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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

Free Access

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.
God Is Present, No Matter What You Think -- Mark 2:23--3:6, 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2018
What does it look like when God is present with us? What do God's emissaries look like?
It's More Than You Think -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2018
Esther is not just the winner of a beauty contest.
Encountering the holy -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2017
In this week’s three scriptures we encounter the holy in different yet related ways, a reminder that

Emphasis Preaching Journal

The rules just changed -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2018
Jonah later claimed that the reason he fled after the command of God to condemn Nineveh was he knew
Out of the Chaos -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
Several cultures in the ancient Mediterranean have some version of the Flood story, which tells us t
All in the family -- Acts 10:44-48, 1 John 5:1-6, John 15:9-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
The three scriptures are tied together by the idea that through Jesus Christ we create new bonds of
God Is Present, No Matter What You Think. -- Mark 2:23--3:6, 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2018
What does it look like when God is present with us? What do God's emissaries look like?
God's Story, Not Ours -- 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Ephesians 1:3-14, Mark 6:14-29 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2018
These three scriptures are very different, but at their core they are all God’s story, not ours.
Hard Things -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Ephesians 6:10-20, John 6:56-69 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2018
According to the story, once when the great Greek mathematician Euclid was teaching a king about geo
It's More Than You Think -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2018
Esther is not just the winner of a beauty contest.
Turn Away From A False View -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 10:46-52 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2018
Most translations have it wrong. Job doesn’t repent in dust and ashes.
Three Impossible Things Before Breakfast -- Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Matthew 6:25-33, Psalm 126 -- Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2018
In the book “Through the Looking Glass,” by Lewis Carroll, the chess pieces come to life, including
Then and Now -- Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
“Current Events” can be very significant at the time they happen, but they can change and/or grow in
Encountering the holy -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2017
In this week’s three scriptures we encounter the holy in different yet related ways, a reminder that
Can't I leave, just for a second? -- Exodus 32:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Matthew 22:1-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2017
While Moses is up on Mount Sinai, his brother Aaron builds a golden calf.
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
Do not keep silence -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2017
The prophet says he will not keep silent for Zion’s sake.
Extraordinary Effort -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
God is willing to go to any lengths to create us as a people, sustain us in life and death, and brin
According To Plan -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- Frank Ramirez -- Good Friday - A -- 2017
These three texts let us know that though the events of Good Friday seem to border on the chaotic, t
Live And Learn -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
These three passages recognize that we all make mistakes -- and some of the mistakes could be disast
How It's Done -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Matthew 5:38-48 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2017
Our faith is a living faith. We are living temples.
Darkness To Light -- Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2017
In the season of Epiphany, Jesus is revealed. It’s more than just a question of seeing Jesus.
Landmarks -- Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7), Romans 5:1-8, Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2017
Our lives are filled with a combination of physical, emotional, and spiritual landmarks.
Turning The Tables -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2017
Turning the tables is an effective storytelling device in both comedy and tragedy.

Drama

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Fourth Sunday of Advent (2023) -- 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2023
2 Samuel 7:1-11,16
Sermon Illustrations for Christmas Day (2023) -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Psalm 96, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2023
Isaiah 9:2-7
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 Christmas 1 (2023) -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2023
Isaiah 61:10--62:3
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 (2023) -- Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2023
Genesis 32:22-31
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 (2023) -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Romans 10:5-15, Matthew 14:22-33 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2023
Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28
Sermon Illustrations For Epiphany 5 (2023) -- Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12), 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16), Matthew 5:13-20 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - A -- 2023
Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12)
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 (2023) -- Genesis 45:1-15, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2023
Genesis 45:1-15
Sermon Illustrations For Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 (2023) -- Deuteronomy 30:15-20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Matthew 5:21-37 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - A -- 2023
Deuteronomy 30:15-20
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 (2023) -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2023
Exodus 1:8--2:10
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
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 (2023) -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28, Jeremiah 15:15-21, Psalm 26:1-8, Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b -- Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2023
Exodus 3:1-15
Sermons Illustrations For Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 (2023) -- Exodus 12:1-14, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - A -- 2023
Exodus 12:1-14
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
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 (2023) -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35 -- Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2023
Exodus 14:19-31
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 20 | Ordinary Time 25 (2023) -- Exodus 16:2-15, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - A -- 2023
Exodus 16:2-15

StoryShare

Gave As Good As She Got -- John 4:5-42 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
Just then his disciples came.
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.
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….
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)
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
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.
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!
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.

Prayer

Sermon

Stories

StoryShare

A Fork In the Road -- Matthew 10:24-39, Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17, Jeremiah 20:7-13, Psalm 69:7-10, (11-15), 16-18 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - A -- 2020
Contents “A Fork In the Road” by C. David McKirachan
Crops of Glory -- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23, Romans 8:1-11, Genesis 25:19-34 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - A -- 2020
Contents "Crops of Glory" by C. David McKirachan
Responsibilities! -- Matthew 16:13-20, Exodus 1:8--2:10, Romans 12:1-8 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - A -- 2020
Contents “Responsibilities!” by C. David McKirachan
Our Nice, Neat World View -- Exodus 14:19-31, Matthew 18:21-35 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2020
Contents "Our Nice, Neat World View" by C. David McKirachan
Confronting Injustice -- Matthew 21:33-46, Isaiah 5:1-7 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2020
Contents “Confronting Injustice” by C. David McKirachan
Rules -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18, Psalm 1, Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17, Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2020
Contents “Rules” by C. David McKirachan
The First Christian Bestseller -- Psalm 78:1-7 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2020
I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old…we will tell to the com
Tangled Up in Stuff -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Psalm 65 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2020
Contents “Tangled Up in Stuff” by C. David McKirachan
Wrong Way Reitway -- John 1:6-8, 19-28, Psalm 126 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
Contents “Wrong Way Reitway” by John Sumwalt
When the Church Doors are Closed -- Luke 2:22-40 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2020
There was also a prophet, Anna…. She was of a great age….
The Principle of Paying Attention -- John 1:29-42, Psalm 40:1-11 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2020
Contents “The Principle of Paying Attention” by C. David McKirachan
Transfigured by Figures -- Exodus 24:12-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2020
Contents "Transfigured by Figures" by Frank Ramirez
Comfable? -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Psalm 121 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
Contents “Comfable?” by C. David McKirachan
What Else Are We Supposed To Pray For? -- John 11:1-45, Ezekiel 37:1-14, Romans 8:6-11 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
Contents "What Else Are We Supposed To Pray For?" by C. David McKirachan
Cries for Help -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35, Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Good Friday - A -- 2020
Contents “Cries for Help” by C. David McKirachan
A Litany in Time of Plague -- Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
Contents “A Litany in Time of Plague” by Frank Ramirez
Here Am I -- Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2020
Contents “Remembering Our Limitations” by C. David McKirachan
What Words to Use -- Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
Contents “What Words to Use?” by C. David McKirachan
You. Yes, You. -- Acts 2:1-21, Numbers 11:24-30 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2020
Contents “You. Yes, You.” by C. David McKirachan
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
Shining with Jesus -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a), Exodus 34:29-35 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2019
Contents “Shining with Jesus” by C. David McKirachan
Founded on a Dream -- Luke 13:31-35, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Psalm 27 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
Contents “Founded on a Dream” by C. David McKirachan

Free Access

Confronting Injustice -- Matthew 21:33-46, Isaiah 5:1-7 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2020
Contents “Confronting Injustice” by C. David McKirachan
Wrong Way Reitway -- John 1:6-8, 19-28, Psalm 126 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
Contents “Wrong Way Reitway” by John Sumwalt
The Principle of Paying Attention -- John 1:29-42, Psalm 40:1-11 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2020
Contents “The Principle of Paying Attention” by C. David McKirachan

Worship

SermonStudio

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
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 13/Ordinary Time 18 -- Colossians 3:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Colossians 3:1-11Theme: Reading Our Own Obituary
Second Sunday Of Advent -- Philippians 1:3-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Philippians 1:3-11Theme: Blessed Be The Lord!
Proper 6/Ordinary Time 11 -- Luke 7:36--8:3 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 7:36--8:3Theme: Credit Where Credit Is Due
Third Sunday Of Easter -- Revelation 5:11-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Revelation 5:11-14Theme: Now That's Entertainment
Ash Wednesday -- 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10Theme: Hit Me With Your Best Shot
Proper 23/Ordinary Time 28 -- 2 Timothy 2:8-15 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 2 Timothy 2:8-15Theme: If, Then, Therefore
Fourth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Jeremiah 1:4-10Theme: The Call Is For You
Proper 13/Ordinary Time 18 -- Luke 12:13-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 12:13-21Theme: Wise FoolCall To Worship
Second Sunday Of Advent -- Luke 3:1-6 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 3:1-6Theme: Get Ready For GodCall To Worship
Proper 7/Ordinary Time 12 -- 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15a -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: 1 Kings 19:1-4 (5-7) 8-15aTheme: Take My Life -- Please
Third Sunday Of Easter -- John 21:1-19 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: John 21:1-19Theme: Love StoryCall To Worship
Ash Wednesday -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21Theme: No Peeking
Proper 23/Ordinary Time 28 -- Luke 17:11-19 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 17:11-19Theme: Good Odds Or Bad Odds
Fourth Sunday After The Epiphany -- 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13Theme: The Antidote
Proper 14/Ordinary Time 19 -- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Isaiah 1:1, 10-20Theme: Seek Justice, Defend The Cause
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Zephaniah 3:14-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Zephaniah 3:14-20Theme: Even So!
Proper 7/Ordinary Time 12 -- Galatians 3:23-29 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Galatians 3:23-29Theme: Grow UpCall To Worship
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 9:36-43 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Acts 9:36-43Theme: What We Really Miss
First Sunday In Lent -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Deuteronomy 26:1-11Theme: The Father We All Share
Proper 24/Ordinary Time 29 -- Jeremiah 31:27-34 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Jeremiah 31:27-34Theme: No More Sour Grapes
Fourth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Luke 4:21-30 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 4:21-30Theme: Jesus Speaks NowCall To Worship
Fifth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13) -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13)Theme: There Must Be Some Mistake
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
UPCOMING WEEKS
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Easter 4
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160+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
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34 – Commentary / Exegesis
5 – Pastor's Devotions
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Easter 5
33 – Sermons
140+ – Illustrations / Stories
34 – Children's Sermons / Resources
30 – Worship Resources
35 – Commentary / Exegesis
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30 – Sermons
180+ – 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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