Forward Movement has named new leaders for its development and mission efforts. Miriam McKenney is now Director of Mission, and Lindsay Barrett-Adler is now Director of Development.

Not long ago, Miriam McKenney, who had been serving as Director of Development & Mission Engagement, asked if she could focus on Forward Movement’s mission work. After a conversation with the Rev. Scott Gunn, Forward Movement’s Executive Director, they enthusiastically planned her new role together.

McKenney will lead mission work for Forward Movement. This includes partnerships with other organizations and ministries, supplies of free materials to those who are in need, and innovative ways to work in the church to carry out Forward Movement’s work of inspiring disciples and empowering evangelists. McKenney brings deep experience both at Forward Movement and from other church ministries.

Barrett-Adler had been serving as Development Associate, and is now promoted to Director of Development. She will lead Forward Movement’s fundraising and donor engagement work. Barrett-Adler offers a wealth of experience in fundraising for church-related nonprofits.

Gunn said, “I’m thrilled for both Miriam and Lindsay.” He added, “This will be good for them, good for Forward Movement, and good for the church.”

McKenney will continue to be Cincinnati-based. If you have a mission-related suggestion or question, you can reach her at mmckenney@forwardmovement.org.

Barrett-Adler works in Philadelphia. If you have a development-related suggestion or question, you can reach her at lbarrettadler@forwardmovement.org.

Forward Movement’s work, especially its mission work, is made possible by generous donors. If you would like to make a gift to Forward Movement, you can make a gift online.

All of us at Forward Movement are thrilled that the Rev. Scott Gunn has returned from medical leave. For the next couple of weeks, he’ll be around our Cincinnati office, and then we expect he’ll return to frequent travel across the church as preacher, speaker, and retreat leader.

As you may recall, the situation was quite serious last July when we shared news that Scott had experienced a medical crisis while on vacation in Singapore. Since then, he’s received excellent medical care, both in Singapore and the USA. More important, he’s living testimony of the power of prayer, and several of his medical providers have described him as a “walking miracle.”

Scott said, “I’m grateful beyond words for God’s grace and mercy, and I’m so glad to be back at Forward Movement full-time to continue the work God has given me to do.”

During Scott’s absence, the Forward Movement staff kept things running smoothly, while the board of directors took on extra work and kept a steady hand on the helm.

The Rev. Kate Wesch, chair of the board, said, “Thank you to everyone who has supported Scott and Forward Movement with your prayers and well wishes during these months. We are overjoyed that Scott is returning and give thanks to God for his recovery.”

Scott’s medical team reports that his prognosis is excellent, and last month, he had successful heart surgery that repaired underlying issues that led to last summer’s crisis. His doctors anticipate that he will not have further cardiac issues.

All of us at Forward Movement are grateful for this good news, and we are also glad to have Scott back.

Forward Movement has announced it is the new official home of Episcopal Church street signs, having acquired the business from Faith Goods, part of Day1, in late 2021.

For more than a half century, the “Episcopal Church Welcomes You” street sign has been used as a highly visible community invitation for churches. Visitors and inquirers may search the internet for directions to local churches, but they also recognize a familiar sign when they see it. Local signage is a valuable strategy for churches to maintain visibility and a distinct brand identity for continued growth and development.

“Street signs are evangelism, plain and simple, but with huge potential impact. They help with community visibility for all churches, especially those located on side streets and outside city centers,” said the Rev. Canon Scott Gunn, executive director of Forward Movement. “We’re excited to help churches refresh their signage to help them reach more disciples.”

Churches can request estimates and place orders for new signage at signs.forwardmovement.org.

About Forward Movement

Forward Movement inspires disciples and empowers evangelists. We offer devotions, Bible studies, formation courses, and other resources to equip and support people in their walk with Jesus Christ. Visit www.forwardmovement.org or www.venadelante.org to learn more.

Today we spotlight the artist behind the striking cover image of Mark Bozzuti-Jones’ book, Face to the Rising Sun. Joseph Holston, an American artist, painter and printmaker, has been working in the fine arts for more than 40 years. The cover image for this book, Jubilation, is part of Holston’s visual narrative “Color in Freedom: Journey along the Underground Railroad.”

I hope [the Color in Freedom series] resonates with viewers everywhere, as the world continues to grapple with people who, escaping from whatever chains bind them, seek freedom and opportunity to live their lives.

This image made a great fit for the cover of Face to the Rising Sun, rooted in the deep faith of African American story and the celebration of the Black spirit. Fittingly for a book centered on justice, Holston’s fee for use of the image was donated, at his request, to two local charities: the Manna Food Center and the Maryland Food Bank.

Read on to hear more from Holston about his background, his art, and his work on this book cover! Continue reading Artist Q&A: Joseph Holston →