Forward Day by Day Here is my sky picture from this morning . Planet Venus to the right of center. #ForwardDaybyDay

In my pastoral care class in seminary, we read a book that discussed the importance of listening. The book said that the Bible has more than 1,500 instances of the words listen, listened, hear, or heard. prayer.forwardmovement.org/fdd

It seems fitting to read this psalm on a Sunday morning. Many of us hear these words when the offertory is presented at the beginning of Holy Communion. prayer.forwardmovement.org/fdd

As I mentioned earlier, my family history at St. Mary's spans many generations, and I am not only identified as my parents' daughter but also as my grandparents' granddaughter. prayer.forwardmovement.org/fdd

I preached on this passage in October 2020 on the feast of Saint Francis. The pandemic was in its early stages. Many churches had transitioned completely to online worship. prayer.forwardmovement.org/fdd

Moving Forward: Are you weary? Rest in Jesus. Read today's meditation here: prayer.forwardmovement.org/fdd

I started a church meeting by asking the icebreaker question: "What is your favorite hymn?" prayer.forwardmovement.org/fdd

In this verse, the psalmist asks the hearers to do two things that are very difficult: be still and wait patiently. When I taught kindergarten, I frequently had to remind my students to do these two things. prayer.forwardmovement.org/fdd

Love fills the pages of scripture. This verse comes toward the end of Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. He has given lots of advice to a group of people who have endured various conflicts and disagreements. prayer.forwardmovement.org/fdd

This passage from Ephesians speaks to the tendency to divide groups into insiders and outsiders. Although my church started as a ministry for Japanese immigrants and began with worship in English and Japanese, the ethnic demographics of the area have ... prayer.forwardmovement.org/fdd

My great-uncle was an Episcopal priest and seminary professor for many years. Over the years, I have heard from some of his former students--priests and bishops--that he was their most demanding professor. prayer.forwardmovement.org/fdd

Moving Forward: What questions do you have for Jesus? Read today's meditation here: prayer.forwardmovement.org/fdd

If you enter the sanctuary of my church through a side entrance, you'll pass through a black metal gate that can be closed to separate the sanctuary from the rest of the building. prayer.forwardmovement.org/fdd

Today's reading from Matthew is the parable of the sower, which talks about scattering seeds and seeing what happens. Some seeds fall on bad soil and fail to grow, while other seeds fall on good soil and thrive. prayer.forwardmovement.org/fdd

Moving Forward: How will you share the Good News of Christ today? Read today's meditation here: prayer.forwardmovement.org/fdd

Moving Forward: What traditions do you practice that may be at odds with God's commandments? Read today's meditation here: prayer.forwardmovement.org/fdd

Moving Forward: When have you received mercy and healing from others? Give thanks for this gift. Read today's meditation here: prayer.forwardmovement.org/fdd

Moving Forward: Who do you "other" by your actions and inactions? How can you rectify those behaviors? Read today's meditation here: prayer.forwardmovement.org/fdd

Moving Forward: What examples do you see of servant leadership in your church? In your community? Read today's meditation here: prayer.forwardmovement.org/fdd

Moving Forward: When you hear harsh words, how do you respond? Are there times when silence is a good choice? How do you discern your response? Read today's meditation here: prayer.forwardmovement.org/fdd