Jasmine Smothers

A Perplexing Nation. An Ineffectual Church? Reflections on July 4, 2025

Some things I’ve been thinking about: open.substack.com/pub/therevja...

July 1: Let's do this!

We made it to Friday!!! So… pause. Take a deep breath. And let us pray…

“Where there is no #vision, the people perish…” Proverbs 29:18

And the greatest of these is love!

We can't wait to #worship with you at 10:00am! Join in the Historic Sanctuary on #PeachtreeStreet in #Atlanta or online at atlantafirstumc.org/live! We kick off our #SummerInTheCity Worship w/ a new series based on Disney Pixar's “Inside Out 2!” See you soon! Come casual and cool! #InsideFaith #Joy

What an honor to be with y'all!

“& provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, & a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” - Isa 61:3 NIV

“The purpose of leadership is not to make the present bearable. The purpose of leadership is to make the future possible.”
— Joan D. Chittister

Just heard Dr. David Gushee give an incredible lecture on the Moral Teachings of Jesus based on his book, After Evangelicalism. I feel seen and heard… and reminded of who Jesus is. #FOH2025

I can’t wait to worship with you as we continue our #Easter celebration! I’m preaching “Between the Cross and the Call” at 10:00 a.m. EDT. You can join in person in downtown #Atlanta or online through FB, YouTube, or atlantafirstumc.org/live. Everyone is always welcome!

Pope Francis and the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore Pope Francis’ choice to be buried at the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Roma instead of St.

Pope Francis’ choice to be buried at the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Roma instead of St. Peter’s in Vatican City brings back so many memories and feels so on-brand…

open.substack.com/pub/therevja...

Hallelujah! Christ arose!

Jasmine Rose Smothers | Substack Pastor. Preacher. Creative force. Bridging faith & real life in the heart of ATL—with boldness, beauty & a Yorkie named Levi.

I've joined Substack so that I can/will/try to write more and share more of my photography. I'd love for you to meet me there as well. substack.com/@therevjaz?r...

Join @revjaz.bsky.social, @revdjrapko.bsky.social, and the Atlanta First community for worship this #HolyThursday at 6:30pm.

Let’s #worship together this #HolyWeek!

“We are not to simply bandage the wounds of victims beneath the wheels of injustice, we are to drive a spoke into the wheel itself.” — Dietrich Bonhoeffer, martyred by Nazis, 80 years ago today.
📸: Kelly Latimore Icons

#London #LondonAtNight #TowerBridge #sonya7iv #uneditedphotography #TowerOfLondon

Love this prompt. What would your warning label say?

#psalmaday2025 #blessing

#psalmaday2025

#psalmaday2025

“Now a new king arose over Egypt who did not know Joseph.” Exodus 1:8 #LordHaveMercy

#PsalmADay2025 #MondayPraise

Another plane crash in Philly. The Downtown Connector in Atlanta is shut down in both directions due to “heavy police activity” (ie - someone is trying to jump). People are losing their minds. Let me say it for the people in the back: ELECTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES!

#PsalmADay2025 #DeliverUsFromEvil #TrustGod

If you are getting your Christian theology from an elected official instead of from a pastor who is, sincerest apologies, running a little late because the last hospital visit ran long and there’s a backed-up toilet in the narthex bathroom that had to be dealt with . . . you are doing it wrong.

Do not fear people. Fearing people will put us and leave us in a trick bag. Rather, trust God. God provides a protection and safety like only God can. Your encouragement today: in times of fear and at all times, trust God! (Proverbs 29:25)
#stayencouraged!

#PsalmADay2025

#psalmaday2025 #refuge