Hospitality Highlight: Talitha Seymour

Talitha Seymour discusses her passion for baking and its role in fostering community and evangelism. She shares her journey from Anderson Island to Spokane, where she got connected to Faith Bible Church through a friend at a medical wives' Bible study. Talitha enjoys baking and the way it can help build connections. For her, it has led to meaningful conversations and relationships. Talitha also shares her experience doing meal prep with a group of moms, pointing out the economical and relational benefits.

• Automated Transcription

• Dan Jarms 0:00
  Today on faith matters, the hospitality highlight with Talitha Seymour.
  
  Dan Jarms 0:11
  I'm Dan Jarms, and you're listening to faith matters, a podcast to help update you on matters of faith, Bible, church, as well as equip you in matters of the Christian faith.
  
  Jennifer Brandt 0:22
  You Hi, my
  
  Jennifer Brandt 0:34
  name is Jennifer Brandt, and I'm the new hospitality highlight editor Jessica Horning kindly recruited me to take her position when she moved, and I feel so honored to talk about a topic that is very important in the church body and beyond. So today, I have the privilege of interviewing one of my dear friends, Talitha Seymour. I met Talitha and her husband, Justin, at the marital class three years ago, and little did we know we'd actually end up becoming coworkers in the same clinic here in Spokane. I thought of you, Talitha, when I was thinking about people who do hospitality well because of your enthusiasm for sharing your baked goods at our workplace, there have been countless times when I walked into our break room and I see a plate of something delicious, and I hear chatter all around people asking who made this and it never takes long for somebody to say it must be to Letha. And I always think, Wow, what a kind way to love your coworkers and bring joy and thoughtfulness to the workplace. I just think it's such a simple gesture, but very meaningful way to share the love of Christ with others. With that being said, My goal today is to talk about practical ways we can show hospitality, both inside and outside of our home. So first, Talitha, why don't you tell me a little bit about you and your family, how you got connected to FBC, and then what got you into baking and how it has become a passion for you?
  
  Talitha Seymour 1:57
  Yeah. Well, I'm really excited to be here. I feel a little under qualified to be on a podcast about hospitality, but I'm really excited to be here nonetheless. So let's see how we got here to Spokane. I grew up on a little island in the Puget Sound called Anderson Island. It's about 1200 people, and I just remember going to, like our church, Bible studies, and just the welcoming spirit and the warmth that I always felt when you know, somebody brought, like a baked good, and just we really didn't go up with a lot of sugar in our household, like we would kind of steal chocolate chips for, like a sweet little treat every now and then, and so that was just so fun for me, even from like, the time I was in middle school, I would, I would go to our our church, Bible study, sometimes on my own. And I was probably the youngest person by like, 30 years. But I just meant so much to me that, you know, somebody took the time to make little treats. And I think that's where that passion started. And I just kind of slowly started developing my own baking skill set and kind of experimenting with things. And so I think that's where that got started. And then I went to U DUB for college, and I met my husband Justin there, and we got married right after graduation, and then came over here basically two weeks after we got married. He started medical school here, and that was right when COVID was just kind of getting started. And so it took us a little while to find faith, Bible, church, but we found it through. Kate Hubble is part of a Bible study called side by side. It's a Bible study for medical wives, and I was a part of that. And she was just talking about her church in such, like, a powerful way. I thought, we have to try this church out, like we just, we just got to go once. And first time we went, basically, like signed up for the membership class, and we just never looked back. So that was back in early 2021 so we're coming up on four years now, which is really exciting, yeah. And so he finished medical school here, and then we were really blessed to stay for residency as well. That was a huge answer to prayer for us. And honestly, the biggest reason for wanting to stay was because of faith, Bible, church and so, yeah, we've we've been fortunate to stay here, and we've got a almost two year old son named Weston. And yeah, we're just putting our roots down here and really excited about it.
  
  Jennifer Brandt 4:43
  We're so happy that you are. That's awesome. So one of the things that I think is amazing, like I said earlier, is the way that you bring so many, so many good foods into work, and that you've blessed our co workers that way. So I just want to know. Um, what motivates you to bake for your workplace?
  
  Talitha Seymour 5:03
  You know, I asked Justin about this question, because I was like, I don't know if there's really, like, a big reason I just love baking. And he said, it, it kind of is, like my hobby, or like my like, I don't know, self care, if you will. So I just, I love baking, and it's even more fun for me to have people to bake for who it kind of like, just incidentally, builds connections with people. I feel like I get to meet people who I wouldn't otherwise meet. And I just, it's just a little way to like, bless, bless others that that is also just fun for me to do
  
  Jennifer Brandt 5:42
  as well. Something I've been learning is how the Greek New Testament, word for hospitality, translates to love for strangers or outsiders. And so I think sharing those baked goods at work is a wonderful way to use hospitality as an outreach and as a key to evangelism. So have there been any opportunities you've had to just connect with people on a more personal level through bringing baked goods to work?
  
  Talitha Seymour 6:10
  Yeah, absolutely. I think the workplace can be kind of a tough place for outreach, I guess for me personally, just because it feels, you know, really personal, and people aren't always up for talking about stuff like that, but I can think of a couple instances, and I'll share one here, where a gal about my age, maybe a few years older than me, you know, she was kind of munching on one of the treats that I brought and asking me about it, And then she just started talking about, like her mom, and how she grew up with, you know, her mom making treats and stuff, and kind of reminded her of that. And then before you know it, we're talking about, like, the hardest things that she's gone through in life. And, you know, she was LDS, and was just kind of questioning that, and it really brought up an opportunity for, I feel like, to share the gospel with her. It can come up in the most small of ways, but it can provide the opportunity to have those conversations how you wouldn't otherwise. And so I think that was just like one seed that was planted, and then we were able to have conversations from then on, because that ice had kind of been broken, and so that was cool. That was kind of an unexpected opportunity. But yeah, and we're still we're still in touch, even though she doesn't work there anymore.
  
  Jennifer Brandt 7:33
  That's really sweet. So how do you make the time with a busy two year old running around to have food ready for the morning.
  
  Talitha Seymour 7:44
  Well, I would say the key is doing all the work the night before. So like, once Weston gets in bed, I'm sure moms can relate to this, but that's kind of like the time where you can, like, you know, get cleaned up and stuff, but also, just, like, do some things that are fun for yourself. So once he's in bed, that's when I start the baking. And normally it's pretty easy to, like, you know, make things, and then just, you can just pop them in the oven the next morning, like even cinnamon rolls, all you know, get them to, like, the point of the second rise, and then I'll just stick in the fridge and let them rise overnight. So, you know, all that you have to do in the morning is just pop them in the oven and then they're, you know, nice and worn for work. But yeah, and like, you know, if you make scones, you need to refrigerate the dough anyway. So I would say that's the key. Is just getting the work done in, you know, after the kid goes to bed, and then, and then you just have to do a little bit the next morning. So I'm all about minimal, minimal effort there.
  
  Jennifer Brandt 8:47
  That's perfect. That's so practical. So there have also been several occasions where I and others have been invited to come inside to of your house, where you've hosted us to make gingerbread houses and to make hot cocoa bombs. So that was also a really sweet treat around the holiday season. It's actually something I almost look forward to each year. Is what is to let go and invite us over to work. So what made you decide to start hosting events like that?
  
  Talitha Seymour 9:18
  Yeah, well, I think it's, it's just a way to build connections. And I think especially within the church, it's just putting your roots down with those people who are, you know, fellow believers, and those relationships that are just really, I think, glorifying to God, I just have such a desire to deepen those relationships and to pour into other people. And I think that's just, you know, a fun little way that I can do that is like hosting little little get togethers, or we can just chat. And, I mean, I just feel like food is such a great means for building community and for building relationships. Because, you know, if you're. Just like making hot cocoa bombs or whatever, like, it's such a good opportunity to get to know where somebody's at, and just in low pressure situations where you can really hear somebody's heart. And I mean, some of the best and deepest conversations that I've had have been like, well, preparing or enjoying food, you know. And I mean, think back to, like, the the Old Testament, or the New Testament, like so much of ministry was focused around food, like, you know, feeding the 5000 like Jesus cared that these people were hungry, you know. And that's just like, a practical way that you can, like, fill somebody's belly, but also fill their spirit and and fill yours while you're at it. Because, I mean, the verse acts 2035, really, like, I feel like, encapsulates all of this, which is, like, it's better to give than to receive, you know, and like, it's just amazing how by doing little things that can, you know, fill other people's cup, you actually end up like filling your own as well, or God ends up filling your cup. And it's just so true.
  
  Jennifer Brandt 11:08
  What I've really enjoyed about coming to those events is that it is the time of fellowship with other people in the church and even people that I might not know as well, and so I've been able to deepen those relationships with people that you've invited, who maybe I didn't know quite as well and and then also the really sweet thing is I get to take those goodies home and re gift them to other people. So it's the gift that just kind of keeps on heavy. Yeah, it's a blessing to those recipients of those gifts as well. So it just has lots of ripple effects, which I think is really sweet. So there have also been occasions where I've heard that you have gotten together with other people to do weekly meal prep, specifically young moms with newborns. So can you tell me a little bit about
  
  Talitha Seymour 11:58
  that? Yeah. So I think in busy seasons of life, it can be really hard to, honestly, just put dinner on the table, you know, if you're if you're working, or if you have a newborn, or even if you just have a toddler. I mean, all of those things are just things that can make it hard to get, you know, to get dinner ready. But I think, you know, as many people have found and believe that like sitting around the table as a family, you know, for dinner time especially, is just so important, and that's where you can hear about how somebody's doing, or, you know, just talk about your day and be together as a family. So, yeah, I've done this just a couple times. There's, there's some really good resources online with like, freezer, crock pot meals, and you just buy a bunch of food in bulk, like Hillary flock and Grace long and I got together. I think Grace was working full time. Hillary was pregnant and had a toddler, and I was working full time with the toddler and, and so we were all kind of like, this is, it's kind of just hard to, like, come home from working, you know, a long shift and and still have the energy to get, you know, dinner on the table that, you know, it's not just pizza. Nothing wrong with pizza, by the way. Did that last night, but just, you know, sometimes it's just nice to come home with with something ready for dinner. And so we just got together, and I think it just took us a couple hours, and we got all these freezer meals ready and went home, and all you had to do is toss them in the crock pocket in the morning. And then, you know, when you come home from work or just a long day, it's, it's ready for you, you know, and it's just, it's a nice way, I think, to serve our families, and to be thinking about, like, you know, how we can be providing that for our family, but also, you know, sometimes the realities of life can make that a little bit challenging. So, yeah, that was just really fun.
  
  Jennifer Brandt 14:02
  I love that idea, because that's also time in fellowship together with those ladies, or you get to make those meals together, but you're also blessing your family and loving your family, and in just putting the thought and time and consideration and preparing those meals
  
  Talitha Seymour 14:19
  also very economical, yeah, because when you buy in bulk and from Costco, you know like you're saving, you're saving some good money. So that's another that's another plus. About how
  
  Jennifer Brandt 14:30
  long do you think it took you to kind of look through the meal plans and decide which ones to go for and then make a list and do the shopping?
  
  Talitha Seymour 14:39
  That was probably like couple hours at most, because I found this gal online. I forget what her name is, but she's a mom of six, and she's a huge Costco fan, as am I, and so she puts together these like groups of meals that there's some overlay. Up in the ingredients. So you can buy, you know, 15 pounds of chicken, which is kind of ridiculous when you think about it, but if you're getting all of that in bulk, that's like, what they come at Costco, you know? So, yeah, you just get all the items in bulk, and you end up using everything that you buy, you know, so, yeah, it is really nice, and it's just mindless work. It's not like you have to, like, do anything fancy. You're just sitting around, you know, pouring cans of beans into bags the chicken is a little gross. Yeah, music.
  
  Jennifer Brandt 15:46
  Let's talk about these salted caramel apple bars. They are amazing, by the way. So what is special about these? And then tell us what goes into preparing them. I grew
  
  Talitha Seymour 16:01
  up with like, a orchard in like, our backyard. We have like, lots of fruit trees, and so I am just the biggest fan of like, apples, pears, peaches. Like fruit is just like my favorite thing in the world. So that's part of the reason I love these is because it incorporates, like, fresh fruit into it, which which is really fun. But also, one of my big passions is baking pies. But anyone who's made a pie knows that it's kind of a lot of work, and it's not super convenient. It's not a great food to like share with other people, if you're not sitting down for a meal with them, you know. So if you're just bringing a treat to work, it's kind of awkward to, like, bring a pie, you know. Like, yeah, exactly. And then you need ice cream if you're making a pie, you know. And then it just gets to this whole big thing. So this is kind of just like a little way that I can share my love of like pastries and and especially making pies and stuff like that, because it, it basically tastes like an apple pie, you know, with some caramel on it, which never hurts, but it's also really convenient to share. So, you know, you can just cut it up into little squares. And, you know, people can kind of grab and go, which, which I think is, is a great way to, like, share little treats.
  
  Jennifer Brandt 17:25
  So, yeah, start to finish. How long do these take? Yes, start to
  
  Talitha Seymour 17:31
  finish. Well, including the cooling, it's probably about two hours, but actual work probably like 30 minutes. So I'm you start by mixing up a shortbread crust, which is really simple. I think it's just sugar, butter, melted butter, flour and a couple other things, and then you press that into your pan, and then you bake it for a little bit. And then while it's baking, you can get the filling ready, which is literally just apples, which are sliced really thin, and then cinnamon and nutmeg and a little flour. That's all the little the apple filling is. So you mix that together, and then the top is just a really simple streusel. So of course, you know, your oats and your brown sugar and your flour, and then cold butter. And then once the shortbread crust is baked for a little bit, it's kind of like pre baked, so it doesn't get, you know, soggy. Once that's baked for a little bit, you just put the apple filling on top, and you can kind of press it down a little bit so it's a little more compact, and then, and then you just put the streusel on top and bake it for, I think, another 30 minutes, and then I like to put some caramel sauce on top, because who doesn't love caramel? Definitely can't
  
  Jennifer Brandt 18:54
  forget the caramel. That's probably my favorite part. You can never go wrong with salted caramel, right? No, you can't. They're delicious. So thank you, yes. Well, thank you so much for sharing this recipe and for just being so good at hospitality to people in our church and people outside of our church, and and and I feel so blessed to have you at work and to just see you being a witness, somebody making disciples of Christ at work and loving people so well they're providing delicious things for them. So thank you. This is really fun. Yes, well, see you guys on the next podcast.

Jennifer Brandt

Jennifer is the Hospitality Highlight editor for Living Faith magazine. She and her husband Cory have been married since 2018 and serve together in Youth Ministry.

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