Sermons by Matt Smith (Page 15)
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Sermons by Matt Smith (Page 15)

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?

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.

Heart/Feeling Triad (2, 3, 4)

Pastor Matt’s message is rooted in John 2.1-11 & invites reflection the the Heart/Feeling Triad (2, 3, 4) 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.

Polishing Rehearsal

Polishing rehearsals are specifically held for the purpose of correcting problems that occurred in previous run-throughs. Actors and directors must discern what to do given certain challenges that have arisen throughout rehearsals. Similarly, John  the Baptist is calling everyone around him to “correct problems” that have arisen in their life together. The people ask John what they should do and he replies with concrete next steps. What might we learn for our lives today from the ancient call by John the…
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