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This Is God's Table: Finding Church Beyond the Walls
Can a barren city lot become a church?
This is the story of an audacious journey. It’s the story of what happens when people garden, worship, and eat together—and invite anyone and everyone to join them. In This Is God’s Table, writer and pastor Anna Woofenden describes the way that the wealthy and the poor, the aged and the young, the housed and unhoused become a community in this once-empty lot. Together they plant and sustain a thriving urban farm, worship God, and share a weekly meal. Together they craft a shared life and a place of authenticity where all are welcome. Readers of Nadia Bolz-Weber, Sara Miles, and Diana Butler Bass will find here a kindred vision for a church without walls.
As churches across the Western world wither, what would it take to find a raw, honest, gritty way of doing church—one rooted in place, nurtured by grace, and grounded in God’s expansive love? What would it take to carry the liturgy outside the gates? What if we were to discover that in feeding others, we are fed?
This is God’s table. Come and eat.
This is the story of an audacious journey. It’s the story of what happens when people garden, worship, and eat together—and invite anyone and everyone to join them. In This Is God’s Table, writer and pastor Anna Woofenden describes the way that the wealthy and the poor, the aged and the young, the housed and unhoused become a community in this once-empty lot. Together they plant and sustain a thriving urban farm, worship God, and share a weekly meal. Together they craft a shared life and a place of authenticity where all are welcome. Readers of Nadia Bolz-Weber, Sara Miles, and Diana Butler Bass will find here a kindred vision for a church without walls.
As churches across the Western world wither, what would it take to find a raw, honest, gritty way of doing church—one rooted in place, nurtured by grace, and grounded in God’s expansive love? What would it take to carry the liturgy outside the gates? What if we were to discover that in feeding others, we are fed?
This is God’s table. Come and eat.
272 pages, Paperback
Published April 21, 2020
34 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 18, 2020
Beautiful story of finding and building a community of God outside of the traditional church. I loved learning about all the different types of people who found family and sanctuary through Reverend Anna’s vision, people who wouldn’t usually think of attending a church. A moving and inspiring read, especially for those who may have been disillusioned by organized religion but who still long for God.
February 12, 2020
If you are even a remote acquaintance of Anna Woofenden's, "This is God's Table: Finding Church Beyond the Walls" will not surprise you.
It possesses her intelligence. It possesses her insight. It possesses her passion. It possesses her compassion. It possesses her humility. It possesses her deep awareness that a church is far more than a building or a sanctuary or anything that can be or should be confined within four walls.
If you are not an acquaintance of Anna Woofenden's, then rest assured that what you read within the pages of "This is God's Table" radiates her deep commitment to life and love and God and the earth and ministry and so much more.
I am a passing acquaintance of Woofenden's, someone who has met her on a couple of occasions and someone who would likely stick out in her memory more because of my being a double amputee and in a wheelchair than because of my personality or any connection I've had to her life. We attended neighboring seminaries - she Earlham School of Religion and I Bethany Theological Seminary.
I was honored to be able to read an Advanced Reader's Copy of "This is God's Table," a book that I would easily label as an essential read for this interested in church planting, creative ministry, progressive theology, and the memoir of a pastor.
"This is God's Table" is all of these things. It's a beautiful example of the trials and tribulations of church planting. In this case, that church is San Pedro, California's The Garden Church, an outdoor church planted by Woofenden that continues even as Woofenden's time with the congregation has now ended. "This is God's Table" explores the theology behind planting the church, but also delves into the challenges finding volunteers, finding congregants, solving practical issues, raising funds, and more.
"This is God's Table" is also a wonderful book for those who seek to explore non-traditional ministries, yet want to have ministries rooted within ritual. Woofenden, who is ordained within a progressive branch of the Swedenborgian faith, develops the church's beliefs and practices from a variety of faiths, inspirations, mentors, and other sources.
"This is God's Table" explores Woofenden's theology, a unique weaving together of the somewhat conservative and somewhat progressive branches of the Swedenborgian church in which she grew up and a faith that has grown into her own expression. While there are many resources available for church planters, Woofenden's more progressive theology is a welcome addition to the subject.
Finally, and perhaps most successfully, "This is God's Table" explores Woofenden herself. As a female pastor, Woofenden writes honestly and authentically about her development as a pastor, her growth as a pastor, her inspiration, the practical aspects of her ministry, and her growth into a relationship with her eventual spouse. It's refreshing to see a book so openly address the subject of love and relationship, an important subject that is so seldom addressed.
Woofenden writes in a way that beautifully weaves together both spirit and intellect. She writes with tremendous humility, often acknowledging her own flaws as a pastor and as a human being while also being open to lessons learned even from those she serves including many of San Pedro's unhoused residents. Woofenden references quite a few contemporary Christian writers throughout "This is God's Table," yet seldom simply makes statements or references without providing resources and/or scriptural references for additional follow-up.
A mutual friend who unexpected passed away, Tracy, is mentioned eloquently in "This is God's Table" while Woofenden isn't shy about writing on those situations where she questioned herself, her words, and her actions.
With "This is God's Table," Woofenden paints a vision of church done differently and it's a church that she and God and volunteers and the diverse residents of San Pedro brought to life. She paints a vision of a church without walls where you can find both God and a garden. She paints a vision of hope for pastors who wish to be different and for those who've been hurt by church that they too might find a place where they truly can belong. She paints a vision of abundance redefined. She paints a vision of church planting that is realistic yet visionary, challenging yet possible, unpredictable yet sustainable, and filled with all the harsh realities of life yet also filled with so much love.
"This is God's Table: Finding Church Beyond the Walls" is an insight, engaging, and truly enjoyable read that radiates God's love in each of its pages and will leave you feeling better after having read it. A refreshing new theological voice in literature, Anna Woofenden has crafted a book about reaping what we sow and sowing what we reap all in one.
If you appreciate Christian writers such as Diana Butler Bass, Rachel Held Evans, Nadia Bolz-Weber, and Sara Miles then "This is God's Table: Finding Church Beyond the Walls" is most definitely a book to add to your collection.
It possesses her intelligence. It possesses her insight. It possesses her passion. It possesses her compassion. It possesses her humility. It possesses her deep awareness that a church is far more than a building or a sanctuary or anything that can be or should be confined within four walls.
If you are not an acquaintance of Anna Woofenden's, then rest assured that what you read within the pages of "This is God's Table" radiates her deep commitment to life and love and God and the earth and ministry and so much more.
I am a passing acquaintance of Woofenden's, someone who has met her on a couple of occasions and someone who would likely stick out in her memory more because of my being a double amputee and in a wheelchair than because of my personality or any connection I've had to her life. We attended neighboring seminaries - she Earlham School of Religion and I Bethany Theological Seminary.
I was honored to be able to read an Advanced Reader's Copy of "This is God's Table," a book that I would easily label as an essential read for this interested in church planting, creative ministry, progressive theology, and the memoir of a pastor.
"This is God's Table" is all of these things. It's a beautiful example of the trials and tribulations of church planting. In this case, that church is San Pedro, California's The Garden Church, an outdoor church planted by Woofenden that continues even as Woofenden's time with the congregation has now ended. "This is God's Table" explores the theology behind planting the church, but also delves into the challenges finding volunteers, finding congregants, solving practical issues, raising funds, and more.
"This is God's Table" is also a wonderful book for those who seek to explore non-traditional ministries, yet want to have ministries rooted within ritual. Woofenden, who is ordained within a progressive branch of the Swedenborgian faith, develops the church's beliefs and practices from a variety of faiths, inspirations, mentors, and other sources.
"This is God's Table" explores Woofenden's theology, a unique weaving together of the somewhat conservative and somewhat progressive branches of the Swedenborgian church in which she grew up and a faith that has grown into her own expression. While there are many resources available for church planters, Woofenden's more progressive theology is a welcome addition to the subject.
Finally, and perhaps most successfully, "This is God's Table" explores Woofenden herself. As a female pastor, Woofenden writes honestly and authentically about her development as a pastor, her growth as a pastor, her inspiration, the practical aspects of her ministry, and her growth into a relationship with her eventual spouse. It's refreshing to see a book so openly address the subject of love and relationship, an important subject that is so seldom addressed.
Woofenden writes in a way that beautifully weaves together both spirit and intellect. She writes with tremendous humility, often acknowledging her own flaws as a pastor and as a human being while also being open to lessons learned even from those she serves including many of San Pedro's unhoused residents. Woofenden references quite a few contemporary Christian writers throughout "This is God's Table," yet seldom simply makes statements or references without providing resources and/or scriptural references for additional follow-up.
A mutual friend who unexpected passed away, Tracy, is mentioned eloquently in "This is God's Table" while Woofenden isn't shy about writing on those situations where she questioned herself, her words, and her actions.
With "This is God's Table," Woofenden paints a vision of church done differently and it's a church that she and God and volunteers and the diverse residents of San Pedro brought to life. She paints a vision of a church without walls where you can find both God and a garden. She paints a vision of hope for pastors who wish to be different and for those who've been hurt by church that they too might find a place where they truly can belong. She paints a vision of abundance redefined. She paints a vision of church planting that is realistic yet visionary, challenging yet possible, unpredictable yet sustainable, and filled with all the harsh realities of life yet also filled with so much love.
"This is God's Table: Finding Church Beyond the Walls" is an insight, engaging, and truly enjoyable read that radiates God's love in each of its pages and will leave you feeling better after having read it. A refreshing new theological voice in literature, Anna Woofenden has crafted a book about reaping what we sow and sowing what we reap all in one.
If you appreciate Christian writers such as Diana Butler Bass, Rachel Held Evans, Nadia Bolz-Weber, and Sara Miles then "This is God's Table: Finding Church Beyond the Walls" is most definitely a book to add to your collection.
May 31, 2025
I love the idea of taking the “Church” outside the walls of a building! And that it happened in an urban community garden is so beautiful!
January 10, 2020
This is a beautiful, vulnerable reflection of a godly pastor-shepherd. Woofenden offers more than just a chronological account of an innovative church plant; she gives us a glimpse into her personal transformation and growth. This book is not a how-to; it is soul food. It will be a book I return to in years to come to be reminded of God's inclusive, generous heart for humankind, and my part to play in the on-going story of redemption.
April 27, 2020
This book is hopeful, gritty, and beautifully written. What happens when a new church springs up on a vacant lot in a big city? Beauty. Truth. Hilarity. Heartache. The abundant grace of God. And a LOT of new life. Anna Woofendon has written a masterpiece. You’ll want one for you and one for a friend.
February 10, 2020
I received an advanced readers copy of This is God’s Table written by Anna Woofenden. I was intrigued by the concept of the subtitle - Finding Church Beyond the Walls. Anna did a beautiful job describing how she was led by God to begin a unique approach to “church.” By following her heart and God’s will, she managed to establish a community of people from all different backgrounds, ages and status as they turned an empty lot into a thriving church. A church that may have not looked like your typical pulpit and pew, but certainly one that impacted the world around them. Through stories, examples and a willingness to share her heart, Anna inspires us readers to think outside the “four walls” of church and what it should look like and instead dream big and start small, being confident that God has a place for His Church in every aspect of our world.
January 20, 2020
Can a garden frown in an abandoned alley on a street in LA?
Can a church grow amidst the plants and colorful characters that find themselves in this garden?
This is the questions Anna asks as she plants a community garden/church in LA. This book is so rich. If you find yourself more on the traditional side of faith, prepare to be bothered. If you find yourself open to new ideas and finding God in the ordinary, thin spaces of life, prepare to feel at home. I loved her story. I loved their story. And I loved being able to find myself within its pages. I will press this into the hands of so many friends.
Can a church grow amidst the plants and colorful characters that find themselves in this garden?
This is the questions Anna asks as she plants a community garden/church in LA. This book is so rich. If you find yourself more on the traditional side of faith, prepare to be bothered. If you find yourself open to new ideas and finding God in the ordinary, thin spaces of life, prepare to feel at home. I loved her story. I loved their story. And I loved being able to find myself within its pages. I will press this into the hands of so many friends.
May 7, 2020
My feelings on this book are very mixed, and I'm not entirely sure if I've processed them all yet. Let me start by saying Anna Woofenden is a fantastic writer. Her words and reflections are beautiful and easy to read. One of the things I most appreciated about this book is the way she endeared many of society's most vulnerable (unhoused, mentally ill, etc.) To the reader and showed their importance, humanity and value to God's Kingdom. I also appreciated Anna's passion for doing church in a unique way and her transparency about some of the challenges that come with that. With all that in mind, I still can't wholeheartedly embrace this book. I struggled with some of the theological viewpoints that shone through in this book - Anna's uniquely shaped theology (through Swedenborgianism and other traditions) often clashed with my own, and even at times, what I would consider orthodox. I found myself diving more into some of the views she expressed to try to understand them better. So, this was an intriguing read- but I did have some hesitancies about it.
May 25, 2020
I read this just after For All Who Hunger. What a delight to read back-to-back books about faith and food and community! This one was about the planting of The Garden Church in San Pedro, CA. It was especially interesting to read as we are all thinking more about having outside church gatherings and what that looks like - this was a good reminder that we can and should be intentional about those worship services as well. I’m not a gardener, but I do love this idea. I also listened to Anna Woofenden's podcast where she interviewed Emily Scott and they spoke so thoughtfully about how these church models worked because they were right for the time and place.
February 17, 2020
I've been fascinated by Garden Church ever since I first met Anna Woofenden a couple years ago. This story of its origins and development is challenging, heartwarming, and inspiring. There is so much to learn from here, even (maybe especially) for those who don't share all of Anna's theological convictions. The value of the table cannot be overestimated and nothing binds people together like shared work and shared meals. Although Anna and Garden Church are well-known in certain circles, I'm thrilled that this book will introduce them to a much broader audience.
October 28, 2025
A woman feels compelled to open up her own garden for the community to be a part of, but she wants to also have it be a place of worship, where the community can meet for church. Anna Woofenden talks about her upbringing a little bit into a denomination I had never heard about, but how it caused her to always long to connect with other people through her faith and to live out the gospel of reaching out to the lost, hurting, and marginalized.
What drew me to this is that my church also has a community garden and is a tiny church (though we meet in a building for church and live in a place with all the seasons). I wanted to hear her thoughts on what it is like to run this garden and church.
I liked learning about how the church also goes around collecting compost for the garden throughout the community. You can see how a lot of the people feel seen who are homeless, which is lovely too. I think this is definitely the gospel being lived out in a fun and beautiful way.
There was a lot of talk about things like Lent as well. Although I don't do the ashes on the forehead tradition that Anna Woofenden does, I appreciated that she went around asking if people would like blessings and receive the ashes for Lent throughout the community. It was very sweet when she said a young teen boy teared up over it. That's really lovely how touched he was.
This was a sweet book. I don't agree per say with everything mentioned in this book, but the stories were inspiring and encouraging.
What drew me to this is that my church also has a community garden and is a tiny church (though we meet in a building for church and live in a place with all the seasons). I wanted to hear her thoughts on what it is like to run this garden and church.
I liked learning about how the church also goes around collecting compost for the garden throughout the community. You can see how a lot of the people feel seen who are homeless, which is lovely too. I think this is definitely the gospel being lived out in a fun and beautiful way.
There was a lot of talk about things like Lent as well. Although I don't do the ashes on the forehead tradition that Anna Woofenden does, I appreciated that she went around asking if people would like blessings and receive the ashes for Lent throughout the community. It was very sweet when she said a young teen boy teared up over it. That's really lovely how touched he was.
This was a sweet book. I don't agree per say with everything mentioned in this book, but the stories were inspiring and encouraging.
May 28, 2020
I want to go to this church. I loved this book; a dear friend gifted it to me and didn't know I lived in San Pedro for a few years growing up. It felt like having a peek behind stage and knowing the set.
I love being in a garden and I long for a church that is actively working on being open to all. I have often found churches to be very kind to their own inner circle but complacent about what is happening in their communities at lard but the Garden Church works hard to be more than that. Rev. Anna does acknowledge how hard working against systemic injustice is and how bringing people together fron different backgrounds is not always a smooth process. Honestly, I could have done with even more about the struggles because I think often those of us with privilege engage until things get truly difficult and challenging. Reminders of how much work it takes to do the work worth doing is a refrain I know I need over and over. However, I imagine the balance is fine when writing a book with characters who are still around and engaged in a community.
This is God's Table made me hopeful that I can indeed find the kind of church I want, which is not always I hope I feel I can hold onto. It also made me more curious about the Swedenborg tradition.
I hope this work inspires religious communities to live into radical welcoming and to be a part of a world that names injustice and works against it.
I love being in a garden and I long for a church that is actively working on being open to all. I have often found churches to be very kind to their own inner circle but complacent about what is happening in their communities at lard but the Garden Church works hard to be more than that. Rev. Anna does acknowledge how hard working against systemic injustice is and how bringing people together fron different backgrounds is not always a smooth process. Honestly, I could have done with even more about the struggles because I think often those of us with privilege engage until things get truly difficult and challenging. Reminders of how much work it takes to do the work worth doing is a refrain I know I need over and over. However, I imagine the balance is fine when writing a book with characters who are still around and engaged in a community.
This is God's Table made me hopeful that I can indeed find the kind of church I want, which is not always I hope I feel I can hold onto. It also made me more curious about the Swedenborg tradition.
I hope this work inspires religious communities to live into radical welcoming and to be a part of a world that names injustice and works against it.
August 23, 2022
There were things I loved about this book and things I wasn't sure what to do with.
Let me say, Anna's idea of loving others and reaching out in love to everybody is something that I feel a lot of churches are missing these days. It was so encouraging to hear of the work this church was doing and the people it was reaching - people that might not ever set foot in the average American church.
That said, her theology didn't line up with mine completely. That's not a terrible thing - it means this book might make you dig a little bit and think about why you believe what you believe. Theology aside, we all can learn something from this book about how to love others well. For that, I'm thankful to have had the chance to read this.
Let me say, Anna's idea of loving others and reaching out in love to everybody is something that I feel a lot of churches are missing these days. It was so encouraging to hear of the work this church was doing and the people it was reaching - people that might not ever set foot in the average American church.
That said, her theology didn't line up with mine completely. That's not a terrible thing - it means this book might make you dig a little bit and think about why you believe what you believe. Theology aside, we all can learn something from this book about how to love others well. For that, I'm thankful to have had the chance to read this.
February 1, 2023
This is an inspirational book about how a Christian church can be. An autobiographical account of how Anna, a minister who had been involved in various denominations, planted (set up) an outside church in a rundown part of LA based on a garden. It allowed people suspicious or dismissive of church but seeking community friendship and affirmation to venture in and over time become part of the church or not but always to feel accepted and valued. It used the shared activity of gardening in growing food and respecting nature and then sharing a meal as the focus of the church. It was open to all accepting diversity.
What walls we put up within the walls of our churches- the jargon, the formality of knowing what to do when. Those attending church could learn a lot from this book.
What walls we put up within the walls of our churches- the jargon, the formality of knowing what to do when. Those attending church could learn a lot from this book.
May 8, 2020
I enjoyed this book and found many of Anna Woofenden's reflections on her time with the Garden Church community beautiful and deeply thought-provoking. The middle section was a bit slow and I could've done without the detailed, play-by-play descriptions of various services ... I'm not sure the liturgy needed to be included in full in order for readers to grasp the point being made. That said, this book did make me stop and ponder what it means to be a faith-filled community, a Church, and the various ways that can play out in 2020 and beyond. Worth the read.
August 8, 2020
There are not many books that resonate with me on a molecular level. But I found myself near tears in multiple places throughout this journey. It was probably because it is so well-written and Pastor Anna has such a fantastic story-telling ability, but I found myself moving through the joy, exhaustion, anxiety, and grief with her. I highly recommend for anyone who needs a bit of realistic hope for the church and the world.
September 19, 2020
There is so much we can learn about God from simple "creation care" as demonstrated in this enlightening story.
Basically we are taken on the journey of someone who starts a garden in a well-traveled urban neighborhood. It's a fun walk.
Her garden becomes a gathering place and her gathering place becomes a church.
There is much inspiration in her story. There is a lot to learn in her story!
Basically we are taken on the journey of someone who starts a garden in a well-traveled urban neighborhood. It's a fun walk.
Her garden becomes a gathering place and her gathering place becomes a church.
There is much inspiration in her story. There is a lot to learn in her story!
October 31, 2021
Garden Church founder Anna Woofenden is now one of the young people I aspire to grow up to be like — a person whose spirituality infuses the very human experiences of caring for others beyond what her own resources can provide. She says, over and over: “Everyone has something they are hungry for, and everyone has something to offer.” That’s part of what I try to express in “Not Quite Fine,” but she managed to express it in a church. Strongest recommendation.
February 23, 2020
This book is a gorgeous look at the creation of a Christ-based community and it’s amazing impact on those around it. I love the fact that those without homes are represented in this and that the people who attended this church are treated with the dignity and respect that all deserve. The book is wonderfully written and hard to put down, meaning I finish it in a few hours. Definitely recommend.
April 6, 2020
This is a great story of God being found in the midst of normalcy. Normal neighborhood, normal people, normal garden, normal food. But amidst all this, a unique community gathers together sharing in God’s goodness, thus creating a pocket of heaven on their street for all to join in. If you want to read a creative narrative of God working amongst his people, this book is it!
May 1, 2020
The highest compliment I can give this book, it made me want to visit this church. Not once but for at least a month, so I could really feel I was a part of it. An honest telling, about the hard work of starting a church plant, ministering to those with low or no income, working in a urban environment, etc. I love Anna's words and her heart for God.
January 28, 2022
Wow! There’s so much to unpack in this book. Anna writes in such an engaging way and weaves stories together in a powerful way. Though I don’t believe I’m 100% in agreement with all of her theology, there is so much of God clearly present in the Garden Church that. This is a book that moves me with beauty of true church and encourages me to dream.
July 3, 2024
This book is very engaging. It talks about the planting of the Garden Church, a concept that was new and exciting to me. There are so many touching moments in this book. You might even shed a tear or two.
Loved it!
Loved it!
January 16, 2020
earc from netgalley.
this was actually really interesting to read- i liked getting to hear about something I did not know anything about before.
this was actually really interesting to read- i liked getting to hear about something I did not know anything about before.
June 3, 2021
Interesting story of an empty inner-city lot that was turned into a garden church.
July 20, 2022
I enjoyed reading this in my bible study. Outdoor church is very interesting in idea and practice.
April 29, 2020
This book is a must-read. If you are longing for hope and connection in the dark times that we're living through, this book will be comforting. God is with us, around us, caring for us. We are valuable to her.
This book is a salve, caring for my wounds that I have experienced at the hands of organized religion. So glad to call Anna Woofenden my friend, and I'm so glad that you can share in part of her journey through this book!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is a salve, caring for my wounds that I have experienced at the hands of organized religion. So glad to call Anna Woofenden my friend, and I'm so glad that you can share in part of her journey through this book!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 20, 2020
A must read for all interested in church planting, transformation, and listening to God's call
Though I know Anna and knew of the Garden Church, I was thoroughly drawn in to her narrative of following God's call to plant a new community right where the people's needs are. This is an excellent read for all pastors and dreamers in listening and growing a new community of faith.
Though I know Anna and knew of the Garden Church, I was thoroughly drawn in to her narrative of following God's call to plant a new community right where the people's needs are. This is an excellent read for all pastors and dreamers in listening and growing a new community of faith.
December 7, 2020
I adore Anna’s stories of unconventional church around a stump, in a garden, on a derelict urban west coast lot. She writes of compost and communal meals and cross-cultural love, and the world needs more of this. Even (especially), as we grow our way into new seasons of life together and apart...
July 5, 2022
Inspirational and Deeply Spiritual
What a fantastic read! I found this book so inspiring, heartwarming and moving. It challenged and encouraged me to look at faith and church in a new light. Beautiful!
What a fantastic read! I found this book so inspiring, heartwarming and moving. It challenged and encouraged me to look at faith and church in a new light. Beautiful!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews