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

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…

Read Through

Actors in a play read through the entire script in order to prepare. Similarly, the Christian calendar calls followers of Jesus to read through the entire script of the Good News as a way of preparing our hearts and minds for God-with-us, Emmanuel. Jesus calls his followers to  “watch” and “stay awake” amidst the distress of the nations (Luke 21.25-36) near the end of his life. Our socio-economic, political, and ecological challenges are different today, but we find ourselves unquestionably in…

The F-Word

The F-Word is at the heart of Christianity. Matt’s message is rooted in Peter’s experience of a dark night that began began apocalyptically and then got worse (Luke 22). Peter betrayed the very center of who he said he wanted to be. Peter f’ed.  What might the f-word have to teach us about following Jesus today?

Rooted in Grace

Matt’s message invites us to see the restoring of sight to Bartimaeus son of Timaeus in Mark’s gospel (10.45-52) through the lens of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Hamilton.”  History has its eye on us. As we gather to celebrate the baptism of 2 adults & 7 children in worship and share in offering our Deep Commitments to God and this community of faith, may the faith of Bartimaeus son of Timaeus be passed on to us all.
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