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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

Are You Ready? -- Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Judges 4:1-7 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2023
When people say there is peace and security, look out. Be ready! Something is coming!
Apocalypse Now! -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
Shakespeare’s stage was pretty simple and bare — an open space out of doors where comedies, tragedie
A New ID -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2023
One of the ways we can redefine ourselves is by changing the way we dress.
I Can See Clearly Now -- Matthew 2:1-12, Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2023
The ancient words of the Hebrew scriptures hold the key to cracking the code in all three scriptures
Sight and Sound -- Matthew 17:1-9, Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2023
Although I still think a bare stage is the most effective form of theater, there’s no denying that p
Seeing is Believing, Right? -- John 9:1-41, 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Ephesians 5:8-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
We like to say “seeing is believing” as if the evidence of our eyes will automatically convince us o
Lost and Found! -- Matthew 28:1-10, Colossians 3:1-4, Acts 10:34-43, Jeremiah 31:1-6 -- Frank Ramirez -- Easter Day - A -- 2023
The promise of the resurrection is not only for Jesus, but for all who are lost – we shall be found.
Where Is God Found? -- John 14:15-21, Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22 -- Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2023
Where is God to be found? Not in shrines made by human hands. God is in our midst.
Take Over, God! -- Genesis 12:1-9, Romans 4:13-25, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2023
In these passages, God calls on individuals to give up control of their lives and follow a whole new
Woulda Coulda Shoulda -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Romans 7:15-25a, Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2023
There’s no use having vain regrets because we didn’t.
Wrestling with the Undeniable -- Matthew 14:13-21, Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2023
This is really happening. No, really. This is really happening.
The Road Less Traveled -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2023
Robert Frost wrote a poem titled “The Road Less Traveled,” about making a choice between one turn in
History Has Its Eyes On You! -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Frank Ramirez -- New Year's Day - C -- 2022
In the musical Hamilton by Lin-Manuel Miranda, a paternal George Washington reminds the imp
On the Road to Find Out -- Luke 4:21-30, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2022
Road trip.
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.
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.

Free Access

Apocalypse Now! -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
Shakespeare’s stage was pretty simple and bare — an open space out of doors where comedies, tragedie
Sight and Sound -- Matthew 17:1-9, Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2023
Although I still think a bare stage is the most effective form of theater, there’s no denying that p
Take Over, God! -- Genesis 12:1-9, Romans 4:13-25, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2023
In these passages, God calls on individuals to give up control of their lives and follow a whole new

Drama

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 9 | OT 14 (2025) -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16, Luke 10:1-11, 16-20, Psalm 30 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2025
2 Kings 5:1-14, Psalm 30
Sermon Illustrations for Easter Day (2025) -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, John 20:1-18, Luke 24:1-12, Isaiah 65:17-25 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Easter Day - C -- 2025
Isaiah 65:17-25
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 10 | OT 15 (2025) -- Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14, Luke 10:25-37 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2025
Amos 7:7-17 and Psalm 82
Sermon Illustrations for Christmas 2 (2025) -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2025
Jeremiah 31:7-14
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 11 | OT 16 (2025) -- Amos 8:1-12, Colossians 1:15-28, Luke 10:38-42 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2025
Amos 8:1-12, Psalm 52
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany of the Lord (2025) -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2025
Isaiah 60:1-6
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 12 | OT 17 (2025) -- Hosea 1:2-10, Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19), Luke 11:1-13 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2025
Hosea 1:2-10 and Psalm 85
Sermon Illustrations for Baptism of Our Lord (2025) -- Isaiah 43:1-7, Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2025
Isaiah 43:1-7
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
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 13 | OT 18 (2025) -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2025
Hosea 11: 1-13
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
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 14 | OT 19 (2025) -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Luke 12:32-40 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2025
Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 and Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 15 | OT 20 (2025) -- Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Luke 12:49-56 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2025
Isaiah 5:1-7
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 16 | OT 21 (2025) -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, Hebrews 12:18-29, Luke 13:10-17, Psalm 71:1-6 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2025
Jeremiah 1:4-10 and Psalm 77:1-6
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 4 (OT 4) Cycle C (2025) -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Luke 4:21-30 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2025
Jeremiah 1:4-10
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 (2025) -- Jeremiah 2:4-13, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2025
Jeremiah 2:4-13
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 5 (OT 5) Cycle C (2025) -- Luke 5:1-11, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13) -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2025
Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13)
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 (2025) -- Jeremiah 18:1-11, Philemon 1:1-21, Luke 14:25-33 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2025
Jeremiah 18:1-11 and Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 6 (OT 6) Cycle C (2025) -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2025
Jeremiah 17:5-10

StoryShare

Spoiler Alert! -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2025
I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. (v. 4)
The Speed of News -- Revelation 1:4-8 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
Every eye will see him…. (v. 7)
Roses are Red, and Poppies Too… -- Lamentations 1:1-6, Lamentations 3:19-26, Psalm 137 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2025
What kind of poetry is written in the midst of war? Gentle poetry. Brutal poetry. Shocking poetry.
Dream a Little Dream -- Acts 16:9-15 -- Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2025
(This particular installment of StoryShare is adapted from a review of “Seven Psalms” that I wro
Pet Clouds -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were terrified as they en
Hail and Farewell -- John 16:12-15 -- Frank Ramirez -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2025
A little while, and you will no longer see me…. (v. 12)

Prayer

Sermon

SermonStudio

What Are You Looking At? -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2006
One of the most obvious things about the night sky is the moon, especially the full moon.
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

StoryShare

Origin Stories -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2024
Then I said, ‘See, I have come to do your will, O God’ (in the scroll of the book it is written
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
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
The Unbroken Circle -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Frank Ramirez -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2024
For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you…. (v. 23)
A Series of Dreams -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2023
In 2004 Nobel Laureate Bob Dylan published the book Chronicles: Volume One.
A Great Light -- But Who Saw It First? -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2023
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep dar
Because God is There -- Exodus 24:12-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2023
Then Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. (v. 15)
Gave As Good As She Got -- John 4:5-42 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
Just then his disciples came.
Footwear and Foot Care -- John 13:1-7, 31b-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2023
(Jesus) poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet… (v. 5)
Seeing And Not Seeing -- Luke 24:13-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2023
Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he vanished from their sight.
Into Thin Air -- Acts 1:1-11, Luke 24:44-53 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2023
According to Acts 1:9, as the disciples watched, Jesus “…was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of
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….
One Hit Wonder -- Zechariah 9:9-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2023
Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion!    Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem!
A Little Peace and Quiet -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2023
Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself.
What's In A Name? -- Exodus 3:1-15 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2023
God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” He said further, “Thus you shall say to the Israelites, ‘I a
Sour Grapes -- Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2023
What do you mean by repeating this proverb concerning the land of Israel, “The parents have eate
Impostor Syndrome? -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2023
Never since has there arisen a prophet in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face.
Peace and Security -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2023
When they say, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them, as la
What We Need -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan, “Go and tell my serva
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

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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
A Great Light -- But Who Saw It First? -- Matthew 4:12-23, Isaiah 9:1-4 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2023
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep dar
Because God is There -- Exodus 24:12-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2023
Then Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. (v. 15)
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….

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
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
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
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!
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
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
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
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
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
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!
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
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
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29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
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34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
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Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Nazish Naseem
Mary Austin
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
For October 12, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Jeremiah 29:1,4-7

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
As he entered a village, ten men with a skin disease approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” (vv. 12-13)

“I wouldn’t touch that with a ten-foot pole.”

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: This message is a role-play story. If you have enough children, you could have them play the roles of the ten lepers. However, for the most fun, I suggest planning ahead and recruiting ten adults from your congregation to play the roles.

* * *

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott

Call to Worship:

Jesus healed ten sick people, but nine of them were only interested in themselves and their own condition. Just one was able to look beyond his own concerns and say thank you. In our worship today let us look beyond ourselves and see God.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes we are consumed by ourselves and fail to really care about other people.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes we focus so intently on ourselves that we forget to say thank you.
Christ, have mercy.

SermonStudio

James Evans
(See Easter 6, Cycle A for an alternative approach to vv. 8-20.)

Schuyler Rhodes
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (v. 10). "Perfect love casts out fear" (1 John 4:18). These two powerful statements reveal for us the inadequacies of the translation process of the English language. These two juxtaposing passages reveal only a tiny fraction of the contradictions and conflicts found within our holy Word. No wonder people have trouble reading and understanding.
Scott Suskovic
"... suffer as I do" (2 Timothy 1:12).

It was in 1965 that the Rolling Stones recorded the song, "I Can't Get No Satisfaction." Even today, over forty years later, we are still saying the same words and feeling the same emptiness of trying and trying, but getting no satisfaction. Commercials promise it with whiter teeth and fresher breath. Wall Street promises it with higher returns. Soap operas promise it with a dynamic love life. Yet those who have conquered each of those summits come up with the same cry, "I can't get no satisfaction." Can you?

Stephen M. Crotts
Have you ever had this experience? You walk into a dark room to do something, flick on the light switch, and nothing happens. I suspect a lot of our Thanksgivings are like that. Thursday late in November rolls around and suddenly it's Thanksgiving! So everybody gives thanks! But quite often the gratitude is just not there. Like the light switch, we reach for it at the appropriate time and it won't work. It's burned out.
Richard E. Gribble, CSC
Once there was a wise king who died. His son, who was young and rather brash, came to the throne and after only two months ordered a review all of his father's appointments. He called in the royal secretary, the royal treasurer, and the viceroy for interviews. He found them all to be unworthy and sent them into exile with only the shirts on their backs. Next he decided to interview the local bishop. A courier was sent to the bishop's residence with this message: "You are to report to the palace and answer the following three questions: 1) What direction does God face? 2) What am I worth?

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