News and Inspiration from Forward Movement

Dear friends in Christ,
 
This week, I am writing with a request. I hope you will join Forward Movement and me in a season of prayer for the upcoming election.
 
In the United States, we are in the midst of a contentious election season. Potential voters are discerning how to vote, but observers inside and outside the country are also watching the candidates closely. Opinions are sharply divided. What kind of leaders do we need? What is the best way forward for our nation? Indeed, what are the challenges we must solve together?
 
I've heard people say, again and again, "I'm not sure what to do." For Christians, there is always one thing we can do, every one of us. We can pray. We can pray for wisdom, for grace, for patience, for courage, for hope. We can and must pray for those with whom we disagree. Whatever else we do, we must pray. We might use our own words, or we might like some language to give voice to our concerns and hopes. We Anglicans are blessed with riches of common prayer.

Forward Movement is calling Episcopalians and all others to join with us in A Season of Prayer: For an Election. This is a 30-day season, in which we will pray each day with a particular intention for this time in our national life. Each day includes a suggested intention and a collect. We also suggest the use of a brief litany every day. The season of prayer begins Sunday, October 9, and continues through the day after the election. We have used prayers from The Book of Common Prayer.
 
Join us on Forward Movement's social media channels (Facebook or Twitter) in offering or sharing each day's prayer. You also can download weekly bulletin inserts or a list of all the prayers at www.forwardmovement.org/election. The resources are available in English or Spanish. Please encourage your congregation and your friends to get involved.
 
At a time when nearly everyone agrees that we are being consumed by fear and division, here is a chance to change the conversation. While we will certainly differ in our politics, we can surely join together in prayer. I hope you will join in this season of prayer. God knows, our country, our leaders, those who seek public office, and those who are voting need all the help we can get. Let us pray.

Yours faithfully, 

Scott Gunn
Executive Director


In Memoriam: Michael Phillips

We at Forward Movement grieve the sudden death of Michael Phillips, our talented designer and the source of much joy in our office. Aged 46, he leaves behind a wife and two children. The family has requested memorial gifts to Forward Movement or to a US Bank scholarship fund for Michael and Michelle's children. To make a gift to the scholarship fund, stop by any US Bank or mail them a check payable to "Phillips Children Education Fund." If you'd prefer, send your scholarship check to Forward Movement, 412 Sycamore Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202, and we will see that the checks are given to the family.

We were blessed by Michael's passion and gifts, and we pray for his journey in God's eternal presence. May Michael rest in peace and rise in glory.
 

You can send God's word of peace, acceptance, healing and love to those in need right now. Set up a monthly gift once, and sustain us all year.

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