The Rev. James Ishmael Ford - August 31, 2025
Tom & Ma: The Joads' Story and Ours
The Rev. James Ishmael Ford, speaking; Chela Metzger worship associate. Our old friend the Reverend James Ishmael Ford first read the Grapes of Wrath when he was a teenager. Its deeper messages have never left him. The story of the Joad family was first recounted by John Steinbeck in his novel. The spirit of that novel was captured by John Ford in his adaptation for the screen. And then it was summarized in a haunting song by Woody Guthrie. James feels this Labor Day weekend is a good time to revisit some aspects of that message. Rev. James is our 2024-2025 Honored Guest Teacher. Each year of Developmental Ministry, we've had one special Honored Guest Teacher who has deepened our understanding and commitments to multireligious life and/or anti-racism and anti-oppression. Music: Saunder Choi, music director and vocalist; Hagar Sara Adam, vocalist; Ryan Humphrey, pianist. Time for All Ages: We will honor our students who are moving up from Elementary School into Middle School as they share what they have learned from being a part of our congregation so far. Order of Service