The Table Church DC

You Are Your Best Thing: Embodiment as Radical Self-Love (Tonetta Landis-Aina)

In a world that constantly tells us our bodies need fixing, this sermon explores what it means to truly accept yourself as "your own best thing." Drawing from Toni Morrison's novel Beloved and the ritual of communion, Pastor Tonetta challenges the false division between mind and body that costs us connection, joy, and presence. Discover how reclaiming your body as holy space can be an act of resistance against systems that try to define your worth through appearance. Whether you're wrestling with body image, seeking a healthier relationship with yourself, or curious about how embodiment connects to justice, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on what it means to be fully human in a society obsessed with perfection.

Ancient Meditation Practices for Modern Anxiety

Feel like meditation might help your anxiety but been told it's not compatible with Christianity? In this episode, Anthony traces Christian meditation back to its ancient roots, explaining how desert monks used contemplative practices as resistance against empire and power. He breaks down four practical meditation techniques you can try today: Centering Prayer, Breath Prayer, Lectio Divina, and Imaginative Prayer. Learn how these practices can actually reshape your brain while connecting you with a tradition older than you might have realized. Perfect for stressed millennials trying to reconnect with spirituality in an authentic way.

Sacred Self-Care: Why Rest Comes Before Work (Not After)

In a culture that valorizes productivity and constant connection, taking time for yourself can feel selfish or indulgent—especially for those committed to social justice. But what if rest isn't just a reward for hard work, but the foundation that makes meaningful work possible? In this episode, Pastor Anthony challenges our workaholic mindset by exploring what Genesis, the prophets, and even Jesus have to say about rest. Plus, he opens up about his own recent struggle with anxiety and the hard lesson that none of us—not even pastors—are exempt from needing care. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed or just need permission to take a break, this candid conversation offers a refreshing alternative to the "grind til you die" mentality.

The Bubble Bath Rebellion: Finding Joy When the World is on Fire

"It is the dance we are fighting for." In this series opener, we explore why radical self-care matters in a world that feels increasingly chaotic. Through stories of bubble baths, borrowed wisdom from LGBTQ+ activists who "buried friends in the morning and danced all night," and a fresh take on ancient scripture, this episode challenges the notion that suffering equals goodness. We dive into Dr. Shaniqua Walker Barnes' concept of Sacred Self-Care and why refusing to be scapegoated is not just personal wellness—it's political rebellion. A timely conversation for anyone wondering how to stay human in dehumanizing times.

Divine Gravity: Rethinking God's House, God's Way, and God's Nature

Growing up, many of us learned that Christianity was about escaping this world for heaven and following the one narrow path to God. But what if we've misunderstood Jesus's message? In this eye-opening talk, Pastor Anthony Parrott explores how Jesus redefined God's "house," challenged religious exclusivity, and revealed a divine love that works more like gravity than a gatekeeper. Whether you're deconstructing your faith or just questioning traditional interpretations, this fresh perspective on John 14 offers a more beautiful and expansive way of understanding God's presence in our world today.

The Art of Holy Departure: When Staying Isn't the Answer (Tonetta Landis-Aina)

What happens when the spaces meant to welcome us become spaces we need to leave? Drawing from Jamar Tisby's #LeaveLoud movement and "The Color Purple," this episode dives into the complex dynamics of leaving religious institutions, toxic workplaces, and communities that no longer serve us. We explore a fresh take on an ancient story about standing in your truth, even when facing pushback from authority figures. Whether you're contemplating a major life transition or processing past spiritual trauma, this conversation offers a framework for understanding that sometimes, leaving isn't just okay - it's sacred. No guilt trips, no clichés - just honest talk about finding your way forward.

Chaos or Community? Building Life-Giving Spaces in Hard Times with Daniel Dixon

What happens when the typical answers don't cut it anymore? Daniel Dixon gets real about finding new ways forward in uncertain times. Through the lens of MLK's final writings, ancient wisdom, and DC's rich history of community organizing, Daniel explores how we might create spaces that sustain us - whether that's dance clubs that become HIV/AIDS care centers or faith communities reimagining what's possible. A candid conversation about burnout, resistance, and choosing community over chaos.

Living Water in Exhausting Times | John 4

What if our exhaustion isn't actually about personal failure, but about systems designed to keep us drained? In this fresh take on the story of Jesus and the woman at the well, Pastor Anthony explores how we can find rest and renewal even in times that feel overwhelming. Drawing unexpected insights from an ancient text, he challenges traditional interpretations and asks what it means to resist scarcity mindsets in our modern world.