Forward in Christ highlights the seven words of Jesus

This Lenten season, Forward in Christ is focusing on Jesus’ final words from the cross, highlighting the seven statements through articles, music, and art.

In the March edition, a different author delves into each of Jesus’ statements, offering insights and lessons for the world today. The issue also features a new original Lenten hymn from Christian Worship: Hymnal called “The Seven Words” (Hymn 436), written by Rev. Michael Schultz, director of the WELS Hymnal Project. The hymn uses the tune of the well-known Lenten hymn, “O Sacred Head Now Wounded.”

To help familiarize members with this hymn—as well as provide more devotional opportunities for Lent—Forward in Christ teamed up with WELS Commission on Worship to offer short weekly videos based on each verse. WELS musicians offer different musical arrangements for each verse. The videos also include illustrations by WELS artist Corissa Nelson. The videos will be released on social media each Wednesday in Lent, starting on Ash Wednesday, March 2. They also will be online at forwardinchrist.net/videos.

“The text of the new hymn is powerful and moving on its own, just as poetry,” says Rev. Bryan Gerlach, director of WELS Commission on Worship. “But when joined to beautiful music and interpretive art, it’s all the more meaningful. I am thankful for the many artistic and creative people who contributed to this project.”

Congregations may “share” Forward in Christ’s post each week or embed the video on their own social media or website post. Download the first video.