The Table Church DC

Shame, Fear, and Showing Up: A Fresh Take on Being 'Born Again

What does personal transformation have to do with social justice? Matt breaks down one of the most misunderstood conversations in the Bible - the late-night meeting between Jesus and Nicodemus. Beyond the religious clichés, this chat gets real about shame, authenticity, and finding your place in movements for change. Perfect for anyone trying to figure out how to make a difference without losing themselves in the process.

That Girl, That Boy, That God: Disruption as a Spiritual Practice

What do a braided whip, property damage, and divine anger have in common? Co-pastor Tonetta weaves together Audre Lorde's philosophy, personal reflections on queerness and race, and a radically different take on Jesus clearing the temple. This episode dives into what authentic resistance looks like, why being "well-mannered" isn't always virtuous, and how disruption can be an act of love. Perfect for anyone looking to bridge their spiritual life with their commitment to justice, or who's ever wished they could channel their inner "that girl" energy for good.

When the Wine Runs Out: Finding Abundance in Crisis (Bekki Fahrer)

From potential disaster to unexpected abundance - the wedding at Cana gets a contemporary examination that speaks to anyone who's ever faced a moment of crisis. Bekki Fahrer weaves together ancient wedding customs, family dynamics, and divine partnership to explore how we move from shame to celebration. She challenges listeners to imagine new possibilities even in seemingly hopeless situations. This episode is especially relevant for those interested in progressive theology, social justice, and finding hope in difficult times.

Keywords: progressive christianity, spirituality, social justice, abundance, wedding at cana, crisis management, hope, transformation, divine partnership

Length: 42 minutes

Beyond New Beginnings: Finding Life in the Gospel of John

What if the pressure of New Year's resolutions and fresh starts is missing the point entirely? In this thoughtful exploration of John's Gospel, Rev. Tonetta Landis-Aina challenges our understanding of new beginnings and what it means to truly believe. Drawing from John O'Donohue's poetry, pop culture references like Good Will Hunting, and ancient wisdom, this talk invites us to move beyond mere observation into genuine participation in our spiritual lives. Perfect for anyone wrestling with faith, cynicism, and the desire for authentic change in their lives.

From The Table Church in Washington, DC - a community cultivating authentic belonging and following in the prophetic, thoughtful, and radical way of Jesus.

The Most Dangerous Words (Anthony Parrott)

What happens when we cling too tightly to what we think we deserve? In this thought-provoking exploration of the Christmas narrative, we examine how Joseph's radical choice to give up his social standing challenges our modern instincts about power, privilege, and entitlement. From billionaires to turn signals, this sermon weaves together pop culture references, ancient texts, and contemporary social commentary to offer a fresh perspective on what it means to love others in a world obsessed with self-preservation.

Drawing on insights from bell hooks, Jewish mysticism, and an unexpectedly relevant deep-dive into TV Tropes, we explore how letting go of our "I deserve" mentality might be the key to creating the world we actually want to live in.

Perfect for anyone wrestling with questions about privilege, social change, and what ancient wisdom might have to say about modern problems.

Finding Joy When Everything Feels Terrible (Heidi Mills)

In this moving sermon from The Table Church DC, Heidi explores how to authentically engage with joy without ignoring the world's pain and darkness. Through Mary Oliver's poetry and the revolutionary words of Mary of Nazareth, she unpacks how small moments of delight can fuel resistance and hope. Perfect for anyone struggling to balance awareness of injustice with the need to stay sustained and nourished in the work of creating a better world.

Drawing on her experiences as a woman in ministry and someone who struggles with traditional holiday expectations, Heidi offers a fresh perspective on the Magnificat and what it means to embrace joy as an act of prophetic imagination. This sermon weaves together contemporary poetry, progressive theology, and practical wisdom for finding light in difficult times.

Pain as Portal to Joy: Reading Mary's Magnificat with Nikki Giovanni | The Poetry of Advent

In this compelling meditation on joy during difficult times, elder Shae Washington weaves together Nikki Giovanni's radical poetry with Mary's subversive Magnificat. Through fresh interpretations of these revolutionary texts, Washington explores how marginalized voices throughout history have claimed joy as an act of resistance. Drawing on personal stories, historical context, and contemporary struggles, she challenges us to see joy not as an emotion dependent on circumstances, but as a posture of hope and defiance in the face of empire. Part of The Table Church's "Poetry of Advent" series examining sacred and secular poetry as spiritual practice.

Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction

3:45 Nikki Giovanni's Poetry of Black Joy

8:30 Mary's Magnificat as Revolutionary Text

15:20 Joy as Resistance in Modern Context

21:00 Three Keys to Finding Joy

26:30 Closing Reflection and Song

#Advent #Poetry #Faith #Resistance #Joy #NikkiGiovanni #Spirituality #ProgressiveChristianity

Poetry, Peace & Wild Prophets: Finding Beauty in Life's Contrasts | Rev. Tonetta Landis-Aina

From reciting Langston Hughes in second grade to exploring the wilderness with John the Baptist, Rev. Tonetta Landis-Aina of The Table Church shares a fresh perspective on finding peace through poetry. Through the works of Lucille Clifton, Mary Oliver, and Ann Porter, she weaves together childhood memories, artistic wisdom, and ancient spiritual truths. This message invites viewers to experience both the sweetness and difficulty of life as paths to authentic transformation. A timely reflection for anyone seeking to reconnect with wonder and meaning in our complex world. Join The Table Church DC in discovering how poetry can help us see the sacred in everyday moments.