Sermons by Matt Smith (Page 17)
Mortality
For the first time in 73 years, Valentine’s Day falls on the same day as Ash Wednesday. What might the story of Valentine teach us about Ash Wednesday as we begin our Lenten journey? Matt’s message on this Ash Wednesday is rooted in the story of Valentine as shared by Godly Play.
From Farm-to-Fork to a Revolution of Love
Matt’s message is rooted in 1 Corinthians 8.1-13. Paul was writing to the church in Corinth about how their relationship with food was standing in opposition to an ethic of love. What might we learn from this ancient letter for our day? What might Paul’s wisdom to the church in Corinth have to teach us about the farm-to-fork movement today?
Toxic Masculinity
Matt’s message is rooted in Mark 1.21-28 & invites reflection on disrupting toxic masculinity.
Falling and Rising
Worship on this first Sunday in the season of Christmas is rooted in Luke 2.22-40. Matt & Linda invite reflection on the blessing of the infant Jesus by Simeon & Anna. How might God be calling us into a life of falling and rising?
Entangled
Pastor Matt’s 11pm Candlelight Christmas Eve message is rooted in John 1. 1-14.
I Am Not
The hopes & fears of all the years will be met in a vulnerable child in a little town that is both far away and right here. John was clear he was not the long awaited Messiah and embraced his calling to be a witness. Matt’s Advent message weaves reflections on the story of our church community with readings from Isaiah 61.1-11 and John 1.6-8,19-28. How might grace inspire and shape our call to be witnesses to a new redemption…
Hey You!
Matt’s message invites reflection on Ruth 4. Mieke Bal writes, “The point of Ruth is not hesed, the typical female virtue, but hutzpah — willingness to challenge, or better, stretch inadequate social/legal norms in the direction of greater justice and more voice to the deprived. The highest virtue is high-minded transgressive action designed to further growth not to undermine the system.” How might the hutzpah of Naomi & Ruth, and the subversive masculine strength of Boaz inspire & challenge us today?
Push. Pull.
This is the first week in a four-week worship series on the book of IOur Co-Pastors were abel to study with Rev. Dr. David Vásquez-Levy last winter and this worship series is rooted in his critical reflection on Ruth. Matt’s message on Ruth 1 invites us into the story of Ruth and challenges us to consider who we might be seeing as a stranger, or enemy. Who are we making other, when God sees them as beloved? Worship this morning includes original…
Legacy
Matt’s message is rooted in Matthew 22.15-22. Celebrating seven years at The Table, Matt brings us to wonder what legacies we will leave for next generations to come?
What’s Your Why?
Matt’s message is rooted in Philippians 4.1-9. Marlon Hall, a filmmaker & creative leader from Houston, led a workshop on innovation in ministry earlier this week in Sacramento. Matt’s message weave’s Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi with lessons from Marlon Hall on innovation: What is the story of your why? Here is a link to Marlon Hall’s short film on Houston.
Planting Seeds
The Table at Central UMC is turning 7 this month! How has God led us over these seven years? Where do we find ourselves today? What might God’s invitation be for our future? Matt’s message is rooted in Matthew 21.23-32 and invites reflection on the seeds God is planting in our own lives and in the lives of our neighbors.
Radical Ritual
Over sixty thousand people gathered this week for Burning Man to celebrate Radical Ritual. As thousands searched for purpose & meaning on the playa, we gathered in worship at The Table to reflect on the depth & beauty of our ancient tradition’s radical rituals. Pastor Matt invites reflection on the radical roots of Holy Communion. Pastor Linda reminds us of the healing waters of Baptism. Pastor Chris challenges us to receive God’s anointing for our work in the world.