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Mend, Not Fix: Indigenous Invitations to the Church with Jodi Spargur
Manage episode 518792965 series 3663126
Author and pastor Jodi Spargur joins host Vanessa Caruso and poet Matthew Church to explore her new book Mend—a gentle yet challenging invitation for the Church to move beyond “fixing” toward true repair and reciprocity with Indigenous peoples.
They talk about what it means to mend rather than fix—embracing slowness, humility, and generational commitment to right relationship. Along the way, the conversation weaves through stories of Indigenous hospitality and generosity, reflections on Zacchaeus and kintsugi (the art of golden repair), and the surprising presence of joy at the edge of lament.
Together they ask:
- What does “land back” really mean for local churches?
- How can reconciliation become a shared spiritual practice rather than a political project?
- What would it look like for faith communities to stay in the work of mending for generations to come?
Jodi shares how Mend grew from her encounters with Indigenous elders and the question that first sparked the book: “Where is the Church?”—a challenge and an invitation to show up with love, humility, and courage.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or unsure where to begin with reconciliation, this conversation offers a hopeful path forward: an invitation to join the long, beautiful work of mending together.
**VISTA is thrilled to be hosting a book launch celebration for Jodi Spagur and several other local authors**
Save the Date!
VISTA is thrilled to be hosting a book launch celebration for Mend by Jodi Spagur, published by New Leaf Network! Mend: An Invitation from Jesus to Return to Land-based Repair.
Plus — we’ll be highlighting several local authors and their brand-new books. It’s going to be an inspiring evening of stories, conversation, and community.
James Prette- Five Invitations
Vanessa Siemens Maher- 50 States of Grief
Randy Hein- From Where We Stand
Matthew Church- Through Darkness
Kyla Ward- Under the Sky
Copies of all the books will be available for purchase at the event
Friday, November 21 | 7:00–9:00 PM Church of Our Lord, hosted by The Table Church
TICKETS HERE - Cost $10 in advance or $15 at the door.
This collaborative event is brought to you by Vista: The Vancouver Island School of Theology and the Arts and New Leaf Network.
Learn more about the Vancouver Island School of Theology and the Arts
Credits:
Coastal Theology Podcast theme performed by Mark Glanville
Chapters
1. Welcome And Context (00:00:00)
2. Introducing Jodi And Mend (00:01:16)
3. Why Mend Belongs In Community (00:03:56)
4. Learning The Basics: TRC, Treaties, Land Back (00:05:55)
5. Building Bridges Not Barriers (00:09:24)
6. Invitations National And Local (00:12:01)
7. Reciprocity And Receiving Generosity (00:15:45)
8. Naming, Change, And New Identities (00:20:02)
9. Zacchaeus As A Guide To Repair (00:23:20)
10. What Mend Means Beyond Fixing (00:28:03)
11. Generational Pace And Durable Relationships (00:33:07)
12. Kintsugi, Joy, And Lament (00:38:20)
13. From Inspiration To Action (00:42:10)
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