Sermons by Matt Smith (Page 17)
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.
Found, Take 3
Jesus asks his followers, “Who do you say I am?” Matt’s message weaves this question from Matthew 16.13-20 with an unexpected experience of being found by grace at a nation-wide vigil called Standing in Solidarity with Charlottesville. This is the third week of our worship series, Found, focused on noticing & celebrating grace in our everyday lives.
Detroit/Beatriz at Dinner
On the last Sunday of the worship series, Faith & Films, Matt relates Detroit and Beatriz at Dinner to the scripture Matthew 14.13-21. Both of these films convey very raw and powerful messages which can easily leave us feeling overwhelmed. Can you look to those around you and consider them your brothers and sisters? May we be the change to break down the walls and build up bridges and to create beloved community together.