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Frank Ramirez

Frank Ramirez is a native of Southern California and is the senior pastor of the Union Center Church of the Brethren near Nappanee, Indiana. Frank has served congregations in Los Angeles, California; Elkhart, Indiana; and Everett, Pennsylvania. He and his wife Jennie share three adult children, all married, and three grandchildren. He enjoys writing, reading, exercise, and theater.
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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

The 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
The Road Less Traveled -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2023
Robert Frost wrote a poem titled “The Road Less Traveled,” about making a choice between one turn in
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
Lost and Found! -- Matthew 28:1-10, Colossians 3:1-4, Acts 10:34-43, Jeremiah 31:1-6 -- Frank Ramirez -- Easter Day - A -- 2023
The promise of the resurrection is not only for Jesus, but for all who are lost – we shall be found.
Where Is God Found? -- John 14:15-21, Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22 -- Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2023
Where is God to be found? Not in shrines made by human hands. God is in our midst.
Take Over, God! -- Genesis 12:1-9, Romans 4:13-25, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - A -- 2023
In these passages, God calls on individuals to give up control of their lives and follow a whole new
Woulda Coulda Shoulda -- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Romans 7:15-25a, Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - A -- 2023
There’s no use having vain regrets because we didn’t.
Wrestling with the Undeniable -- Matthew 14:13-21, Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2023
This is really happening. No, really. This is really happening.

Free Access

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
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

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 5 (2024) -- Isaiah 40:21-31, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2024
Isaiah 40:21-31
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 (2024) -- Proverbs 1:20-33, James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2024
Proverbs 1:20-33
Sermon Illustrations for Easter 4 (2024) -- Acts 4:5-12, 1 John 3:16-24, John 10:11-18 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
Acts 4:5-12
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 (2024) -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2024
Proverbs 31:10-31
Sermon Illustrations for the Fifth Sunday after Easter (2024) -- John 15:1-8, 1 John 4:7-21, Acts 8:26-40 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
Acts 8:26-40
Sermon Illustrations for Transfiguration Sunday (2024) -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2024
2 Kings 2:1-12
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 (2024) -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2024
Esther 7:1-6, 9-10, 9:20-22
Sermon Illustrations for the Sixth Sunday of Easter (2024) -- Acts 10:44-48, 1 John 5:1-6, John 15:9-17 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
Acts 10:44-48
Sermon Illustrations for Ash Wednesday (2024) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12) -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2024
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 (2024) -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Mark 10:2-16 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2024
Job 1:1; 2:1-10
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 1 (2024) -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Genesis 9:8-17
Sermon Illustrations for Ascension of the Lord (2024) -- Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2024
Acts 1:1-11
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 the Seventh Sunday of Easter (2024) -- Acts 1:15-17, 21-26, 1 John 5:9-13, John 17:6-19 -- Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
Acts 1:15-17, 21-26
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 (2024) -- Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Hebrews 5:1-10, Mark 10:35-45 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - B -- 2024
Job 38:1-7 (34-41)
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
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 (2024) -- Job 42:1-6, 10-17, Hebrews 7:23-28, Mark 10:46-52 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2024
Job 42:1-6, 10-17
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 All Saints Day (2024) -- Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9, Revelation 21:1-6a, John 11:32-44 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- All Saints Day - B -- 2024
Isaiah 25:6-9
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 Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 (2024) -- Ruth 1:1-18, Hebrews 9:11-14, Mark 12:28-34 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2024
Ruth 1:1-18
Illustrations for Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 (2024) -- Mark 2:23--3:6, 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2024
1 Samuel 3:1-10, (11-20)
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 4 (2024) -- John 3:14-21, Ephesians 2:1-10, Numbers 21:4-9 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Numbers 21:4-9
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 27 | OT 32 (2024) -- Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44 -- Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2024
Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 5 (2024) -- John 12:20-33, Hebrews 5:5-10, Jeremiah 31:31-34 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Jeremiah 31:31-34

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

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!
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
Because God is There -- Exodus 24:12-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2023
Then Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. (v. 15)
Gave As Good As She Got -- John 4:5-42 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2023
Just then his disciples came.
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)
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.
Into Thin Air -- Acts 1:1-11, Luke 24:44-53 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - A -- 2023
According to Acts 1:9, as the disciples watched, Jesus “…was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of
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….
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!
A Little Peace and Quiet -- Matthew 14:13-21 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 13 | Ordinary Time 18 - A -- 2023
Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself.

Free Access

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

Reformation Sunday -- Romans 3:19-28 -- Frank Ramirez -- Reformation Sunday - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Romans 3:19-28Theme: Rock Solid And Sure
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
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
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
Maundy Thursday -- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- Frank Ramirez -- Maundy Thursday - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26Theme: PricelessMeditation
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?
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
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
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
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)
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
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
Good Friday -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Good Friday - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Isaiah 52:13--53:12Theme: Vindication. Trust Me.
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
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
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
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
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
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?
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 ...
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
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
All Saints -- Ephesians 1:11-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- All Saints Day - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Ephesians 1:11-23Theme: Seal Of Approval
Proper 4/Ordinary Time 9 -- 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: 1 Kings 18:20-21 (22-29) 30-39Theme: The Right Way To Make Trouble
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!
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John Jamison
Object: An x-ray showing the human heart. I have attached a public domain image you may use if you like.

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The Immediate Word

Dean Feldmeyer
Thomas Willadsen
Christopher Keating
George Reed
Katy Stenta
For November 10, 2024:

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
It is in vain that you rise up early
and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
for he gives sleep to his beloved.
(v. 2)

While staying in a motel recently, I was wakened several times during the night by someone sawing wood in the adjoining room. At first I thought the sound was coming from outside. But when I peered out the window over the dumpster there was nothing but a weary raccoon on his way home after working the late shift.

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Bill Thomas
Mark Ellingsen
Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17
Mark Ellingsen
Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17
The First Lesson is drawn from a short story set in the period of Judges (1:1), underscoring the loyalty and fidelity that binds families together. The date of the work is uncertain, a date prior to the Babylonian captivity in the sixth century BC indicates its purpose may be to establish David’s ancestry. A post-exilic date might indicate the author’s efforts to counter the Books of Ezra and Nehemiah which considered intermarriage wrong.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
A 91-year old man recently appeared in court, charged with causing death by careless driving. He was driving behind a lorry on a fairly narrow road, when to the horror of other motorists, he pulled out to overtake the lorry. The other motorists were horrified because they had all seen a motorcyclist coming in the opposite direction. The motorcyclist flashed his lights in warning and the lorry driver pulled as far to the left as he could, in the hope that the elderly motorist who was driving at 40 mph, would either speed up and get past or would take other evasive action. But it was too late.

SermonStudio

James Evans
It is not possible in a single sermon -- or even a psalm -- to answer the question, "What is the meaning of life?" That is one of those complicated and complex questions that require a lifetime of reflection, prayer, study, and some trial and error. However, it is possible to ask and answer a different question that may be just as important. The writer of Psalm 127 seems to be trying to answer such a question: "How do we find a life that is really worth living?"

Schuyler Rhodes
There is a well-worn axiom that warns against mixing religion and politics. It was probably devised in an attempt to help smooth the rough places in some of those long holiday dinners with seldom-seen relatives. Keep the conversation polite, vague, and unchallenging. That way, all parties can stay through the dessert course and get home in one piece. In truth, there is wisdom in such an unwritten law. However, a serious people of faith must contend with the time after dinner when the relatives have dispersed and it's back to business as usual.
Stephen M. Crotts
And he sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the multitude putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came, and put in two copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him, and said to them, "Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For they all contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, her whole living."
-- Mark 12:41-44 (RSV)
Lee Ann Dunlap
Several years have now passed since the television series Survivor first debuted to become a summer ratings sensation. The concept was simple: place a group of individuals with diverse backgrounds, skills, and personalities into close proximity with a common purpose, namely survival on a deserted island, and let the audience watch as their relationships develop, or fall apart.

Mary S. Lautensleger
Fried green tomatoes were the house specialty at the Whistle Stop Cafe in Alabama during the 1930s. Evelyn is suffering through the growing pains of a midlife crisis when she and her husband come across the quaint Depression-era ghost of a town called Whistle Stop. Their destination is a nearby retirement home where Evelyn quite by chance meets octogenarian Ninny Threadgoode.

John R. Brokhoff
Robert W. Stackel
On August 20, 1977, there was launched an 1819 pound space craft, Voyager 2, at Cape Canaveral. At 61,148 miles per hour it was directed toward the planet Neptune. In 1989 it arrived, only twenty-one miles from its destination. From 2.8 billion miles from earth it sent back pictures of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. Since it completed its mission, it was turned toward outer space, where it will float through the Milky Way forever and ever.

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