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Season 12: Critical Themes for the Current and Future Church | Episode 1

Hospitality When It’s Uncomfortable

Overview

What are we seeing right around the corner from where the church is today? Around the corner is closer than we think. The Spirit is up to something and the invitation is to get close to what is happening right now, to pay attention, to notice, and to wonder.

This week hosts Lisa Greenwood and Kathi McShane speak with Alicia Forde, a pastor, poet, and organizer, and Tamice Spencer-Helms, a published author, speaker, and theologian. They explore the role of hospitality in what is emerging in the spiritual landscape today, not just as a friendly gesture but as a profound spiritual and proactive action that aligns with the justice and love of God. Listen as Lisa, Kathi, Alicia, and Tamice explore how we can expand our conventional understanding of hospitality, cultivating intentionality, letting go of control, and allowing space for authentic human connection.

In this conversation, you’ll hear:

  • Proactive Hospitality: True hospitality is proactive, involves aesthetics, authenticity, and attunement, and goes beyond simple friendliness.

  • Justice and Love: Effective hospitality integrates justice, attuned to the needs and stories of the marginalized, embodying God's love.

  • Vulnerability and Belonging: Spaces of hospitality must prioritize vulnerability and authenticity to foster a sense of belonging.

  • Attunement to Community: Congregational hospitality involves being attuned to the broader community, not just those within church walls.

  • Contemplative Practice: Slowing down and practicing contemplation can enhance the ability of spiritual communities to offer genuine hospitality.

Meet Our Guests

Rahel Billups

Rev. Alicia Forde

Rev. Alicia Forde is the newest member of the Learning and Innovation Team at Wesleyan Impact Partners, serving as our Director of Formation…we could not be more thrilled to welcome Alicia this fall and we are sure this is the first of what will be more podcast conversations with Alicia. Alicia is a pastor, poet, and organizer and most recently served for the UUA, as the International Office Director.

Rahel Billups

Tamice Spencer- Helms

Tamice Spencer-Helms is a published author, speaker, and theologian based in Richmond, Virginia. After 16 years of full-time ministry, she founded Sub: Culture Incorporated, a nonprofit that provides holistic support and crisis relief for Black College Students. Her book released in 2023 is Faith Unleavened: The Wilderness Between Trayvon Martin & George Floyd.

Show Notes

Rev. Alicia Forde is the newest member of the Learning and Innovation Team at Wesleyan Impact Partners, serving as our Director of Formation…we could not be more thrilled to welcome Alicia this fall and we are sure this is the first of what will be more podcast conversations with Alicia. Alicia is a pastor, poet, and organizer and most recently served for the UUA, as the International Office Director.

Tamice Spencer-Helms is a published author, speaker, and theologian based in Richmond, Virginia. After 16 years of full-time ministry, she founded Sub: Culture Incorporated, a nonprofit that provides holistic support and crisis relief for Black College Students. Her book released in 2023 is Faith Unleavened: The Wilderness Between Trayvon Martin & George Floyd.

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More From Season 12: Critical Themes for the Current and Future Church

Episode 4

Small Boats are the Big Wave for the Church

With Rev. Dr. Kenda Creasy Dean and Rev. Dr. Michael Beck

Episode 3

Place Matters

With Rev. William H. Lamar IV and Rev. Dr. Reginald Blount

Episode 2

The Power of Togetherness

With Vipin Thekk and Rabbi Elan Babchuck