Login / Signup

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.
Hold down Ctrl (Windows) / Command (Mac) for multiple selections (scroll list to see all options)

Commentary

Drama

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for New Year's Day (2022) -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- New Year's Day - C -- 2022
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
Sermons Illustrations for Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 (2022) -- Jeremiah 8:18--9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13, Psalm 79:1-9 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - C -- 2022
Jeremiah 8:18--9:1
Sermon Illustrations for Christmas 2 (2022) -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday after Christmas - C -- 2022
Jeremiah 31:7-14
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 (2022) -- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Luke 16:19-31 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - C -- 2022
Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15, Psalm 91:1-6,14-15
Sermon Illustrations for Trinity Sunday (2022) -- Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31, Romans 5:1-5, John 16:12-15 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - C -- 2022
Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany of the Lord (2022) -- Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2022
Isaiah 60:1-6
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 22 | OT 27 (2022) -- Lamentations 1:1-6, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Luke 17:5-10 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2022
Lamentations 1:1-6; 3:19-26
Sermon Illustrations for Baptism of Our Lord (2022) -- Isaiah 43:1-7, Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2022
Isaiah 43:1-7
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 2 | OT 2 (2022) -- Isaiah 62:1-5, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, John 2:1-11 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2022
Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13), Psalm 138
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 23 | OT 28 (2022) -- Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, 2 Timothy 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - C -- 2022
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7; Psalm 66:1-12
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 3 (OT 3) Cycle C (2022) -- Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Luke 4:14-21 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - C -- 2022
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
Sermons Illustrations for Proper 24 | OT 29 (2022) -- Jeremiah 31:27-34, 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5, Luke 18:1-8 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2022
Jeremiah 31:27-34
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 (2022) -- Joel 2:23-32, 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18, Luke 18:9-14 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2022
Joel 2:23-32, Psalm 65
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 4 (OT 4) Cycle C (2022) -- Jeremiah 1:4-10, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Luke 4:21-30 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2022
Jeremiah 1:4-10
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 5 (OT 5) Cycle C (2022) -- Luke 5:1-11, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13) -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2022
Isaiah 6:1-8, (9-13)
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 26 | OT 31 (2022) -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Luke 19:1-10 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2022
Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 6 (OT 6) Cycle C (2022) -- Jeremiah 17:5-10, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2022
Jeremiah 17:5-10
Sermon Illustrations for All Saints Day (2022) -- Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18, Ephesians 1:11-23, Luke 6:20-31 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- All Saints Day - C -- 2022
Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18; Psalm 149
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 7 (OT 7) Cycle C (2022) -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15, 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50, Luke 6:27-38 -- Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2022
Genesis 45:3-11, 15
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 27 | OT 32 (2022) -- Haggai 1:15b--2:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Luke 20:27-38, Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21, Psalm 98 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - C -- 2022
Haggai 1:15b--2:9
Sermon Illustrations for Transfiguration Sunday, Cycle C (2022) -- Exodus 34:29-35, 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2022
Exodus 34:29-35
Sermon Illustrations for Ash Wednesday (2022) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Ash Wednesday - C -- 2022
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 (2022) -- Isaiah 65:17-25, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Luke 21:5-19 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2022
Isaiah 65:17-25; Isaiah 12
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 1 (2022) -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Romans 10:8b-13, Luke 4:1-13 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2022
Deuteronomy 26:1-11
Sermon Illustrations for Christ the King (Proper 29) (2022) -- Jeremiah 23:1-6, Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - C -- 2022
Jeremiah 23:1-6

Prayer

Sermon

Stories

StoryShare

Disposition -- Luke 10:25-37, Amos 7:7-17, Colossians 1:1-14, Psalm 82 -- Keith Hewitt, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - C -- 2010
Contents"Disposition" by Keith Hewitt
The Parable And The Prophet -- Luke 12:49-56, Isaiah 5:1-7, Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 -- Sandra Herrmann, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2010
Contents"The Parable and the Prophet" by Sandra Herrmann
Living The Word -- Luke 17:5-10, Lamentations 1:1-6, 2 Timothy 1:1-14, Psalm 137 -- Frank Ramirez, Larry Winebrenner -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2010
Contents"Living the Word" by Frank Ramirez
Brother Beahm Is Here! -- Luke 21:5-19, Isaiah 65:17-25, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13, Isaiah 12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2010
Contents "Brother Beahm Is Here!" by Frank Ramirez
Truckin' -- Matthew 11:2-11, Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Psalm 146:5-10 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2010
Contents"Truckin'" by C. David McKirachan
A Muddy Mucky Baptism -- Matthew 3:13-17, Isaiah 42:1-9, Acts 10:34-43, Psalm 29 -- Frank Ramirez -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - A -- 2010
Contents"A Muddy Mucky Baptism" by Frank Ramirez
The Scribe -- John 11:32-44, Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, Psalm 24 -- Larry Winebrenner, David O. Bales, Frank Ramirez, Lamar Massingill, Sandra Herrmann -- All Saints Day - B -- 2009
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "The Scribe" by Larry Winebrenner
More Important Than Being Right -- Mark 1:21-28, Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Psalm 111 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2009
ContentsWhat's Up This Week
Holiday For Losers -- Mark 14:1--15:47, Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Psalm 31:9-16 -- C. David Mckirachan, Larry Winebrenner, Frank Ramirez -- Passion Sunday - B -- 2009
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "Holiday for Losers" by C. David McKirachan
Love In Deed -- John 10:11-18, Acts 4:5-12, 1 John 3:16-24, Psalm 23 -- Craig Kelly, Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2009
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "Love in Deed" by Craig Kelly
Reunion -- Mark 8:31-38, Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25, Psalm 22:23-31 -- David O. Bales, Larry Winebrenner, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2009
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "Reunion" by David O. Bales
The Mountain -- Mark 6:14-29, 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19, Ephesians 1:3-14, Psalm 24 -- Keith Hewitt, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 10 | Ordinary Time 15 - B -- 2009
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "The Mountain" by Keith Hewitt
My Stone Soup -- John 6:51-58, 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14, Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 111 -- Frank Ramirez, C. David Mckirachan -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2009
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "My Stone Soup" by Frank Ramirez
Five Days Old -- Mark 9:30-37, Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Psalm 1 -- John S. Smylie, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2009
Contents What's Up This Week "Five Days Old" by John Smylie
The Radiant Life -- John 3:1-17, Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, Psalm 29 -- Frank Ramirez, David O. Bales -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2009
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "The Radiant Life" by Frank Ramirez
Achieving Greatness -- Mark 10:35-45, Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Hebrews 5:1-10, Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c -- Peter Andrew Smith, Terry Cain, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2009
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "Achieving Greatness" by Peter Andrew Smith
The Scribe -- Mark 12:28-34, Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Psalm 146 -- Larry Winebrenner, David O. Bales, Frank Ramirez, Lamar Massingill, Sandra Herrmann -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2009
ContentsWhat's Up This Week "The Scribe" by Larry Winebrenner
Do This Remembering Me... -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Isaiah 52:13--53:12, John 18:1--19:42 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez, Bryan Meadows -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week
Get Up And Go -- John 3:1-17, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 -- Frank Ramirez, John S. Smylie -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "Get Up and Go" by Frank Ramirez
Do This Remembering Me... -- John 18:1--19:42, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Isaiah 52:13--53:12, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Bryan Meadows, Frank Ramirez, C. David Mckirachan -- Good Friday - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week
Always Be Ready -- John 14:15-21, 1 Peter 3:13-22, Acts 17:22-31, Psalm 66:8-20 -- Frank Ramirez, Peter Andrew Smith -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "Always Be Ready" by Frank Ramirez
Would That All Were Prophets -- Numbers 11:24-30, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 20:19-23, Psalm 104:24-34, 35b -- Frank Ramirez, John E. Sumwalt -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week
Where To Walk In Faith -- Matthew 7:21-29, Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31), Genesis 6:9-22; 7:24; 8:14-19, Psalm 46 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "Where to Walk in Faith" by Peter Andrew Smith
Holy Games -- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30, Romans 7:15-25a, Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Psalm 45:10-17 -- Frank Ramirez, Scott Dalgarno -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2008
There are many facets to the life we have in Christ, but one of the most important is joy.
God Time -- Matthew 4:12-23, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Isaiah 9:1-4, Psalm 27:1, 4-9 -- Keith Hewitt, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2008
Contents What's Up This Week "God Time" by Keith Hewitt

Worship

SermonStudio

Theme: If Only -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Other Services Of Anointing -- Frank Ramirez -- 2005
In Times Of Emergency
Theme: Get In The Game -- Isaiah 43:18-25 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Psalm 8:1, 3-4, 9) One:
Historic Anointing Services -- Frank Ramirez -- 2005
From An 1887 Church Manual
A Great Light -- Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- The Nativity of our Lord - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (based on Isaiah 9:2-7)
At The Crossroads -- Genesis 28:10-91a, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (from Genesis 28:16-17)
First Sunday of Advent -- Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 13:11-14, Matthew 24:36-44 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
First Lesson: Isaiah 2:1-5 Theme: Swords Into Plowshares
Fire And Hail, Snow And Frost -- Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Isaiah 63:7)
The Deceiver Deceive -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (based on Psalm 105:8-11)
Will We Let Little Children Lead Us? -- Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Isaiah 11:6)
Rejoice And Be Merry! -- Jeremiah 31:7-14, John 1:(1-9) 10-18, Ephesians 1:3-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday after Christmas - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 117)
Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 -- Matthew 14:13-21, Romans 9:1-5, Genesis 32:22-31 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2004
First Lesson: Genesis 32:22-31Theme: Out Of Joint
Here Is Your God -- Isaiah 35:1-10, James 5:7-10, Matthew 11:2-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Isaiah 35:3-4)
God Walks With Us Through Darkness -- Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, Romans 10:5-15, Matthew 14:22-33 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 105:1-4)
God Has Sent Me Before You -- Genesis 45:1-5, Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
What Are You Looking At? -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 47)
The God With A History -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2004
Call To WorshipOne: God spoke to Moses from the burning bush.
What A Sign! -- Isaiah 7:10-16, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (based on Isaiah 7:11 and 14)
Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 -- Exodus 14:19-31, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - A -- 2004
First Lesson: Exodus 14:19-31
More Than You Can Count -- Revelation 7:9-17, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- All Saints Day - A -- 2004
Call To Worship
Rocky Water -- Exodus 17:1-7, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - A -- 2004
Call To Worship (Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16)
Ash Wednesday -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - A -- 2004
First Lesson: Joel 2:12-13Theme: It's Not Too Late

Free Access

I Knew This Would Happen! -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship (Acts 3:19-21) One:
What's The Absolute Least I Can Do? -- Mark 10:17-31 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2005
Call To Worship
Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 -- Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - B -- 2005
First Lesson: Job 23:1-9, 16-17 Theme: And Another Thing, Lord ...
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 16 | OT 21 | Pentecost 11
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 17 | OT 22 | Pentecost 12
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 18 | OT 23 | Pentecost 13
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

The Immediate Word

Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Tom Willadsen
Nazish Naseem
George Reed
Christopher Keating
For September 14, 2025:

CSSPlus

John Jamison
Object: A sheep stuffy or toy.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Great! Let’s get started!

Did you know that Jesus traveled around and hunted for people who were doing something illegal and breaking the laws? (Let them respond.) He really did.And when he found someone who was doing something illegal, do you know what he did with them? (Let them respond.)

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28
Our text tells us that we are skilled in doing evil (v.22). An anonymous late medieval treatise titled German Theology tells us why:

It is the nature and property of the creature to seek itself and its own things, and this and that, here and there, and in all that it does and leaves undone as desire is to its own advantage and benefit. (Varieties of Mystic Experience, p.162)

Martin Luther King, Jr. offers an alternative to this vision:
David Coffin
All three of today’s texts can be viewed as good news that God never gives up on God’s people. This is despite their resistance to repent or simple straying from the community of faith. We can observe family and loved ones at various points of their faith journey through the lens of each of these texts. Jeremiah 4 informs the people their neglect of honoring their covenant with God is about to result in disastrous consequences. Paul recalls in 1 Timothy 1 how he thought he was falling God’s will until he had his literal come to Jesus moment!

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. (vv. 6-7)

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:

Jesus told stories to illustrate to the people God's gladness whenever anyone turned to him and chose life. There is still rejoicing in heaven whenever any one of us turns to God.



Invitation to Confession:

Jesus, sometimes I think I'm too insignificant for you to bother with me.

Lord, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes I don't bother with you.

Christ, have mercy.

Jesus, sometimes I don't bother with other people, but only with myself.

SermonStudio

James Evans
(See Proper 12/Pentecost 10/Ordinary Time 17, Cycle B, for an alternative approach.)

The psalm writer has an interesting perspective on the origin of injustice in our world. He begins this psalm with the assertion that those who do not believe in God are "fools." He goes on to accuse them of corruption and of being incapable of doing good. Later on he writes, "Have they no knowledge, all the evildoers who eat up my people as they eat bread, and do not call upon the Lord?" (v. 4).

Elizabeth Achtemeier
"Now it is I who speak in judgment upon them" (v. 12). Ours is a society that does not accept that as the Word of God. Many people do not believe that God judges anyone. Rather, the Lord is a forgiving God, a kindly deity who overlooks all wrong. As in the Gospel lesson for the morning, the Lord searches for the one lost sheep and returns it gently to the fold, or he hunts for the one lost coin until he finds it. God accepts the lost as they are, we think, overlooking Jesus' teaching about repentance and transformation of life.
Scott Suskovic
We usually don't spend too much time thinking about our own sinfulness. On occasion, of course, our feelings of guilt overwhelm us. We can't stop thinking about our sinfulness. If we are in that situation, we may need to talk that out with someone. Apart from times like that, we don't think much about our own sinfulness. We have ways of getting around that.

R. Robert Cueni
Back before the ways of the Taliban became common knowledge, there was a fascinating little article about how they jailed barbers when they didn't do culturally correct haircuts.1 The newspaper reported that young men in Kabul, Afghanistan, have started wearing their hair the way the actor Leonardo DiCaprio wears his. Long, not only on the sides, but so long in the front that hair can drop over the eyes. They call the style, "the Titanic," named for the blockbuster movie starring DiCaprio about the 1912 sinking of the cruise ship by that name.

Special Occasion

Wildcard SSL