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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

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
Changing the Basics of the Covenant -- Jeremiah 31:27-34, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Luke 18:1-8 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2019
God’s persistence results in changing the basics of the covenant — sour grapes and written on the he
Real Life -- Isaiah 65:17-25, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Luke 21:5-19 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2019
These scriptures remind us that a life worth living must be worthwhile.
Identity Crisis -- Matthew 11:2-11, Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2019
Advent in Cycle A means Isaiah, Romans, and Matthew. Isaiah is so rich and musical.
We Are All Connected -- Isaiah 62:1-5, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, John 2:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2019
We are all intimately connected as one body in Jesus.
At the Heart of God's Plan Is Love -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Luke 4:21-30 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2019
Jeremiah is appointed to pluck up and call out nations. Serious change. Not popular.
The Definition of Sanity -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15, 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50, Luke 6:27-38 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2019
Since Albert Einstein is considered the genius above all geniuses, he is often credited quotes he ne
When Will They Ever Learn? -- Isaiah 55:1-9, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
Are you paying attention?
This Changes Everything -- Acts 10:34-43, 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, John 20:1-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Easter Day - C -- 2019
It can not only be hard, but in some cases not possible to say much at all on Easter morning, what w
Let The Reign Begin -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2019
The Reign of Christ has begun, even though it may not be immediately apparent to the world at large.
Blessed Are The Receivers -- 2 Kings 5:1-14, Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16, Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2019
The church folks I have known are always ready to give.
Ridiculous! -- Hosea 1:2-10, Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19), Luke 11:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2019
The parable of the man who turns away the midnight caller? Ridiculous!
Making Choices -- Jeremiah 2:4-13, Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16, Luke 14:1, 7-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - C -- 2019
As God's people we have a choice to make about what sort of covenant we want to live with.
Like and Yet Unlike -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2019
We are to live among our neighbors, like and unlike.

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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.”
We Are All Connected -- Isaiah 62:1-5, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, John 2:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2019
We are all intimately connected as one body in Jesus.
Ridiculous! -- Hosea 1:2-10, Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19), Luke 11:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2019
The parable of the man who turns away the midnight caller? Ridiculous!
Like and Yet Unlike -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2019
We are to live among our neighbors, like and unlike.

Drama

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

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 Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 (2023) -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2023
Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 6 | OT 11 | Pentecost 3 (2023) -- Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7), Romans 5:1-8, Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2023
Genesis 18:1-15, (21:1-7)
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 Proper 7 | OT 12 | Pentecost 4 (2023) -- Matthew 10:24-39, Romans 6:1b-11, Genesis 21:8-21 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2023
Genesis 21:8-21
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 (2023) -- Judges 4:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 -- Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - A -- 2023
Judges 4:1-7
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 (2023) -- Genesis 22:1-14, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - A -- 2023
Genesis 22:1-14
Sermon Illustrations for Thanksgiving Day (2023) -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2023
Deuteronomy 8:7-18
Sermon Illustrations For Easter 2 (2023) -- Acts 2:14a, 22-32, 1 Peter 1:3-9, John 20:19-31 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Easter - A -- 2023
Acts 2:14a, 22-32
Sermon Illustrations for Christmas 1 (2023) -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2023
Isaiah 63:7-9
Sermon Illustrations for Christ The King (Proper 29) (2023) -- Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - A -- 2023
Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 (2023) -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Romans 7:15-25a, Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2023
Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany of Our Lord (2023) -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany of the Lord - A -- 2023
Isaiah 60:1-6
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 10 | Ordinary Time 15 (2023) -- Genesis 25:19-34, Romans 8:1-11, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2023
Genesis 25:19-34, Psalm 119:105-112
Sermon Illustrations For Easter 3 (2023) -- Acts 2:14a, 36-41, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Luke 24:13-35 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2023
Acts 2:14a, 36-41
Sermon Illustrations for Baptism of Our Lord (2023) -- Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Matthew 3:13-17 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2023
Isaiah 42:1-9
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 Easter 4 (2023) -- Acts 2:42-47, 1 Peter 2:19-25, John 10:1-10, Psalm 23 -- Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2023
Acts 2:42-47
Sermon Illustrations For Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 (2023) -- Isaiah 49:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2023
Isaiah 49:1-7
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 Easter 5 (2023) -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2023
Acts 7:55-60
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
Sermon Illustrations For Easter 6 (2023) -- Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22, John 14:15-21 -- Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2023
Acts 17:22-31
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

Prayer

Sermon

Stories

StoryShare

This Will Make A Great Shot! -- Psalm 24, John 11:32-44 -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- All Saints Day - B -- 2021
Contents “This Will Make A Great Shot!” by Frank Ramirez
Truth and Vaccines -- 2 Samuel 23:1-7, John 18:33-37 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2021
Contents“Truth and Vaccines” by John Sumwalt
The Real Messenger -- Malachi 3:1-4, Philippians 1:3-11 -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2021
Contents “The Real Messenger” by Frank Ramirez
Christmas Come Home -- Isaiah 62:6-12, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2021
Contents“Christmas Come Home” by John Sumwalt
Darkness and Light -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2021
Contents “Darkness and Light” by Frank Ramirez
Yes, God Speaks to Us Directly -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Psalm 62:5-12 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2021
Contents “Yes, God Speaks to Us Directly” by John Sumwalt
Only Two -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2021
Contents“Only Two” by Frank Ramirez
Breaking Jesus’ Heart -- Psalm 22:23-31, Mark 8:31-38 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
Contents“Breaking Jesus’ Heart” by John Sumwalt
The Beauty of God’s Law -- Hebrews 5:5-10, Psalm 119:9-16 -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2021
Contents“The Beauty of God’s Law” by Frank Ramirez
Not Forsaken -- John 18:1--19:42, Psalm 22 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Good Friday - B -- 2021
Contents“Not Forsaken” by John Sumwalt
Pause, Sign, Ponder, Reflect -- Psalm 4, 1 John 3:1-7 -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
Contents"Pause, Sign, Ponder, Reflect" by Frank Ramirez
Waking Up to Racism -- John 15:9-17, Psalm 98 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
Contents“Waking Up to Racism” by John Sumwalt
The Billy Graham Test -- Romans 8:22-27, Acts 2:1-21 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2021
Contents“The Billy Graham Test” by John Sumwalt
A Person’s A Person -- Mark 4:26-34, 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2021
Contents “A Person’s A Person” by Frank Ramirez
We Are Spiritual Bodies -- 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Ezekiel 2:1-5 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2021
Contents“We Are Spiritual Bodies” by John Sumwalt
The Measure of the Universe -- Ephesians 3:14-21, Psalm 14 -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2021
Contents“The Measure of the Universe” by Frank Ramirez
Bread From Heaven -- John 6:51-58, Psalm 111 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2021
Contents“Bread From Heaven” by John Sumwalt
The Doghouse at the White House -- Mark 7:24-37, Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2021
Contents “The Doghouse at the White House” 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

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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
Yes, God Speaks to Us Directly -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Psalm 62:5-12 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2021
Contents “Yes, God Speaks to Us Directly” by John Sumwalt
Pause, Sign, Ponder, Reflect -- Psalm 4, 1 John 3:1-7 -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
Contents"Pause, Sign, Ponder, Reflect" by Frank Ramirez
Waking Up to Racism -- John 15:9-17, Psalm 98 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2021
Contents“Waking Up to Racism” by John Sumwalt
The Doghouse at the White House -- Mark 7:24-37, Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2021
Contents “The Doghouse at the White House” 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 22/Ordinary Time 27 -- Lamentations 1:1-6 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Lamentations 1:1-6Theme: The Real 9/11
Proper 11/Ordinary Time 16 -- Luke 10:38-42 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 10:38-42Theme: Not You Two, Again!
Proper 5/Ordinary Time 10 -- Galatians 1:11-24 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Galatians 1:11-24Theme: Major League Turn Around
The Resurrection Of Our Lord/Easter Day -- John 20:1-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Easter Day - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: John 20:1-18Theme: Ha!
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
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)
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
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
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
Proper 12/Ordinary Time 17 -- Hosea 1:2-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Hosea 1:2-10Theme: Children Of The Living God
Proper 5/Ordinary Time 10 -- Luke 7:11-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 7:11-17Theme: Believe It Or Not!
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 -- 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2 -- Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2Theme: Ready?
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
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
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
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 12/Ordinary Time 17 -- Luke 11:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 11:1-13Theme: Our Father With A Twist
Proper 6/Ordinary Time 11 -- 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21a -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: 1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14) 15-21aTheme: Justice Or Just Us?
Second Sunday Of Easter -- John 20:19-31 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: John 20:19-31Theme: Believing Thomas
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17Theme: Lost And Found
Third Sunday After The Epiphany -- Luke 4:14-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 4:14-21Theme: True Is True
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
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 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
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New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Elena Delhagen
Thomas Willadsen
Mary Austin
Christopher Keating
Quantisha Mason-Doll
George Reed
Katy Stenta
For May 5, 2024:
  • Longing for Belonging by Dean Feldmeyer — “A deep sense of love and belonging is an irreducible need of all people. We are biologically, cognitively, physically, and spiritually wired to love and be loved and to belong.” — Brene Brown
  • Second Thoughts: Is Blood Thicker Than Water? by Elena Delhagen based on 1 John 5:1-6 and Acts 10:44-48.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Wayne Brouwer
It was a dark and stormy night. Lightning flashed and thunder crashed. Suddenly, Kimberly, our middle daughter, was standing next to our bed, sobbing in fear. My wife held and comforted her for a few minutes, and then I led her back to the room she shared with her older sister Kristyn. I tucked her tightly into the sandwich of her sheets and blankets, snugging things up for extra safety.
Bill Thomas
Mark Ellingsen
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Acts 10:44-48

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: Pieces you might use, like dice, a spinner, a ball, or any other “unusual” things you might find. I used a beanbag, a shoe, and a piece of paper.

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StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (v. 12-13)

You have heard the saying “We are not called to be successful; we are called to be faithful.” Jesus’ invitation to “follow me” is an invitation to faithfulness. That might be described by the old-fashioned word “fidelity.”

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Do you love anyone enough to offer them your last Rolo? According to the advert, Rolos are so incredibly delicious that nobody could be that selfless. Those who consider offering their last Rolo to someone they love, snatch it back at the last moment and keep it for themselves.

Or you might of course, love Terry's chocolate orange, and feel it's something which would be good to share. But at the last moment, like cuddly Dawn French, you'd say, "No, it's mine, not Terry's, it's all mine!"

SermonStudio

Schuyler Rhodes
Anyone who has made a long road trip with children singing "99 Bottles Of Beer On The Wall" can support the notion of "singing a new song." Children love the repetition of singing the same song over and over. Parents or youth group leaders who have been in this situation can identify with the need to sing a new song.
Nancy Kraft
Are you in love with God? In 1 John, the author has a lot to say about the love of God and the way that love changes our lives. We love because God first loved us. God's love fills us to overflowing so that it flows through us to other people. Annie Dillard said that we catch grace like a man filling a cup underneath a waterfall.1 That's the way we receive God's love. But there can be a problem for us when we put a lid on our cups and the water can't get inside. We're closing our hearts off to the love of God.

Harry N. Huxhold
A remarkable feature of Dwight D. Eisenhower's memoirs is the composure with which he greeted crises. He titled his autobiography At Ease, an appropriate description for not only his retirement, but the manner in which he appeared to be on top of life. Colleagues, of course, could recall how excited he could get in revealing his impatience with mediocrity and the failures of the people in his command. However, what was impressive was the way he took control in the European theater in World War II with no fear for his own life and great confidence in the Allied offensive.
E. Carver Mcgriff
Charles Wesley began one of the Methodist Church's favorite hymns with this line: "Come Holy Ghost, Our Hearts Inspire." Of course, tradition now uses the alternate term, "Holy Spirit." Wesley called it the "fountain of life and love." And so it is. Once we experience the Holy Spirit, we know it is exactly that: the source of life and love. The giving of that Spirit into the lives of us all is the point of this passage.

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