Imagine that it's Christmas Eve and you're on your way to the store before the annual candlelight service. Suddenly you find yourself transported back in time to the night of the birth of the Messiah The places you're used to seeing are all gone; the usual trappings of modern society don't work. And, to top it off, you're placed in a situation where you have to help a young couple deal with having a baby -- with no hospital Yikes
This imaginative chancel drama for Advent or Christmas will make the members of your congregation think about the night of Jesus' birth in a new way. A variety of ages can be used in the production from young children to older adults. The dialogue can be easily modified with local references. Suggested readings and music are included for use between scenes for additional congregational involvement.
Frank Ramirez is the pastor of Everett Church of the Brethren in Everett, Pennsylvania. A graduate of the University of LaVerne and Bethany Theological Seminary, Ramirez is the author of numerous books, articles, and short stories. Frank has been a long-time writer for CSS' online subscription "StoryShare." His CSS titles include "Gabriel's Horn, The Christmas Star," "The Bee Attitudes," "Partners in Healing," " He Took a Towel," "Coming Home," "Lectionary Worship Aids "series, " "and "A Call to Worship."

How does someone obtain wisdom, knowledge, and understanding? How do they apply them to their lives? This volume of Immersion Bible Studies focuses on touchstone Scriptures that reveal the essence of wisdom as found in Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. Written in a conversational tone, this study engages readers in the virtues shared while deepening their love of the Bible. Easy-to-follow, step-by-step suggestions for leading a group are provided, as well as questions to facilitate class discussion. Immersion, inspired by a fresh translation--the Common English Bible--stands firmly on Scripture and helps readers explore the emotional, spiritual, and intellectual needs of their personal faith. More importantly, they ll be able to discover God s revelation through readings and reflections."

At twelve the muse gave me a tap. These lines for my life are a map. A few are just verse And a couple are worse, But the ones that are left are effusive.

Journey inside the pages of Scripture to meet a personal God who enters individual lives and begins a creative work from the inside out. Shaped with the individual in mind, Immersion encourages simultaneous engagement both with the Word of God and with the God of the Word to become a new creation in Christ. Immersion, inspired by a fresh translation--the Common English Bible--stands firmly on Scripture and helps readers explore the emotional, spiritual, and intellectual needs of their personal faith. More importantly, they ll be able to discover God s revelation through readings and reflections."

Drama can be a wonderful tool for presenting spiritual truths in a fresh and creative way. "Come All Ye Faithful" is a valuable resource for churches seeking new methods for presenting the joyous message of Advent and Christmas. From an insightful allegory illuminating the symbolism of the Advent wreath to mice depicting the nativity scene in whimsical verse, this resource will appeal to any dramatic preference.
These plays can be used by congregations of almost any size, with only minimal props and costuming required. Copy privileges are included.
The plays featured in this volume are:
- "The Living Advent Wreath" -- a musical allegory depicting a pilgrim's journey to discover the true meaning of Advent as revealed through the Advent Wreath (sheet music is included).
- "The Mouse Christmas" -- a lighthearted children's play written in rhyming verse.
- "The Ad Vent Wheat" -- a humorous children's play offering a slightly altered view of the Christmas message.
Each of these plays will help congregations capture anew the true joy of the Advent and Christmas season.
Frank Ramirez is the pastor of Everett Church of the Brethren in Everett, Pennsylvania. A graduate of the University of LaVerne and Bethany Theological Seminary, Ramirez is the author of numerous books, articles, and short stories. His CSS titles include "Gabriel's Horn," "The Christmas Star," "The Bee Attitudes," "Partners in Healing," "He Took a Towel," "Coming Home," "Lectionary Worship Aids," and "A Call to Worship."

"Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105).
This all-new edition of a perennial CSS favorite is a valuable resource for busy pastors, worship planners, worship service planners, and worship resource planners. It's an easy-to-use reference offering several prayers relating to the assigned scriptural passages for every Sunday and major observance in Cycle C of the Revised Common Lectionary. For each First, Second, and Gospel reading there's a call to worship, a collect, a prayer of confession, and suggested hymns -- plenty of inspiring material for the creation of fresh, meaningful worship services. Supplemental resources include numerous prayers for general use, worship material for Mother's Day, and a brief service for hunting season that highlights the connection between responsible hunting and God's creation. In addition, there are alternate verses for use with several familiar hymns plus hymns from the Brethren tradition. This complete collection offers a wide selection of practical aids for creating sincerely reverent, thematically unified worship experiences in which hymns, prayers, and scripture all work together to illuminate the powerful connection between God's Word and the daily lives of the people in the pews.
"These are not words to be admired. They are words to be prayed. This is all about talking to God. Just as importantly, it's about listening to God talking back.... I hope that people use times of silence, both in worship and in life, to allow the opportunity for God to speak. There is, of course, no controlling God. We cannot pull on a chain and ensure a reply. That would be magic. But we can at least work on the assumption that prayer is a conversation -- not a harangue, part medical report and part Santa wish list. We can also work on the assumption that this is the Lord of the universe we are speaking to, awe-inspiring and majestic, yet somehow marvelously secure as a God who encourages us to speak on an intimate basis."
(from the Introduction)
Frank Ramirez is an author and pastor in the Church of the Brethren who has written numerous books, articles, and short stories. A graduate of LaVerne College and Bethany Theological Seminary, Ramirez has served congregations in Indiana and California, and is currently pastor at Everett Church of the Brethren in Everett, Pennsylvania. In addition to volumes of "Lectionary Worship Aids" for Cycles A and B, his other CSS titles include "A Call To Worship," "Partners In Healing," "He Took A Towel," "Gabriel's Horn," and "The Christmas Star."

The Old Testament is a rich tapestry that details how God's plan of salvation was being worked out centuries before the birth of Christ. Yet many people in the pews are not as familiar as they should be with the Hebrew scriptures and their profound lessons for modern living. In this penetrating collection of spiritually enlightening messages based on the First Readings from Cycle C of the Revised Common Lectionary, five distinguished preachers unlock the secrets of some often overlooked passages from the Old Testament and the book of Acts. These sermons for each Sunday and major celebration throughout the entire church year illuminate the wisdom of the prophets, and they demonstrate how relevant their timeless themes of justice and righteousness remain for our twenty-first-century culture. Each thought-provoking message is filled with compelling stories and illustrations that help readers see how to "profit from the prophets."
This essential resource is useful for:
- Fresh homiletical approaches to the lectionary texts
- Inspiring preaching illustrations and sermon starters
- Understanding scripture passages
- Bible study and discussion groups
- Personal devotions and inspirational reading

Frank Ramirez believes that youth and children are the church of today and should be invited to participate regularly in worship as scripture readers, musicians, speakers, and worship leaders. Drama is an especially great way to keep young people speaking, performing, and sharing in front of the congregation -- not only is it fun and inspirational, but drama is also an effective method for making God's word take on flesh and dwell in our midst. This set of six delightful plays puts Christ at the forefront while entertaining all ages and teaching deep truths. The flexible pieces can be performed elaborately with full costuming and staging, or simply read directly from the script in readers' theater style. From "Witnesses to the Light," featuring angels named Fantastic, Marvelous, Wonderful, and Gabriel, to the whimsical "Holy Water," with sheep named Be Bop, Bo Peep, Bah Humbug, and Bill, the dramas in The Bee Attitudes are sure to please.

Coming up with fresh, meaningful worship material each Sunday that illuminates scripture and preaching themes is a pressure-filled responsibility. That's why busy pastors and worship leaders will love this all-new edition of a perennial CSS favorite. It's an easy-to-use reference offering several prayers relating to each week's assigned scriptural passages in Cycle B of the Revised Common Lectionary. For each First Lesson, Second Lesson, and Gospel text there's a call to worship, a collect, a prayer of confession, and suggested hymns. Supplemental material includes alternate verses for several familiar hymns, as well as an anointing service, a communion and feetwashing service, and a lamentation service for the anniversary of 9/11. This complete collection offers a wide selection of practical aids for creating sincerely reverent, thematically unified worship experiences in which hymns, prayers, and scripture all work together to dance in and around God's Word.

The practice of anointing for healing appears countless times in the Bible ? yet in many Christian traditions, anointing is seldom practiced today. But it is an essential rite that reminds us that God is firmly in control of all aspects of our lives. Anointing affirms and symbolizes our partnership with God, who is the true source of restoration and healing. Through the practice of anointing, we invite God to be part of the healing process for anyone who is sick physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Partners In Healing is a complete guide with all the resources you need to revive this ancient practice as part of a comprehensive ministry of healing. The biblical and historical background for anointing is investigated, and sample services and prayers are included, as well as sermons that can be used to introduce this ministry to congregations unfamiliar with it. There are also discussion questions and activities, making this an excellent resource for small group study.

Looking for something fresh and creative for the Advent season? Here's a charming set of five lighthearted plays that's sure to engage audiences and set the holiday spirit while remaining focused on the scriptural message. Written in whimsical rhyming verse, the scenes detail the prophecies of the Messiah and the story of the Incarnation through the interaction of three angels (Gabriel, Wonderful, and, Marvelous) with several biblical characters. Congregations of any size will find these sketches easy to use -- only a small cast is needed, and the readers' theater format means no extensive costuming or staging is required. Scenes include: * Gabriel's Horn (Last Sunday of Pentecost) * The Honeymooners (Advent 1) * The Cleanup Crew (Advent 2) * The Reading Club (Advent 3) * Step Up To The Plate (Advent 4) Two of the angel characters reappear after a 33-year "vacation" in "M.I.H. -- Missing In Heaven," an Easter verse drama (also written by Frank Ramirez) included in the CSS anthology Roll Back The Stone. Frank Ramirez is the pastor of Everett Church of the Brethren in Everett, Pennsylvania. A graduate of the University of LaVerne and Bethany Theological Seminary, Ramirez is the author of numerous books, articles, and short stories. His CSS titles include Partners In Healing, Coming Home, The Christmas Star, He Took A Towel, A Call To Worship, and Lectionary Worship Aids.

Preparing to lead a congregation in worship each Sunday is a pressure-filled responsibility. That's why busy worship planners will love this all-new edition of a perennial favorite CSS reference. This resource is easy to use, with several prayers and a worship theme relating to the assigned scriptural passages for every Sunday and major observance in Cycle A of the Revised Common Lectionary. For each First Lesson, Second Lesson, and Gospel text there's a call to worship, a collect, a prayer of confession, and suggested hymns. This complete collection offers a wide selection of practical aids for creating sincerely reverent, meaningful worship experiences.

Busy pastors and worship leaders are always searching for worship elements that underline the scripture passages and provide a unifying theme. "A Call To Worship" answers that need, supplying a range of calls to worship, prayers, and litanies for each Sunday, all based on the readings for Cycle B of the Revised Common Lectionary. A special feature is a weekly "children's benediction" that summarizes the day's theme in a brief phrase that young people can understand and repeat with the congregation. "A Call To Worship" is a valuable library of resources that you'll want to have right at your fingertips
Frank Ramirez is an author and pastor in the Church of the Brethren who has written numerous books, articles, and short stories. A graduate of LaVerne College and Bethany Theological Seminary, Ramirez has served congregations in Indiana and California. His other CSS titles include "The Christmas Star," "Coming Home," and "He Took A Towel."

Appropriate for Maundy Thursday or any time throughout the year, this resource contains several sermons and a full-blown service of Holy Communion, Feetwashing, and Agape Meal (or Love Feast). Detailed bread recipes and instructions for all the preparations are included along with bulletin texts.Examination Service And Feetwashing Service Meditation: "Broken For You" Service: The Lords Supper Sermons Include: "Seeing A Familiar Friend All Over Again For The First Time" "Peter Asks A Question" "No Forks Or Napkins" Frank Ramirez is pastor of the Elkhart Valley Church of the Brethren in Elkhart, Indiana. A native of California, he has also lived in Virginia, Tennessee, and Illinois. He has served as a parish pastor since graduating from Bethany Theological Seminary. Ramirez has written eight other books, numerous articles, and short fiction.

After many years of preaching from the first three chapters of Luke and the first two chapters of Matthew, Frank Ramirez decided to preach about something a little different around Christmastime. What evolved was this series of seven messages for the Sundays beginning with Advent and ending with Epiphany.
Why a sermon series based on the Old Testament book of Haggai? Ramirez writes, "I've always been fascinated by the lesser known books of the Old Testament, partly because I'm afraid of being embarrassed in heaven if I don't recognize some of these people "
Frank Ramirez is pastor of the Elkhart Valley Church of the Brethren in Elkhart, Indiana. A native of California, he has also lived in Virginia, Tennessee, and Illinois. He has served as a parish pastor since graduating from Bethany Theological Seminary. His other interests include beekeeping and marathon running. Ramirez has written seven other books, plus numerous articles and short fiction.