The Table Church DC

Tonetta continues the discussion around the qualities of a liberating church and guides us through the idea of sankofa - an Adinkra symbol in traditional Akan art which represents that “it is not taboo to go back and fetch what is at risk of being left behind.”

Discern together with Tonetta and members of the black affinity group, Lisa, Anselm, and Antonio, as they discuss intersections between sankofa and religion.

Join us for a powerful sermon reflection as we delve into the significance of Black History Month and what it means for our spiritual journey. Despite battling illness, Pastor Tonetta brings a message of hope and liberation, drawing on the rich history of hush harbors and the resilience of the enslaved Africans who sought solace and freedom in their faith practices away from the oppressive gaze of the plantation.

In this sermon, we explore the intersection of Christianity, colonialism, and the quest for a liberative faith community. We discuss how the models of church given to us by Western Christianity need to be reexamined and how we can learn from the courageous examples set by those who came before us.

As we reflect on the marks of a liberating church and the importance of "stealing away" from dominant oppressive systems, we are reminded of the transformative power of worship and community in hidden spaces. This message challenges us to consider how we can embody the spirit of the hush harbors in our own lives and faith communities.

Questions for reflection are posed, inviting us to engage in meaningful discussion about our own journeys toward liberation and solidarity with the marginalized. This is a call to embrace a different model of church—one that is rooted in justice, equality, and the radical love of Jesus.

Join us for this thought-provoking and inspiring reflection as we honor Black History Month and seek a path toward a more liberating and inclusive faith experience.

Join us for a transformative sermon that explores the profound connection between liturgy and our everyday lives. Discover how the rituals and routines we engage in can become sacred acts that shape our faith, our relationships, and our impact on the world. This message draws from Romans 12:1-2 to reveal how liturgy is not just a formal church practice but an invitation to live out our faith with intention and purpose in every moment.

Chapter Breaks:

00:00 - Introduction: The Work of the People

02:15 - Chapter 1: Embracing Our Full Selves in Worship

05:30 - Chapter 2: The Power of Communal Rituals

10:45 - Chapter 3: Everyday Acts as Liturgy

15:00 - Chapter 4: Personal Reflections on Community and Loss

20:25 - Chapter 5: How Habits Shape Our Lives and Faith

25:40 - Chapter 6: Finding God in the Mundane

30:55 - Conclusion: A Prayer for Daily Awareness

Whether you're taking out the trash or sitting in the pews, this sermon will inspire you to see the holy in the ordinary and to bring your whole self to God. Tune in to uncover the beauty of living liturgy in your life.

Matt Collinson delivers a message on liturgy through the example of communion. Liturgy (a form according to which public religious worship, especially Christian worship, is conducted) calls us into an active expression of faith and to imitate Christ in our lives. Liturgy unites us around the world as Christians. The act of breaking bread and lifting a cup is universal and unites the body of Christ across time and space. It’s an enduring tradition that connects us through the history of the church. Early Christians all sat at the same table and ate the same food. The church was meant to be a place where people could meet God together. Everyone needs it and everyone gets it and that’s a powerful analogy of God’s grace and we embody that when we receive these tangible elements. God’s love is open and welcome to all.

What music does to people in a group setting is a measurable phenomenon. It’s a physical action. What you sing together can stick with you long after the sermon is over.  Worship is ultimately about connection; connection to one another and connection to God. Worship has a formational aspect and as we connect to the divine, it shapes how we will be formed.

Invitation: Worship a God that’s worthy of worship.

Challenge: Worship with other people.

Pastor Anthony begins a new series where we delve into not only what we're against but also, what we're for. This series will examine how we can let go of the worst of our religion without giving up on Jesus. In the first sermon looking at Luke 9:23-26, Anthony breaks down the concept of discipleship into four main points:

1. Discipleship is not an invitation to lose or forfeit yourself.

2. Discipleship is an invitation to ruin your life in order to save it.

3. Discipleship is an invitation to wholeness.

4. Discipleship is an invitation to a vision of a radically different society.

Looking at discipleship this way, it is about growth, healing, transformation, and how it calls us to challenge societal norms and expectations. Discipleship also calls us to deny certain things in our lives and embrace others. Join us as we dive deeper into the meaning of discipleship and how it can transform our lives and society. Let's challenge ourselves, ask the hard questions, and seek the answers together. What needs to be denied? What needs to be healed?

Pastor Anthony concludes the series "A Weary World Rejoices" and preaches about radical hospitality, the Last Supper, and the birth of Jesus.  Looking at the connection of the kataluma (translation: the guest room) we see how making room helps a weary world to rejoice. 

On the third Sunday of Advent, Pastor Tonetta looks at Luke 1 and examines not just how but why a weary world rejoices.

Sunday, December 10, 2023. Anthony Parrott This passage describes the encounters between Mary and Elizabeth, who are both experiencing unusual pregnancies. Elizabeth initially hides herself in seclusion, possibly out of guilt or feelings of unworthiness. Mary, on the other hand, is confused and unsure about the angel's announcement. However, despite their different reactions, both women find joy and connection in each other's presence. The passage emphasizes the importance of finding joy and connection in the midst of pain and weariness. It also highlights the significance of relationships and community in bringing people out of isolation and into joy. Ultimately, joy is seen as an act of resistance against despair and a way to overcome the challenges and suffering of the world.

As we enter the season of Advent we begin a new series "A Weary World Rejoices".  Looking at the story of Zechariah in Luke, Erin examines how it's possible to acknowledge and honor our feelings in order to find hope and joy.