The Table at Central United Methodist Church — Attraction in Sacramento

Where can I start... The Table // I was in search of a church that felt like home and strived to actually follow after Jesus. After graduating from college (Azusa Pacific University) and being spoiled with the amazing Christian resources the college had to offer (bible classes, chapels with amazing worship & sermons); the church I was in search for had big shoes to fill! I visited a number of churches in Stockton and Sacramento areas and started to feel like I'd never find the place I could call home away from home. It wasn’t until after I spoke with my sister that she had mentioned passing a church with a huge LGBTQ flag outside it’s doors. I asked her more about the church and she stated that she had not been yet but knew the church was inclusive with such a flag flying outside for all to see. Shortly thereafter, I visited for the first time and immediately fell in love! The church was exactly what I had been looking for! It didn’t hurt that the pastor was drop dead handsome as well! Everyone was very outgoing and friendly. Not being a Methodist (growing up Pentecostal, then non-denominational) or having much knowledge as to how a service is generally run, I was a little weirded out about parts of the service where everyone joins in statements projected on the screen (prayers, etc.). Being a newcomer, it felt a bit cultish but I soon got over this difference and now celebrate this joining of voices in belief statements, etc. Going to APU helped however as I learned a lot about the founder of Methodism and that put my worries to ease. The pastors also welcome any and all questions you have, no matter how ridiculous or challenging! They may not have the answers, but they are happy to engage in difficult conversations with anyone. It’s wonderful to be a part of a church that truly loves ALL and mean what they say when All Means All! I feel such community and care in this congregation that I hope to never have to leave/relocate far away. Currently I live in Stockton but make the trek to Sacramento most every weekend to participate in this Christian community. Now I’m a part of a loving Kitchen Table (KT) where I can share and grow with members in my church on a more intimate level. If you are someone that is looking for a church that is active in their community, this would be a perfect place to check out. We help our community as much as we are able in ways like partnering with agencies to help refugees find homes in the local area, with the homeless in the winter (Winter Sanctuary), and we celebrate Easter in the McKinley Rose Garden very early in the morning! Last year Easter was on my birthday and I was able to celebrate with my boyfriend in the rose garden at 6:30 AM! I also love, love that there is a Christmas Eve celebration late in the evening to celebrate the birth of Jesus! It’s the thought, energy, and love that go into these events that you can feel! Sorry for the long review but I had to make sure I didn’t miss a thing with how amazing this place is. Check us out! We have a Facebook page, Instagram and website where we put up our podcasts of the weekly sermons! #thesanctuaryisbeautiful #sermonsareuniqueandinteresting #stunningstainedglass #realcommunity #allmeansall #inclusivity #art...

I love this church! The Table truly embodies its message that all means all--everyone is welcomed and embraced as we are. On any given Sunday, over 1/3 of the congregation are LGBTQ and there's a good mix of people who are young and old, new to religion and religious all their lives, from blue collar jobs to wealthy. The sermons are engaging and address current events in ways that link to Christianity and challenge us to examine what we believe (never telling us what to believe) and to live it out. The church isn't afraid to take on controversial issues (immigration, police shootings, abortion, prisoners, LGBTQ rights, etc.) and to really walk the walk, whether it's providing diapers and bus passes for teen mommies; furnishing apartments for refugees and helping them navigate grocery shopping, going to the doctor, getting a car, or registering for school; working with communities from other faiths to build housing for low-income families; not only providing food and shelter to homeless folks in the winter but also turning the sanctuary into a movie theater and having yoga classes and 12 step meetings going on upstairs; and so much more. The Sunday school classes for kids embrace students with special needs and make space for kids to wonder about their faith tradition and what they believe. The Kitchen Tables (small groups) help teens and adults reflect about the ways we're doing good, doing--or avoiding doing--harm, staying in love with God, and interacting with scripture in our lives. If you're looking for a church that will love you for who you are, give you the space to grow into who God is calling you to be, and encourage you to find answers that work for you, then check out The Table. All are welcome. ...

My husband and I have been attending The Table for about 3 years now. We were looking for a church that would be welcoming to the LGBTQ Community so I asked some Facebook friends for recommendations. Almost all placed The Table at the top of their list ao we decided to give it a try.

From the very first service, I knew that this was not your grandfather's church. The music is current & the messages are designed to make scripture relevant to our lives today. One of the banners in front of the church says "All Means All." The 2 co-pastors genuinely operate from that mindset - everyone is warmly welcomed. You can feel it when you walk in the door.

If you're looking for fire and brimstone, you won't find it at The Table. I left Fundamentalism because their view of Biblical teachings is so narrow-minded and not based in fact. Christ was concerned for those who were marginalized by the majority and the powers-that-be. The Bible gives example after example of this throughout the ministry of Christ.

If you are looking for a Christian church that strives to provide the tools that help Christians grow in their faith, a church that reaches out to those in need, one that actively seeks out and supports individuals and organizations trying to make a positive impact on the lives of those who are in need, then please visit The Table. Pastors Matt and Linda will welcome you, as will the...