TO THE READER:
September 11, 2001. The United States suffered a direct, hostile, premeditated attack. It was a day like none any one of us remembers, a day that caused shock, fear, anger, depression, despair. We found ourselves on our knees, alone, and with others in church.
Those of us who work at Forward Movement gathered in the narthex of Christ Church Cathedral, Cincinnati, after a special noonday service, and determined to create a crisis edition of Forward Day by Day to center our prayerful attention. We trust these pages will support your life of prayer in the days ahead.
Often, when natural disaster strikes, Forward Movement provides copies of the current Day by Day for those afflicted. Consideration of a generic crisis edition prepared for such a purpose has never come to fruition. However, September eleventh is a unique occasion demanding a unique response. This edition is that response.
The cost of the million copies of this special crisis edition is provided by The Henry Wise Hobson Fund, created to offer Forward Movement's materials to those in need. Your support is appreciated.
One thing we know: God will not leave us com-fortless. The strength of such comfort is especially available through the unity and common life we are given as we pray together in the days ahead.
E.S.G
|
One Response to the Crisis Edition:
To quote your special edition: "Life is about polarities... the tension
between darkness and light, hope and despair, fear and faith..." The period since September 11 has been marked by some of the most profound polarities I have ever seen.
Few would argue that the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center
represents one of the darkest moments in the history of our country. And now that the numbness and shock of the first few days has begun to subside, it becomes possible to recognize some points of light at the other end of that pole.
One of those points of light is your excellent booklet "O God Make Speed to Save Us." Forward Movement has provided a profound service to the Church in rushing this collection of mediations into print. One thing I have discovered in the crisis intervention events that have been sponsored by my
office is that there has been an intense hunger for solace from grief and courage to face coming days. Your special edition has made a significant contribution toward meeting those needs. The very idea of distributing a million copies at no charge speaks volumes about Forward Movement's selfless
commitment of service to the Church.
Thank you, on behalf of myself and the ministry of this episcopacy. We are more grateful than it is possible to say.
Faithfully,
+George
The Rt. Rev. George E. Packard
Bishop for the Armed Services, Healthcare, and Prison Ministries
Episcopal Church Center
New York City
I want to thank all the dedicated workers of Forward Movement Publications who prepared and produced (and printed in record time!) the Meditations for a Time of Crisis. I also want to thank you for your generous donation of copies to the Episcopal Diocese of New York.
I must share with you that I have been receiving an overwhelmingly positive response to the publication. Your reflective and thought-provoking meditations have touched many people.
Thank you. Thank you for your quick response to a crisis and thank you for your generosity.
Faithfully,
Neva
Neva Rae Fox
Director of Communications
The Diocese of New York of the Episcopal Church
|
