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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

Who? Me? -- Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Luke 5:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2025
I occasionally include short clips from a movie in order to illustrate a point.
Excuses Versus Repentance -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2025
Ash Wednesday is a day for remembering our sins, asking for forgiveness, and resolving to change.
The Times They Are A Changing -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2024
Back in 1963 Bob Dylan, at that time coming into his own at a folk singer, wrote and recorded a folk
Water, Water, Everywhere -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
I apologize if you’re living in one of the areas recently hit by unprecedented storms, but as one wh
Written On The Heart -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
This week’s lectionary scriptures invite us to seek perfection — not in the sense of being perfect,
Living in Faith -- John 20:19-31, Acts 4:23-37, 1 John 1:1--2:2 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
Living by faith implies both belief and action.
Listen Carefully -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19 -- Frank Ramirez -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
Today’s scriptures call upon us to listen carefully — to Jesus, through his words in the New Testame
Out With the Old, In With the New -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 4:26-34 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2024
Out with the old, and in with the new. That’s easily said, but not so easily done.
Star of the Show -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56, Ephesians 2:11-22, 2 Samuel 7:1-14a -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2024
In each of these scriptures it is up to recognize who is the star of the show.
Temples of Stone, Flesh, and Bread -- 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 -- 2024
The first temple, built under the leadership of King Solomon, was sacred in memory.
Disaster Averted -- Mark 9:38-50, James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2024
In the book of Esther, the tables are turned on Haman’s genocidal plot and the people emerge triumph
The Death of Death -- Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44 -- Frank Ramirez -- All Saints Day - B -- 2024
Most ancient cosmologies began with some sort of primordial battle between the gods and chaos, and w
Thanks For What? -- Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Matthew 6:25-33 -- Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2024
Thanksgiving is one of the most blessed, most anticipated, and most dreaded holidays on our calendar
Ready or Not... -- Luke 3:1-6, Philippians 1:3-11, Baruch 5:1-9, Malachi 3:1-4 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2024
Ready or not, the holidays are rushing upon us. In many ways I’m sure they are already here.
A Late Christmas Card -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2024
Just when you thought the holidays were over, when the last of the holiday snacks, Chex Mix and cook
Talk Me Down -- Matthew 22:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Exodus 32:1-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2023
“Talk me down.” Have you heard that saying?
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

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Excuses Versus Repentance -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2025
Ash Wednesday is a day for remembering our sins, asking for forgiveness, and resolving to change.
The Times They Are A Changing -- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20, Jonah 3:1-5, 10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2024
Back in 1963 Bob Dylan, at that time coming into his own at a folk singer, wrote and recorded a folk
Ready or Not... -- Luke 3:1-6, Philippians 1:3-11, Baruch 5:1-9, Malachi 3:1-4 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2024
Ready or not, the holidays are rushing upon us. In many ways I’m sure they are already here.

Drama

SermonStudio

The Living Advent Wreath -- Frank Ramirez -- 2008
Material Used Through Five WeeksThe Living Advent Wreath
The Mouse Christmas -- Frank Ramirez -- 2008
The Mouse Christmas
The Ad Vent Wheat -- Frank Ramirez -- 2008
The Ad Vent WheatCharacters Courtney Alexis
The Bee Attitudes -- Frank Ramirez -- 2007
Cast Crystal Doris Garrison Vanessa Olivia Taylor
Witnesses To The Light: Mary of Magdala -- I Have Seen The Lord! -- Luke 8:1-3 -- Frank Ramirez -- 2007
Characters Angels Fantastic Marvelous Wonderful Gabriel
Holy Water -- Frank Ramirez -- 2007
Characters Youth Group: Ernie Errol Earl Emmett
Holy Ground -- Frank Ramirez -- 2007
Cast Sunday School Teacher Sunday School Students: Chris Wilson
Considerable Provocation -- Frank Ramirez -- 2007
And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds....
Noah's New Ark -- Frank Ramirez -- 2007
Characters Narrator (perhaps an adult) Elijah Noah Child One
M.I.H. -- Missing In Heaven -- Frank Ramirez -- 2005
Easter Sunrise ServiceOrder Of WorshipPrelude
Gabriel's Horn -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Frank Ramirez -- 2005
Characters Angel Marvelous Angel Wonderful Angel Gabriel
The Honeymooners -- Genesis 12:1-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- 2005
Characters Angel Marvelous Angel Wonderful Angel Gabriel Abram
The Cleanup Crew -- Haggai 1:1-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- 2005
Characters Angel Marvelous Angel Wonderful Angel Gabriel
The Reading Club -- Nehemiah 8:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- 2005
Characters Angel Marvelous Angel Wonderful Angel Gabriel Hannah
Step Up To The Plate -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Frank Ramirez -- 2005
Characters Angel Marvelous Angel Wonderful Angel Gabriel Mary

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 7 (OT 7) Cycle C (2025) -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15, 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50, Luke 6:27-38 -- Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2025
Genesis 45:3-11, 15
Sermon Illustrations for Transfiguration Sunday, Cycle C (2025) -- Exodus 34:29-35, 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2025
Exodus 34:29-35
Sermon Illustrations for Ash Wednesday (2025) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2025
Isaiah 58:1-12
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 1 (2025) -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Romans 10:8b-13, Luke 4:1-13 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
Deuteronomy 26:1-11
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 2 (2025) -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 13:31-35, Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 4 (2025) -- Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
Joshua 9:5-12
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 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 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 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 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 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 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

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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)
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
Migration Toward Life, Love, And Hope -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2025
See, I am going to bring them from the land of the north and gather them from the farthest parts
Behind The Scenes -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2025
Did you ever notice in most of the old movies how the credits are at the front and they don’t share

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Sermon Illustrations for Ash Wednesday (2025) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2025
Isaiah 58:1-12
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 1 (2025) -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Romans 10:8b-13, Luke 4:1-13 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
Deuteronomy 26:1-11
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
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 2 (2025) -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 13:31-35, Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2025
Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18
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
Behind The Scenes -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2025
Did you ever notice in most of the old movies how the credits are at the front and they don’t share
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

Prayer

SermonStudio

Prayers For Peace -- Frank Ramirez -- 2006
One: Lord, we come before you humbly, without all the answers, but trusting in your goodness
Prayers In Ordinary Times -- Frank Ramirez -- 2006
God of light, God of truth, abide with us as evening falls.

Sermon

SermonStudio

There's Still Time -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2009
Nowadays the cost of a dinner and a movie keeps going up, and a vacation can be especially expensive
Hit Me With Your Best Shot -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
Harry Houdini (1874-1926) was an expert at sleight of hand, a skeptic when it came to the spirituali
Oh, Jerusalem -- Luke 13:31-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
Nowadays we have 24-hour news stations, satellite radio, email alerts, and other ways of finding out
The Tower Of Siloam -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
It was over forty years ago, in the middle of December 1963, when my aging father retired from the N
This Fellow Welcomes Sinners -- Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
In the old Soviet Union it was common for people who had fallen out of favor with the communist regi
No Pleasing Some People -- John 12:1-8 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - C -- 2009
Secretly I'm on Judas' side on this one. You probably don't want to admit it, but so are you.
No ... On -- Luke 22:14--23:56 -- Frank Ramirez -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2009
I've tried to get a handle on this Holy Week thing.
Holy Ground -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2009
The Bible -- under $10 if you do a little shopping.
You Are Here -- John 18:1--19:42 -- Frank Ramirez -- Good Friday - C -- 2009
Maybe you've seen the drawing on a T-shirt or poster.
Another Mary, Another Martha -- John 20:1-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Easter Day - C -- 2009
December 6, 2002, was my birthday, and I had no idea what a great birthday present was in the offing
Believing Thomas -- John 20:19-31 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
They say history is written by the victors, but I'm not always so sure.
Low-Carb Christians -- John 21:1-19 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
It was over thirty years ago that someone handed me a book that seemed to have the answer to the gre
How Much Of An Honor? -- John 10:22-30 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
Whether you are in school, hanging around the water cooler at work, or just talking around the table
Simple Enough? -- John 13:31-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
In the fall of 1862, the United States was reeling from one defeat after another at the hands of the
Advocate And Redeemer -- John 14:23-29 -- Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
Imagine the wind rushing through an open door while the roar of the propeller in an aging old Ford T
The End Of The Beginning -- Luke 24:44-53 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - C -- 2009
Three decades ago my nephew, Nathaniel, was a toddler when he discovered the full moon for the first
That We May All Be One! -- John 17:20-26 -- Frank Ramirez -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2009
In the nineteenth century, most American denominations felt pretty smug that theirs was the real fai
Priceless -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Good Friday - C -- 2006
The Island of Rodriguez in the Pacific Ocean, not that far from Zanzibar, has mainly managed to stay
The Easter Era -- Acts 10:34-43 -- Frank Ramirez -- Easter Day - C -- 2006
Most of us probably enjoy taking part in Easter rituals both here at church and at home.
Who? -- Acts 5:27-32 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
My guess is that unless you're a fan of Elizabethan theater you've never heard of Robert Greene (156
Fruit With Feet -- Acts 9:1-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
There has rarely been a transformation from sinner to saint as dramatic as that of Paul, former pers
God's Call For All -- Acts 9:35-43 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
A church in Pennsylvania reported the death of one of their members recently.
Jumping Through Hoops -- Acts 11:1-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, is a place where the old ways matter.
What Church Looks Like -- Acts 16:9-15 -- Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
There's the story of the man who was lost on a desert island for a decade.
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.

Stories

StoryShare

Migration Toward Life, Love, And Hope -- Jeremiah 31:7-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2025
See, I am going to bring them from the land of the north and gather them from the farthest parts
Behind The Scenes -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2025
Did you ever notice in most of the old movies how the credits are at the front and they don’t share
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)
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
See What You Want To See -- Exodus 20:1-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, punishin
Who Knew? -- 1 John 3:1-7 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. (v. 1)
Defying Gravity -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2024
When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of thei
Here I Am! -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2024
Then the Lord called, “Samuel! Samuel!” and he said, “Here I am!” (v. 4)
Forward -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2024
Your glory, O Israel, lies slain upon your high places! How the mighty have fallen! (v.
Earthly Kings -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2024
In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle…. (v. 1)
The Value of Wisdom -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2024
At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I should giv
Heads or Tails -- James 3:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2024
So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits.
Whether You See It Or Not -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2024
“If I go forward, he is not there; or backward, I cannot perceive him; on the left he hides, and
Wait! Who Wrote That? -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2024
But Ruth said, “Do not press me to leave you, to turn back from following you!
Don't Worry. Be Happy. -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2024
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or
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

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Behind The Scenes -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2025
Did you ever notice in most of the old movies how the credits are at the front and they don’t share
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
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

Worship

SermonStudio

Maundy Thursday -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Frank Ramirez -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26Theme: PricelessMeditation
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Ephesians 3:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Ephesians 3:1-12Theme: Mystery Solved
Reformation Sunday -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Frank Ramirez -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Romans 3:19-28Theme: Rock Solid And Sure
Proper 19/Ordinary Time 24 -- Luke 15:1-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 15:1-10Theme: Looking To Find
The Holy Trinity -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31 -- Frank Ramirez -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31Theme: Roll Call
Proper 9/Ordinary Time 14 -- Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 10:1-11, 16-20Theme: You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet
Maundy Thursday -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: John 13:1-17, 31b-35Theme: Why Is This Night So Different?
Sixth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Luke 6:17-26 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 6:17-26Theme: Joys And WoesCall To Worship
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Matthew 2:1-12Theme: Stopping For Directions
Reformation Sunday -- John 8:31-36 -- Frank Ramirez -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: John 8:31-36Theme: Here's The Key -- Let Yourself Out
Proper 20/Ordinary Time 25 -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Jeremiah 8:18--9:1Theme: Real Relief
The Holy Trinity -- Romans 5:1-5 -- Frank Ramirez -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Romans 5:1-5Theme: SST (Serious Spiritual Training)
Proper 10/Ordinary Time 15 -- Amos 7:7-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Amos 7:7-17Theme: Got A LifeCall To Worship
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Good Friday - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Isaiah 52:13--53:12Theme: Vindication. Trust Me.
Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Genesis 45:3-11, 15Theme: Slow Burn
The Baptism Of Our Lord -- Isaiah 43:1-7 -- Frank Ramirez -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Isaiah 43:1-7Theme: For I Am With You
All Saints -- Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- All Saints Day - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18Theme: History Class
Proper 20/Ordinary Time 25 -- 1 Timothy 2:1-7 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 1 Timothy 2:1-7Theme: Pray For Who?
The Holy Trinity -- John 16:12-15 -- Frank Ramirez -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: John 16:12-15Theme: Much More To Say
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
Good Friday -- Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Good Friday - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9Theme: Approach ...
Seventh Sunday After The Epiphany -- 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50
The Baptism Of Our Lord -- Acts 8:14-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Acts 8:14-17Theme: The Spirit Even Here!
All Saints -- Ephesians 1:11-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- All Saints Day - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Ephesians 1:11-23Theme: Seal Of Approval
Proper 20/Ordinary Time 25 -- Luke 16:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 16:1-13Theme: Follow The Money
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Lent 2
20 – Sermons
170+ – Illustrations / Stories
26 – Children's Sermons / Resources
24 – Worship Resources
20 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Lent 3
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Lent 4
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
33 – Children's Sermons / Resources
22 – Worship Resources
27 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

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John Jamison
Object: A rock about the size of a tennis ball, baseball, or even a softball.

* * *

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

The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Katy Stenta
Thomas Willadsen
Christopher Keating
George Reed
Mary Austin
For March 30, 2025:

StoryShare

Peter Andrew Smith
Paul reread the parable again and sighed. Why had he agreed to lead the Bible study this week? When Pastor Luke asked him, he had been all excited and enthusiastic. He knew the parable of the prodigal son inside and out having read commentaries and stories about it before. He had actually preached a sermon on the passage when Pastor Luke was away and received great feedback from the congregation.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Joshua 5:9-12
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Mark Ellingsen
Joshua 9:5-12

SermonStudio

Bonnie Bates
It is a well-known cliché that “God never gives us more than we can handle”, but I have sometimes found that not to be so. When my youngest brother died of brain cancer at age five, it was more than I could handle. When my first husband was emotionally and physically abusive, it was more than I could handle. When my second husband and I lost our twin sons at birth, it was more than I could handle. The COVID pandemic was more than we could handle. Wars and violence are often more than we can handle. Homelessness, poverty, grief, and loss are often more than we can handle.
John N. Brittain
I suppose we are all a little bit nervous about the prospect of a sermon on a Bible story as familiar and sometimes as overworked as the Parable of the Prodigal Son. "What can I possibly say that hasn't been said before?" And I know what's going through your minds: "Are we going to be subjected to the same old sermon yet another time?" Confronting a familiar Bible passage like this mid-Lent really serves to address the discipline of reading Scripture as part of our devotional life, particularly passages that are very familiar.
Charles D. Reeb
A. A. Milne, the creator of Winnie the Pooh, wrote a simple, yet telling poem in his work, Now We Are Six:

When I was One, I had just begun.
When I was Two, I was nearly new.
When I was Three, I was hardly Me.
When I was Four, I was not much more.
When I was Five, I was just alive.
But now I am Six, I'm as clever as ever.
So I think I'll be six now for ever and ever.1

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to worship:

 While the Prodigal Son was still far off, his father saw him, ran to him, put his arms around him and kissed him. In our worship today, let us turn to God so that he may run to us, put his arms around and kiss us.

Invitation to confession:

 Jesus, for the times when we run away from you,

Lord, have mercy.

 Jesus, for the times when we have wasted our inheritance on dissolute living,

Christ, have mercy.

 Jesus, when we return to you,

Lord, have mercy.

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