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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

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Dramatic Irony -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2017
Agatha Christie’s mystery play The Mousetrap opened in 1952, and it has been running longer

Emphasis Preaching Journal

A season not a reason -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Frank Ramirez -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2016-17
These three scriptures together point to the reality of the world we live in.
A January Pentecost -- Isaiah 43:1-7, Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22, Psalm 29 -- Frank Ramirez -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2016
I’m not sure I want to steal any thunder from your preaching for Pentecost later this year, but it d
What's it take? -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Luke 4:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
As we begin the season of Lent we might ask “What’s it take?” What does it take for us to navigate t
Your move -- Genesis 15:1-12 (17-18), Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 13:31-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
Have you ever set across from someone during a game -- chess, checkers, or a board game -- and waite
Are you there? -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Luke 22:14--23:56 -- Frank Ramirez -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2016
Isaiah 50:4-9a
I know you! -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
To know and to be known are important to our well-being.
The power of words and the Word -- Acts 11:1-18, Revelation 21:1-6, John 13:31-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
The power of God’s word, spoken and written, is emphasized in several places in scripture.
Whoooosh! -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Frank Ramirez -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2016
Whoooosh!
No turning back! -- 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14, Galatians 5:1, 13-25, Luke 9:51-62 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2016
I suppose if everyone decided to take literally this story where Jesus rebukes the man who wished to
Reasonable Expectations -- Hosea 11:1-11, Colossians 3:1-11, Luke 12:13-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2016
Reasonable expectations -- they’re implicit in these scripture texts.
Seen and unseen: what really matters! -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Luke 12:32-40 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2016
Thanks to the ubiquitous presence of smartphones that double as cameras, we have become almost --
Who are you really? -- Jeremiah 18:1-11, Philemon 1:1-21, Luke 14:25-33 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2016
Under the guise of harshness, the prophet Jeremiah wants us to see in God’s earnest desire to get ou
Written in stone, written for the real world -- Jeremiah 31:27-34, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Luke 18:1-8 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2016
Paul talks about the importance of knowing scripture, its applicability to our lives -- yet remember
Spoiler alert! -- Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2016
Nowadays movie reviewers, and let’s hope good friends, warn us with the term “spoiler alert” if they
How to live apocalyptically -- Isaiah 65:17-25, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Luke 21:5-19 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2016
In the first chapter of Acts, as the apostles stare into the sky where Jesus has ascended two figure
The real world -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Frank Ramirez -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2016
For some the story of Christmas is a fantasy set in an idealized world where pregnant women get to r
Thanking God for worries as well as blessings -- Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Matthew 6:25-33 -- Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2015
As folks bow their heads in prayers of thanksgiving, both in worship and at home, there is the tende
The well-traveled path of suffering -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2015
There is an exquisite tension on Palm Sunday, which is also known as Passion Sunday.
The lessons of Easter are meant for us -- Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Luke 24:36b-48 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2015
Two of the Founding Fathers, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, were once fast friends, comrades in th
An Advocate to guide us -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:22-27, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Frank Ramirez -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2015
Sooner or later most of us have the experience of getting behind the wheel for the first time.
Victory in spite of -- 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2015
Each one of this week's scriptures can be viewed as victory as God's will is done, yet these stories
Don't judge people by their covers -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 7:24-37 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2015
Shorthand might be an efficient way to take quick notes, but it’s a lousy way to typecast people.
God's rewards are for the living -- Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44 -- Frank Ramirez -- All Saints Day - B -- 2015
Books that describe visits to heaven are very popular these days.
An upside-down Christmas -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2015
The Christmas holiday is so beautiful, so central to our faith, with lights shining in the darkness

Drama

Illustration

StoryShare

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
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
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
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.
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)
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

Free Access

Sermon Illustrations For Lent 1 (2023) -- Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Romans 5:12-19, Matthew 4:1-11 -- Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas -- First Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7
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
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….
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 5 | OT 10 (2023) -- Genesis 12:1-9, Romans 4:13-25, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2023
Genesis 12:1-9
Sermon Illustrations For Easter Sunday (2023) -- Acts 10:34-43, Colossians 3:1-4, John 20:1-18 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates -- Easter Day - A -- 2023
Jeremiah 31:1-6
Sermon Illustrations For Good Friday (2023) -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Good Friday - A -- 2023
Isaiah 52:13--53:12
Sermon Illustrations for Advent 1 (2023) -- Isaiah 64:1-9, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen -- First Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
Isaiah 64: 1-9
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 (2023) -- Genesis 28:10-19a, Romans 8:12-25, Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2023
Genesis 28:10-19a
Sermon Illustrations for Advent 2 (2023) -- Isaiah 40:1-11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
Isaiah 40:1-11
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 (2023) -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2023
Genesis 29:15-28
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
Sermon Illustrations For Epiphany 3 (2023) -- Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2023
Isaiah 9:1-4
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 (2023) -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2023
Genesis 29:15-28
Sermon Illustrations For Epiphany 4 | OT 4 (2023) -- Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - A -- 2023
Micah 6:1-8
Sermon Illustrations For Transfiguration Sunday (2023) -- Exodus 24:12-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Matthew 17:1-9 -- Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2023
Exodus 24:12-18
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)
Sermon Illustrations For Ash Wednesday (2023) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12) -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2023
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17

Prayer

Sermon

Stories

StoryShare

Filled with Passion -- Luke 22:14--23:56, Psalm 31:9-16 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2019
Contents “Filled with Passion” by Peter Andrew Smith
This Doesn't Make Sense -- Acts 10:34-43, John 20:1-18, Psalm 118:1-2, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Easter Day - C -- 2019
This Doesn’t Make Sense by C. David McKirachan
Crossing Barriers -- John 13:31-35, Acts 11:1-8 -- Frank Ramirez, Peter Andrew Smith -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
Contents "Crossing Barriers" by Frank Ramirez
Pay Attention -- Acts 16:16-34, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21, Psalm 97 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
Contents “Pay Attention” by C. David McKirachan
Keeping Your Eyes on Jesus -- Luke 9:51-62, 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2019
Contents“Keeping Your Eyes on Jesus” by Peter Andrew Smith
Here Comes da Judge -- Amos 8:1-12, Luke 10:38-42 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2019
Contents “Here Comes da Judge” by C. David McKirachan
A Cloud of Witnesses -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2019
Contents “A Cloud of Witnesses” by Peter Andrew Smith
Is There Hope? -- Jeremiah 18:1-11, Philemon 1:1-21, Psalm 1 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2019
Contents “Is There Hope?” by C. David McKirachan
A Complaint Not A Lament -- Lamentations 1:1-6, 2 Timothy 1:1-14 -- Frank Ramirez, Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2019
Contents “A Complaint Not A Lament” by Frank Ramirez
The Days Will Come -- Isaiah 65:17-25, Luke 21:5-19 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2019
Contents “The Days Will Come” by Peter Andrew Smith
The Days Will Come -- Luke 21:5-19, Isaiah 65:17-25 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2019
Contents “The Days Will Come” by Peter Andrew Smith
A Life-Saving Monkey -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2019
"Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; fo
Mom -- Mark 13:1-8, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2018
Contents “Mom” by C. David McKirachan
These People Marvel at the Star -- Luke 21:25-36, Jeremiah 33:14-16, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Psalm 25:1-10 -- Frank Ramirez, C. David Mckirachan -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
Contents “These People Marvel at the Star” by Frank Ramirez
Seeing the Future -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Psalm 96 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2018
Contents “Seeing the Future” by Peter Andrew Smith
Building in Love -- 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Deuteronomy 18:15-20 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2018
Contents "Building in Love" by Peter Andrew Smith
An Acceptable Time To Open Our Eyes -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Psalm 51:1-17 -- Frank Ramirez, C. David Mckirachan -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2018
Contents "An Acceptable Time To Open Our Eyes" by Frank Ramirez
Raised Up -- John 3:14-21, Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
Contents “Raised Up” by Peter Andrew Smith
Fast Food -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35, Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2018
Contents “Fast Food” by C. David McKirachan
Witnesses -- Luke 24:36b-48, Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Psalm 4 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
Contents “Witnesses” by Peter Andrew Smith
Whose Water Is It? -- Acts 10:44-48, 1 John 5:1-6 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
Contents “Whose Water Is It?” by C. David McKirachan
Keeping the Sabbath Holy -- Mark 2:23--3:6, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2018
Contents “Keeping the Sabbath Holy” by Peter Andrew Smith
The Real Man Of La Mancha -- 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Job 38:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez, C. David Mckirachan -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2018
Contents “The Real Man Of La Mancha” by Frank Ramirez

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Yet to Come -- John 2:1-11, Psalm 36:5-10 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2019
Contents “Yet to Come” by Peter Andrew Smith
A Complaint Not A Lament -- Lamentations 1:1-6, 2 Timothy 1:1-14 -- Frank Ramirez, Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2019
Contents “A Complaint Not A Lament” by Frank Ramirez

Worship

SermonStudio

Proper 24/Ordinary Time 29 -- 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5Theme: The Other 3:16
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Philippians 4:4-7 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Philippians 4:4-7Theme: Say It Again!
I'm That Certain -- Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16Theme: I'm That Certain
Proper 7/Ordinary Time 12 -- Luke 8:26-39 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 8:26-39Theme: Legionnaires
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Revelation 7:9-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Revelation 7:9-17Theme: Two Ways Of Looking
Fifth Sunday After The Epiphany -- 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11Theme: I Will Explain It Slowly
First Sunday In Lent -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 4:1-13Theme: Satan's Best Shot
Proper 24/Ordinary Time 29 -- Luke 18:1-8 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 18:1-8Theme: Don't Give Up So Easily
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Luke 3:7-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 3:7-18Theme: Fruits Worthy Of Repentance
What Must We Do To Be Saved? -- Acts 16:16-34 -- Frank Ramirez -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Call To Worship
Proper 8/Ordinary Time 13 -- 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14Theme: Take Up The Mantle
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- John 10:22-30 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: John 10:22-30Theme: I Know This Guy!
Fifth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Luke 5:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 5:1-11Theme: Big Fish, Big Pond
Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18Theme: Just In Case You Forget ...
Proper 25/Ordinary Time 30 -- Joel 2:23-32 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Joel 2:23-32Theme: God's Spirit On All
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Micah 5:2-5a -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Micah 5:2-5aTheme: Can So
Proper 12/Ordinary Time 17 -- Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19) -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19)Theme: Debt Relief
Proper 8/Ordinary Time 13 -- Galatians 5:1, 13-25 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Galatians 5:1, 13-25
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 9:28-36 (37-43)Theme: Is That Really You?
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Revelation 1:4b-8, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Revelation 1:4-8Theme: Will The Real Jesus Please Stand Up!
Sixth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Jeremiah 17:5-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Jeremiah 17:5-10Theme: Heavenly Horticulture
Second Sunday In Lent -- Philippians 3:17--4:1 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Philippians 3:17--4:1Theme: Your Belly Or Your Life
Proper 25/Ordinary Time 30 -- 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18Theme: Finish Line
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Hebrews 10:5-10Theme: This DayCall To Worship
Proper 14/Ordinary Time 19 -- Luke 12:32-40 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 12:32-40Theme: Finding Your Heart
UPCOMING WEEKS
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Easter 4
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160+ – Illustrations / Stories
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34 – Commentary / Exegesis
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140+ – Illustrations / Stories
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New & Featured This Week

Emphasis Preaching Journal

David Kalas
In the sometimes-tiresome debate over science and scripture with respect to creation, it’s easy to become distracted. While the argument typically requires a focus on the how, we may lose sight of the what. And so, for just a moment, let me invite us to think for a moment about what God created.
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Bill Thomas
Acts 8:26-40
As a local church pastor, I was often asked if I would baptize a child whose family were not members of the church. Some churches rebelled against this, but I remember this scripture — the hunger for understanding and inclusion of the Eunuch and Philp’s response — to teach and share and baptize in the name of our God. How could we turn anyone away from the rite of baptism?

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
“Dad, I think you worked a miracle.” Rolf slowly walked around the tree. “After that windstorm, I assumed this tree was as good as gone.”

“We just needed to give the branches time to heal and come back,” Michael replied.

 “I know, but so many of them were battered and broken I figured that it couldn’t recover. Now though it looks just like it did before the storm.” Rolf paused. “Do you think it will bear any fruit this summer?”

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A live plant that produces fruit, and a broken branch from that plant. I used a tomato plant from a local greenhouse. Ideally, find a plant with blossoms or small fruit already growing. If you use a different kind of fruit-producing plant, just change the script to fit.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Excellent!

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Katy Stenta
Thomas Willadsen
Mary Austin
Elena Delhagen
Dean Feldmeyer
Quantisha Mason-Doll
For April 28, 2024:
  • On The Way To Gaza by Chris Keating based on Acts 8:26-40. On the way to Gaza, Philip discovers the startling ways the Spirit of God moves across borders, boundaries, customs, and traditions.
  • Second Thoughts: Abiding by Katy Stenta based on John 15:1-8.
  • Sermon illustrations by Mary Austin, Tom Willadsen, Elena Delhagen, Dean Feldmeyer.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus is the vine, we are the branches. In our service today, let us absorb from the vine all the nourishment we need.

Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes our branches become cut off from the vine.
Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes our branches are withered.
Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes we fail to produce good fruit.
Lord, have mercy.

SermonStudio

Stan Purdum
We will meet Psalm 22 in its entirety on Good Friday, but here the lectionary designates just verses 23-31. The lectionary psalms generally illuminate the week's First Lesson, which in this case is about the covenant initiated by God with Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 17. The nine verses from this psalm, while not inappropriate, nonetheless leave us looking for an obvious connection with the First Lesson.

John S. Smylie
I think some people are natural-born gardeners. Our Lord grew up in a society that was familiar with agriculture. The images that he used to explain the ways of his Father in heaven are familiar to his audience. Growing up, my closest experience to agriculture was living in, "the Garden State." Most people, when they pass through New Jersey, are surprised to see that expression on the license plates of vehicles registered in New Jersey. Most folks traveling through New Jersey experience the megalopolis, the corridor between New York City and Washington DC.
Ron Lavin
A pastor in Indiana went to visit an 87-year-old man named Ermil, who was a hospital patient. A member of his church told the pastor about this old man who was an acquaintance. "He's not a believer, but he is really in need," the church member said. "I met him at the county home for the elderly. He's a lonely old man with no family and no money."

Paul E. Robinson
"Love is a many splendored thing...." Or so we heard Don Cornwall and the Four Aces sing time and again. Of course you or I might have other words to describe love, depending on our situation.

Love. "I love you." "I love to play golf." "I just love pistachio lush!" "It's tough to love some people." "Jesus loves me, this I know."

Love.

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