Sermons by Matt Smith (Page 14)
God Loves
Matt’s message is rooted in John 17.20-26 & As It Is In Heaven, a 2004 Swedish film nominated for an Academy Award. Jesus prays for all to be one in his farewell prayer around a table with the disciples. As It Is In Heaven beautifully witnesses to this truth and The Table longs to be a community which fosters deeper awareness of our oneness in God’s love. How might you join in Restoration at The Table in hopes of passing…
This Is Us
Matt’s message is rooted in John 10.22-30. How are we allowing the Risen One to hold us? Who is the Risen One calling us to hold?
This Is Us (Thomas)
Pastors Linda and Matt invite reflection on the courage of Thomas to speak up about his longing to see & touch the Risen One. How do you want the Risen One to show up? Where are you feeling the peace the Risen One offers in your own life?
Easter
Pastor Matt’s Easter message at The Table is rooted in Luke 24.1-12.
Setback
Holy Friday at The Table was rooted in Luke’s account of Jesus’ crucifixion. Instead of setting ourselves back at a distance this Holy Friday, our task is to join with those suffering in our world by standing under the very reality of the cross as we hold fast to a God who so loves the world.
Subcontractors
Matt’s message on Palm Sunday at The Table is rooted in Luke 19.28-40. What are the things that make for peace?
Visual Progress
Matt’s message is rooted in Luke 15. There was a man who had two sons…
Modifications
Matt’s message is rooted in Luke 13.31-35. As much as we may long to disconnect from the pain overwhelming our world, this is never the way of following Jesus. Instead, Jesus cries for Jerusalem to modify its ways and join with God’s restoration through healing and deliverance. What modifications might we need to make as we journey toward restoration?
Spirit
Worship this morning invited the Spirit to guide us in responding to the strengthening of restrictions on LGBTQIA people at this week’s legislative gathering of the United Methodist Church in St. Louis and the District Attorney’s decision regarding the killing of Stephon Clark. Paul writes, “Therefore, since it is by God’s mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart” (2 Corinthians 4.1). What bold faith might the Spirit be stirring in us?
Bitters
Matt’s message is rooted in Luke 6.27-38. In these verses, Jesus calls those who listen to love their enemies. While we can’t will ourselves into this kind of craft faith, God is already mixing us into a beloved community. Matt reflects on bitters with local craft bartenders and holds these learnings in conversation with Luke 6 and the special legislative gathering of the United Methodist Church in St. Louis this week.
Mixing
Matt’s message is rooted in Luke 5.1-11. What might we learn from this story of Jesus calling Simon Peter from his craft as a fisherman to a life of crafting faith by following him? What might the craft makers from our own community have to teach us about faith today? Matt turns to Shane Quinlan, a local craftsperson, for lessons on a table Shane is making for our community of faith.
Head/Fear Triad (5, 6, 7)
Pastor Matt’s message is rooted in 1 Corinthians 12.12-31 & invites reflection the the Head/Fear Triad (5, 6, 7) from the Enneagram. Our worship series draws on Ian Morgan Cron & Suzanne Stabile’s The Road Back to You. Here is a link to information on the book.