Led by area faith leaders known for their ability to build community at the intersection of spiritual growth and social justice, these workshops offer brief theory presentations that serve as a springboard for individual and group exercises designed to help participants develop an understanding of strategies and skills for strengthening the calling of all God's people. The two remaining workshops in the series, Leading Transformational Communities will take place on March 8, and April 5.

Led by Stephanie Spellers and Arrington Chambliss, Creating Radically Welcoming Communities, the second spring workshop, explores the practice of "radical welcome" for individuals and communities, which is embracing the transforming power and presence of "The Other." This workshop will also guide participants through the practices of preparing communities for change, especially reckoning with the fear of change. The workshop will take place on Saturday, March 8 from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at Episcopal Divinity School, 99 Brattle Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts.

About the presenters for Creating Radically Welcoming Communities:

The Rev. Stephanie Spellers is the Cox Fellow and minister for Radical Welcome at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Boston. The author of Radical Welcome: Embracing God, The Other, and the Spirit of Transformation, she consults with communities seeking to plan for change, reckon with fear and radically welcome the gifts, presence and power of marginalized, oppressed groups.

The Rev. Arrington Chambliss is a facilitator, teacher, and preacher currently serving at the Church of St. Andrew, Marblehead, as associate rector. She helped to start No Ordinary Time, an initiative focused on integrating contemplation and action, the inner work of spiritual growth with the outer work of social justice.

The cost of each session in the series is $75 per person or $60 for three or more people registering together; a light lunch is included with each registration. Pre-registration is required; to register for this event, please contact Priscilla Burns at pburns@eds.edu or 617-682-1506. The workshops are handicap accessible. Participants are encouraged to take public transportation as parking is limited. There is a $10 charge for parking in the EDS lot.

For more information on these and other EDS workshops and events, visit the EDS website here.