The Collective Table: Recent Episodes
The Collective Table
This progressive Christian podcast focuses on spirituality, spiritual practice, and connecting to God. We emphasize practical spirituality for daily life. The podcast is organized around the Liturgical calendar.
TCT’s next season of episodes will launch on September 9th! Throughout the fall, you’ll hear from Jenell, Jason, and Claire as they look back on some of their favorite TCT episodes, wondering together how these themes can still speak into today’s world. Together we will explore themes that feel more relevant than ever: cultural and identity fragmentation, coping with differences, confronting the doubts and fears that come with them, and discovering the opportunities that arise from embracing cultural and spiritual diversity.
We would love to hear from you! Send us an email at tct@oceansidesanctuary.org, or leave us a voicemail at (760) 722-8522 and you may be featured on a future episode.
The Collective Table is a progressive and affirming Christian platform for those who want to follow Jesus, work for justice, and celebrate joy! Learn more at https://www.thecollectivetable.org.
The Collective Table is a production of The Oceanside Sanctuary Church, a progressive church community committed to inclusive, inspiring, and impactful Christian spirituality and rooted in the love, peace, and justice of Christ. Learn more at https://www.oceansidesanctuary.org.
The Collective Table has some exciting news! Chelsea and Dana are passing the hosting baton. Beginning in September, The Collective Table and Oceanside Sanctuary are joining together. You’ll hear from new hosts, Jenell & Jason Coker, and still hear from Claire as well. We look forward to further developing this podcast community to serve the needs of local OSC members, community groups, and members at a distance through storytelling, author interviews, online teaching, and other creative content. We also have plenty of listeners who are not connected to an in-person community, and we love that you’re here, too. TCT will continue to journey alongside those who are disentangling themselves from high-control religion and trying to find their spiritual footing in that, those who may be dipping their toes into Christianity for the first time, and everyone in between. We remain committed to Jesus, justice, and joy and look forward to the many ways that this progressive Christian podcast community can generate new expressions of inclusive, inspiring, and impactful Christian spirituality wherever it is needed.
We would love to hear from you! Send us an email at tct@oceansidesanctuary.org, or leave us a voicemail at (760) 722-8522 and you may be featured on a future episode.
The Collective Table is a progressive and affirming Christian platform for those who want to follow Jesus, work for justice, and celebrate joy! Learn more at https://www.thecollectivetable.org.
The Collective Table is a production of The Oceanside Sanctuary Church, a progressive church community committed to inclusive, inspiring, and impactful Christian spirituality and rooted in the love, peace, and justice of Christ. Learn more at https://www.oceansidesanctuary.org.
Welcome back to another episode of The Collective Table podcast - the ultimate female perspective on Jesus, justice, and joy! Today’s episode both closes out season 8 AND kicks off Pride month with a conversation with Jonathan Merritt about his new children’s book, My Guncle and Me. In this inclusive and heartwarming picture book, main character Henry Higgleston struggles with being deemed an oddball by the other kids at school. But when his fabulous gay uncle arrives for a weekend with his pup Jimmy Chew in tow, Guncle is on a mission to teach Henry that what makes him different makes him special. This joyful story that celebrates family and self-acceptance will make every reader feel seen and loved.
Jonathan Merritt is one of America’s most popular writers on issues of faith and culture. He is author of several critically-acclaimed books, including Learning to Speak God from Scratch: Why Sacred Words are Vanishing - and How We Can Revive Them, named “Book of the Year” by the Englewood Review of Books. He is also a regular contributor to The Atlantic, Religion News Service, and The Week.
Discover more about Jonathan at https://www.jonathanmerritt.com/
X: https://x.com/jonathanmerritt
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JonathanMerrittWriter/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathan_merritt/
Seekers & Speakers Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/seekers-speakers/id1423339325?mt=2
Stay connected with The Collective Table on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.collective.table/
Explore the mission of The Collective Table further at https://www.thecollectivetable.org.
Episode edited by Claire Watson. Learn more at https://podswithclaire.com.
This week, join Chelsea and Dana in a conversation with Rabbi Sharon Brous as they discuss her national bestselling book, The Amen Effect: Ancient Wisdom to Mend our Broken Hearts and World. She is the senior and founding rabbi of IKAR, a leading edge Jewish community based in Los Angeles.
Learn more about Rabbi Sharon here: https://ikar.org/team/rabbi-sharon-brous/
Follow Rabbi Sharon on social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharonbrous/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RabbiSharonBrous/
X: https://twitter.com/sharonbrous?lang=en
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@sharonbrous
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@weareikar
Learn more and purchase her book here: https://ikar.org/the-amen-effect/
Rabbi Sharon’s TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/sharon_brous_it_s_time_to_reclaim_religion?language=en
Stay connected with The Collective Table on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.collective.table/
Explore the mission of The Collective Table further at https://www.thecollectivetable.org
Episode edited by Claire Watson. Learn more at https://podswithclaire.com
This week, join Chelsea and Dana in a conversation with pastor Trey Ferguson - a thinker, theologizer, writer, speaker, teacher, preacher, and creator. His new book, Theologizin’ Bigger: Homilies on Living Freely and Loving Wholly encourages readers to re-engage their imaginations, and to construct theologies that speak to our current contexts, just as people of faith have done throughout history.
Discover more about Trey and his impactful work at https://www.pastortrey05.com/
For a closer look at Trey’s ministry and work, follow him @PastorTrey05 on socials: https://www.instagram.com/pastortrey05/?hl=en
https://www.tiktok.com/@pastortrey05
https://twitter.com/pastortrey05
https://www.facebook.com/realpastortrey05
Purchase the book, shop merch, follow Trey's podcasts, and more at https://linktr.ee/pastortrey05
Stay connected with The Collective Table on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/the.collective.table/
Explore the mission of The Collective Table further at https://www.thecollectivetable.org.
Episode edited by Claire Watson. Learn more at https://podswithclaire.com.
Welcome back to another episode of The Collective Table podcast - the ultimate female perspective on Jesus, justice, and joy! Today Chelsea and Dana are joined by Emmy Award winner Lyvonne Briggs, who is a body and sex-positive womanist spiritualist. She is a writer, pastor, preacher, spiritual life coach, and highly sought after transformational speaker and seminar leader. In today’s conversation, we discuss Lyvonne’s book, Sensual Faith: The Art of Coming Home to Your Body.
*Episode note: This is an important, necessary, and faithful conversation - that being said, sex and sensuality are heavily discussed and may not be appropriate for all listeners (especially children). Please exercise discretion when listening.
Discover more about Lyvonne Briggs and her impactful work at: https://lyvonnep.com/
Support Lyvonne on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/join/lyvonnep
Stay connected with The Collective Table on Instagram: @the.collective.table.
Explore the mission of The Collective Table further at www.thecollectivetable.org.
Episode edited by Claire Watson. Learn more at podswithclaire.com.
This week on The Collective Table podcast, join Chelsea and Dana in a conversation with Debie Thomas, author of A Faith of Many Rooms: Inhabiting a More Spacious Christianity, and Into the Mess and Other Jesus Stories: Reflections on the Life of Christ. Debie is a columnist and contributing editor for The Christian Century, and from 2014 to 2022, was a staff writer for Journey with Jesus: A Weekly Webzine for the Global Church. She studied English Literature at Wellesley College and Brown University, and earned an MFA in Creative Writing at Ohio State University. Currently, she serves as the Minister for Lifelong Formation at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Palo Alto, CA.
Discover more about Debie and her impactful work at debiethomas.com.
For a closer look at Debie's journey and insights, follow her on Instagram: @debiethomas1
Stay connected with The Collective Table on Instagram: @the_collective_table.
Explore the mission of The Collective Table further at www.thecollectivetable.org.
Episode edited by Claire Watson. Learn more at podswithclaire.com.
This is a prayer from Debie Thomas’ book, A Faith of Many Rooms: Inhabiting a More Spacious Christianity. Debie shared this poem with us during Dana and Chelsea’s recent conversation with her, which will air on Monday, April 8th! Until then, sit back and rest in these words.
Discover more about Debie and her impactful work at debiethomas.com.
For a closer look at Debie's journey and insights, follow her on Instagram: @debiethomas1
Stay connected with The Collective Table on Instagram: @the_collective_table.
Explore the mission of The Collective Table further at www.thecollectivetable.org.
This week, join Chelsea and Dana in a conversation with Amy Kenny, an accomplished disabled scholar, writer, and advocate. Amy's critically acclaimed book, "My Body Is Not a Prayer Request: Disability Justice in the Church," skillfully blends humor, narrative, and theology. It serves as a powerful call for faith communities to re-evaluate unintentional ableism and embrace the valuable insights offered by the embodied wisdom of disabled individuals.
Discover more about Amy Kenny and her impactful work at amy-kenny.com.
For a closer look at Amy's journey and insights, follow her on Instagram: @dramykenny.
Stay connected with The Collective Table on Instagram: @the_collective_table.
Explore the mission of The Collective Table further at www.thecollectivetable.org.
Episode edited by Claire Watson. Learn more at podswithclaire.com.
Listen in on Dana & Chelsea’s conversation with Rev. Mark Feldmeir, author of Life After God: Finding Faith When You Can't Believe Anymore.
Learn more about Mark here: https://www.markfeldmeir.com/
Follow The Collective Table on Instagram @the_collective_table
Learn more about the work of The Collective Table at www.thecollectivetable.org
Episode edited by Claire Watson. Learn more at podswithclaire.com
Welcome back to Season 8 of The Collective Table Podcast! This week, Chelsea & Dana sit down with Rev. Danté Stewart, a pastor and award-winning writer whose work has appeared in The Atlantic, New York Times, the Washington Post, TIME, ESPN, Andscape, Oxford American, Sojourners, NPR, CNN, MSNBC, and more. His most recent book is entitled, Shoutin’ in the Fire: An American Epistle. In this conversation, Danté also discusses his most recent ESPN essay which teases a forthcoming documentary on a small Black rural town’s relationship to football.
Learn more about Danté here: https://www.dantecstewart.com/
Follow Danté on Instagram @stewartdantec
Read Danté’s recent ESPN work here: https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/38713424/forever-friday-night-haunted-true-story-my-broken-football-dreams
Follow The Collective Table on Instagram @the_collective_table
Learn more about the work of The Collective Table at www.thecollectivetable.org
Episode edited by Claire Watson. Learn more at podswithclaire.com
With the Lenten season now on the horizon, we have a bonus episode this week! Listen as Dana & Chelsea chat with authors Rachel Gilmore and Tyler Sit in a conversation on their new Lent study, Where We Meet.
In Where We Meet: A Lenten Study of System, Stories, and Hope , four members of the Intersect network (Rachel Gilmore, Tyler Sit, Candace Lewis, and Matt Temple) invite you to immerse yourself in the stories of Jesus and the early church. Together, they also explore their own stories, examine past shortcomings of the church, address difficult questions, and envision a brighter future that better reflects the good news of Jesus.
Learn more about Intersect at intersectnetwork.co and on their Instagram @intersectnetwork
Purchase a copy of the book study here: https://www.amazon.com/Where-We-Meet-Systems-Stories/dp/0835820483#:~:text=Throughout%20the%20Lenten%20season%2C%20Rachel,of%20the%20post%2Dcolonial%20church.
Stay connected with The Collective Table on Instagram: @the_collective_table.
Explore the mission of The Collective Table further at www.thecollectivetable.org.
This week, Chelsea & Dana sit down with Kat Armas, a Cuban American theologian, writer and podcaster from Miami, FL. Her recent book, Sacred Belonging: a 40-Day Devotional on the Liberating Heart of Scripture shows us that reading the Bible with fresh eyes allows us to experience the divine in new and liberating ways.
Learn more about Kat here: https://katarmas.com/
Follow Kat on Instagram @kat_armas
Follow The Collective Table on Instagram @the_collective_table
Learn more about the work of The Collective Table at www.thecollectivetable.org
Welcome to Season 8 of The Collective Table Podcast! Today Dana and Chelsea sit down with author and friend of the podcast, Cole Arthur Riley, to discuss her new book, Black Liturgies: Prayers, Poems, and Meditations for Staying Human.
Cole is also the creator of Black Liturgies, a space that integrates spiritual practice with Black emotion, Black literature, and the Black body; and a project of The Center for Dignity and Contemplation where she serves as Curator. Learn more about Cole and her work at https://colearthurriley.com/.
Follow The Collective Table on Instagram @the_collective_table
Learn more about the work of The Collective Table at www.thecollectivetable.org.
Dana & Chelsea have been doing a lot of reading - and now we want to invite you to read with us! Join The Collective Table over the next couple of months as we interview some of our favorite authors. Episodes will release every other Monday wherever you listen to podcasts. In the meantime, keep up with us on Instagram @The_Collective_Table and visit our website thecollectivetable.org.
God Is a Black Woman is the chronicle of Christena Cleveland’s liberating transformation and a critique of a society shaped by white patriarchal Christianity and culture. Christena reveals how America’s collective idea of God as a white man has perpetuated hurt, hopelessness, and racial and gender oppression. Integrating her powerful personal story, womanist ideology, as well as theological, historical, and social science research, she invites us to take seriously the truth that God is not white nor male and gives us a new and hopeful path for connecting with the divine and honoring the sacredness of all Black people.
Support Christena on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/cscleve Learn more about her work here: http://www.christenacleveland.com/
This virtual Q&A with author Dr. Christena Cleveland was recorded on Wednesday, June 28th at 3:30pm.
Welcome to season 7 of The Collective Table Podcast, Sermon Podcast Hour!
During this season Rev. Chelsea, Dana and Rev. Claire are going to interview some of our favorite preachers about a sermon they have given. These sermons will be following the lectionary calendar from Epiphany all the way until Easter. In the various episodes, not only will you hear clips from the sermon and you will also hear the follow-up conversation with the preacher!
Today’s episode features Jacqui Lewis, who talks with Dana and Chelsea about Easter! Listen to Jacqui’s powerful sermon here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3Ka-s-2CBw
The Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis uses her gifts as author, activist, preacher, and public theologian toward creating an antiracist, just, gun violence free, fully welcoming, gender affirming society in which everyone has enough. After graduating with an M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1992, Jacqui fell in love with urban ministry, leading two churches in Trenton, New Jersey. Fascinated with how faith heals the soul—so we can heal the world—she returned to graduate school, for a Ph.D. in Religion and Society: Psychology and Religion from Drew University (2004). Jacqui came to study Middle Church, received a call, and joined the staff in January 2004. Middle is the church of her dreams and prayers, a multiethnic rainbow coalition of love, justice, and worship that rocks her soul.
Check out Jacqui’s new book, Fierce Love: https://jacquilewis.com/fierce-love/
“This Here Flesh” by Cole Arthur Riley: https://colearthurriley.com/writing/book
TCT’s interview with Author Cole Arthur Riley: https://youtu.be/2AW0WjsXe30
Learn more about The Collective Table: https://www.thecollectivetable.org/
Welcome to season 7 of The Collective Table Podcast, Sermon Podcast Hour!
During this season Rev. Chelsea, Dana and Rev. Claire are going to interview some of our favorite preachers about a sermon they have given. These sermons will be following the lectionary calendar from Epiphany all the way until Easter. In the various episodes, not only will you hear clips from the sermon and you will also hear the follow-up conversation with the preacher!
Today’s episode features Lisa Sharon Harper, who talks with Dana and Chelsea about Good Friday. Listen to Lisa’s Sermon here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkKJ7HyQEsw
Lisa is a prolific speaker, writer and activist. She is the founder and president of FreedomRoad, a consulting group dedicated to shrinking the narrative gap in our nation by designing forums and experiences that bring common understanding, common commitment and common action.
Lisa writes extensively on shalom and governance, immigration reform, health care reform, poverty, racial and gender justice, climate change, and transformational civic engagement. Her most recent book entitled The Very Good Gospel, explores God’s intent for the wholeness of all relationships in light of today’s headlines.
Find Lisa's new book, Fortune, here: https://lisasharonharper.com/books-articles/
Check out The Collective Table at https://www.thecollectivetable.org/
Welcome to season 7 of The Collective Table Podcast, Sermon Podcast Hour!
During this season Rev. Chelsea, Dana and Rev. Claire are going to interview some of our favorite preachers about a sermon they have given. These sermons will be following the lectionary calendar from Epiphany all the way until Easter. In the various episodes, not only will you hear clips from the sermon and you will also hear the follow-up conversation with the preacher!
Today, Chelsea & Claire sit down with Rev. Jonah Overton to talk about a sermon they gave on Palm Sunday. Rev. Jonah P. Overton (they/them) is a queer and trans community organizer, and the lead pastor and planter of Zao MKE Church. Zao started in their living room before it grew into a local theater, and now resides in a historic church building on the East Side of Milwaukee.
Jonah loves being part of a church that is being recreated and reimagined by people who were historically denied access to traditional Christian leadership. Their favorite thing about Zao MKE Church is experiencing what church looks like when those of us who were left out get to be in charge. Jonah is extremely passionate about the Bible and reclaiming Christian scriptures for liberation and for the Kingdom. They are so passionate that they started two podcasts: Jonah & the Peacock and Christian Queeries. In Jonah & the Peacock, Jonah interviews others about their relationship to faith and scripture, retelling the texts through a more inclusive and trauma-informed lens. Christian Queeries is a podcast that Jonah and Cameron have together where they answer listener questions about Christianity.
Jonah has been married to Cameron since 2018 and recently became Baba to their 1-year-old daughter Micah. Jonah’s free time is currently filled with fantasizing about paddle boarding and reading, instead of actually having the time and energy to do it.
Listen to Jonah's full sermon here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dzsyQerlzdHHBCvJB0O5ginJfl6B_3Ct/view
Listen to Cameron’s episode of our podcast here: https://www.thecollectivetable.org/podcast/cameron-malakai
Learn more about Zao MKE Church & Jonah’s other podcasts here: https://www.zaomke.org/
The Last Week book: https://www.amazon.com/Last-Week-Gospels-Really-Jerusalem/dp/0060872608
Join us as we spend time with author Jessie Daniels to discuss her book, Nice White Ladies: The Truth about White Supremacy, Our Role in It, and How We Can Help Dismantle It.
This conversation was recorded on Wednesday, March 22, 2023.
Welcome to season 7 of The Collective Table Podcast, Sermon Podcast Hour!
During this season Rev. Chelsea, Dana and Rev. Claire are going to interview some of our favorite preachers about a sermon they have given. These sermons will be following the lectionary calendar from Epiphany all the way until Easter. In the various episodes, not only will you hear clips from the sermon and you will also hear the follow-up conversation with the preacher!
On today's episode, Rev. Chelsea & Rev. Claire are joined by Rev. Denyse Barnes to discuss a sermon she gave during Lent last year. You can listen to or read her sermon here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/9dcJKTx/DenyseTCT
Rev. Denyse Barnes is the Director of Justice and Compassion Ministries at the California-Pacific Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. She holds a degree in Electronics and Telecommunications from Coventry Technical College in the United Kingdom and a Master of Divinity from Claremont School of Theology. She married Deborah Levinson on Aug. 1, 2020 and, when not working, can be found with her dogs, Sheldon, Jiminy and Mozzie at the beach or in the park.
Purchase the Queer Bible Commentary that Denyse recommends here: https://www.wjkbooks.com/Products/9780334060789/the-queer-bible-commentary-second-edition.aspx
Welcome to season 7 of The Collective Table Podcast, Sermon Podcast Hour!
During this season Rev. Chelsea, Dana and Rev. Claire are going to interview some of our favorite preachers about a sermon they have given. These sermons will be following the lectionary calendar from Epiphany all the way until Easter. In the various episodes, not only will you hear clips from the sermon and you will also hear the follow-up conversation with the preacher!
On today's episode, Dana & Rev. Claire are joined by Alma Tinoco-Ruiz to discuss a sermon she gave on Lent, Jesus, wounds, and healing. You can listen to or read her sermon here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/JpiI2Ge/AlmaTCT
Professor Tinoco Ruiz is a practical theologian whose work centers on the intersection of homiletics, pastoral care, and evangelism. Throughout her ministry, she has witnessed that most preachers are poorly equipped to respond to the traumatic injuries marginalized and oppressed communities experience. In contrast, she sees in the sermons of Saint Óscar Romero a profound response to the traumatic injuries the marginalized and oppressed people of El Salvador were experiencing during the years he was the archbishop of San Salvador (1977-1980). Influenced by Saint Romero’s preaching, Professor Tinoco Ruiz is exploring how preachers can effectively address the trauma experienced by marginalized and oppressed communities, particularly the community of undocumented immigrants from Latin America in the United States. She completed her Th.D. thesis on "Óscar Romero's Theological, Hermeneutical, and Pastoral Framework for Preaching to Traumatized Communities." Her publications include essays in the International Journal of Homiletics, Predicación con Impacto: Preparación y Presentación de Mensajes Bíblicos, The Christian Century, and Duke Divinity School’s DIVINITY magazine. Professor Tinoco Ruiz was awarded the Denman Fellow of the Foundation for Evangelism (FFE) in 2016, the Forum for Theological Exploration (FTE) Doctoral Fellowship in 2019, and the Hispanic Theological Initiative (HTI)/Lilly fellowship in 2020. She is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church.
Welcome to season 7 of The Collective Table Podcast, Sermon Podcast Hour!
During this season Rev. Chelsea, Dana and Rev. Claire are going to interview some of our favorite preachers about a sermon they have given. These sermons will be following the lectionary calendar from Epiphany all the way until Easter. In the various episodes, not only will you hear clips from the sermon and you will also hear the follow-up conversation with the preacher!
On today's episode, Dana & Rev. Claire are joined by Rev. Dr. Faith Conklin to discuss a sermon she gave on Ash Wednesday. Listen to Rev. Faith's sermon here (begins at 22:57): https://vimeo.com/682555676
Rev. Faith attended the School of Theology at Claremont, CA and earned a Master of Religion degree in 1970 and a Dr. of Religion in 1971. Rev. Faith was the first woman from Cal-Pac to be ordained an elder. She has served the UMC at local, district and national levels on several boards and agencies. She was a delegate to three General and Jurisdictional Conferences. As you will see Rev. Faith is a powerful preacher, wise teacher and compassionate leader.
Want to join one of our online lenten studies or in-person experiences? Find more information at thecollectivetable.org.
Welcome to season 7 of The Collective Table Podcast, Sermon Podcast Hour!
During this season Rev. Chelsea, Dana and Rev. Claire are going to interview some of our favorite preachers about a sermon they have given. These sermons will be following the lectionary calendar from Epiphany all the way until Easter. In the various episodes, not only will you hear clips from the sermon and you will also hear the follow-up conversation with the preacher!
On today's episode, Dana & Rev. Chelsea are joined by Brent Ross to discuss a sermon he gave on Baptism. Listen to Brent's sermon here: https://nhunited.org/baptism/
Brent Ross is the lead pastor at Normal Heights United Church in San Diego, CA. Normal Heights United Church is a progressive church in the heart of the neighborhood of Normal Heights and they are preparing to celebrate their building’s 100 year anniversary. When he’s not preaching, reading graphic novels or working in the yard, Brent is planning for his escargot business he will launch when he retires!
Welcome to season 7 of The Collective Table Podcast, Sermon Podcast Hour!
During this season Rev. Chelsea, Dana and Rev. Claire are going to interview some of our favorite preachers about a sermon they have given. These sermons will be following the lectionary calendar from Epiphany all the way until Easter. In the various episodes, not only will you hear clips from the sermon and you will also hear the follow-up conversation with the preacher!On today's episode, Dana & Rev. Claire are joined by Nadia-Bolz Weber to discuss a reflection she gave on Epiphany. Listen to or read Nadia's Epiphany reflection here: https://thecorners.substack.com/p/epiphany#details Nadia is an ordained Lutheran pastor (ELCA), the founder of House for All Sinners & Saints in Denver, CO, and a NYT best-selling author - some of her works include Pastrix: The Cranky, Beautiful Faith of a Sinner & Saint, Accidental Saints: Finding God in All the Wrong People, and Shameless: A Sexual Reformation. Follow Nadia on Instagram @sarcasticlutheran, and visit her LinkTree to learn more about what she is up to: https://linktr.ee/NadiaBolzWeber.
Over the last four weeks, Chelsea, Claire, and Dana have offered weekly reflections on the themes of Advent: Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace. These themes connect to the traditional Scripture readings that are presented throughout the Advent season and remain consistent from year to year.
Today, we celebrate the coming of Christ - God-With-Us, Emmanuel - on Christmas Day. Listen as Chelsea reflects on the Christmas story.
Watch Chelsea's favorite Eat N' Park Christmas commercial here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3NhDtfZmd0
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Learn more about the history of Advent at the links below:
https://www.umc.org/en/content/ask-the-umc-what-do-the-candles-in-our-advent-wreath-mean
https://www.umc.org/en/content/ask-the-umc-what-is-the-history-of-advent-for-united-methodists
Over the next four weeks, Chelsea, Claire, and Dana will offer short reflections on the weekly themes of Advent: Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace. These themes connect to the traditional Scripture readings that are presented throughout the Advent season and remain consistent from year to year.
In today's episode, Dana reflects on peace, and offers a moment of meditation for our listeners.
Learn more about the history of Advent at the links below:
https://www.umc.org/en/content/ask-the-umc-what-do-the-candles-in-our-advent-wreath-mean
https://www.umc.org/en/content/ask-the-umc-what-is-the-history-of-advent-for-united-methodists
TCT’s December Book Club - Honest Advent: Awakening to the Wonder of God - With Us - Then, Here, and Now by Scott Erickson
In a world that's difficult to make sense of, and a season that's so often overtaken by consumerism, here you'll find heart-stirring illustrations and thought-provoking meditations designed to show you the raw, powerfully sacred story of Christmas in a new light.
From celebrated artist and storyteller Scott Erickson comes Honest Advent, 25 days of illustrations and meditations that will help you rekindle the wonder of this season. Honest Advent creates a space for you to encounter the Incarnate Christ in unexpected places: like a pregnancy announcement in an era of political unrest and empirical bloodshed, the morning sickness of a Middle Eastern teenager, and the shocking biology of birth that goes far beyond the sanitized brand of Christmas as we know it today.
Through powerful benedictions, prayers, and questions for honest reflection, you'll discover how the wonder of God-with-Us is still happening today: in your unexpected change of plans, your unaccomplished dreams, your overcrowded lodging, and your humble stories of new beginnings.
If you're looking for something to spark your faith and renew your relationship with the holiday season, Erickson invites you to experience a new way to celebrate this Christmas.
Keep up with Scott on Instagram @scottthepainter
This is a recording of our live Q&A which took place on December 15th, 2022.
Over the next four weeks, Chelsea, Claire, and Dana will offer short reflections on the weekly themes of Advent: Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace. These themes connect to the traditional Scripture readings that are presented throughout the Advent season and remain consistent from year to year.
In today's episode, Dana reflects on Joy.
Learn more about the history of Advent at the links below:
https://www.umc.org/en/content/ask-the-umc-what-do-the-candles-in-our-advent-wreath-mean
https://www.umc.org/en/content/ask-the-umc-what-is-the-history-of-advent-for-united-methodists
Over the next four weeks, Chelsea, Claire, and Dana will offer short reflections on the weekly themes of Advent: Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace. These themes connect to the traditional Scripture readings that are presented throughout the Advent season and remain consistent from year to year.
In today's episode, Claire reflects on Love.
Learn more about the history of Advent at the links below:
https://www.umc.org/en/content/ask-the-umc-what-do-the-candles-in-our-advent-wreath-mean
https://www.umc.org/en/content/ask-the-umc-what-is-the-history-of-advent-for-united-methodists
Do I Stay Christian? addresses in public the powerful question that surprising numbers of people―including pastors, priests, and other religious leaders―are asking in private. Picking up where Faith After Doubt leaves off, Do I Stay Christian? is not McLaren's attempt to persuade Christians to dig in their heels or run for the exit. Instead, he combines his own experience with that of thousands of people who have confided in him over the years to help readers make a responsible, honest, ethical decision about their religious identity.
There is a way to say both yes and no to the question of staying Christian, McLaren says, by shifting the focus from whether we stay Christian to how we stay human. If Do I Stay Christian? is the question you're asking―or if it's a question that someone you love is asking―this is the book you've been waiting for.
This is a recording of our book club's virtual Q&A session with Brian, recorded on November 30, 2022. Enjoy!
Over the next four weeks, Chelsea, Claire, and Dana will offer short reflections on the weekly themes of Advent: Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace. These themes connect to the traditional Scripture readings that are presented throughout the Advent season and remain consistent from year to year.
In today's episode, Chelsea reflects on Hope.
Learn more about the history of Advent at the links below:
https://www.umc.org/en/content/ask-the-umc-what-do-the-candles-in-our-advent-wreath-mean
https://www.umc.org/en/content/ask-the-umc-what-is-the-history-of-advent-for-united-methodists
During season 6, Rev. Chelsea, Dana and Rev. Claire will be taking a deep dive into some of Jesus’ most known and beloved teachings. But these stories are not just sweet, little children’s stories meant to make us feel good. They are radical and challenging and would have been shocking to Jesus’ audience. They point to God’s grace, God’s upside-down Kin-dom, and the ways in which we are invited to respond.
In today's episode, Dana tackles the parable of the Rich Man & Lazarus, found in Luke 16:19-31. Listen as she reflects on what it means to choose a life not of self-centered indifference, but of inclusivity, joy, and and openness.
Follow us on instagram @The.Collective.Table, and check out our website at thecollectivetable.org!
During season 6, Rev. Chelsea, Dana and Rev. Claire will be taking a deep dive into some of Jesus’ most known and beloved teachings. But these stories are not just sweet, little children’s stories meant to make us feel good. They are radical and challenging and would have been shocking to Jesus’ audience. They point to God’s grace, God’s upside-down Kin-dom, and the ways in which we are invited to respond.
On today’s episode, Claire gets into the weeds as she shares her take on Matthew chapter 13, the parable of the weeds and the wheat. Maybe you have heard this parable preached in a way that is supposed to scare you out of hell - but we hope you come away from this podcast knowing that actually, Jesus is painting a picture of our loving creator who will dig deep enough to uproot the lies that tell us that we are not worthy of love. So get out your gardening tools and let’s dig!
Follow us on instagram @The.Collective.Table, and check out our website at thecollectivetable.org!
Today our TCT Book Club sits down with author Valarie Kaur for a virtual Q&A on her book, See No Stranger.
How do we love in a time of rage? How do we fix a broken world while not breaking ourselves? Valarie Kaur—renowned Sikh activist, filmmaker, and civil rights lawyer—describes revolutionary love as the call of our time, a radical, joyful practice that extends in three directions: to others, to our opponents, and to ourselves.
During season 6, Rev. Chelsea, Dana and Rev. Claire will be taking a deep dive into some of Jesus’ most known and beloved teachings. But these stories are not just sweet, little children’s stories meant to make us feel good. They are radical and challenging and would have been shocking to Jesus’ audience. They point to God’s grace, God’s upside-down Kin-dom, and the ways in which we are invited to respond.
In this episode, Claire explores Luke 12:13-21, otherwise known as the parable of the Rich Fool. But shouldn't we just call it the parable of the really lonely guy? Listen in as Rev. Claire unpacks what this parable has to say about greed, wealth, and loneliness.
Follow us on instagram @The.Collective.Table, and check out our website at thecollectivetable.org!
During season 6, Rev. Chelsea, Dana and Rev. Claire will be taking a deep dive into some of Jesus’ most known and beloved teachings. But these stories are not just sweet, little children’s stories meant to make us feel good. They are radical and challenging and would have been shocking to Jesus’ audience. They point to God’s grace, God’s upside-down Kin-dom, and the ways in which we are invited to respond.
In this week's sermon, Chelsea explores Jesus' parable found in Luke 10:25-37, otherwise known as the Parable of the Good Samaritan.
Listen to a recording of TCT’s September Book Club Author Q&A with John Pavlovitz about his book, If God is Love, Don't Be a Jerk.
Imagine for a moment what the world might look like if we as people of faith, morality, and conscience actually aspired to this mantra. What if we were fully burdened to create a world that was more loving and equitable than when we arrived? What if we invited one another to share in wide-open, fearless, spiritual communities truly marked by compassion and interdependence? What if we daily challenged ourselves to live a faith that simply made us better humans? John Pavlovitz explores how we can embody this kinder kind of spirituality where we humbly examine our belief system to understand how it might compel us to act in less-than-loving ways toward others.
This conversation was recorded on September 28th, 2022.
During season 6, Rev. Chelsea, Dana and Rev. Claire will be taking a deep dive into some of Jesus’ most known and beloved teachings. But these stories are not just sweet, little children’s stories meant to make us feel good. They are radical and challenging and would have been shocking to Jesus’ audience. They point to God’s grace, God’s upside-down Kin-dom, and the ways in which we are invited to respond.
In this week's sermon, Chelsea explores Jesus' parable found in Matthew 20:1-16, which is typically called the Parable of the Workers in the Field. But Chelsea likes to call it the Parable of the Generous Landowner. She hopes you'll see why by the end of this episode!
During season 6, Rev. Chelsea, Dana and Rev. Claire will be taking a deep dive into some of Jesus’ most known and beloved teachings. But these stories are not just sweet, little children’s stories meant to make us feel good. They are radical and challenging and would have been shocking to Jesus’ audience. They point to God’s grace, God’s upside-down Kin-dom, and the ways in which we are invited to respond.
In today's episode, Dana shares a sermon on Luke 15, a collection of three parables: the parable of the lost sheep, the parable of the lost coin, and the parable of the lost son, or the prodigal son.
Today Chelsea & Claire are joined by Grace Baldridge, a.k.a. Semler, to talk all things music, spirituality, queerness, and how these things are reflected in their song, Late Bloomer.
Semler is a queer-identifying musical artist whose songs have topped the charts in the Christian music world. Their new album, Stages of a Breakdown, is available now. Follow them on Instagram @gracebaldridge.
Want to be a part of The Collective Table? Follow us @the.collective.table!
On today’s episode, Claire & Chelsea chat with Royce Lovett about his song, Better.
Royce Lovett is a singer songwriter who has been signed to Motown Gospel Records. In 2016, Royce released his ‘Love Wins’ EP, followed by his ‘Love & Other Dreams’ album in 2017. Royce has also given a TED Talk. In 2019, Royce got an opportunity to be a contestant on Season 17 of the ‘Voice.’ Learn more about Royce on his website: https://www.roycelovett.com/
Support Royce on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/join/roycelovett
Want to be a part of The Collective Table? Visit us at thecollectivetable.org and follow us on Instagram @the.collective.table
Today Chelsea & Dana are joined by Hanna Rand, Lenora Rand, and Darren Calhoun to talk about their song, “All Belong Here”. Hanna, Lenora, and Darren are part of The Many, an uncommon, intentionally diverse collective making music for people to sing together about peace and justice and a world where all belong.
Drawing on indie pop and gospel influences, The Many makes music to help give voice to faith and doubt, questions and fears, laments and longings, music that speaks to a non-violent God, a Jesus who is with us and for us, and to a Spirit that can't be easily defined or controlled. It's music for a movement of resistance to hatred and division, for reconciliation and restoration, and music that always reminds us "we are on this earth to love."
Learn more about The Many at https://www.themanyarehere.com/, and the BTS Center at https://thebtscenter.org/
Want to be a part of The Collective Table? Visit us at thecollectivetable.org and follow us on Instagram @the.collective.table
Today, Chelsea & Dana are with Joey Pearson, talking about his song, Welcome At God's Table!
Joey Pearson is soulful singer and songwriter from southern Georgia, raised in southern California, and educated in Washington, D.C. Raised in the Baptist church, Joey combines R&B, pop, and gospel into a unique style influenced by the music of Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, and Elton John.
Joey's songwriting includes themes of love, acceptance, justice, community. As a child, Joey was a semifinalist on CBS Star Search. His music took a pivotal turn though his involvement in the Georgetown University Gospel Choir. He continues to sing at his local church in California where he directs the band and writes music for the progressive Christian movement. The lyrics of his songs encompass a larger call to action to fight for equality and inclusion through community action. Joey's music brings people together in love and action. He writes anthemic songs that stick with listeners through the hard work of building community and disrupting systems of oppression.
Follow Joey on Instagram, @joeypearson
Want to learn more about The Collective Table? Give us an Instagram follow @the.collective.table or check out our website at thecollectivetable.org.
This is the audio from the Spirituality is Served Food Justice as Spiritual Practice webinar on July 18th, 2022. It was led by Rev. Dr. Christopher Carter. Combining a critical analysis of our food system and the Christian theological assumptions that fostered the system with a bit of humor, Rev. Dr. Carter helps us understand the broad impact of our food choices. He concludes this talk by describing what it would look like for us to eat in ways that are reflective of a spirituality of compassion, love, and justice in today's society.
Rev. Dr. Christopher Carter’s teaching, research, and activist interests are in Black, Womanist, and Environmental ethics, with a particular focus on race, food, and nonhuman animals. He is the co-creator of Racial Resilience, an anti-racism and anti-bias program that utilizes the combined insights of contemplative practices and critical race theories.
On this episode of The Collective Table's Songs of Summer, Claire & Dana chat with Page CXVI (Latifah Alattas) about her song, "In the Garden." Latifah Alattas lives in Nashville, Tennessee, and has an extensive history of making innovative, tender, emotionally honest and transformative music whether with Page CXVI or one of her many other musical projects. Alattas has produced and released two albums under her other moniker, Moda Spira, as well as albums for other artists. Alattas was recently featured on Josh Garrels’s latest album Chrysaline, as well as the last two Porter’s Gate albums. She has also collaborated with Leslie Jordan of All Sons and Daughters. Alattas has a long resume that also includes the indie rock band Autumn Film, Heck Ya the Halls, and Sola-Mi, an experimental trio. She has produced albums for indie artists, including Aaron Strumpel, Our Violet Room, and A Boy & His Kite (“Cover Your Tracks” was featured on the soundtrack for Twilight: Breaking Dawn, Part II). Learn more at https://www.pagecxvi.com/, and follow her on Instagram @pagecxvi The Collective Table is a progressive and affirming Christian platform that provides content, resources and community for those who want to follow Jesus, work for justice, and celebrate joy! Follow us on Instagram @the.collective.table and check out our website thecollectivetable.org.
Welcome back to another episode of The Collective Table podcast! We are in our fifth season, entitled "Songs of Summer". On today's episode, Claire & Talip chat with Andy Squyres about his song, Cherry Blossoms.
Andy is a North Carolina-based singer-songwriter, poet, pastor, and worship leader. His ongoing wrestling match with the creator of the universe is the thematic motivation in his music. He loves David Byrne, David Lynch and bass fishing.
Follow Andy on Instagram at @andysquyres and learn more at https://andysquyres.com/.
Want to be a part of The Collective Table? Visit us at thecollectivetable.org and follow us on Instagram @the.collective.table
Today Dana & Chelsea sit down with UK-based Gospel singer Niella to talk about her song Stand With Me.
In 2015, Niiella, born Daniella Dankwah-Coffie, emerged as the first runner-up of the Stars of the Future music reality show in Ghana. She is a 2013 4syte Gospel Music Video of the Year nominee, and the author of 2015’s Beautiful EP and 2017's Shades of Mercy LP. She is also the VGMA Best Female Vocalist Of The Year 2022, a BET Sunday Best X Top 10 Finalist, and is a self-proclaimed "part-time comedian".
Follow Niiella on Instagram @niiella_official
Want to keep up with The Collective Table? Visit us at thecollectivetable.org or follow us on Instagram at @the.collective.table
In today's episode of Songs of Summer, Chelsea and Talip chat with musician, trans black pastor, and social worker Cameron Malakai about his song, I'll Sing a Praise to You.
Listen to I'll Sing a Praise to You here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eU2OjstttBo
Cameron is a social worker and the lay worship pastor of Zao MKE Church. As a young, black, queer and trans person, Cameron's ministry calling is to build the church into intersectional and queer liberated space. As Zao’s worship pastor, Cameron incorporates many styles of music into worship, so that all feel welcome (this just might include Lizzo’s new hit single!). Cameron is deeply convinced that when words fail, music speaks and brings people together.
You can find Cameron cooking large dinners for his friends, walking by the lake, playing drums in his jazz rock band, or hanging in leftist political spaces trying to break down oppressive systems.
Follow Cameron on Instagram @cameronmalakaio
Learn more about The Collective Table at https://www.thecollectivetable.org/.
This week, we were joined by author Phuc Luu for a discussion on his book, Jesus of the East: Reclaiming the Gospel for the Wounded. Listen in on the discussion here!
Much of Western Christianity has subdued the narrative of Jesus as a Palestinian Jewish healer and liberator who served the sick and oppressed. But the Jesus of the Gospels is a revolutionary who stands with the sinned against, the wounded, and the marginalized. In Jesus of the East, author Phuc Luu re-narrates the life of Jesus to show how he made it his work to topple systems that privileged the few and disregarded the many, especially the poor and lowest. For those living in the land between pain and hope, Luu's prophetic words will renew our imaginations and draw us closer to the heart of God.
Listen in as Dana & Chelsea speak with artist Wilder Adkins about his song, Side By Side.
Listen to Side By Side here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tm1Ha_eyJrI
Wilder Adkins’ songwriting gleans as much from the earthy poetry of Wendell Berry and Mary Oliver as it does from the works of folk luminaries Richard Thompson and Bruce Cockburn. He’s a true theosophical spirit, arrestingly taciturn, but possessed of startling guitar skills, a wit as dry as October leaves, and a tremulous, dented voice that’s frankly mesmerizing. Adkins hails from Marietta, GA, but now lives and writes in Birmingham, AL. He grew up listening to his dad play renditions of Neil Young and Van Morrison songs on an old Guild Jumbo Acoustic. Some time spent in India helped to expand his melodic sense and also provided a chance to learn Hindi. Adkins’ songs, steeped in natural imagery, frequently touch upon the subjects of faith, doubt, and as the title of his new album would indicate, hope and sorrow.
To learn more about Wilder, visit his website, https://wilderadkins.com
To learn more about The Collective Table, visit https://www.thecollectivetable.org/
Today Chelsea & Dana sit down with Malynda Hale to talk about all things social justice, activism, spirituality, and music. Listen to her song, God and His Gun, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PszjLfSO8g4.
Malynda Hale is a singer/songwriter, actress, entrepreneur & activist. She uses her voice through music and social media presence as an educating activist to effect change within social justice, female empowerment, LGBTQ+ rights, veganism, the Black Lives Matter movement and Progressive Christianity.
Her podcast #WeNeedToTalk focuses on powerful one-on-one conversations and drives home the message that “everything begins with a conversation."
Learn more about Malynda at malyndahale.com.
Learn more about The Collective Table at thecollectivetable.org.
Welcome to Season 5 of The Collective Table Podcast, Songs of Summer! Today Chelsea & Talip sit down with Trey Pearson to talk about his faith journey and his song, Hey Jesus. Listen to Hey Jesus here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5im_tBINf80
With his band Everyday Sunday, Trey Pearson has sold hundreds of thousands of records, and amassed millions of streams. He has scored 5 #1 U.S. singles and 20 Top 10 hits. His song “Wake Up! Wake Up!” was the most-played Christian rock song of 2007, and his 2009 album, “Best Night of Our Lives,” broke onto the coveted Billboard 200 chart. Pearson has toured in all 50 states and 20 countries, playing with top Christian musicians such as Toby Mac, Switchfoot, MercyMe, Jeremy Camp, Relient K and others.
Recently, Trey Pearson, the founder and owner of Everyday Sunday, has come out of the closet to make national news. His announcement started a national conversation with a television appearance on The View. It has been covered by The New York Times, Billboard Magazine, CNN and more, as he became the most trending topic worldwide on Facebook.
Trey was nominated for a 2017 GLAAD Award for his appearance on The View. Trey has been performing at Pride Festivals all around the country, with Kesha and Betty Who. He released his debut solo single, “Silver Horizon”, and premiered the music video on Teen Vogue. Billboard Magazine did a feature on Trey for his new album, premiered the title track for his debut solo album “Love Is Love”, which is now available worldwide.
His new album 'Somebody You Knew' comes out July 1! Follow Trey on Instagram @treypearson and learn more about him at treypearson.com.
Learn more about The Collective Table at thecollectivetable.org
On May 25th TCT sat down with Ashton Whitmoyer-Ober to talk about her book The Enneagram Made Simple. Enjoy!
This is our Easter episode!
Rev. Chelsea, Dana and Rev. Claire have an in depth conversation about the new vision of hope that the resurrection provides. A new hope that comes to us through the experience of Mary Magdalene. She is the one who Jesus appears to for the first time since dying on the cross. And this changes everything!
Learn more at thecollectivetable.org
In this Holy Week episode, Rev. Chelsea and Dana talk about Farewell Discourse or the last instructions that Jesus leaves his disciples before he is killed. This last sermon includes the promise of the Holy Spirit, the difficulties they will encounter because of following Jesus, the necessity of staying connected to God, and the always popular, yet difficult love one another.
It also includes this sometimes confusing line “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”
This conversation really dives into what that verse means. Is believing in Jesus the only way to heaven? Spoiler alert…NO!
Learn more at thecollectivetable.org
This special episode features a discussion between Chelsea and Cole Arthur Riley, a writer and poet. She is the author of the NYT bestseller, This Here Flesh: Spirituality, Liberation, and the Stories that Make Us. Her writing has been featured in The Atlantic, Guernica, The Boston Globe, and The Washington Post.
You can learn more about the author and her work at colearthurriley.com
You can learn more about The Collective Table at thecollectivetable.org
Lent is an opportunity for us to take inventory of our lives, clear our minds and prepare our hearts so that we might be ready for the ultimate celebration...Jesus overcoming death! But before we get to the resurrection we need to walk through some difficult situations and some challenging Scriptures.
In this episode, Rev. Chelsea and Rev. Claire discuss John 12:1-8 in which Mary Magdalene anoints Jesus with expensive perfume essentially preparing him for his death. The multiple characters within the story represent the various places we might find ourselves at any given time on our journey.
Tune in and see where you might find yourself within the story and use it to guide you as you continue on your Lenten journey.
Learn more at thecollectivetable.org
As we continue in our the Art of Community season, we wanted to throw it back all the way to last season, Sermon Podcast Hour, with the re-release of one of our favorite conversations.
Rev. Joe Kim joyfully and passionately talks about the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Jesus reminds a distraught Martha that he is not only the resurrection but also the life…here and now.
And now that Lazarus is alive they can go on eating, and drinking, and doing life together. Pastor Joe reminds us that Lent is about Jesus inviting us into relationship with him, to do life with him and to do life with each other.
So please enjoy our conversation with Rev. Joe Kim.
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TCT’s February book is A More Perfect Union: A New Vision for Building the Beloved Community by Adam Russell Taylor, president of Sojourners. In A More Perfect Union, Taylor reimagines a contemporary version of the Beloved Community that will inspire and unite Americans across generations, geographic and class divides, racial and gender differences, faith traditions, and ideological leanings. By building the Beloved Community we unify the country around a shared moral vision that transcends ideology and partisanship, tapping into our most sacred civic and religious values, enabling our nation to live up to its best ideals and realize a more perfect union. For more information please visit: https://www.thecollectivetable.org
1st Corinthians, Part 3
Even though this passage is typically read at weddings, the love that Paul is talking about has almost nothing to do with romance. This biblical love that Paul describes is not only what you do but it’s who you are. It comes from your identity in a God who is love.
Once we recognize and claim this identity we can act out of and in love. True love, as Paul sees it, always begins with God and always reaches beyond one’s self to others. So our biblical love is meant to build one another up.
Don’t forget to sign-up to receive the full collection!
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1st Corinthians, Part 2
In this episode, Dana and Rev. Claire dive into 1st Corinthians 12 (spiritual gifts and the body of Christ). Paul is teaching the people of Corinth about being unified in the midst of diversity by using their gifts to build one another up...or in other words the common good.
It's not about division of labor but rather recognizing our interdependence. We need each other! All parts are unique, distinct, yet woven together to allow for fullness and perfection (holiness).
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God communicates with us yesterday, today, and tomorrow. The Bible is a living document that can guide how we think about the Creator and what the Creator is trying to communicate to us through time and space. Reminder – God’s mission is full and whole love, as God is love. How would God use this text to communicate love and wholeness (fullness)?
Don’t forget to sign-up to receive the full collection!
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Baptism reminds us that we are loved by God. It also reminds us that we share the weightiness of what it means to be human with others. Together we are invited into the water of Baptism as we hope for something more and as we work for something better. Baptism is a gift but it is also a task.
Don’t forget to sign-up to receive the full collection!
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The Collective Table is so excited for Season 4, The Art of Community!
Art is the expression of human creative skill and imagination. When we engage with one another through small group experiences we are creating the art of community. Every person in the community offers his/her/their lived experience.Layers, textures, and colors add to the emerging community through listening, discussing, and reflecting.
A Christ-centered community comes together to hear and learn from God and one another. It is through these relationships we inch closer to a holy and whole work of art
Season 4, The Art of Community, consists of 15-20 minute podcast episodes focused on the importance of community. Each collection includes a podcast/YouTube episode, accompanying curriculum, original music, meditation, art and additional resources can be used by small groups to grow deeper in their discipleship.
The goal of Season 4 is to equip individuals and leaders to engage deeply and authentically in their faith with others. TCT will provide tips, tools, spiritual practices, and guidance to help you do just that! In this first episode Rev. Chelsea and Dana give you a sneak peak into all the exciting aspects that Season 4, The Art of Community, will provide.
Make sure to sign-up to receive the full collections right to your inbox!
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Rob Bell….where to start. Rob Bell is a New York Times Bestselling author of 11 books including Drops Like Stars, Love Wins and Everything is Spiritual. He hosts a widely successful podcast called The Rob Cast. He tours nationally and internationally, speaking to large crowds about spirituality, mystery, ancient wisdom, what it means to be human and so much more.
For many looking for a more expansive way to be Christian, Rob has paved the way. And he brings others along. He writes and talks about the Bible in accessible, passionate, interesting, funny, and thoughtful ways that inspire people to fall in love with God.
Rob’s work leads to an expansive, inclusive, and truthful way of engaging in our faith. In this episode we talk with Rob about an episode titled “We Hung Our Harps”. It’s about Lament, Joy, Empire and Hope. Rob is funny, engaging, generous, relatable and just all around wonderful. If you have not listened to Rob’s podcast or read a Rob Bell book, we highly encourage you to do that…as soon as you finish this episode!
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You can listen to Rob's full sermon here
Olu Brown is founding and Lead Pastor of Impact Church Atlanta, one of the fastest growing UM churches in the country. He is an author, coach, consultant, and speaker and is committed to empowering people and organizations to grow in the love of God.
Olu strongly believes in an active church, one that makes a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and communities. Impact is a multicultural community committed to Doing Church Differently™.
Olu is compelled to help bring healing, justice and compassion to the world.
In this conversation Chelsea and Dana talk to Olu about a sermon he preached on the 20th anniversary of 9/11. Using a passage found in Lamentations, Olu addresses mental health and our human need to deal with the past in order to have a hopeful and joyful future.
He reminds us about the delicate balance between trusting God and taking action. In his passionate yet gentle way Olu inspires us to shift our perspective and view the world through a God lens. We hope you enjoy it!
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Hear Rev. Brown's full sermon here
Rev. Joe Kim serves as Lead Pastor of Bothell United Methodist Church. Before entering parish ministry, Joe was the Director of Children’s Rights Advocacy at the General Board of Church and Society of the United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C.. Here he focused on policy and advocacy efforts to combat human trafficking and promote equal education opportunities for all children.
He has also served as Director for Community Care at Spark12; Senior Associate for Membership Development and Services for the Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations in Relationship with the United Nations,; and Program and Administrative Assistant at the General Board of Church and Society of the United Methodist Church, United Nations Office.
Joe has traveled around the world as a speaker, workshop leader and facilitator, encouraging people of faith to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with God.
Rev. Joe is a passionate speaker, an advocate for social justice and a deep Biblical thinker. This sermon was preached during Lent as part of a larger sermon series called the Bigger Picture. Titled “I am the Resurrection and the Life”, this sermon focuses on the scripture found in John 11 in which Lazarus dies and Jesus reminds his sisters that not only is Jesus offering life after death but also here and now.
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Yoyu can listen to Joe's full sermon here
Dr. Robyn Henderson-Espinoza. Dr. Robyn has been described in many different ways: a scholar-activist, scholar-leader, thought-leader, teacher, public theologian, ethicist, and poet.
Among these ways of describing Dr. Robyn, they are also a visionary thinker who has spent two decades working in the hybrid space of church, academy, & movements seeking to not only disrupt but dismantle supremacy culture by focusing their PhD studies on new concepts of being & becoming, and decolonizing knowledge production.
They enflesh a deep hope of collaborating in these hybrid spaces where their work seeks to contribute to the ongoing work of collective liberation.
The sermon we talk about in this episode is called “Hope as Defiant.” Preached at a United Methodist Church in New York during Pride Weekend, Dr. Robyn felt compelled to talk about a necessary component of activism and faith….hope. And in the midst of the brokenness and hurt in our world this hope needs to be bold, resilient, defiant.
In this conversation we take a deep dive into this defiant hope and its implications on how we participate in the world.
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For this episode we get an Advent gift with new music from Mystic Mercy. This Advent song invites us to review our ideas of hope. How can we exist in this current beautiful moment without all the holiday anxiety? How can we opt in to alignment with the God of rest? How can we be still in the midst of chaos? Mystic Mercy's latest song provides that much needed breath.
So take get cozy, quiet the monkey brain, and breathe as you enjoy this latest release.
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This week Rev. Chelsea and Dana sit down with Rev. Dr. Faith Conklin. Rev. Faith has served as a mentor to both Chelsea and Dana. She attended the School of Theology at Claremont, CA and earned a Master of Religion degree in 1970 and a Dr. of Religion in 1971. Rev. Faith was the first woman from Cal-Pac to be ordained an elder.
Rev. Faith has served the UMC at local, district and national levels on several boards and agencies. She was a delegate to three General and Jurisdictional Conferences.
Rev. Faith claims to be “retired” but she still serves as the Director of the Western Jurisdiction Course of Study for Local Pastors and a professor of Worship and Sacraments and Preaching at the School of Theology at Claremont, CA. She is also very active at San Dieguito UMC as a preacher and teacher.
As you will see Rev. Faith is a powerful preacher, wise teacher and compassionate leader. We hope you enjoy it.
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Shane Claiborne is a prominent speaker, activist, and best-selling author. Shane has worked with Mother Teresa in Calcutta, and founded The Simple Way in Philadelphia.
He heads up Red Letter Christians, a movement of folks who are committed to living "as if Jesus meant the things he said." So it’s no secret that Shane is a busy guy…speaking, writing, advocating for human rights all over the place.
A few days before we had this conversation with him, Shane was protesting for immigration reform at the US / Mexico border. In fact, he rode his bike for over 3,200 miles to bring awareness and raise funds to support this necessary work.
He had just gotten back from this trip when his car, which has over 300,000 miles on it, broke down. When we were chatting with him he was literally in this car on his way to advocating to abolish the death penalty and protest against gun violence, which you can read about in his latest book called, Beating Guns.
It is evident in this conversation and in Shane’s sermon his love for Jesus and his desire for peace. It left us feeling inspired and committed to living the life of love Jesus called us to. We hope you enjoy it!
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You can listen to Shane's full episode here
In this episode Rev. Chelsea and Rev. Claire sit down with Bishop Yvette Flunder to talk about her sermon on the holy work of unity. Bishop Flunder truly lives and breathes the love of God - throughout our conversation, she truly witnesses to holy unity in the Church and the World. We can’t wait for you to hear this conversation!
Rev. Dr. Yvette Flunder, a San Francisco native, has served her call through prophetic action and justice ministry for over thirty years. Her call to “blend proclamation, worship, service and advocacy on behalf of those most marginalized in church and in society” led to the founding of the City of Refuge United Church of Christ in 1991.
Bishop Flunder is an ordained Minister of the United Church of Christ. In June 2003 Bishop Flunder was consecrated Presiding Bishop of The Fellowship.
She is also an award winning gospel music artist and author of Where the Edge Gathers: A Theology of Homiletic and Radical Inclusion.
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Carlos Rodriguez is passionate about reaching others with God’s radical love. He is a provocative preacher who serves communities and loves to pastor prisoners, young adults and anyone who dares to think differently.
Carlos is the author of Simply Sonship, Drop The Stones and the upcoming book, Proximity. Carlos is also the CEO and founder of The Happy Givers NPO, a non-profit working in communities around the world to provide empowerment to those who are recovering from natural disasters and economic challenges.
In this episode Rev. Chelsea and Rev. Claire sit down with Carlos for a fun conversation! From loud shrieks to flipping tables, let us discover together how our human frustration has the potential to help us tap into the holy.
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You can listen to the full sermon from Carlos here
Today is a double release Tuesday. Not only did we release a brand new interview with Rev. Anne Dunlap (which you can listen to here) but we also have new music from Mystic Mercy!
This new song is called "You are My Rock. Talip wrote this song during Lent this past year. It comes on the heels of "In the Stillness" (which you can listen to here). In this episode, Talip vulnerably and honestly shares about a recent situation he experienced.
Talip offers a way to ground ourselves, contemplate on God's goodness and find peace. We hope you enjoy it!
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This sermon podcast comes from SURJ’s podcast called The Word is Resistance. It’s a great podcast that that is produced by white anti-racist Christians based on the Christian lectionary year. It offers an anti-racist Word for other white Christians.
This episode is part of a larger lenten series called Signposts In the Wilderness. This particular episode is a Good Friday sermon in which Rev. Dunlap discovers 3 signposts for the work of white anti-racist Christians in the long and terrifying story of Jesus' arrest and execution by Roman authorities in John 18-19.
This episode begs us to ask the question, What can we learn from each other - from our mistakes and misperceptions, from our places of pain and also our places of joy?
Listen to Reverend Dunlap's full srmon here
Learn more about The Colelctive Table at thecollectivetable.org
In this conversation Rev. Chelsea and Rev. Claire sit down with Rev. Dr. Amy Butler to talk about her sermon "Hysterical". This is a sermon about misogyny, storytelling, and the expansive love of God. Check out the whole sermon here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ewob_vxR8qM
For more information about The Collective Table, please visit thecollectivetable.org
Learn more about Invested Faith at investedfaith.org/vision
In this conversation Rev. Chelsea and Talip sit down with Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III to talk about his sermon Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III | The Cross and the Lynching Tree: A Requiem for Ahmaud Arbery. Check out the whole sermon here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6985UG0Z3k
For more information about The Collective Table, please visit thecollectivetable.org
Even though Talip has shared it with this community…It’s never a bad reminder to encourage others to try and find some solitude and seek out God’s peace and great love.
No matter what is happening externally or internally, finding time to be still is so important and often difficult or very easily forgotten. Hopefully you are able to hear this song and be gently guided to seek that space for yourself.
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The Collective Table is thrilled to announce their podcast Season 3, Sermon Podcast Hour, dropping Fall 2021! Modeled after Ted Radio Hour, Rev. Chelsea, Dana, Talip and Rev. Claire will interview some of their favorite preachers about a particular sermon they have delivered. In the various episodes, you will hear clips from the preacher’s sermon and follow up questions.
Some of the scheduled guests include, Rob Bell, Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III, Rev. Dr. Amy Butler, activist and author Shane Claiborne, and Bishop Rev. Dr. Yvette Flunder. Our hope is to provide a well-rounded and expansive view of the Scriptures, God and ourselves.
Each preacher brings their own unique experiences, interpretations, and preaching styles. This is going to be quite an interesting season. For more information about The Collective Table, please visit the collectivetable.org
Jennifer Knapp is a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, author, speaker and advocate. Her impressive history includes selling over one million albums with her first three releases Kansas, Lay It Down, and The Way I Am.
Despite a considerable fan base and critical and commercial success, she walked away from music in 2002 at the height of her career.
After a seven-year hiatus she returned in 2010 with a renewed passion for music showcased in her album Letting Go.
As the first major artist in the Christian music world to speak openly about LGBTQ identity, her unique position created opportunities for national dialogue.
In 2012 Jennifer founded the non-profit organization Inside Out Faith, through which she continues to speak and perform nationally as an advocate for LGBTQ & faith issues.
As a young person Jennifer’s music opened my (Chelsea's) heart, expanded my worldview, shaped my theology and spoke truth in my life. They say don’t meet your heroes but I have to say I love Jennifer more now than ever. She is laid back, honest, patient, deeply thoughtful, funny, humble and just all around wonderful.
Also a side note...Dana was not able to join me for this conversation. As many of you know Dana is a wife, mother, co-creator of The Collective Table and a seminary student. With all of life’s demands she had to put up and hold to some boundaries. It was a good lesson for her and I think for all of us that it’s okay even necessary to say, "No".
But I know Dana is just as excited and honored as I am to lift up this conversation with Jennifer Knapp. We hope you enjoy.
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This week we had such a fun conversation with Matt Jacobi - Caprio. Matt has been a voice of truth on various world topics such as women's rights, religion, mental health, bullying and equality.
In December, Matt and his fiancé, Nick, created a Barbie "Same Sex Wedding Set" for his niece's 8th birthday, with the hopes to inspire toy giant, Mattel. After posting a message and picture on his social media platforms, the set went viral and became international news around the world.
In this conversation Matt vulnerably shares about his experience growing up as a gay Christian and the ways he had to wrestle with God accepting him just as he is. Over time Matt is convinced that God does in fact love him because God made him.
It is clear from this conversation that love is at the core of who Matt is. It radiates from him as he talks about his family, his husband, his faith, and his life. His open heart can inspire us all to expand our circles a little bit wider.
It was such an honor to hear Matt’s story. We hope you enjoy it!
For more information about Matt Jacobi-Caprio, please visit mattjacobicaprio.com
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Well it’s no secret that our world is plagued with some complex and troubling issues. Climate change, economic justice, racial divide, violence. The world can be a scary place. As Christians we are not given permission to escape these realities, in fact we are called to face them head on and work to dismantle them. But how do we do that? How do we work to bring about God’s Kingdom to earth? How do we give and live in hope?
These important questions are the very thing our guest today wrestles with on a daily basis. Lydia Wylie-Kellermann is a writer, editor, activist, and mother. She is the editor of Geez magazine, which explores the intersection of activism, art, and spirit.
She is also the editor of the recent book The Sandbox Revolution. This powerful collaboration highlights different authors and their calls upon collective wisdom to wrestle with the questions, navigate the challenges, offer concrete practices, and remind parents of the sacredness of the work.
Lydia offers valuable insights, thoughtful reflections and honest critique of our current culture. What she really does is gives us permission to think differently about our participation in the world.
We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did!
For more information about Lydia Wylie - Kellermann and The Sandbox Revolution, please visit thesandboxrevolution.com
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This week Rev. Chelsea and Dana sit down with Colby Martin. We first met author and pastor Colby through his book Unclobber: Rethinking our Misuse of the Bible on Homosexuality.
In this episode Colby shares his story and talks about his shift from conservative Christianity to progressive, affirming Christianity. You can also read about his journey in his 2nd book titled The Shift: Surviving and Thriving after Moving from Conservative to Progressive Christianity.
For anyone, queer or straight, who are in a conservative Christian environment and find themselves struggling, wrestling or questioning, why LGBTQIA+ individuals cannot be incorporated in the full body of the church, and this means leadership roles and marriage rites, this is the episode for you to listen too. Our queer brother and sisters are beloved children of God wholly and exactly as they are and must be incorporated in the full body of the Christ’s church.
You are invited to begin the shift and know you are not alone!
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As part of our “What God Looks Like” series, you’ve been hearing musician, Talip Peshkepia, from Mystic Mercy, as he shares new music and the stories behind his music. We call it “Storytelling with Mystic Mercy.”
In this episode, Talip shares his new song titled “It’s Just the Pouring Rain.” It’s inspired by how it rains on the just and the unjust. Or put another way, a response to seeing bad things happen to good people.
As Talip says, “this is a song about life” and life is complicated, messy, painful, and yes, also joyful, beautiful, and full of laughter. Yet, God is always with us, even when we’re struggling and wrestling with what that looks and feels like.
If you’d like to learn more about Mystic Mercy, please visit mysticmercymusic.com
Now sit back and enjoy Mystic Mercy.
Oh my gosh! Do we have a treat for you. Today on the podcast Dana and I are joined by Cole Arthur Riley! She is the author and creator of the wildly popular social media account Black Liturgies.
Birthed out of the lack of adequate prayers and liturgy following the murder of George Flyod and Ahmaud Arbery, Black Liturgies became a space where Black words live in dignity, lament, rage, and hope to the glory of God.
Cole is a writer, liturgist, and speaker seeking a deeply contemplative life marked by embodiment and emotion.
Her beautiful, thoughtful, and sacred prayers have touched the hearts of people around the world. Her vulnerability and honesty are truly gifts to us all.
You can find out more about Cole by visiting https://blackliturgist.com.
So open your hearts and minds as we dig in with Cole Arthur Riley.
Rev. Tyler Sit is the pastor at New City Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, a church that focuses on environmental justice. He is a lover of Minnesota, a United Methodist pastor, and the son of a Chinese immigrant. Tyler earned a BS in Communication Studies from Boston University and a Masters of Divinity from Candler School of Theology.. He has formal training as a prison chaplain, community organizer, and social entrepreneur. When he is not at New City, you’ll find Tyler wandering around the Mississippi River.
Tyler recently released his first book, Staying Awake; The Gospel for Changemakers, where he shares reflections and stories about showing up for justice and staying in the movement. Whether it’s in worship, prayer, or in our groups, there is an invitation to stay awake to love, gratitude, and wholeness.
You are not going to want to miss this conversation.
After listening, check out www.tylersit.com to purchase his book and grownewcity.church to learn more about this community
Today’s podcast feels like three friends sitting around chatting about theology, faith and life. Dana and I had never met Erin Green before but instantly felt like kindred spirits.
Erin is an affirming biblical scholar and LGBTQ+ activist. Their passion is helping those excluded by the church to heal from spiritual abuse and trauma by navigating the biblical text in restorative ways.
Erin is best known for their work in supporting LGBTQ+ students on conservative, Christian university campuses. They served as the Co-Executive Director of Brave Commons, a Queer led group seeking to dismantle oppressive systems at Christian Universities and address the denial of basic human rights of LGBTQ+ students.
Erin currently works with the Religious Exemption Accountability Project. Through civil rights litigation, documentary film, oral history, research and public policy, REAP works toward a world where LGBTQ students on all campuses are treated equally, with safety and respect.
This conversation was warm, honest, funny, and deeply meaningful. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did.
Learn more at thecollectivetable.org
As part of our “What God Looks Like” series, you’ll hear musician, Talip Peshkepia, from Mystic Mercy, as he shares new music and the story behind his music. We’re calling it “Storytelling with Mystic Mercy.”
In this episode, Talip is joined by his wife Cristal for a song titled Be on My Mind. Inspired by Psalm 8, Talip wrote this song as he was awestruck by the bigness of the universe.
Also inspired by the prayer The Empty Vessel by Martin Luther, Mystic Mercy’s newest song is a song of encouragement. A song that will prompt you to look at the world and connect to our great Creator.
If you’d like to learn more about Mystic Mercy, please visit www.mysticmercymusic.com
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On this episode Chelsea and Dana talk with the incredible Dr. Patrice E. Turner!
Patrice is the first female Director of Worship & The Arts at the historical Ebenezer Baptist in Atlanta, GA where Rev. Dr. Raphael Warnock is the Senior Pastor. For those who don’t know he is the first African American Senator from the state of GA!
Prior to seminary, Patrice received her Doctorate of Music and Music Education from Columbia University. She has taught, played, performed and conducted students of all ages in various styles of music. Did I mention she started her music career at the age of 3?? Recently, she appeared in Part One of the landmark PBS documentary The Black Church by Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr.
In this episode, you’ll hear Patrice’s talk about faith tradition and the significant role that music has played throughout her life. She’ll share her experience growing up and being a part of several Black church communities and the conversations that white people must engage in to address and fight systemic racism in our structures.
As always, you won’t want to miss this! And when it’s over, don’t forget to check out the PBS documentary The Black Church and check out a live-stream service at Ebenezer Baptist Church.
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On this week’s episode of “What God Looks Like” TCT is beyond humbled and excited to introduce Don Abram founder of Pride in the Pews. Don grew up on southside of Chicago attending a Baptist church with his grandmother. At the age of 14, he was called into ministry to preach. It’s a wonderful story he shares in this episode! I can’t wait for you to hear it. Unfortunately, like so many stories from the queer community, Don hid half of himself away every Sunday from 11-2. It wasn’t until he attended Harvard Divinity that he finally stopped living a double life and fully embodied who God had made him to be. Today, Don and the team at Pride In the Pews are actively working to give voice through story telling to Christian Black queer people. For too long the Black Church has silenced the queer voice and Pride In The Pews is working to change that narrative. If you are moved by what you hear in this episode, please support the work of Pride in the Pews by visiting prideinthepews.com and following Pride in the Pews on social media. With that, turn this up and listen to Don give witness to Black queer liberation theology!
In this episode, Chelsea and Dana sit down with Kendall Vanderslice. She is the founder of Edible Theology which offers bread workshops, bible curriculum, online community and other resources that are designed for Christians curious about the theological depth of food.
She is also the author of We Will Feast: Rethinking Dinner, Worship, and the Community of God.
In this conversation, we really dig into the ways in which food can be used to help us connect to the world, one another, ourselves and God. Kendall shares about the sacredness of food and the ways it can enlighten and enliven our lives.
For more information about Kendall Vnaderslice and Edible Theology please visit edibletheology.com
We hope you enjoy it!
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