The Pathfinder: January 25, 2024
With Fear and Trembling
As many of you know, for the past several years, I have been in the discernment process to prayerfully consider whether or not the Episcopal priesthood is a place for me to live out my life as a Christian. After about six years of considering it, I feel like I can confidently say that it could be, and more importantly, that I would like to try for it.
One of the questions that has made my discernment difficult or murky has been “how.” How could the Episcopal priesthood be a good place for me to work out the things to which I feel called, to work out my own salvation? That is, how do those things I feel a pull towards, and how do the experiences I have had so far align with the Episcopal priesthood?
I’ve been trying to scratch at this question for a long time. I have played with a whole bunch of options including opening a franchise of the women’s sports bar called the Sports Bra with the Rev. Maggie Foote (an option we still have not ruled out 😉), but sometime in 2023 I got an offer, a grant, to plant a new Episcopal Church. It’s one of those offers that in my 20s I might have passed up because I was not confident enough to try, and in my 30s I might have passed up because I didn’t think it safe enough, but in my 40s I can accept because I know it’s not safe, and because I know that’s not the only question to ask.
And so, after months of consideration and talking to many people, and crunching a lot of numbers, with all the fear a person could muster (at both the thought of this massive endeavor and the thought of leaving you all, the very place and people who have given me the opportunity and courage to even consider such a thing) and with a newborn baby wrapped to me as I type this, I have decided that this is the way for me, at this point, to work out what it could mean for me to be an ordained person in this tradition.
What does this mean, then? Well, in order to do this, and still put food on the table at home, I have decided to drop to half time at All Souls starting April 1st. I will then spend the other half of my time working on planting this new congregation (and using the grant to cover the other half of my salary), with the goal to launch (in one form or another) in about March of 2025. If all this stands, at that point, I would move full time to leading this congregation and leave All Souls.
There are a lot of details I could cover at this point, and there are many more I haven’t yet worked out, but all of that will work itself out over time, or so I trust. But the thing I would like to say at this point is that the very hardest part of making this decision has been the thought of leaving All Souls. The way I see it, I graduated from seminary and was a lost soul, wandering with hope, and you all took me in and gave me a chance to be who I thought I could be. Because of the chance you gave me, I found a place where I could work out my salvation––where I could be myself and could grow into more. I believe that path has led me to where I am now, to this opportunity to take this next step towards where I feel called, but it does not make the path any easier (boy, I wish it would).
One of the questions you might be asking at this point is what does half time look like for me. I wonder the same thing. In terms of the hours, I’m planning on being at All Souls on Sundays and then on Tuesday and Thursdays from 10-4. It is during those times that you can expect to hear from me, though you may reach out to me anytime during my normal work week (Sunday-Thursday), just like you always have. In terms of the work itself, that is yet to be determined exactly, but it is clear to us as the staff team that it will be in some part covered by the other members of the staff, in some part covered by the ministry teams, and partly covered by a new church management software that we just purchased, called Realm. You’ll hear more about Realm in the months to come, but it should be able to handle things like the Rota and some of the reports and tracking that I do around membership and engagement here at church.
We’ll have some time to work out some of these details during the remainder of my parental leave, which puts me starting back this Sunday at half time until Holy Week. Starting April 1st, I’ll then continue to be half time, but then also work half time at launching this new church plant and finishing my requirements for ordination.
I’ve got a lot of feelings about this next move in my personal and professional life––fear, excitement, anxiety, sadness, and gratitude to name a few. This next year will be wild, and I’m not sure that I have what it takes to get it all done or that what I have set out to accomplish can be done. I’m not even sure that a new Episcopal church plant is a good idea! (though, I did read Bishop Susan Snook’s book God Gave the Growth and feel mostly convinced that there is some wisdom to it all. If you are wondering if one should be planting new churches in an era of church decline, please read this book and then let’s chat). But, I am convinced that this Episcopal tradition, in the hands of some who have been previously hurt by the church, has an obvious and latent capacity to heal wounds and restore community and life. I am certain that attempting to make more of that is worth trying.
–Emily Hansen Curran
Annual Meeting: This Sunday!
It’s that time of year again, All Soulsians: our annual opportunity to remember and reflect on what has happened and who we’ve been, and wonder about what God has in store for us for us next. Here’s what you need to know for this year’s 120th meeting of the congregation, 12:30p in the Parish Hall:
You’ll find the Annual Report for 2023 on the All Souls Resources page––read, mark and inwardly digest!
The Cake Team at All Souls will be baking coffee cake for the Annual Meeting. Please bring a fruit salad to share if you are able.
In a follow-up to our Pathfinder article from last week, the Vestry nominating committee confirms that petitions have closed. We did not receive any additional nominations. The Vestry Nominating Committee is pleased to verify the slate of nominees to be considered for election at this year’s Annual Meeting: Laura Altieri, Bob Cross, Cathy Goshorn, Erin Horne, and Jenny Kern. The nominees for deanery delegates and diocesan alternates are: Mary Elgin, Richard Page, Dean Williamson, and Lenore Williamson.
We look forward to seeing you on Sunday!
–Phil+
Gratitude from Erkhembat
Before Jordan Court existed there was the All Souls Parish House. And for several years in the Parish House All Souls offered the Parish House Accompaniment Program, or PHAP, in which we temporarily housed people seeking asylum from all over the world (Cameroon, Gaza, Norway, Guatemala, Mongolia, etc.) as they were released from the Richmond ICE Detention Center.
One of those guests, Erkhembat Lasran, stayed in our Parish House for some time as he sought asylum in the United States. After he moved out of the Parish House people from All Souls continued to accompany him, including at one point posting bond after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling changed the kind of bond required. (you can read all about that on pages 9-12 of the book Vital Christian Community) Recently a group of All Soulsians were present at one of Erkhembat’s hearings and just this past week learned that the judge granted his request for asylum in the United States! It has been an incredible moment of joy and relief for many, below is Erkhembat’s message:
Hi Everyone,
It is with a heart full of gratitude that I have come to appreciate every one of you for all your support from when I left detention until this day. My joy knows no bounds. I cannot find the right words to express exactly how I feel. I am wholeheartedly grateful to everyone. Special thanks to my lawyer Peggy for everything she did to see that I came out victorious. I will never forget the love and all the help I got from you all.
May God continue to bless you and your families. I am thankful.
Best regards,
–Erkhembat
January Vestry Update
To start off the last meeting of the Vestry year, Ryan Greene-Roesel led us in a spiritual reflection inspired by writings by her mother. We spoke about the importance of silence and understanding that the emptiness associated with silence is filled by God’s love.
She also emphasized the importance of spiritual practice as a way to prepare ourselves to serve others and about silence as a prerequisite for contemplative prayer.
We continued the meeting by reviewing the end of 2023 fiscal year actions and approved the amended 2024 budget.
The Vestry then discussed an update from the property committee. They have affirmed the decision to build an Otis elevator and the construction drawings are expected by the end of January, 2024. This will support the construction going forward and give them the ability to get permits to start building!
To wrap up the year, the Vestry reflected on the growth of the Parish this past year including the growth in the Living Waters Project, the new worship schedule, the new and improved website, and many other examples of growth. This led to the reflection of the departing Vestry members who left the group with messages of the importance of community, conflict resolution, respect, and grace. As part of his vestry reflection, Kirk tendered his resignation from the Vestry, effective from the end of the January 17th Vestry meeting until the January 28th Annual Meeting. We are grateful for the service of Nydia MacGregor, Kim Wong, Shawn Adderly, Priscilla Camp, and Kirk Miller. The Vestry is looking forward to welcoming five nominees: Laura Altieri, Bob Cross, Cathy Goshorn, Erin Horne, Jenny Kern.
The meeting ended with an update from our Rector. Phil updated the Vestry on the increase in Christmas participation, Emily Hansen Curran’s return at the Annual Meeting to half-time status as part of her parental leave, the planned ordination of Emily Boring, the status of the Jordan Gift, which is sunsetting, and overall sense that the parish seems to be growing.
The Annual Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, January 28th at 12:30p in the Parish Hall.
Editor’s N.B. In the January 11th Pathfinder, two articles addressed the decisions taken by the Vestry during the December Special Vestry meeting regarding the elevator placement and design. A clarification is required with respect to the details of the vote count for motions passed during that meeting regarding the foyer/lift elevator placement and design. The Vestry approved two separate motions related to the elevator placement and design. A motion to approve the foyer/lift elevator option with no vestibule in the nave, as a refinement of the previously approved foyer/lift elevator option, passed with a unanimous vote. Subsequently, a separate motion to affirm the foyer/lift elevator path as approved at the September Vestry meeting passed on a vote of 9 to 1.
–Jill Anderson
Building Interfaith Bridges
As part of our ongoing participation in Building Interfaith Bridges with St. Paul AME and Congregation Beth El, we have been inviting each other to take part in the life of our respective congregations.
In December members of St. Paul and Beth El joined us in our final soup supper and Advent Taize service. Below are reflections from a couple of those who joined us.
“From the moment I entered All Souls, I felt welcome and comfortable. I had visualized an entirely different setting, more formal and subdued. Being in the social hall and seated in a horseshoe so we could see each other created a relaxed and yet worshipful atmosphere. I loved hearing the story of the gentleman who bicycled the pilgrim’s path in Portugal. His evocative writing, especially about his encounter with “the Italians,” warmed my heart and made us all laugh. What a pleasure to have four-part harmony spelled out in the handout! Every part of the service touched my heart, from the chants and songs to the poetry and the embracing attitude of the All Souls congregants. Thank you so much for inviting us to join you for your beautiful Taizé service.”
- Susan Zarchy from from Congregation Beth El
“Having never entered an Episcopal Parish, it was a joy to see your congregants bringing soup for all to enjoy and then to break bread together. The wonderful informality of the Advent service was very welcoming, especially to hear Rev. Phil set the tone for all of us, to hear the moving story of a congregant on a pilgrimage in Spain, and to hear some of your prayers and music. It was really a very special evening and greatly appreciated.”
- Mike Austin from Congregation Beth El
The next Building Interfaith Bridges event will be the Fourth Friday Shabbat in the Round at Congregation Beth El this Friday, January 26th at 6:15pm, with Q and A and food to follow. You can find more information in the Announcements section below.
–Phil+
Announcements & Events
Happening This Week
TOMORROW: Interfaith Shabbat at Congregation Beth El
You are warmly invited to join our Building Interfaith Bridges* group at Congregation Beth El tomorrow, Friday, January 26, 2024 at 6:15pm for “4th Friday Shabbat in the Round”. Members of all three Building Interfaith Bridges congregations will be present.
Congregation Beth El’s monthly extra-musical Shabbat service takes place on the fourth Friday of the month at 6:15 pm and is led by Beth El clergy. Using both the words of historical liturgy and many wordless melodies, we welcome Shabbat with a focus on the transformative power of music. Bring your voice, your percussion or other portable instrument and come play and sing along! Or join us just to soak up the music.
The evening also features some opportunities for fellowship and community-building.
5pm wine tasting (registration required)
6:15p Kabbalat Shabbat Service (no registration required)
7:15 dinner (registration required)
If you would like to just join for the service you are all set! Just arrive around 6p and look for the Building Interfaith Bridges sign. If you would like to attend the wine tasting or dinner please click HERE to register today.
Congregation Beth El is located at 1301 Oxford Street in Berkeley.
*What is the Building Interfaith Bridges group and who’s involved?
With leadership and support from clergy, Congregation Beth El, All Souls Parish and Saint Paul A.M.E. Church have joined together to Build Interfaith Bridges through shared faith experiences in each others’ spiritual homes.
Questions? Please contact Beth El liaison, Anna Fogelman at annaleahfogelman@gmail.com, or All Souls Parish liaison Bonnie Bishop bonniekbishop@myyahoo.com.
Youth Group is on for this Sunday, Jan 28th, 7-8:30p in the Parish Hall!
Worship This Week
8:00am, Holy Eucharist in Chapel
10:30am, sung Eucharist (click here to access the live stream)
Wednesday 9am Service. Join the Zoom call here, or join us in person in the Nave. Password: 520218.
Update from the Rev. Emily B:
Many of you have heard that my priestly ordination, scheduled for last Friday, was postponed due to an ice storm in Oregon. I’m happy to share that a new date has been set: Friday, February 16th at 7pm at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Portland. Formal invitation and livestream info forthcoming!
- Emily+
Adult Formation
Coming Up Next (Feb 4, 11, 18): The Jewish Origins of Christianity with Rabbi Harry Manhoff
Before Judaism (as we know it today) and Christianity, the people of Israel were learning how to live according to the Hebrew Bible. In the Jewish Origins of Christianity series, Rabbi Harry Manhoff will present the rabbinic traditions of the first century that are shared in the New Testament. We will see that Jesus of Nazareth, called Rabbi (in Greek letters), taught many of the same traditions as sages of the people of Israel.
Note: The Adult Formation Committee has decided to suspend Zoom access to classes due to technical issues and low turnout. Audio recordings will be posted when available.
Children & Family
Godly Play Work Day Sunday, Jan 28th from 1:30-3:30p (right after Annual Meeting). Join us downstairs for a working party as we organize classrooms, inventory supplies, and generally get our Sunday School rooms in order! All ages are welcome; snacks provided. Email Emily B if you know you are coming, or simply show up to help.
Nursery The downstairs nursery is open and available to you for your use whenever you’re at All Souls. This is not a staffed nursery, so an adult must be there with your child, but if you need a quiet place to take a time out, change a diaper, let your child play or take a rest, the nursery is open for you to do all of those things. If there is a service going on that’s being livestreamed, you will be able to watch the livestream on the computer in the nursery as well.
Children’s Ministry Sunday School continues each week during the 10:30 a.m. service. Children head downstairs at the start of the service, then return after the “Peace.” See an usher if you need directions.
Children pre-K to 1st grade: Godly Play (in the Godly Play 1 classroom)
Children 2nd-5th grade: Faith Explorers (in the Fiery Furnace room)
Youth Program - Youth Group happens weekly on Sundays from 7-8:30 in the Parish Hall. If you are not receiving weekly Youth Program updates but would like to, please reach out to Emily B to be added to our mailing list.
Godly Play & Faith Explorers Teachers We are actively seeking teachers and/or alternates to add to our Sunday School team for all ages. If you are interested, please reach out to Emily B. (All teachers will go through SAFE Church training and background checks).
Justice & Peace
Sacred Earth: Growing Beloved Community Webcast
Sacred Earth invites you to a Zoom webcast on Tuesday, Jan 30th at 6pm PST.
Register on the Sacred Earth page here.
Join Hosts Bishop Marc Andrus and Dr. Paloma Pavel, alongside featured presenter john a. powell (founder of the Othering and Belonging Institute) and guest musician Melanie DeMore.
Professor powell is an internationally recognized social innovator in the areas of civil rights, structural racism, housing, poverty, and democracy. john is passionately committed to the inner transformation required for deep peacemaking and building bridges across our differences. john a. powell spells his name in lowercase in the belief that we should be "part of the universe, not over it, as capitals signify." He is the Founder/Director of Othering & Belonging Institute (OBI), a research and practice institute at the University of California, Berkeley that brings together scholars, community advocates, communicators and policymakers to identify and eliminate the barriers to an inclusive, just, and sustainable society, and to create transformative change toward a more equitable world. His renowned conferences draw from such diverse fields as neuroscience, poetry, theatre and movement. OBI now offers free classes with changemakers from around the world to build more just, inclusive communities: https://obiu.org/obiu-home
Ways to help with the Israel-Hamas War, from Episcopal Relief & Development
Since the start of the current Israel-Hamas war, Episcopal Relief & Development has been supporting long-time partners in the Holy Land including Al Ahli Hospital, a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, to provide emergency medical support in Gaza. Despite being hit by two explosions that damaged buildings and claimed hundreds of lives, the hospital is still serving those who are in need of care. Episcopal Relief & Development stands with the brave staff of Al Ahli Hospital as they risk their lives to help others.
Please pray for peace in the Holy Land and consider making a contribution to the Episcopal Relief & Development Middle East Fund to help meet the growing needs of all people in the region.
Stay informed about the Episcopal Relief & Development response at episcopalrelief.org.
Everything Else
Companion Request, from Mary and Bruce Elgin: We are still looking for someone who could come to our house Friday mornings from Feb 16 to May 31 this year to stay with our disabled adult daughter while we are at rehearsals for the Oakland Community Orchestra. She is self-sufficient and does not need any medical support. Nothing is required except your presence for about 4 hours starting at 8:45am on Friday mornings through May 31. We are only asking for someone to be here with her (in the hills up Broadway Terrace) so she won't be alone. Compensation is offered. If you are interested, or you know of someone who may be willing, please call Bruce Elgin for more information (626-644-0539).
Winter & Spring Programs at the Bishop’s Ranch As you wrap up 2023 and begin to look forward into 2024, consider joining in on some of the offerings from the Bishop’s Ranch: Register Here.
Epiphany Reflection Day with Bishop Marc
Rediscovering Celtic Wisdom 2 with John Philip Newell
The Great Search 2 with John Philip Newell
Wild Contemplative and the Wilderness Within
Holy Week: The Tridium with the Holy Women
