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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

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

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Illustration

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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.
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
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

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Sermon Illustrations for Lent 2 (2024) -- Mark 8:31-38, Romans 4:13-25, Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16
Sermon Illustrations for Pentecost (2024) -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:22-27, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2024
Acts 2:1-21
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
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 3 (2024) -- John 2:13-22, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Exodus 20:1-17 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Exodus 20:1-17
Sermon Illustrations for Trinity Sunday (2024) -- Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2024
Isaiah 6:1-8
Sermon Illustrations for Advent 2 (2024) -- Baruch 5:1-9, Philippians 1:3-11, Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 3:1-6 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Advent - C -- 2024
Baruch 5:1-9 or Malachi 3:1-4
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 13 | OT 18 (2024) -- 2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35 -- Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - B -- 2024
2 Samuel 11:26--12:13a
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 14 | OT 19 (2024) -- 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:34, 41-51 -- Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2024
2 Samuel 18:5-8, 15, 31-33
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 3 (2024) -- Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Mark 1:14-20 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2024
Jonah 3:1-5, 10

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations For Passion Sunday (2023) -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Matthew 26:14--27:66, Psalm 31:9-16, Matthew 27:11-54 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Passion Sunday - A -- 2023
Isaiah 50:5-9a
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 (2023) -- Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46, Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18, Psalm 1 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2023
Deuteronomy 34:1-12
Illustrations for All Saints Day (2023) -- Revelation 7:9-17, 1 John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen -- All Saints Day - A -- 2023
Revelation 7:9-17
Sermon Illustrations For Proper 5 | OT 10 (2023) -- Genesis 12:1-9, Romans 4:13-25, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2023
Genesis 12:1-9
Sermon Illustrations For Maundy Thursday (2023) -- Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-17, 31b-35 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Ron Love, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, M Adryael Tong -- Maundy Thursday - A -- 2023
Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 (2023) -- Joshua 3:7-17, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - A -- 2023
Joshua 3:7-17
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 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 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 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 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 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

Prayer

Sermon

Stories

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Keeping Your Eyes on Jesus -- Luke 9:51-62, 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2019
Contents“Keeping Your Eyes on Jesus” by Peter Andrew Smith
Here Comes da Judge -- Amos 8:1-12, Luke 10:38-42 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - C -- 2019
Contents “Here Comes da Judge” by C. David McKirachan
A Cloud of Witnesses -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2, Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2019
Contents “A Cloud of Witnesses” by Peter Andrew Smith
Is There Hope? -- Jeremiah 18:1-11, Philemon 1:1-21, Psalm 1 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - C -- 2019
Contents “Is There Hope?” by C. David McKirachan
A Complaint Not A Lament -- Lamentations 1:1-6, 2 Timothy 1:1-14 -- Frank Ramirez, Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - C -- 2019
Contents “A Complaint Not A Lament” by Frank Ramirez
The Days Will Come -- Isaiah 65:17-25, Luke 21:5-19 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - C -- 2019
Contents “The Days Will Come” by Peter Andrew Smith
The Days Will Come -- Luke 21:5-19, Isaiah 65:17-25 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - C -- 2019
Contents “The Days Will Come” by Peter Andrew Smith
A Life-Saving Monkey -- Matthew 2:13-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - A -- 2019
"Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; fo
Mom -- Mark 13:1-8, 1 Samuel 1:4-20, Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2018
Contents “Mom” by C. David McKirachan
These People Marvel at the Star -- Luke 21:25-36, Jeremiah 33:14-16, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Psalm 25:1-10 -- Frank Ramirez, C. David Mckirachan -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
Contents “These People Marvel at the Star” by Frank Ramirez
Seeing the Future -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20), Isaiah 9:2-7, Titus 2:11-14, Psalm 96 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2018
Contents “Seeing the Future” by Peter Andrew Smith
Building in Love -- 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Deuteronomy 18:15-20 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2018
Contents "Building in Love" by Peter Andrew Smith
An Acceptable Time To Open Our Eyes -- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Psalm 51:1-17 -- Frank Ramirez, C. David Mckirachan -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2018
Contents "An Acceptable Time To Open Our Eyes" by Frank Ramirez
Raised Up -- John 3:14-21, Numbers 21:4-9, Ephesians 2:1-10, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2018
Contents “Raised Up” by Peter Andrew Smith
Fast Food -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35, Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Maundy Thursday - B -- 2018
Contents “Fast Food” by C. David McKirachan
Witnesses -- Luke 24:36b-48, Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7, Psalm 4 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
Contents “Witnesses” by Peter Andrew Smith
Whose Water Is It? -- Acts 10:44-48, 1 John 5:1-6 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2018
Contents “Whose Water Is It?” by C. David McKirachan
Keeping the Sabbath Holy -- Mark 2:23--3:6, Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2018
Contents “Keeping the Sabbath Holy” by Peter Andrew Smith
The Real Man Of La Mancha -- 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Job 38:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez, C. David Mckirachan -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2018
Contents “The Real Man Of La Mancha” by Frank Ramirez
Why We Need Shepherds -- Mark 6:30-34, 53-56, Psalm 23, Jeremiah 23:1-6 -- Frank Ramirez, Peter Andrew Smith -- Proper 11 | Ordinary Time 16 - B -- 2018
Contents “Why We Need Shepherds” by Frank Rairez
With Malice Towards None and Kindness Towards Your Enemy -- Ephesians 4:25--5:2, Psalm 130, 1 Kings 19:4-8, Psalm 34:1-8, 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 -- Frank Ramirez, C. David Mckirachan -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - B -- 2018
Contents
Putting On The Purpole -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2018
Contents “Putting On The Purpole” by Frank Ramirez
Hoisted On Their Own Petard -- James 5:13-20, Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, Mark 9:38-50 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2018
Contents “Hoisted On Their Own Petard” by C. David McKirachan

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

Worship

SermonStudio

Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Hebrews 10:5-10Theme: This DayCall To Worship
Second Sunday In Lent -- Luke 13:31-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 13:31-35Theme: Oh, Jerusalem
Proper 25/Ordinary Time 30 -- Luke 18:9-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 18:9-14Theme: Last First, First Last, Always
Proper 9/Ordinary Time 14 -- 2 Kings 5:1-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: 2 Kings 5:1-14Theme: Too Simple For You?
First Sunday Of Advent -- Jeremiah 33:14-16 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Jeremiah 33:14-16Theme: Empires Come And Go -- God Lasts
Proper 15/Ordinary Time 20 -- Isaiah 5:1-7 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Isaiah 5:1-7Theme: Shopping In The Grape Aisle
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 11:1-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Acts 11:1-18Theme: We Should Love One Another
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 1:39-45 (46-55)Theme: Looks Big To Me
Third Sunday In Lent -- Isaiah 55:1-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Isaiah 55:1-9Theme: For God Will Abundantly Pardon
Proper 26/Ordinary Time 31 -- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4Theme: In Letters Big Enough To Read
Proper 9/Ordinary Time 14 -- Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Galatians 6:(1-6) 7-16Theme: Carry This, Will Ya?
Sixth Sunday After The Epiphany -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 15:12-20
Proper 15/Ordinary Time 20 -- Hebrews 11:29--12:2 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Hebrews 11:29--12:2Theme: Fixing Our Eyes On Jesus
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- Revelation 21:1-6 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Revelation 21:1-6Theme: It's About Time
Christmas Eve -- Isaiah 9:2-7 -- Frank Ramirez -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Isaiah 9:2-7Theme: The Prequel
Third Sunday In Lent -- 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13Theme: There's Always A Way Out
Proper 26/Ordinary Time 31 -- 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12Theme: Real Churches Get Heat
Proper 15/Ordinary Time 20 -- Luke 12:49-56 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 12:49-56Theme: The Real Weather Channel
Fifth Sunday Of Easter -- John 13:31-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: John 13:31-35Theme: Just So You're Sure
Christmas Eve -- Titus 2:11-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Titus 2:11-14Theme: It Will Happen Again
Third Sunday In Lent -- Luke 13:1-9 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 13:1-9Theme: Towers Fall, God Endures
Proper 26/Ordinary Time 31 -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 19:1-10Theme: What's It Worth To Ya?
Proper 16/Ordinary Time 21 -- Jeremiah 1:4-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Jeremiah 1:4-10Theme: Too Many Excuses
Sixth Sunday Of Easter -- Acts 16:9-15 -- Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Acts 16:9-15Theme: A Dream For Salvation
Christmas Eve -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Frank Ramirez -- The Nativity of our Lord - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 2:1-14 (15-20)Theme: Once More, With Feeling
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 10 | OT 15 | Pentecost 5
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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Proper 11 | OT 16 | Pentecost 6
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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Proper 12 | OT 17 | Pentecost 7
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
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Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

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John Jamison
Object: You may present this message as a simple story, or have the children act it out as a role-play. I will show the role-play version, but you can ignore the acting pieces and just tell the story if you prefer.

Note: For the role-play version, you will need to select two girls and one boy to play the roles. You might also have a broom and a dust rag if you want to.

* * *

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

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
Nazish Naseem
For July 20, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Amos 8:1-12, Psalm 52
Amos proclaims the word from God that punishes the people. The people are to be punished for their lack of faith, for their focus on practicing deceit, betraying honesty to their neighbors, and being impatient for the time after the Sabbath when they can focus on profit and selling their crops and wares. Oh, my! What a terrible message for people. You have been unfaithful so I will punish you. And then in the psalm, God is proclaimed to be the olive tree, that which brings blessing.
David Kalas
I have tried to find different ways of saying it so that my children don’t tire of hearing it. But the basic principle remains the same, and my kids have heard it a ton. “First things first.” They ask if they can do this or they start to do that, and I will endeavor to redirect them, saying, “Why don’t we make sure we’re doing first things first!”

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. (v. 24)

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
One of Martha's earliest memories was of her little sister Mary singing and dancing in the middle of an admiring crowd of friends. Mary had always been a dancer, from the time she could walk. Privately, Martha thought she'd always been something of a show-off and ought to go on the stage, for Mary loved an audience.

SermonStudio

John E. Sumwalt
Jeanne Jones
Several years ago, before we moved to Wisconsin, I was an honorary nanny for our pastor's son, Jonathan. I took care of him from the time he was able to walk until our pastor moved, when Jonathan was about five. We had wonderful times together. One time, when I was at their house, and we had been doing some spiritual direction together, Pastor Michael asked me if I knew the name of my guardian angel.
James Evans
We are not surprised when we learn about crooks and robbers boasting about "mischief done against the godly" or "plotting destruction" all day long. The image we have in our minds about who "bad" people are, and how they conduct themselves, make such accusations completely plausible. We are less inclined to believe such things about leaders, especially respected leaders among us. We have difficulty believing someone with wealth and power would deliberately plot to do someone else harm.
Arley K. Fadness
Today's gospel from Luke 10 follows the parable of the good Samaritan. Luke positions the good Samaritan and the Mary-Martha story back to back for good reason. The parable and the story are examples of the Great Commandment "to love the Lord your God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself." The good Samaritan parable illustrates "love to neighbor," whereas the Mary-Martha story illustrates "love to God."
Kirk R. Webster
In the early 1990s, Wesley Nunley of Dallas completed a project he had dreamed of for decades. "I tell you, this could be a big thing," he explained. Wes then walked out to a concrete octagon in the middle of his backyard. With a beaming smile, arms raised up in excitement, the energetic retiree said, "This welcomes the UFO to land, which has never been done before."
John W. Wurster
It was the best of times. A time of prosperity and confidence, a time of relative peace, a time when most everything looked pretty good, a time when most everyone felt pretty good. It was a time maybe not unlike our own time.
H. Burnham Kirkland
Words Of Assurance
Our God is both wise and caring: afflicting the comfortable and comforting the afflicted.

Pastoral Prayer
God, we bow before you this morning, knowing that you hear every prayer. We know that in all of Creation, you are the source of life. You are the one who set the light swirling between the galaxies. The breath of your Spirit pulses through all life. You have even become flesh among us. We praise you, Lord, that in all your wonder, you have not forgotten us.

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