Sermons on reaching in love (Page 8)
Becoming Evangelical
Linda’s message reflects on her journey toward embracing what it means to be evangelical. From an initial encounter with a televangelist to heart-felt conversations with faithful evangelical people in our community, she wonders who God is calling her to empathize with for the sake of the Gospel. Linda’s message is rooted in 1 Corinthians 9.16-23. Paul writes, “I have become all things to all people, so that I might by any means save some. I do it all for the…
#MeToo?
After experiencing the power of women’s voices in the #metoo movement, this week’s message in the first chapter of Mark where Jesus is baptized by John and the heavens declare that he is loved by God. This love is for all of us. How might we reflect that love for all God’s children?
Entangled
Pastor Matt’s 11pm Candlelight Christmas Eve message is rooted in John 1. 1-14.
Give Us Back Baby Jesus!
Pastor Linda’s 5pm Candlelight Christmas Eve message is rooted in Luke 2. 1-14.
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?
PG-13?
Biblical scholar Phyllis Trible writes, “One female has chosen another female in a world where life depends upon men. There is no more radical decision in all the memories of Israel.” Linda’s message on Chapter 3 of Ruth invites reflection on the layers of meaning and the sexual innuendos deployed by the authors of this often neglected chapter from the Hebrew bible. How might God be calling us to risk in our daily lives?
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.
Resolve to Forgive
Pastor Chris has created this worship series called Baggage as part of his Path 1 Residency in Church Planting at The Table. In this last week of his three-week worship series, Chris walks us through the story of Joseph and his brothers, rooted in Genesis 50. 15-21. How do you bring peace back to your spirit after it has been broken so bad by others? Can we learn to be more willing to relinquish our rights to our baggage and allow…
B.S.
Pastor Chris has created this worship series called Baggage as part of his Path 1 Residency in Church Planting at The Table. This three-week worship series weave reflection on Scripture with the baggage we carry in our day-to-day lives. . Chris’s message for September 17 is rooted in Philippians 3.1-11. How might pride be preventing you from following Jesus?
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.