The Collective Table

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 -- 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 Hannah 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. thecollectivetable.org

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! thecollectivetable.org

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). Make sure to sign-up to receive the full collections right to your inbox! thecollectivetable.org

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! thecollectivetable.org

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! thecollectivetable.org

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! thecollectivetable.org

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! thecollectivetable.org 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! thecollectivetable.org 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. thecollectivetable.org 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. thecollectivetable.org

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. thecollectivetable.org