The Episcopal Diocese of South Dakota

Video Course link for Signs and Grace

A new three-session, video-based course about baptism, Eucharist, and the church’s sacramental rites is available for download or streaming with accompanying study guides. “Signs and Grace: An Introduction to the Sacraments” marks the first video collaboration between The Episcopal Church and Forward Movement in a partnership designed to provide free formation resources for dioceses and congregations.
 
The course—which includes 45- or 60-minute options, with facilitator and participant guides—is ideal for newcomer classes, adult forums, Sunday school, small groups, and those preparing for confirmation. The three 20-minute-long videos are in English with Spanish subtitles, as well as the study guides.

The partnership between The Episcopal Church and Forward Movement is an example of a new approach to churchwide formation that involves identifying, supporting, and collaborating in thoughtful work being done around the church.
 
“We’re trying to bring a winsome message, a transformational message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a world that desperately needs to hear it,” Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe said at the 2025 Episcopal Parish Network conference. “Where the work is happening and the ministry is happening is on the ground in the parishes and institutions. …How do we scale up the things people are doing for the whole church?”

Forward Movement is a self-sustaining discipleship ministry of The Episcopal Church created by the church’s General Convention in 1934. For decades, Forward Movement has produced devotionals, Bible studies, formation courses, and other resources to equip and support people in their walk with Christ.

The partnership between The Episcopal Church and Forward Movement includes a revitalized Sermons That Work portfolio, managed by Forward Movement and offered on the church’s website, featuring printable sermons and Bible studies, as well as a weekly podcast. The sermons are designed both as a resource for preachers and for lay-led congregations that can use the sermons during Sunday worship. Learn more.

The collaboration will also include a bilingual video series on the baptismal promises, among other upcoming projects.