Forward Today: What are you reading?

Note: As we continue to pray for healing for the Rev. Canon Scott Gunn, this weekly message will feature guest writers from the Forward Movement staff and board of directors. Today’s message comes from Margaret Ellsworth, Marketing Coordinator, and staff members from across Forward Movement.

Here at Forward Movement it’s fall book release season, as we welcome three new books to our list: Vital Signs of Faith, The Unjust Steward, and the gift edition of the Book of Common Prayer.

In honor of this new reading season, we asked members of Forward Movement staff to share what they’re reading right now. Some of us are finishing up the last beach reads of summer; others are getting started with fall book clubs or small groups at church.

We’d love to hear from you too – what was your favorite book of summer? What books are you excited to read for the fall? Share with us on Facebook and Twitter!

I recently finished The Unjust Steward by Miguel Escobar. As a person of faith and fundraiser, I appreciated Miguel’s thoughtful reflections on how the Church has, and could, think about the sharing of resources. Highly recommend for all churches kicking off your fall giving seasons!
~ Lindsay Barrett-Adler, Development Associate

I’m reading Do I Stay Christian?: A Guide for the Doubters, the Disappointed, and the Disillusioned by Brian McLaren. This book is a masterpiece, facing in a profound way the roots of the dark side of the Church and how those roots have caused harm. At the same time, McLaren leads the reader on a deep journey of making their own decisions about why one might really want to continue to follow Jesus, even in the Church.
~ Carrie Graves, ChurchNext Course Design and Administration

I’m rereading Bible Women: All Their Words and Why They Matter. This new expanded second edition comes out in February, and I’m so excited. I learn something new about these women (any myself!) every time I open the book. I’m grateful for their faithful witness and powerful words.
~ Richelle Thompson, Managing Editor

I’m currently reading Barabbas by Par Lagerkvist, who won the 1951 Nobel Prize for Literature. I had never heard of the author or the book until my neighbor found it in a garage. This book tells the story of the man who was freed instead of Jesus. Although he tries, he cannot understand Jesus or his followers, as he has no reference in his life for “love one another”. I am about halfway through the book and it is a quick read.
~ Peggy Sanchez, Customer Service Specialist

I just started reading The God Design: Secrets of the Mind, Body and Soul by Kelly-Marie Kerr. This book will reveal the marvelous design of the human body “made in the image and likeness of God” (Genesis 1:27).
~ Tania Z. Jones, Executive Assistant/Human Resources Specialist

I’m just starting Walk in Love: Episcopal Beliefs and Practices. This is my first time reading this Forward Movement classic, in a small group from my church as we prepare to baptize new members including my daughter. Excited to brush up on some basics and to talk about what it means to be Episcopalian with my small group.
~ Margaret Ellsworth, Marketing Coordinator

Don’t forget to share your current reads with us on Facebook and Twitter!

More from our ministry:

New from ChurchNext: Build a Farm-Faith Partnership

Get ready to read through Advent with our new devotional: Holy Is His Name

Miguel Escobar discusses his book on Zoom, 10/3 at 5pm ET. Register here