It can be hard using newfangled technologies such as the computer machine. Here’s a little tip from the government… Thank you, Jan. Oh, and about those pictures we took… Read more

Following the closing ceremony for the day Saturday night Jan & I had to pack up and drive the three hours to Providence so that I could be present for the church’s annual congregational meeting. (Big news out of that: the First Unitarian Church of Providence voted unanimously to become a Welcoming Congregation. A little late, but nonetheless, something I’m enormously glad for and proud of…) I also preached that morning, proof of which may be found a post or... Read more

Firefly Hall starts out strong. I look forward to seeing how it goes… I couldn’t find a suitable video to illustrate this important new event. But I did find this one. Seemed close enough… Read more

ON PURCHASING A TIE The Gifts of Spiritual Community A Sermon byJames Ishmael Ford 26 April 2009First Unitarian ChurchProvidence, Rhode IslandText Once there was a disciple of a Greek philosopher who was commanded by his Master for three years to give money to everyone who insulted him. When this period of trial was over, the Master said to him: Now you can go to Athens and learn wisdom. When the disciple was entering Athens he met a certain wise man... Read more

Well, actually, gone Zenning. And, therefore, a small head’s up for both of you who follow my blog. No more postings until Sunday… One of the few things about my current life that I wish could be a bit different is that I can do so few intensive meditation retreats in a year. I love being a parish minister (well, except when I hate it. Interestingly there are no other emotions involved…). Now that love of the job is the... Read more

Robert Oppenheimer was born on this day in 1904. A brilliant, troubled, man. The father of the atomic bomb. Security risk. Read more

http://player.ordienetworks.com/flash/fodplayer.swf A Gaythering Storm from Jane Lynch Thank goodness people are taking this storm seriously… and thank you, Christine, for the pointer… Read more

Yesterday I read a blog I follow by someone I’ve known in cyperspace for a very long time. I find him lovely writer, intelligent and even on occasion sparking with wisdom. There are also shadows in his life. Anyway at his blog yesterday morning he posted a suicide note. I carried that for the rest of the day. Fortunately a later posting showed while he obviously has been thinking along these lines, he had not crossed that line… But later... Read more

Thank you Vanity Fair for the ten best political videos you’ve (probably) never seen. Follow the link for an extended commentary & the actual youtube videos. I only include one classic here… 10. Nixon on Bohemian Grove, San Francisco, and the Homos To Be Found Therein 9. Dole on Something-or-Other 8. Lyndon LaRouche Blasts Mondale and His Nefarious Paymasters 7. Americans Turn to George Wallace 6. Nixon on the Espionage Capabilities of Jews 5. Reagan On “What’s My Line?” 4.... Read more

BORN IN BLOOD The American Revolution, Thomas Paine and the Beginnings of Unitarian Universalism A Sermon byJames Ishmael Ford 19 April 2009 First Unitarian ChurchProvidence, Rhode Island Text By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
 Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled,
 Here once the embattled farmers stood, And fired the shot heard round the world. 
 The foe long since in silence slept;
 Alike the conqueror silent sleeps; And Time the ruined bridge has swept
 Down the dim stream... Read more