Rhode Island Council of Churches leader supports removal of prayer banner - Warwick Beacon

Council of Churches leader supports removal of prayer banner - Warwick Beacon

Thank you, Reverend Anderson !

There was a time when I worked closely with members of the Rhode Island Council of Churches in the interest of protecting our immigrant / refugee communities from harm. Also, the Roman Catholic Diocese & the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) were active in pure humanitarian work.

No one evangelized me. We were united by practical tasks.

Ironically, I learned this good news, thanks to someone in (from?) New Zealand (!! ) sharing the link on a facebook page...

Prayer for a football team (not my sport, but I like this)

I am borrowing this from a dear friend who shared this on his facebook wall. He credits a friend I don't know....If anyone knows the source, please let us know...

Our Brady, who art in Foxboro, hallowed be thy arm.Thy bowl will come, it will be won, in Dallas as it is in New England. Give us this Sunday, our weekly win, and give us many touchdown passes, but do not let the Jets pass against us. Lead us not into frustration, but deliver us to the valley of the sun. For thine is the MVP, the best of the AFC, and the glory of the Patriots, now and forever, AMEN! GO PATS GO!

Related ?

One of my neighbors was in Pittsburgh yesterday and took a picture of Jesus (!) outside the stadium where the Steelers and Ravens played. This neighbor has purported to be an atheist, but noted that Jesus was on the side of the Steelers. And, I think, the Steelers won.

Jesus has not been helping, alas, the Providence College (men's) Friars Basketball Team in their conference matches.

Personally, I believe, Jesus was a mensch and rooted for healthy well-played games where no one left paralyzed or worse....

I am ready for Spring Training ~ Baseball ~.

Thank You & All Healing Wishes to Pam Spaulding

Pam, is the Blogmistress of Pam's House Blend.

We have never met, but thanks to her blog ( and to a lesser degree, facebook ), I know quite a bit about her family, including, of course, the dogs, her passions ( justice and more ) and her surgery today.

It may be happening as I type this, might be over, might be on the edge of beginning.

It is supposed to be laproscopic which is the way my son's appendectomy was....

'The Blend ' is very much a community affair, and always worth visiting.

I cannot remember how I first found it, but I think it was thanks to Jesus' General. Then again, it may have been Pam's House Blend which introduced me to the General.

On occasions, I have found certain public computers have filtered out Pam's House Blend, and I have complained each time.

Dear Pam, I wish you Healing and Peace and all the best to Everyone in your family.

Thank You for Bringing Wisdom and Good Humor into our lives and for your Activism....

This One Should Close: The "School" Of the Americas

The School of the Americas (SOA) has been training people to commit unmentionable crimes since 1946. It has a new name, Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation with new acronyms, and the curriculum now includes 8 (eight!) hours of human rights instruction. The wikipedia entry is worth visiting.

Among the links that article offers are to the official website and to its defenders...

Four people were arrested there this weekend. Thank You to all who were present there this weekend and for past vigils. I found an article from 2003 by Richard Dujardin about two Rhode Islanders who participated then...

I hope and pray that President Obama and his staff pay serious attention to this Institute. The best thing we could do is to have it closed, and to try to learn from its horrors.

Providence, RI Vigil on March 19: Commemorating the 6th Anniversary of the War and Occupation of Iraq

VIGIL TO COMMEMORATE THE SIXTH ANNIVERSARY
OF THE WAR AND OCCUPATION OF IRAQ



Thursday 5:00 - 6:00 PM, March 19, 2009

At the War Memorial, Corner of College Street and South Main Street,
Providence

Climbing Out of Nazism, There and Here...

This little article moves me greatly. When I reflect on the power of different speakers/teachers/nurturers in my life, I just dissolve into a tearful puddle. In the midst of all the anger and destruction, I can't hear too many of these stories.

Here's the post with link to the Ohio story and a book review...

Last night, at Rites and Reason, we shared our rehearsal with an audience including several academics, a rabbi or two, members of the Muslim community, and more. The conversation afterwards surprised me.

Three cheers for Noam Dorr and Everyone associated with this production.

From Congressman Patrick Kennedy

Here it is:

Thank you for your email message. Hearing from Rhode Islanders and citizens across the country is important to me and I appreciate your taking the time to contact me with your thoughts and concerns.

For first district residents, I will reply to your correspondence as soon as possible via email or postal mail. Due to the high volume of correspondence and limited resources, I am regrettably unable to respond to out-of-state inquiries.

Finally, I hope you will make use of my House office website, www.house.gov/patrickkennedy, which may be helpful in addressing your concerns.

Once again, thank you for contacting me.

Sincerely,

Patrick J. Kennedy
Member of Congress

I am a Rhode Islander from the Other District. We have two. The understanding in RI is generally, you never know when you (or the Rep) will move from one district to the other + there is always a possibility of redistricting...therefore he (it's rarely she) may represent me tomorrow...

Here is the letter I sent him:

Dear Congressman Kennedy and Colleagues,

Please sign this letter

Please update me as to your position on this matter.

I am aware of your presence at the prayer service in Providence recently and have read your comments.

This is a very urgent matter.

I am a Jew, but I am a human first, and lastly I live and vote in Rhode Island .

Thank you for your attention.

Nomi Hurwitz

Oy Vey. I found the statement thanks to the Jewish Voice and Herald.

Statement from Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy:
In the wake of the recent attacks by Hamas, Israel has no choice but to defend its people from
violence and extremism.
With daily rocket attacks against towns in Southern Israel, Hamas falsely believes it can use
terrorism and intimidation as a bargaining tool. Israel has every right to defend the safety and
security of its citizens from terrorist organizations like Hamas

.


That's all the document says. I almost wonder if someone was interrupted while writing it and forgot to finish it. If you have never visited this blog before, please visit Tikun Olam and
Brit Zedek v'Shalom and google Grace Paley and Middle East and those will give you some ideas of my sympathies.

A Report from a Sunday Vigil, Providence, RI

In addition to the indoor Prayer Service at Temple Emanuel, there was a presence outside as well.

The following is a description from Susanne Hoder of the Interfaith Peace Initiative:
Dear friends,

Tonight's vigil was a wonderful success. We had about 50 people standing on two sides of the street up and considerably away from the Temple entrance, but still within view. We were mostly silent, except for the occasional singing of Truth Shall Overcome (to the tune of "We shall overcome"), and Peace, Shalom, Salaam. This was mostly as people were coming and leaving. None of this could have been heard in the service.

The signs were not confrontational or accusing, but were reminders that peace requires justice for all. AFSC members provided many of them. Some others said "End All Occupations," Support the UN Call for Cease-fire, etc. Four large cardboard signs with letters in foil that said GAZA caught the light of passing cars and TV cameras. Thanks to the Almonds and Eileen Sheehan, there were plenty of candles.

There were almost as many police at the temple as there were demonstrators across the way, and they were very cordial and helpful. The turnout for the service seemed smaller than expected.

People of many faiths stood with us tonight. I think we showed that there is nothing anti-Semitic or anti-Israel about opposing the Israeli offensive in Gaza and the occupation. One man came out of the Temple service and walked over to shake our hands. Again, silently, with no dialogue, but with mutual respect.

In interviews with ABC 6 News, Martha Yager and others made the point that this was about what was happening to the people of Gaza, and said groups at the vigil were concerned with a just peace for all the people of the region. At the end of its report at 11, ABC's reporter said it was clear both groups shared the goal of peace.

Without our presence there, the TV cameras would have only showed Rhode Islanders expressing solidarity with Israel. This way, they showed that there were also Rhode Islanders standing for a just peace, opposing Israel's actions and mourning the tremendous loss of life in Gaza as well as those killed in Israel.

Thanks to all who made this possible.

Susanne Hoder

Rhode Islanders' Rally on Dec. 31: End The Occupation

Thanks to the facebook group,US Campaign To End The Israeli Occupation,
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2758106908&ref=ts

I learned of the following planned event.

Wednesday, December 31, 6-7PM
Burnside Park (opposite Kennedy Plaza)

Contact: Martha Yager, AFSC-SENE,
401-521-3584 or MYager@afsc.org

As a Recovering Zionist ( and I increasingly think all nationalisms are chronic illnesses), I find the current "defensive" attacks by Israel to be heartbreaking. There was a time when I would have justified them. That time was when I was in elementary and high school. I missed the 25 year reunion a couple of years ago...

Grace Paley's solidarity with Palestinians and advocacy for human rights for all is one of the roots of this blog.

An Election Blessing

Barack atah Illinois,
Eloheynu melech ha'olam,
hoo-ray p'ri ha-electoral landslide.

Amen.


This was sent me yesterday by my Mom, "...you've probably seen this blessing over election results..." she wrote. I had not!

My searches only find t-shirts with the first line:
http://t-shirtsforobama.com/
But I would gladly give credit to the author(s).

Dear friends, please let me know so I can give credit!

Thank You, Yes People! "Iraq War Ends"

By Michelle Nichols NEW YORK, Nov 12 (Reuters) - A group of pranksters handed out more than 1.2 million fake New York Times newspapers mainly in New York City and Los Angeles on Wednesday with a front page story...

read more | digg story

Ciara Durkin -- How Can One Year Have Passed?

CPL. Ciara M. Durkin
1977-2007
Website created, owned, and operated by the Durkin Family.
Latest News
Last updated September 24, 2008
The Durkin Family participates in the Quincy Medical Center's Cancer Walk.
Since September 28, 2007, the Durkin Family has been involved in several memorials in Ciara's name.


As many of you know, each year our family and friends participate in a walk to raise money for cancer prevention. Our mother, Angela, and our sister Deirdre, are both breast cancer survivors, but we had been doing this walk for many years before Deirdre's diagnosis. In fact, it was this Medical Center that detected Deirdre's cancer early which prevented it from spreading.

This year, the walk is especially dear to our hearts because it coincides with
the first anniversary of our darling sister Ciara's passing. Ciara died in Afghanistan
on the 28th of September, 2007. While Ciara was in Afghanistan, she made an online donation with the dedication: "I give because I learned to stay strong
here in Afghanistan because of your courage. I love you".

In honor of Ciara, the hospital's Cancer Resource Library is being renamed
the "Ciara Durkin Resource Center."

Joining our team of walkers this year is our mother. She is
participating in the walk for the first time in memory of Ciara.


We hope that you will visit our webpage at http://www.firstgiving.com/positivethinkers (link below) and make a donation for this very worthy cause.
The Durkin Family to Participate in the
2008 Quincy Medical Center's Cancer Walk

On October 11th of 2008, the Durkin Family will have an anniversary mass for Ciara at
Saint Gregory's Parish in Dorchester, MA (see link below for a map).

This mass will begin at 4:00pm, and all are welcome to attend.
Anniversary Mass for Ciara

Aifreann chinn bhliana i dTeach Pobal Bhantiarna Lourdes agus Naomh Colm Cille, Leitir Móir, Dé Sathairn, 4 Deireadh Fómhair, ag 7.30 i.n.
Aifreann Chinn Bhliana do Chiara


We have heard from some members of Ciara's "army family," and their stories and reminiscences have brought us great comfort. We look forward to hearing from other soldiers who served with Ciara, especially those soldiers of whom she spoke often and with such fondness. Any communications will be treated with confidentiality. Please email info@ciaraweerabrat.com if you wish to contact the family.
Ciara's "Army Family"
We've added some information on Ciara's interment at Arlington National Cemetery.
Click here to see the page...http://www.ciaraweerabrat.com/


Most of the above is an excerpt from an email I received from Ciara Durkin's family...The technical errors in this post are my fault, NOT the fault of her family.

Love is somehow...(MLK, Jr.)

Love is somehow the key that unlocks the door which leads to the ultimate reality.

from The Words of Martin Luther King, Jr. selected by Coretta Scott King and published, in her book of that name, by Newmarket Press.

Barack Obama Neglects Rhode Island ?!

I have just read the names, ages, and residences of the 10 "supporters" who will join Senator Obama Backstage at the Democratic convention.



Meet the 10 supporters who will join me backstage at the Open Convention in Denver:

Barb Sackman of Fallon, Montana
Barb is a teacher living in Fallon, Montana, a town of 150. She lives on her family's wheat and cattle farm, and rising fuel prices are making it hard to get by. She hopes Barack's plan for alternative bio-fuels will help the struggling economy in rural Montana. Barb volunteers for her church, sits on a hospital board, and organizes community events in Fallon. Barb says Barack "genuinely cares about the problems of people like me. We appreciate his continued trips to Montana to let us know that we are not forgotten." She will attend the convention with her husband.

Lenny Julius of Emerald Isle, North Carolina
Lenny is a retired naval officer who believes the Iraq War was a serious strategic mistake. He says that in 2000 he looked forward to seeing John McCain, a fellow shipmate, in the Oval Office, having known and served with him in Vietnam -- but no more. "Senator McCain has become a strong supporter of the Bush policies -- policies which have led to disaster both at home and abroad." He was won over by Barack's communication skills, leadership abilities, and intelligence. Lenny is an auto parts manager at AutoZone in Emerald Isle, a heavily Republican town where he says there are many "closet Barack supporters." Lenny remembers staying up late when he was young to watch John F. Kennedy accept the nomination at the last truly open convention in 1960. He will come to the convention this year with his wife.

Anne Rector of Indianapolis, Indiana
Anne is a retired budget analyst for the federal government. She says the first time she saw Barack at the 2004 convention, she thought, "This is Everyman. He is Kansan and he is Kenyan; he is African and he is Anglo-American; he is common sense and he is eloquence; he is dynamic and he is down to earth." Anne is an active volunteer for the campaign, as well as for a local animal protection group. She hosts a weekly local radio program named Art and Review, in which she reads to the blind. Anne strongly believes in the protection of our civil liberties. She will attend with a friend and fellow campaign supporter.

James T. Fondriest of Massillon, Ohio
James, a 22-year-old law student and graduate of Ohio State University, never thought he would vote for anyone other than a Republican. An active Bush-Cheney supporter in 2004, he became disillusioned with his state party and Republicans' handling of Iraq, health care, and education. "Barack Obama has inspired me to believe in politics again and, most importantly, the power of the ordinary citizen," he writes. "Although I still identify as a Republican and still stand for some conservative values, I finally feel like America has found a leader it can look up to and trust." Leading up to the Ohio primary, James made over 500 "Buckeyes for Obama" T-shirts and donated the profits to the campaign. He plans to bring his father with him to the convention.

John Volkmar of Boulder, Colorado
John served in the U.S. Army for 10 years. He says his two tours in Iraq with the 10th Special Forces Group opened his eyes to "the link between our country's lack of an effective energy policy and our flawed foreign policy." John believes changing this relationship is an essential step towards ensuring that our government works for the interest of the American people instead of special interest groups. He is now pursuing an MBA and hopes to work in the alternative energy industry. He is coming to Denver with his wife.

Marsha Shearer of Orlando, Florida
Marsha is a retired elementary school principal. She has phone banked and canvassed for Obama in Florida, and has been a supporter since even before Barack made the decision to run. Marsha believes that both the Iraq War and America's dependence on oil are negatively affecting the health of our economy. She supports Barack because he is not a typical politician. "He represents something above and beyond," she says. "I haven't felt so energized since McCarthy, trying to end the Vietnam War." She will bring her college-age granddaughter to the convention.

Trinace Johnson of Richmond, Virginia
Trinace is a single mother and disabled veteran who served overseas for the Iraq War. She currently works for the U.S. Army as a public affairs specialist. She has voted since the age of 18, but this is the first time she has actively been involved with a political campaign. Trinace is inspired by Senator Obama's message of change and his plans to address all of the issues that she cares deeply about: veterans' support, education, stopping the war, tax breaks for the middle class, gas prices and health care. Trinace became motivated to get involved when her neighborhood ran out of ballots in the primaries, and is determined to ensure access to voting in this election. "I wish I could be there in Denver," she wrote to Backstage with Barack. "I would love to be a part of this historical event. [It's] so long overdue." Trinace will attend the convention with her sister.

Eric Melder of Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Eric is a 59-year-old married father of three sons and a grandparent to seven grandchildren. A retired YMCA director, he has worked at Diakon Wilderness Center for the past 13 years counseling young men with drug, alcohol, and family problems. "The boys call me 'E-rock' and I do all I can to make a difference in their lives," writes Eric. A self-proclaimed "values voter" and evangelical Christian, Eric switched his allegiance from Mike Huckabee to Barack, convinced by Barack's ability to lead and build coalitions. Eric is bringing Anthony, a former student at the Wilderness Center, who overcame immense hardships, including an absent father and a drug-addicted mother, to ultimately become Program Director of the Center. "Barack needs to meet him," Eric says.

Holly Miowak Stebing of Anchorage, Alaska
Holly, a 20-year-old Alaska Native Inupiaq, is spending her summer break from Stanford University at the First Alaskans Organization interviewing native elders about their experiences with segregation. Holly is passionate about improving healthcare access for Native Americans, and protecting Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from drilling. The 2008 presidential election is Holly's first as a voter. She says: "This was the first campaign I felt I needed to support. I don't have a lot of money, but I donate what I can because I believe in [Barack]." She will attend the convention with her mother who is the first Native American woman to pass the Alaska bar.

Kayla Whitaker of West Fargo, North Dakota
Kayla is a 20-year-old student and evangelical Christian who credits Barack for her newfound interest in the political process. "As a Christian, I have seen it repeated that evangelical Christians are 'required' to vote Republican. When I heard Barack's 'Call to Renewal' speech, I was surprised... This is change I can believe in and many other young, evangelical Christians can believe in, too. For the first time in my life, I got hooked on politics." She now plans to register to vote so that she can cast her ballot for Barack in November. Among Kayla's top concerns are health care, teacher pay, and the environment. In an effort to convince her mom to become involved in politics, she is bringing her to Denver.




Paid for by Obama for America

This email was sent to: msnomir@gmail.com

To unsubscribe, go to: http://my.barackobama.com/unsubscribe

It appears that: NOT ONE of those people is from Rhode Island. I pray that there is a mistake and some one's Ocean State status has been unfortunately (and grievously)omitted.

There are still a few days left. We must rally to the Cause. The State of Rhode Island and the Providence Plantations is far more important than most of those above.

Rites And Reason Awards, 2008

Most Recent Recipients of Rites and Reason Awards:

Darnell J. Fine '08: Rhett S. Jones Legacy Award for Outstanding Contribution to Institution Building

Gina Rodriguez '08: Alexis Prussack Legacy Award for Outstanding Contribution to Institution Building

Julian Drix '08: McKinley Ragland Legacy Award for Outstanding Contribution to Institution Buidling

Elizabeth C. Morgan '10 and Sevita Qarshi '10: Marsha Z. West Legacy Award for Outstanding Contribution to Institution Building

Bradley Toney '10 and Janine Heath '10: Donna Edmonds Mitchell Torch Award for Outstanding Rising Junior

Tomas Landes '11, John Racioppo '11, Elizabeth Rothman '11 and Akinyi Shapiro '11: Annual Luis Pagan and Joanne Suh New Pioneer Award for Outstanding Contribution to Institution Building by a First-Year Student.

I hope that this time my effort to copy and paste has not resulted in chopping off people's names on the right margin (well, it's no secret, I lean to the left). This information is gleaned from the website of the Africana Studies Department of Brown U. I tried unsuccessfully to post a link, but have now deleted that line. The link below to Rites & Reason Theatre does work, thankfully!

On a personal note: Darnell J. Fine and Gina Rodriguez were my stage managers for The Candlemakers of Kletsk at Rites & Reason in October of 2005.

If you belief in prayer, or anything of that ilk, please (as the Quakers say) "hold in the light," Rhett Jones . Rhett is in RI Hospital as I write this. Rhett has been a mentor to me (and more) since I studied with him my sophomore year (1983-1984!)