ABOUT US
The Collective Table is a progressive and affirming Christian platform for those who want to follow Jesus, work for justice, and celebrate joy! The mission of The Collective Table is to provide content that is affirming and intentional, where individuals are encouraged to engage in a more authentic relationship with God, themselves, and others - wherever they may be on their spiritual journey.
Meet the Team
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Rev. Chelsea Simon (she/her)
Rev. Chelsea Simon is a wife, mom, colleague, and theologian-in-practice. She is passionate about living a life of intentionality and authenticity as she seeks to follow the radical example of Jesus...one of love, compassion, and justice.
Chelsea is an ordained Deacon in the UMC. She earned her M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a certificate in Pastoral Care and Counseling from the University of San Diego and her M.Div. from Claremont School of Theology.
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Dana Black (she/her)
Dana Black is a wife, mom, colleague, and theologian-in-practice. She thrives on engaging in collective work and believes in carving out micro-moments to find rest and re-energize in the presence of the Holy Creator.
Dana is a certified Deacon candidate in the UMC. She earned her M.A. in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from the University of San Diego and and is currently pursuing her M.A. in Christian Practice at Duke Divinity.
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Rev. Claire Watson (she/her)
Rev. Claire Watson is a wife, colleague, and theologian-in-practice. She believes in the Christ who dwells with us in all corners of our world, and she seeks to come alongside others in this journey of encountering Christ among us.
Claire is a commissioned Deacon in the UMC. She earned her B.A. in Religion and Nonprofit Management from Appalachian State University and her M.Div. from Duke Divinity School.
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Talip Peshkepia (He/Him)
Talip Peshkepia is the creator of the musical group Mystic Mercy. The main purpose of the project is to create a space in which to worship God and to share the love of Christ that is available to all.
Talip has been writing and leading worship with the First Presbyterian Church of Downey and beyond, working alongside organizations like Cal-PAC Eco Justice, and new faith communities like Rise (Escondido), The Loft (Westwood UMC) and now, The Collective Table.
Our Values
Vulnerability & Authenticity - To create spaces to share fears, joy, pain, questions - our whole and broken self
Inclusivity & Affirmation - To affirm all genders, sexual orientations, ethnicities, abilities, and enneagram numbers
Justice & Service - To engage in social justice in our community, our country, and our world
Joy & Celebration - To celebrate with laughter, dancing, singing, and yes, a party
Generosity & Abundance - To give abundantly and resist scarcity
Spirituality & Transformation - To transform our relationships with God, ourselves, and others