Amanda Higgin tells the story of Vicky Beeching – a Christian pop star who dropped a bomb on the conservative evangelical church when she came out as gay. Vicky had known she was gay since the age of 13 and had suffered the internal conflict familiar to young, gay evangelicals, including seeking out conversion therapy and even exorcism. Beeching hoped that by coming out she could show not only young, gay evangelicals but in fact everybody that the best gift of God is to be our whole selves. Being defiantly, fully herself lost her a successful career, global fame, and a strong platform, but it also healed her.

Jo Dolby speaks about the life of Bartolomé de las Casas as part of our Messy Table series. De las Casas believed that as a Christian he had a right and duty to participate in Spanish colonialism in the Indies. He came to realise, however, that the natives were human beings who ought to be treated with respect, and began to oppose colonial practices both politically and theologically. De las Casas is an example of how to change our minds, how to stop being part of systemic injustice and to advocate for those we have hurt. His story also demonstrates how important it is to recognise and honour the full, image-of-God humanity of those who are different to us, and the consequences when we do not. The Link to the video used in the the recording is https://vimeo.com/oasisbath/bartolomedelascasas?share=copy

Special guest speaker and the founder of Oasis, Steve Chalke will be talking about 'the virtue of stubbornness', as shown through the life and example of Violet Hedger. Violet was the first woman in the Baptist Union to formally train for ministry. She was recognised as a minister by her local community but faced social and institutional discrimination when she tried to gain training and recognition from the national body. She was eventually recognised several decades later by the same institution that first dismissed her, then learned from her.

How can we persevere in our own vocation when we feel rejected by others? How can we seek support from our personal connections, local community, and church when we are struggling against a faceless institution? What does this story tell us about how institutions change and how the church is messy?

Amanda Higgin begins a brand new speaking series. If you could host a dinner party of historical people of faith, who would you invite? As a church we are part of a long history of people who wrestled with their faith in what felt like confusing and uncertain times. Over the next few weeks we'll be presenting stories and imperfect personalities that challenge us to live more like Jesus. We hope their examples will inspire us to work out what that looks like as the latest generation in a community that has always been ‘the messy table’.

We're joined on the sofa this month by Anna Robinson as we explore ‘faith evolution as formation’. Anna is a nature lover, nomad, sojourner and spiritual seeker. She is passionate about growing, learning, awakening and making meaningful connections for a better world. She is a host on the popular faith deconstruction podcast ‘Nomad’, for the curious and questioning listener. She also writes and records the Nomad Contemplations, writes a blog called ‘Foraging for the Soul’ and hosts retreats. She has founded Livelightdwelldeep, a space for those on the edges, where she offers Faith Shift groups and contemplative retreats online and in person.

How can we make sure we're not totally reliant on church gatherings or leaders for our spiritual health and development? How can we find 'food' to nourish us, and what are the metaphorical places we can 'forage' for goodness that will sustain and help us in our spiritual lives? Jo Dolby shares her thoughts about this.

Jesus operated within a Jewish Rabbi and disciple system, where his disciples weren’t just trying to do what their Rabbi taught them, but actually become as much like him as possible. Through his teachings and their relationship with him they were ‘formed’ into his likeness and this process continues with us today. Rob Trickey explores how a deeper knowledge of this can help us understand what it truly means to be a disciple and follow Jesus.

Jo Dolby presents an honest and transparent picture of the conflicts, ethical dilemmas, and tensions a church leader holds in relation to giving. Jo deliberately aims to talk about aspects of church giving that perhaps aren’t usually talked about, such as the over-spiritualisation of giving, traditional ideas about giving that perhaps need to be reimagined and how we avoid pressuring or manipulating people to give while also inviting people to ‘buy-in’ to our vision as a church and charity.

We continue our ‘Hands In’ series, having a look at giving from 'Behind the Scenes'. We hear from our church treasurer Dave Vernalls about what it takes to fund a church and community hub and some of his reflections on giving from his general experience within finance and as our Oasis Church Bath treasurer!

Our Sofa Sunday guest is Annie Trembling. Annie is a Deacon at Bath Methodist Church and the co-ordinator of the Southdown and Whiteway Church and Community Partnership, as well as a good friend of Oasis! Annie has been involved in a wide range of church and community work for many years and is one of our key partners in delivering Roundhill Pantry in Southdown.