The Table Church DC

In a culture that often tells us to suppress our emotions, what if they're actually trying to tell us something important? In this refreshingly honest conversation, Shae Washington unpacks how our emotions—even the uncomfortable ones—serve a purpose in our lives. Drawing inspiration from Pixar's "Inside Out" and challenging the messaging many of us received growing up ("boys don't cry," "happiness...

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 resis...

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 Im...

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...

"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. S...

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 de...

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 auth...

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...

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 sca...

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 t...

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...

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. Th...

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 ob...

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 soci...

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 nou...

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 str...

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 b...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 inte...

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.

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, reveal...

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 n...