The Table Church, D.C. - Sermons: Sacred Self-Care

The Inner Critic Trap: Self-Compassion as Sacred Care

Tonetta Landis-Aina — Sun, 06 Apr 2025 17:00:00 +0100

The Inner Critic Trap: Self-Compassion as Sacred Care

Series: Sacred Self-Care

Preacher: Tonetta Landis-Aina

Downtown

Date: 6th April 2025

Passage: James 3:1-18

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In the final installment of the Sacred Self-Care series, we tackle that voice in your head that never stops criticizing you. If your inner dialogue sounds like someone you'd never want to be friends with, this episode is for you. Learn why researchers say self-flagellation is actually self-defeating, and discover practical ways to replace harsh self-talk with self-compassion. Perfect for anyone who apologizes too much, feels perpetually inadequate, or struggles with the "should monster" that keeps you in a cycle of burnout. Because let's face it—you can't fight for justice in the world while waging war against yourself.

Your Emotions Are a Compass, Not Your Enemy

Trevor Wentt — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 17:00:00 +0100

Your Emotions Are a Compass, Not Your Enemy

Series: Sacred Self-Care

Preacher: Trevor Wentt

Downtown

Date: 30th March 2025

Passage: Psalm 63:1-11

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Former wrestler turned preacher Trevor Wentt breaks down why suppressing your feelings isn't the answer. Through personal stories of depression and King David's intense emotional expressions, he offers a practical 5-step approach to understanding your emotions as valuable signals rather than inconvenient obstacles. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, can't identify what you're feeling, or just want better emotional intelligence, this talk provides actionable strategies for using emotions as guides to what you actually need. Perfect for anyone who's ever been told to "stop being so emotional" or "just get over it."

Feelings Aren't the Enemy: Honoring Your Emotions as Self-Care

Shae Washington — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 10:30:00 +0100

Feelings Aren't the Enemy: Honoring Your Emotions as Self-Care

Series: Sacred Self-Care

Preacher: Shae Washington

DC Bilingual

Date: 30th March 2025

Passage: John 11:1-57

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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 is a choice"), this talk offers practical wisdom for recognizing what your feelings might be signaling about your needs. Whether you've been told anxiety means you lack faith or that sadness should be overcome quickly, this episode provides a framework for treating your emotional life with respect rather than suspicion. Plus, stick around for an adorably instructive "feelings fashion show" from the kids that perfectly demonstrates why children might be our best teachers when it comes to emotional honesty.

You Are Your Best Thing: Embodiment as Radical Self-Love

Tonetta Landis-Aina — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 10:30:00 +0000

You Are Your Best Thing: Embodiment as Radical Self-Love

Series: Sacred Self-Care

Preacher: Tonetta Landis-Aina

DC Bilingual

Date: 23rd March 2025

Passage: 1 Corinthians 11:1-34

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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 resistance against systems that try to define your worth through appearance. Whether you're wrestling with body image, seeking a healthier relationship with yourself, or curious about how embodiment connects to justice, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on what it means to be fully human in a society obsessed with perfection.

Ancient Meditation Practices for Modern Anxiety

Anthony Parrott — Sun, 16 Mar 2025 10:30:00 +0000

Ancient Meditation Practices for Modern Anxiety

Series: Sacred Self-Care

Preacher: Anthony Parrott

DC Bilingual

Date: 16th March 2025

Passages:

Psalm 131:1-3
Mark 8:1-38

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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 Imaginative Prayer. Learn how these practices can actually reshape your brain while connecting you with a tradition older than you might have realized. Perfect for stressed millennials trying to reconnect with spirituality in an authentic way.

Sacred Self-Care: Why Rest Comes Before Work (Not After)

Anthony Parrott — Sun, 09 Mar 2025 10:30:00 +0000

Sacred Self-Care: Why Rest Comes Before Work (Not After)

Series: Sacred Self-Care

Preacher: Anthony Parrott

DC Bilingual

Date: 9th March 2025

Passages:

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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 have to say about rest. Plus, he opens up about his own recent struggle with anxiety and the hard lesson that none of us—not even pastors—are exempt from needing care. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed or just need permission to take a break, this candid conversation offers a refreshing alternative to the "grind til you die" mentality.

Self-Care as Resistance: Why Your Bubble Bath Matters in 2025

Tonetta Landis-Aina — Sun, 02 Mar 2025 10:30:00 +0000

Self-Care as Resistance: Why Your Bubble Bath Matters in 2025

Series: Sacred Self-Care

Preacher: Tonetta Landis-Aina

DC Bilingual

Date: 2nd March 2025

Passage: Ezekiel 18:1-4

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"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. Shaniqua Walker Barnes' concept of Sacred Self-Care and why refusing to be scapegoated is not just personal wellness—it's political rebellion. A timely conversation for anyone wondering how to stay human in dehumanizing times.