In this week’s edition of our weekly newsletter, Scott writes about the inspiring conversations he experienced at Forward Movement’s recent board meeting, and what our mission is really all about.
Dear friends in Christ,
I have just spent two days at our semi-annual Forward Movement board meeting. It was a gift to share this time with committee and faithful volunteers who travel from across the Episcopal Church to do the work of leading Forward Movement. Of course, much of our meeting was filled with what you’d expect at a typical board meeting: budget reports, approval of minutes, and nominations. But when this group gathers, we also pray morning prayer, noonday prayer, evening prayer, and compline.
In other words, we are anchored in prayer. And this is how it should be. Forward Movement is more than a publishing company; we are a discipleship company. Our job is not just to sell books, but to inspire disciples and empower evangelists. In fact, we give away loads of books, copies of Forward Day by Day, and other materials every year, especially to prisoners, hospital patients, nursing home residents, and deployed military personnel.
Our board meeting was filled with conversation about how to enliven the church and its members through transformation. How can we share the Good News of God in Jesus Christ? How can we encourage people to engage with the wondrous story of God’s love revealed in the scriptures? How can we meet the needs of a changing church and a changing world? They were vigorous conversations, held with much urgency. Stay tuned to see the result of this meeting as it comes to bear fruit in new offerings from Forward Movement.
Often I encourage you, dear reader, to pray and to work for the needs of the world. Today I am giving thanks for the ministry of Forward Movement and asking you to do the same. If you are so moved, we would gladly receive a gift to celebrate what has been done and what is yet to come. But in any case, I invite your thanksgiving and prayers for Forward Movement, our board, and our staff.
Yours faithfully,
Scott Gunn
Executive Director
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