -- 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
1 Samuel 16:1-13
Sermon Illustrations For Lent 5 (2023) -- Ezekiel 37:1-14, Romans 8:6-11, John 11:1-45, Psalm 130 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
Ezekiel 37:1-14
Sermon Illustrations For Passion Sunday (2023) -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Matthew 26:14--27:66, Psalm 31:9-16, Matthew 27:11-54 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2023
Isaiah 50:5-9a
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 (2023) -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46, Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18, Psalm 1 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2023
Deuteronomy 34:1-12

StoryShare

A Sanctuary from the Fire -- Mark 9:2-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2024
As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of
Defying Gravity -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2024
When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of thei
See What You Want To See -- Exodus 20:1-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, punishin
Who Knew? -- 1 John 3:1-7 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. (v. 1)
Not Quite A Dial of Destiny -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2024
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, Magi[
I Can See Clearly Now -- 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Deuteronomy 18:15-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2024
We use the word epiphany to refer to moments when we really see people, places, or things for what t

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Sermon Illustrations for Lent 2 (2024) -- Mark 8:31-38, Romans 4:13-25, Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16
See What You Want To See -- Exodus 20:1-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, punishin
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 Epiphany 3 (2024) -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2024
Jonah 3:1-5, 10

Prayer

Sermon

SermonStudio

Jailhouse Rock -- Acts 16:16-34 -- Frank Ramirez -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Do you remember the old folk tune that went something like this? (sing or recite)
Ashes And Bugs -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
Ah, spring! The days are getting longer, and hopefully warmer.
What's In A Name? -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
What's in a name? Does a name matter?
Abraham Believed God -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
If you've traveled with small children in a car, you've probably heard this conversation more than o
He Will Abundantly Pardon -- Isaiah 55:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Perhaps you have taken a vacation with the intention of seeking out some historical or national monu
Gateway To Grace -- Joshua 5:9-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
When you visit a church camp you're aware that you're separated from civilization.
Past, Present, Future -- Isaiah 43:16-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
We have a great history as a nation, but many of us are content with the pious stories we learned as
Essentials -- Isaiah 50:4-9a -- Frank Ramirez -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2006
D. L. Miller of Mount Morris, Illinois, was a world traveler among a people who didn't travel much.
The Word Of The Lord Came To The Prophet Haggai -- Haggai 1:1 -- Frank Ramirez -- 1998
There is something about seeing a zero creep up on the odometer, whether it's in your car, the world
While This House Lies In Ruins -- Haggai 1:2-15 -- Frank Ramirez -- 1998
Hymnologists say the first hymn in a hymnal tells a lot about the rest of the book.
This House In Its Former Glory -- Frank Ramirez -- 1998
In the second year of King Darius, in the seventh month, on the twent-first day of the month, the wo
Yes, It Becomes Unclean -- Haggai 2:11-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- 1998
When my family grew large enough, not so much in numbers, but in the size of its members, it was t
On The Twenty-fourth Day -- Haggai 2:10 -- Frank Ramirez -- 1998
Haggai works his way to this crucial question, and so shall we.
Is There Any Seed Left In The Barn? -- Haggai 2:19 -- Frank Ramirez -- 1998
About eight years ago I first considered moving from Los Angeles to northern Indiana, from the city
For I Have Chosen You! -- Haggai 2:20-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- 1998
When I was a kid the night before Christmas was the longest night in the world.

Stories

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Sign Here -- Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2023
As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax-collection station….
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

StoryShare

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
Valley of the Shadow -- Psalm 112, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2022
Contents “Valley of the Shadow” by John Sumwalt
Feels A Little Light -- Amos 8:4-7, Luke 16:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2022
Contents “Feels A Little Light” by Frank Ramirez
Band of Brothers -- Luke 17:11-19, 2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15c -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2022
Contents “Band of Brothers” by Frank Ramirez
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
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

Worship

SermonStudio

Proper 10/Ordinary Time 15 -- Colossians 1:1-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Colossians 1:1-14Theme: Victory Parade
Proper 10/Ordinary Time 15 -- Luke 10:25-37 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 10:25-37Theme: Question And Answer
Good Friday -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Frank Ramirez -- Good Friday - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: John 18:1--19:42Theme: You Are Here
The Baptism Of Our Lord -- Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Frank Ramirez -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 3:15-17, 21-22Theme: God Remains Pleased With Us
Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany -- Luke 6:27-38 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 6:27-38Theme: Yes, Love THAT Enemy, Too!
All Saints -- Luke 6:20-31 -- Frank Ramirez -- All Saints Day - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 6:20-31Theme: Blessings And Woes
Proper 21/Ordinary Time 26 -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15Theme: The Long Term
Proper 4/Ordinary Time 9 -- Galatians 1:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Galatians 1:1-12Theme: Untouched By Human Hands
Proper 11/Ordinary Time 16 -- Amos 8:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Amos 8:1-12Theme: Bad Pun, Bad News
The Resurrection Of Our Lord/Easter Day -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Frank Ramirez -- Easter Day - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Acts 10:34-43Theme: Thank Heavens I Don't Get No Respect!
Second Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 62:1-5 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Isaiah 62:1-5Theme: An Arranged Marriage
Eighth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 55:10-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Isaiah 55:10-13Theme: Full Circle, Full Cycle
Thanksgiving Day -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Deuteronomy 26:1-11Theme: Giving And Receiving
Proper 21/Ordinary Time 26 -- 1 Timothy 6:6-19 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 1 Timothy 6:6-19Theme: A Few Of My Favorite Things
Proper 4/Ordinary Time 9 -- Luke 7:1-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 7:1-10Theme: Unmatched Faith
Proper 11/Ordinary Time 16 -- Colossians 1:15-28 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Colossians 1:15-28Theme: Second Verse, Same As The First
The Resurrection Of Our Lord/Easter Day -- 1 Corinthians 15:19-26 -- Frank Ramirez -- Easter Day - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 15:19-26Theme: More To Be Pitied Than Envied
Second Sunday After The Epiphany -- 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11Theme: I See It Now
Eighth Sunday After The Epiphany -- 1 Corinthians 15:51-58 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 8 | Ordinary Time 8 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 15:51-58Theme: Mystery Solved
Thanksgiving Day -- Philippians 4:4-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Philippians 4:4-9Theme: Good Things -- Good God
Proper 21/Ordinary Time 26 -- Luke 16:19-31 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 16:19-31Theme: Pay Close Attention
Proper 5/Ordinary Time 10 -- 1 Kings 17:8-16 (17-24) -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: 1 Kings 17:8-16 (17-24)Theme: Your Word Is Truth
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!
The Resurrection Of Our Lord/Easter Day -- John 20:1-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Easter Day - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: John 20:1-18Theme: Ha!
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
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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

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For May 19, 2024:
  • Dry Bones or Dancing Bones by Dean Feldmeyer based on Ezekiel 37:1-14. “Hope means to keep living amid desperation and to keep humming in the darkness.”  Henri J.M. Nouwen

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Coffin
Pentecost accents the belief that the Christian church is a Spirit movement, not another world institution. Imagine a pastor who is on the denomination committee for examining pastoral candidates that are on various points along their journey toward ordination either before, during or just after completion of seminary/Bible college training. All the pastoral candidates are excited about their future of making a positive change and impression on the churches they serve.
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Bill Thomas
Acts 2:1-21
Martin Luther viewed Pentecost as a day of celebration, as on a sermon in the topic he noted “it was on this present Pentecost Day that the joyful blessed and lovely kingdom of Christ was established, a kingdom filled with joy, courage, and certainty.”  Complete Sermons, Vol.6, p.152) Awareness of the Holy Spirit is a big part of the joy and certainty Pentecost brings.  John Wesley, then, offers a timely warning about how not to lose a sense of the Spirit and the joy and confidence this insight offers.  He wrote:

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“I’m not sure why we’re doing this,” Ollie muttered to himself as he took his place on the bandstand. He unpacked his guitar and played a few chords to make sure that it was in tune. “The acoustics are better in the church building.”

“They may be,” Todd said raising his voice over the sounds of the busy park. “Going to be a noisy afternoon from the sounds of it.”

“Huh?” Ollie looked over at his smiling friend. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to say that out loud.”

“You’re just saying what we’re all thinking, isn’t he Wendy?’

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John Jamison
Object: Today’s message will include a role-play. You will need one child to play the role of the shepherd and the rest of the children will be the people from town. I usually pick an outgoing child for my shepherd so they will act out a bit. Encourage everyone to have fun and ham it up a bit.

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The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
As I recall, there was a mighty, rushing wind at the last Bank Holiday weekend. It didn't herald the coming of God quite as much as the coming of a mighty, rushing rain, and for many unfortunate people, substantial flooding. And it was accompanied by considerable power, for it uprooted and destroyed one of our laburnum trees.

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Mark Ellingsen
Theme of the Day
The Holy Spirit gets around. Historically the church has also commemorated its origins on this festival. In some traditions, confirmation is celebrated.

Collect of the Day
Petitions are offered that the Spirit come and transform the faithful to give them language to proclaim the word. The Holy Spirit, Justification (by Grace), Sanctification, and Evangelism are emphasized.

Psalm of the Day
Psalm 104:24-34, 35b
* Hymn to God the creator; praise for God's providential interventions.
James Evans
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary; see The Day Of Pentecost, Cycle A, for an alternative approach.)

Elizabeth Achtemeier
On the previous Sundays of this Eastertide, we have heard the risen Christ tell his followers to remain in Jerusalem until he sends the Holy Spirit upon them. That will enable them to be his witnesses in Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Having promised that, he ascended into heaven, to rule over all at the right hand of the Father. That promise was spoken during the forty days that the Lord was with the apostles and disciples after his resurrection.
Arthur H. Kolsti
Then he said to me, "Prophesy to these bones, and say to them: O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord to the breath, prophesy mortal, and say to the breath: Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live." I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood on their feet, a vast multitude.
-- Ezekiel 37:4-10
Ron Lavin
The Holy Spirit is called "your Advocate" in the New English Bible translation of John 15:26. Other translations may be helpful in understanding the meaning of the Holy Spirit. The King James Version uses the term "The Comforter." The Revised Standard Version and the New International Version use the term "The Counselor." The Phillips translation and the Barclay translation call the Holy Spirit "The Helper." I like the title "The Advocate" best of all. This term "The Adovcate" includes comforting, counseling, and helping.

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