Month: March 2025

Reproductive Rights, Respectability Politics and Methodism

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Methodism has influenced – and been influenced by – issues such as reproductive justice, the concept of respectability politics and contemporary perceptions of womanhood. Dr. Ashley Boggan and guest Dr. Amy Laura Hall, Duke University professor and ordained elder in The UMC, take a deep dive into understanding why our 20th century history matters for 21st century decisions on these vital topics.

Explore the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory.

Interested in a deep dive into the earliest stories of Methodism? Sign up for a free, online, four-module history course titled “Radicle Methodism: Back to our Roots” at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory/Radicle-Methodism.

Listen to other episodes of “Un-Tied Methodism” at UnTiedMethodism.org.

[105] Revitalizing church models and communicating change with Matt Austin and Matt Patrick

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In this episode of MyCom Church Communications and Marketing, we’re getting an inspiring story out of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Matt Austin and Matt Patrick are co-pastors at University United Methodist Church.  Matt and Matt share their journey of reimagining church sustainability through alternate income models, space utilization, and unique ventures like their very own coffee trailer in this episode. Plus, they discuss the importance of embracing change, fostering a culture of learning, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Whether you’re in church leadership or just passionate about community innovation, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.

Sophia Wisdom: Little known gift for big transformation

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Discernment. Peace. Reason. Those characteristics belong to Sophia Wisdom, a gift of the Spirit that is referenced in the Book of James. Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi discusses how this little-known spiritual gift can deepen our understanding of wisdom and transform our conversations, relationships and lives.

More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.

Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org

Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.

[153] Lent: Hungry and wanting more

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Lent’s more than a diet; it’s a spiritual journey. Joseph Yoo shares how fasting reveals our hunger and dependence on God. Dive into silence and prayer, and discover what your Lenten practice has to teach you.

Hungry for more Compass? Check out www.umc.org/compass for notes and more episodes.

Taking faith into the legislature: A politician’s story

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Churches are good at food drives, but not as good at food justice, claims Kathy Webb, a cradle United Methodist who has worked in Arkansas politics for decades. Kathy shares how her faith integrates with social justice as a passionate advocate who engages with her community, city boards, commissions and church to tackle pressing issues such as housing, healthcare access, voting rights and criminal justice reform. And discover how, as Jesus commanded, when we love our neighbors, we can all contribute to a more just and equitable society.

More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.

Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org

Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.

[152] Spiritual mixtaping and bridging faith, culture and identity with Tamice Spencer-Helms

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In this episode, we unpack the importance of embracing human complexity and the practice of truth-telling in spirituality. From Lauryn Hill to Kendrick Lamar, see how a cultural mixtape can guide one’s spiritual journey. Don’t miss insights on how spiritual seekers can curate a personalized connection to the divine through grounded traditions and ethical practices.

Our guest is Tamice Spencer-Helms, a theologian, public speaker, curriculum developer, and consultant With over two decades of experience in young adult leadership, spiritual innovation, and social change. Tamice brings a deep well of wisdom to their work.

In this episode:
(00:00) Spiritual Mix Taping with Tamice
(03:31) Mixtapes as connectors of faith
(07:36) The mixtape as Black Cultural Expression
(10:07) Rethinking perfection and ethical relativity
(17:48) Find spiritual awe in the modern world
(20:25) Overcoming fear through music
(27:20) Faith and identity in Black America
(31:33) Hush harbors in the modern day
(34:08) Closing

Join us to uncover how the R.E.S.T. mixtape can lead to a richer, more holistic spiritual life: https://umc.org/compass

Keywords: spirituality, faith exploration, hush harbors, mixtape metaphor, spiritual innovation, radical ethics, tethered practices, personal identity and faith, Tamice Spencer-Helms.