This month, the Academy Podcast features Molly Vetter's teaching from Academy #42 in 2023 on the topic, "Spirituality and Embodiment." In this episode, Molly Vetter reflects on the intersection of scripture, art, and spirituality, inviting listeners to see how sacred traditions and personal experiences converge in daily life.
Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that invites us to see our faith embodied in everyday life, to find the sacred in art and community, and to live faithfully—even when it challenges institutional norms.
Rev. Molly Vetter is passionate about many things: building community with unlikely and diverse people, making the church more boldly welcoming, and caring for the earth. Since 2019, she has served as Senior Pastor of Westwood United Methodist Church in Los Angeles, a congregation with a rich legacy of thoughtful engagement on social issues and incredible worship gatherings in which to connect to the grace and mystery of our God. Molly received her Masters of Divinity from Claremont School of Theology and studied Art History for undergrad at Boston University. In her personal and professional life, she loves planning events and trips, and enjoys experiencing them, too. She loves designing and making things, especially out of fabric or food or the internet. Outside of the local church, Molly has served in several leadership roles in the broader United Methodist Church and stays active in organizations that serve the local community. She volunteers with the Grain Place Foundation, a non-profit that will inherit and continue her family’s organic farm in central Nebraska. Molly lives with her husband, Matthew Parker, and their son Jonah. Molly is an alum of Two-Year Academy #41 and will serve as Retreat Leader for upcoming Two-Year Academy #43.
Artwork & Photos from the episode:
The Trinity — Kelly Latimore: https://kellylatimoreicons.com/products/the-trinity
That they may have life — Corita Kent:
https://collection.corita.org/piece/64-24
Enriched bread — Corita Kent:
https://collection.corita.org/piece/65-02
Welcome Sign — Noah Purifoy:
https://bit.ly/3BKvF3V
Toilet Bowl Sculpture — Noah Purifoy
https://bit.ly/3Y32fG2
Sitting in The White House — Noah Purifoy:
https://bit.ly/3ByXyfr
White/Colored — Noah Purifoy:
https://bit.ly/3BsD5bZ
Claremont School of Theology Cross — Sam Maloof:
https://bit.ly/3XPVMho
JOIN US
We're excited to announce that the next Two-Year Academy begins November 3, 2025. A website and online application for Academy #43 will be available in the very near future. We’ll be sharing those details in the coming weeks. If you want to be one of the first to know when registration is open, please complete this simple form to give us your name and contact information so that we can inform you as soon as the application is ready. Link to Form: forms.gle/X63WN8RHtAvLDWLL7
Show Notes:
Episode tracks: “Far Side of the Sea,” “Versailles,” and “Fearless” by Amy Stroup, used with permission.
For more information and resources visit: academy.upperroom.org/resources
Support Our Work
If the Academy Podcast or any of the ministries of The Academy for Spiritual Formation have benefited your life and spirituality, please consider making a one-time or monthly donation to show your support. You can learn more about how your gifts make a difference at https://academy.upperroom.org/donate/