Sermons by Matt Smith (Page 18)
An Ending that is a Beginning
Matt’s message is rooted in readings from Jesus’ infancy at the beginning of Matthew & the ending of Jesus’ life on earth near the ending of Matthew. The infant Jesus became a refugee with his family. What might this mean for us today? Jesus’ message to his followers at the end of his life challenged them: “just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” What…
Christmas Eve
Matt’s message for our 5:00 pm Candlelight Christmas Eve gathering is rooted in the Christmas story from Luke 2 & Room for a Little One by Martin Waddell & Jason Croft. As we celebrate a Little One who came for the world, may we finder way to the alley & make room for one another. And, may we all join the people in a chorus of praise: Glory to God this night.
Dream
Matt’s message is rooted in the dream of Joseph (Matthew 1.18-25). On this fourth Sunday of Advent, we remember God’s call to Joseph in a dream. How might we follow Joseph in saying yes to the power, mystery, and scandalous love waiting to be born amidst shame & disgrace?
Jephthah’s Daughter
In this last week of taking a closer look at troubling texts in scripture, Matt reads through the story of Jephthah’s sacrifice of his only daughter (Judges 11:29-40). We are called to be more faithful every day and delve into following the ways of hope, healing, love, and liberation in our communities.
An Unnamed Woman
Matt’s message is rooted in the story of the Unnamed Woman in Judges 19: 1-30. May we listen to the lessons in this story and focus our hearts on those who are hurting and vulnerable. Help us to be faithful followers of the Way by Jesus.
Water.
Matt’s message is rooted in 2 Timothy 4.6-8, 16-18. Like Paul’s deep commitment to follow Jesus, the waters of new life are poured over those who wish to follow in those same foot steps and be welcomed into God’s warmest, loving family.
Yeast.
Matt’s message is rooted in 2 Timothy 3.10-4.5. As we reflect on making Deep Commitments to God & our community of faith, how might God be kneading our lives? How will you allow yourself to rise with God in the coming year? Here is a link to our online Deep Commitment form.
Flour.
How might the beautiful, simple, & inspiring ingredients that have been passed down to us through the generations stir up the gift of God among us? Matt’s message invites the love of God to rekindle our imaginations as we discern making Deep Commitments at The Table. Worship on is rooted in 2 Timothy 1.1-14.
Curriculum for Christianity as a School for Love
Matt’s message invites reflection on the movement of love within Christianity. Christianity teaches that we are created in love, we are born into a fallen world, and we are redeemed by God’s love. This is the curriculum for our school of love. How might this curriculum shape our daily lives?
Christianity as a School for Love
Matt’s message invites reflection on Christianity as a school for love. The message is rooted in Psalm 86.11 and the Trappist monks of Tibhirine whose lives are depicted in Of Gods & Men. The abundance of God’s love compelled these men to be in deep ministry with their Muslim neighbors. How might God’s abundant love compel us to be in ministry with our black and brown neighbors today?
Vengeful Widow & Co-opted Judge
Matt’s message invites reflection on Jesus’ parable on the vengeful widow & co-opted judge found in Luke 18.1-8. Olympic Reconciliation: Widow, Judge & Rio 2016.
Pharisee & Tax Collector
Matt’s message holds The Music Circus’s production of Cabaret in conversation with Amy-Jill Levine’s prophetic reading of the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18.9-14).