Dear friends in Christ,
We are all moving through unknown territory as COVID-19 spreads across the globe. I want you to know that Forward Movement is here for you. Our mission to inspire disciples and empower evangelists does not change now. We know that following Jesus is as important as ever, and our world needs to hear the proclamation of the Good News of God in Jesus Christ.
Resources to Support You
In the last few days, we have released several resources to support you in this time.
- There’s a free ChurchNext course, Prayer and Worship in our Homes
- We continue to offer the daily office on our website, and there’s a morning prayer podcast
- Forward Day by Day is posted free every day online, and you can listen to it as a podcast
- There are prayers for “spiritual communion” for those who cannot physically receive consecrated bread and wine in the Eucharist
Today we are announcing a new, free daily faith-at-home resource through Faith @ Home, a collaboration between Forward Movement and Forma. Each day offers a set of activities–watch, listen, read, do–for families, based on the lectionary. You can see today’s edition here, and you can sign up at the website for free.
We are working on additional offerings for individuals, families, and congregations. Our existing catalog of resources is still available, of course. You can find ChurchNext online classes, and our full array of books, booklets, pamphlets, and courses is on the Forward Movement website. If you’re looking for joyful Christian community, Lent Madness is in full swing, and you can join the fun any time.
You might want to follow Forward Movement on social media. We’ll be posting inspiring content and news there regularly. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
Changes at Forward Movement
Starting tomorrow, our entire staff will be switching to a work-at-home plan. Each day, a couple of our team members, on rotation, will be in the office (maintaining careful social distancing!) to open the mail and answer the phones, but most of us will be at home. We do not anticipate this will lead to significant disruption in our customer service, but if something takes longer than usual, please be patient with us during this situation. We want to serve you while also protecting our staff and communities. As the situation evolves, we will let you know if there are changes that impact our work and customer service.
Prayer
Daily prayer has been part of the daily fabric of Forward Movement’s mission since 1935, and that’s true now more than ever. Our daily staff prayer time is switching to video conference for the duration of this crisis, and we will pray for you every day. Please do keep us in your prayers.
I invite you to join me in praying this poignant collect from the 1928 Book of Common Prayer:
O most mighty and merciful God, in this time of grievous sickness, we flee unto thee for succor. Deliver us, we beseech thee, from our peril; give strength and skill to all those who minister to the sick; prosper the means made use of for their cure; and grant that, perceiving how frail and uncertain our life is, we may apply our hearts unto that heavenly wisdom which leadeth to eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us all remember how the scriptures assure us of God’s abiding presence. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46). Blessings to you all.
Yours faithfully,
Scott Gunn
Executive Director
We are here for you!
Web: www.forwardmovement.org
Phone: 800-543-1813
Email: orders@forwardmovement.org