The Table Church, D.C. - Sermons: Marks of A Liberating Church

Trusting in the Slow Work of God: Becoming a North Star Community

Tonetta Landis-Aina, Anthony Parrott — Sun, 06 Oct 2024 10:30:00 +0100

Trusting in the Slow Work of God: Becoming a North Star Community

Series: Marks of A Liberating Church

Preachers:

Tonetta Landis-Aina
Anthony Parrott

DC Bilingual

Date: 6th October 2024

Passages:

Matthew 13:1-12
Ephesians 5:1-5

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Trusting in the Slow Work of God: Becoming a North Star Community

This episode delves into the themes of patience, growth, and the transformative power of trusting in the slow work of God. Through the writings of Teilhard de Chardin and insights from the book 'Slow Church,' the sermon challenges cultural obsessions with speed, prompting the pursuit of a deeper, more intentional Christian community. Exploring the concept of 'North Star' communities, the sermon highlights the significance of being a liberating church, drawing from historical examples like the desert monks of North Africa and the hush harbors of enslaved African Americans. Emphasizing rootedness, love, and communal growth, the sermon is part of a larger series on the 'Marks of a Liberating Church.'

00:00 Opening Prayer and Reflection 01:29 The Slow Work of God 02:54 Introduction to Slow Church 04:24 Marks of a Liberating Church 06:08 The North Star Community 10:35 Imitating God and Love 20:10 Rootedness and Growth 24:53 Broadcasting the Gospel 27:19 Reflection and Communion

All God's Children Got Shoes

Trevor Wentt — Sun, 29 Sep 2024 10:30:00 +0100

All God's Children Got Shoes

Series: Marks of A Liberating Church

Preacher: Trevor Wentt

DC Bilingual

Date: 29th September 2024

Passage: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11

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Marks of a Liberating Church: All God's Children Got Shoes

In this heartfelt sermon, Trevor Wentt delves into the essence of a liberating church by drawing on the black spiritual 'All God's Children Got Shoes' and exploring its resonance with 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. Wendt emphasizes the importance of recognizing and utilizing our diverse spiritual gifts for the common good, promoting equality, dignity, and communal purpose. With references to modern cultural icons like 'My Hero Academia' and personal stories of faith communities on the margins, this sermon invokes a powerful call to action for creating communities of connection and dismantling structures of oppression.

00:00 Introduction to the Series 00:25 Welcoming Trevor Wendt 01:32 Anime and Power Dynamics 03:40 Exploring Spiritual Gifts 07:22 Understanding the Triadic Formula 12:26 The Common Good and Spiritual Gifts 17:28 Dignity for All 23:36 You Are Enough 28:22 Call to Action

Unspeakable Joy

Antonio Ingram — Sun, 22 Sep 2024 10:30:00 +0100

Unspeakable Joy

Series: Marks of A Liberating Church

Preacher: Antonio Ingram

DC Bilingual

Date: 22nd September 2024

Passage: Exodus 15:1-27

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Embracing Unspeakable Joy Amidst Trauma

In this sermon, the speaker explores the concept of 'unspeakable joy' that transcends circumstances and finds its root in faith in a victorious risen Christ. They discuss the challenges of experiencing genuine joy amidst trauma, using personal anecdotes and biblical examples, particularly focusing on the figure of Miriam in Exodus. The speaker also reflects on the experiences of the Pentecostal Black Church and how unspeakable joy served as a means of liberation for African Americans. The message highlights the importance of choosing to invite God's presence into our pain and using worship as a way to encounter divine joy that defies reason and logic.

00:00 Introduction to Unspeakable Joy 01:04 Personal Story of Loss and False Joy 02:34 Historical Context and the Black Church 06:34 The Story of Miriam in Exodus 10:30 Miriam's Prophetic Joy and Modern Parallels 12:48 The Power of Worship in Pain 15:13 Conclusion and Prayer

The Hymn for Liberation: Unmasking the Old Time Religion

Tonetta Landis-Aina — Sun, 15 Sep 2024 10:30:00 +0100

The Hymn for Liberation: Unmasking the Old Time Religion

Series: Marks of A Liberating Church

Preacher: Tonetta Landis-Aina

DC Bilingual

Date: 15th September 2024

Passage: Luke 4:16-30

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Old Time Religion vs. Liberating Faith: A Journey Through Christian Tradition

This sermon delves into the contrasting narratives within American Christianity, focusing on the song 'Give Me That Old Time Religion' and its implications of division and exclusion. The speaker critiques this version of faith, highlighting its historical role in subjugation and oppression. They contrast this with a more liberatory approach to Christianity, emphasizing the need to interpret the Bible through the lens of liberation theology. Key moments include a detailed reading of Luke 4:16-30 and an exploration of how Jesus' teachings challenge the status quo, calling for a faith that promotes freedom and justice for all.

00:00 Introduction to an Old Song 01:07 The Divided American Church 03:00 A Different Side of Christianity 04:42 Choosing Which Jesus to Follow 06:03 Reading the Bible for Liberation 09:20 Jesus' Inaugural Sermon 17:17 Interpreting Scripture in Community 22:54 The Scandal of God's Grace 25:29 Conclusion: A Creative Relationship with the Bible

The Coordinates of Liberation: From Cain and Abel to Ubuntu

Tonetta Landis-Aina — Sun, 08 Sep 2024 10:30:00 +0100

The Coordinates of Liberation: From Cain and Abel to Ubuntu

Series: Marks of A Liberating Church

Preacher: Tonetta Landis-Aina

DC Bilingual

Date: 8th September 2024

Passage: Genesis 4:1-26

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In this sermon, Pastor Tonetta Landis-Aina reflects on the concept of Ubuntu and its significance in building a liberating church community. Drawing parallels between the ancient story of Cain and Abel and modern-day challenges, the sermon encourages a rejection of unlimited growth and excessive consumption in favor of interdependence, care, and community. Pastor Tonetta explores how understanding and practicing Ubuntu can lead to a more human and just society, grounded in the values of knowing and keeping our neighbors. Join us as we delve into the wisdom of Ubuntu and its biblical connections to inspire a more liberated and interconnected church community in today's world.

00:00 Welcome Back: Embracing the Fall Season 00:52 Reflecting on Our Core Values 02:48 Exploring Liberating Community Structures 04:04 Personal Church Histories and Models 06:52 The Concept of Hush Harbors 08:51 Introducing Ubuntu: A Philosophy of Interdependence 11:37 Biblical Insights: The Story of Cain and Abel 17:52 Lessons from Cain and Abel: Embracing Ubuntu 24:00 Practical Applications of Ubuntu 29:18 A Call to Action: Becoming a Liberating Church

Marks of A Liberating Church: Sankofa, Stay Woke

Tonetta Landis-Aina — Sun, 11 Feb 2024 10:30:00 +0000

Marks of A Liberating Church: Sankofa, Stay Woke

Series: Marks of A Liberating Church

Preacher: Tonetta Landis-Aina

DC Bilingual

Date: 11th February 2024

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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.

Steal Away

Tonetta Landis-Aina — Sun, 04 Feb 2024 10:30:00 +0000

Steal Away

Series: Marks of A Liberating Church

Preacher: Tonetta Landis-Aina

DC Bilingual

Date: 4th February 2024

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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.

BlackHistoryMonth #LiberationTheology #Christianity #FaithCommunity #HushHarbors #SpiritualReflection