The Table Church DC

The Art of Paying Attention: Finding Hope in Dark Times | Pastor Anthony Parrott

In a world designed to hijack our attention, what happens when we deliberately choose where to focus? Through stories ranging from an Alaskan gas station attendant to Tolkien's Middle-earth, Pastor Anthony Parrott explores how paying attention can be an act of rebellion and hope. Drawing on Mary Oliver's poetry and ancient wisdom, this talk challenges us to notice both beauty and injustice in our daily lives. Perfect for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the noise of modern life or searching for meaning in cycles of change.

Recorded at The Table Church in Washington, DC on the first Sunday of Advent 2024.

Topics covered:

• The countercultural practice of paying attention
• How noticing small details can lead to life-changing moments
• Finding hope beyond immediate circumstances
• The cyclical nature of history and change
• Practical ways to stay alert in a distracted world

#Mindfulness #Hope #Progressive #Faith #Spirituality #DCChurch #PayingAttention #MaryOliver #Tolkien

Don't Be Afraid: Rethinking Church Economics

What if Jesus' words about "storing treasures in heaven" weren't about the afterlife at all? In this message, Pastor Anthony Parrott explores Luke 12:32-34, challenging us to rethink our understanding of fear, generosity, and what it means to build alternative economies as a church community. Learn how addressing our fears head-on and embracing God's abundance can lead to revolutionary generosity and justice-centered community building.

LOAM 001 Bring Your Chickens (A New Podcast with Tonetta and Anthony)

What is church? In this debut episode of LOAM, co-pastors Tonetta Landis-Aina and Anthony Parrott explore the essence, tensions, and beauty of Christian community. From underground churches in Yemen to food pantries in Iowa, they unpack personal experiences that have shaped their understanding of what makes church...church.

Key Conversations
- The "isness" of church: Beyond programs and buildings
- Church as a fellowship of difference
- The power of marginality in Christian community
- Tension between institutional structures and authentic relationships
- Multi-generational community as "burning bushes"

Featured Quotes & References
- Eugene Peterson on the "ontological church"
- C.S. Lewis's Screwtape Letters on the visible vs. invisible church
- Dr. Willie James Jennings's commentary on Acts
- Jamar Tisby on the Civil Rights Movement as America's third Great Awakening
- Dallas Willard: "Your system is perfectly tuned to get the results you're getting"

Scripture Referenced:
- Ephesians 2 (God's household)
- Acts 1-2 (Birth of the church)

Questions for Reflection:
1. What experiences have shaped your understanding of church?
2. How do you navigate the tension between church as institution and church as community?
3. Where do you see "burning bushes" in your faith community?

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Got thoughts or questions about this episode? We'd love to hear from you: podcast@loam.fm

When God's Plans Don't Look Like We Expected | A Future With Hope (Part 1)

In this opening message of our "Future With Hope" series, Pastor Tonetta unpacks Jeremiah 29 - a passage often reduced to an inspirational quote but actually written to people in exile. Through examining the original context and drawing modern parallels, she explores how God's promises of hope often come in unexpected ways and unexpected places. Featuring an elder panel discussion about The Table Church's vision for the future, this message challenges us to embrace both present faithfulness and future hope, even when we feel displaced from what's familiar.

Monsters, Dreams, and Human Revolution

In this conclusion to our "Shadowboxing" series, Pastor Tonetta Landis-Aina explores the Book of Daniel's apocalyptic visions and their relevance to our modern struggles. Through the lens of Daniel's dreams, she offers a profound meditation on remaining human in the face of systemic injustice, the power of imagination in resistance, and finding hope in times that feel apocalyptic. Rather than interpreting the dreams of empire, she challenges us to dream our own dreams of justice and renewal.

When Grief and Hope Collide | Pastor Anthony Parrott

Pastor Anthony Parrott tackles the reality of death and loss, revealing how authentic grief and defiant hope can—and must—coexist. Drawing from Scripture and contemporary poetry, discover why hope isn't a delicate bird, but a resilient sewer rat that refuses to let death have the final word.

The Evolution of Satan: From Divine Prosecutor to Enemy of God

Why do bad things happen if God is good? Journey through biblical history to discover how our understanding of Satan transformed from a divine legal prosecutor to the ruler of this world's broken systems. Learn how the Bible's view of evil evolved, from ancient chaos monsters to the familiar adversary we know today. This eye-opening sermon challenges both fundamentalist and modernist views, revealing how spiritual warfare isn't just about demons and exorcisms - it's about creating communities of justice, forgiveness, and radical inclusion. Perfect for anyone wondering about the nature of evil, the role of Satan in modern life, and how we can meaningfully resist darkness in today's world.

Shadowboxing: Jacob and Jekyll: Navigating Identity and Fear

Shadowboxing: Unmasking the Monsters Within In this episode of the sermon series 'Shadowboxing: Confronting the Monsters Within,' we explore the concept of the 'false self' and the inner 'monster' through personal anecdotes and literary references like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. By delving into the Bible story of Isaac, Rebecca, Jacob, and Esau from Genesis 27:1-20, we uncover the masks we wear to navigate life's challenges and seek acceptance. Insights from Christian psychologist David Benner and the Enneagram help us differentiate the false self from our true God-given identity. The sermon concludes with reflections on autumn's symbolism of letting go, inspired by Lucille Clifton's poem, 'The Lesson of the Falling Leaves.'

00:00 A Memorable Mistake in London

03:06 Facing Fears and Cultural Monsters

06:43 Exploring the Monster Within

07:29 The Tale of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

11:09 The False Self and Genesis 27

15:54 Setting the Stage: Isaac's Prayer and Rebecca's Revelation

16:20 Jacob and Esau: The Struggle Begins

17:12 The Shrewdness of Rebecca and Jacob

18:43 The Deception Unfolds: Jacob's Mask

20:12 The Consequences of Deception

20:45 Reflecting on Identity and the False Self

21:56 Understanding the False Self in Christian Context

22:46 Personal Journey: Confronting the False Self

23:34 The Enneagram and Self-Discovery

25:34 Jacob's Transformation: From Supplanter to Israel

27:00 The Struggle of Marginalized Identities

28:11 The Spiritual Journey: Losing the Self to Find the Self

28:55 Confronting Our Fears: The Lesson of the Falling Leaves