Upcoming Events
Advent Ingathering
Every Sunday in Advent we collect items for some of our neighbors in need. Our Justice & Peace team has coordinated lists for each week of Advent and what is needed. Please bring these items on Sunday mornings and place them in front of the altar.
Week 1 (Dec 1): Undergraduate Street Medicine Outreach (USMO)
Week 2 (Dec 8): The Berkeley Food Pantry
Week 3 (Dec 15): Berkeley Unhoused Encampments
Week 4 (Dec 22): Tiny House Project
An Introduction to the Gospel of Luke
Starting in Advent, we will begin a new liturgical year that will follow the Gospel of Luke in our Sunday liturgies. This Gospel contains some of the most memorable and beloved Gospel stories from the nativity, to the parable of the Good Samaritan, to the parable of the prodigal son. As we have done with other introductions, we will explore what is known about the history and authorship of this Gospel, explore its Christology as well as the particular theological concerns of Luke. The Rev. Michael Lemaire will be teaching this class and we will meet at 9:15 am in the Jordan Court Community Room on the following Sundays: Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22.
Christmas Eve - 4 pm
All are welcome to join us as we celebrate the birth of Christ. We have three different Eucharistic services on Christmas Eve. This 4p Eucharist will include the Nativity Story.
Other services on Christmas Eve include the 8p Carols & Candlelight service and the 10:30p Midnight Mass.
Christmas Eve - 8pm
All are welcome to join us as we celebrate the birth of Christ. This Carols and Candlelight Eucharistic service on Christmas Eve will be followed with a reception.
This will be the only service that will be live streamed. The other two Chrismas Eve services include a 4pm and 10:30pm.
Christmas Eve - 10:30 pm
All are welcome to join us as we celebrate the birth of Christ. This 10:30 pm Midnight Mass includes the Eucharist.
Other services on Christmas Eve include the 4p Eucharist that includes the Nativity Story and the 8p Carols & Candlelight service.
Augustine 2.0
Please join our small group as we continue reading The Confessions by St Augustine. Among the most important and influential books written in the history of Christendom, it is today among the least read of our founding texts. We will begin with Chapter 9 and read our way thru Chapter 13 in our allotted three weeks. Having not read the first halfdoes not disqualify you from joining – all opinions and pronouncements are welcome. This class will be led by Jack Shoemaker and will be held in the Common Room on the following Sundays: January 5, 12 & 19.
Repairs in the Bay Area
The Isaiah Project team will introduce each of the four organizations that are receiving All Souls grants through the tithe from our Living Waters campaign. A representative from each organization will join us to talk about the work of repair that each of these organizations is performing in our local East Bay communities. The four organizations and the dates they will join us are:
Elizabeth House (January 5)
The Center for ArtEsteem (January 12)
The American Indian Child Resource Center (January 19)
Youth Spirit Artworks (February 2).
We will meet at 9:15 am in the Jordan Court Community Room on the following Sundays: January 5, 12, 19 and February 2nd.
Epiphany
In the season following Christmas, we celebrate the arrival of the Magi at the birth of Jesus in the season of Epiphany. Typically we do this with a King cake, as is the tradition, where a small figurine of the baby Jesus is hidden within the cake. Whoever finds the figurine, wins!
Open Door Dinner
Every second Sunday of the month we host a jambalaya meal for anyone who is hungry. Please come by and pick up a meal to go, or sit and eat in the courtyard. For more information or if you would like to volunteer to help with this meal, contact Jennifer A (akiyama.jennifer@gmail.com)
Annual Meeting
Every year, on the last Sunday of January, we gather as a community to look back on what has been, and to look forward on what is to come. This is festive meeting where we hear about the budget, listen to stories from this past year and many years past, and elect our new leadership. All are welcome, but only members may vote in electing new vestry leadership.
Agape Meal
At this meal, we remember Jesus’ final commandment to his disciples:
“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” – John 13:34.
In this spirit, we will eat together for a Maundy Thursday Agape Meal––an ancient practice in the Christian church, recalling the meals Jesus shared with disciples during his ministry, and especially at the Last Supper before his crucifixion, and expressing the koinonia (community, sharing, fellowship) of the followers of Christ. The term agape comes from the Greek––a term for love in its broadest sense. The Agape Meal is another way of living out Jesus’ mandatum (Latin for “commandment,” as in Maundy Thursday) or commandment that we love one another with the same self-emptying love, mercy and forgiveness with which he has loved and still loves us.
As part of this service we will pray, sing a few songs, have some conversation, and we'll eat a light meal together. Our intention is for this to be a kid-friendly service, which you can attend as a stand-alone service on Maundy Thursday, or as preparation for the 7:30p Eucharistic service with foot washing. If you are able, please RSVP for this meal so that we know about how much food to bring. Click here to RSVP
Pentecost
After 50 days in the season of Easter, we celebrate Pentecost––remembering when the Holy Spirit descended on the early disciples after Jesus’ resurrection. We do this with a potluck feast after the service, by wearing red to church that day, a ministry fair to celebrate the many gifts of All Souls Parish, and with festive songs during worship. Some years, Ale Souls even brews a special Pentecost beer.
Parish Picnic
Just after the 10:30a service, we’ll all head up to Tilden Park, to the Padre Picnic area for a church potluck and picnic! We’ll hang have a BBQ fired up with burgers and hotdogs and maybe even play a favorite pastime of ours: a cornhole tournament. If you can help out with the picnic, please see Jeannie Koops.
Big Sur Camping Trip
In the middle of July, every year, we head out for a camping trip to the Big Sur River at the Santa Lucia Campground. It’s a fabulous intergenerational weekend full of food, fun, floating down the river, prayers, silence, retreat, and frisbee at the beach. We arrive on Friday evening and conclude on Sunday morning with a worship service up at the outdoor chapel on the campground.
Homecoming & Blessing of the Backpacks
You are invited to Homecoming! Whether you’ve been coming for a while and are returning from summer, or you’ve been away for a very long time and hoping to reconnect, or if it’s your first time: welcome home. Come celebrate the start of the new year with us. We’ll have a bouncy house for the kids (and big kids), a taco truck, a popcorn machine, watermelon, and so much more! This event is open to the neighborhood and all our neighbors (even if you just want to come by and grab a taco from the truck. :)
Parish Retreat
All are welcome to join us for our annual all-parish retreat up in Healdsburg at the Bishop’s Ranch. Each year we work through a theme for the weekend, from pilgrimage, to heaven, to reparations & repair. We do this by age-specific programming on Saturday afternoon and spend the rest of our time up at the Ranch recreating and relaxing by the pool or in Adirondack chairs on the lawn. It is a beautiful intergenerational weekend set in a spectacular setting. Costs include food for the weekend, there is also an option to camp or to come up for just Saturday.
Advent Taizé
For the three Tuesday evenings in the season of Advent, we gather in the church for a Taizé contemplative prayer service that includes prayers, story, silence, and music. All are welcome. The dates are December 3, 10, and 17. Some light refreshments will be available.
An Introduction to the Gospel of Luke
Starting in Advent, we will begin a new liturgical year that will follow the Gospel of Luke in our Sunday liturgies. This Gospel contains some of the most memorable and beloved Gospel stories from the nativity, to the parable of the Good Samaritan, to the parable of the prodigal son. As we have done with other introductions, we will explore what is known about the history and authorship of this Gospel, explore its Christology as well as the particular theological concerns of Luke. The Rev. Michael Lemaire will be teaching this class and we will meet at 9:15 am in the Jordan Court Community Room on the following Sundays: Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22.
Caroling Party
Join us on December 8th at 5pm for our annual All Souls Caroling Party. 5pm dinner followed by caroling house-to-house. We hope you will come to this family-friendly evening. More details to follow.
Open Door Dinner
Every second Sunday of the month we host a jambalaya meal for anyone who is hungry. Please come by and pick up a meal to go, or sit and eat in the courtyard. For more information or if you would like to volunteer to help with this meal, contact Jennifer A (akiyama.jennifer@gmail.com)
The Great Move-In
Join us on December 8th at 12:30pm as we help the Parish move back into our newly refreshed spaces in the Undercroft. See the pathfinder for more details. All hands are welcome and needed.
Film Screening: Past Lives
The Racial Justice Committee invites you to explore themes of identity, migration, and belonging in our next movie discussion series. Join us Friday, Dec. 6 at 7 pm (snacks at 6:30) in the Jordan Court Community Room for a screening of the acclaimed film Past Lives, directed by Celine Song and starring Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, and John Magaro. Bring some snacks to share.
Advent Taizé
For the three Tuesday evenings in the season of Advent, we gather in the church for a Taizé contemplative prayer service that includes prayers, story, silence, and music. All are welcome. The dates are December 3, 10, and 17. Some light refreshments will be available.
Advent Festival
Our Advent Festival kicks off the liturgical year with the season of Advent. On this night we gather around a fire in the courtyard and process inside to sing, pray, and recall some of the stories that have brought us here. We will drink hot chocolate, make Advent wreaths, and make our annual All Souls Christmas ornament. This is a great night for kids and families, especially.
Introduction to the Gospel of Luke
Starting in Advent, we will begin a new liturgical year that will follow the Gospel of Luke in our Sunday liturgies. This Gospel contains some of the most memorable and beloved Gospel stories from the nativity, to the parable of the Good Samaritan, to the parable of the prodigal son. As we have done with other introductions, we will explore what is known about the history and authorship of this Gospel, explore its Christology as well as the particular theological concerns of Luke. The Rev. Michael Lemaire will be teaching this class and we will meet at 9:15 am in the Jordan Court Community Room on the following Sundays: Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22.
Newcomer Class
Wondering how to learn more about All Souls and connect with our community? Join us for a newcomer class held in the Chapel at 9:15 am on the following Sundays: November 10, 17, 24, December 1st
Godly Play Training
All are welcome to learn about our Sunday School curriculum! We are actively growing our teacher team and especially encourage parents to attend. Email emilyb@allsoulsparish.org with questions.
Newcomer Class
Wondering how to learn more about All Souls and connect with our community? Join us for a newcomer class held in the Chapel at 9:15 am on the following Sundays: November 10, 17, 24, December 1st
Heretics and Creeds
In the early years of the Christian church, the wars among “believers” were intriguing and occasionally violent as the early church attempted to set the boundaries of what is Christian. This class will offer a brief history of the early heresies and the development of the creeds of the church; further, we will consider the continuing use of the creeds in worship today. Class is led by the Rev. Phil Brochard and meets in the Jordan Court Community Room on the following Sundays at 9:15 am: Oct. 27, Nov. 10, 17, 24.
2nd Thursday Luncheon
All women of the parish are invited to a potluck lunch on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 12:30 in the Jordan Court Community Room. Please bring one of your favorite lunch dishes or a beverage to share and feel free to invite other women.
Contact Gloria Bayne for more information: gloria.bayne@comcast.net.
Open Door Dinner
Every second Sunday of the month we host a jambalaya meal for anyone who is hungry. Please come by and pick up a meal to go, or sit and eat in the courtyard. For more information or if you would like to volunteer to help with this meal, contact Jennifer A (akiyama.jennifer@gmail.com)
Heretics and Creeds
In the early years of the Christian church, the wars among “believers” were intriguing and occasionally violent as the early church attempted to set the boundaries of what is Christian. This class will offer a brief history of the early heresies and the development of the creeds of the church; further, we will consider the continuing use of the creeds in worship today. Class is led by the Rev. Phil Brochard and meets in the Jordan Court Community Room on the following Sundays at 9:15 am: Oct. 27, Nov. 10, 17, 24.
Film Screening: Crip Camp
Join Erin Horne, the Rev. Emily B, and others to view this documentary about disability justice, followed by a discussion. 6:30-9pm, Jordan Court Community Room.
Election Day Prayer Vigil
We will open our Chapel on Cedar Street for drop-in contemplation and prayer.
All Souls/All Saints Day Potluck
Join us as we celebrate our Feast of Title! Just after the 10:30a service, in the Jordan Court Community Room, we’ll gather for a potluck meal together. Please bring a dish that reminds you of someone you have loved but see no longer and feel free to include a story of the dish or the person alongside (and include the ingredient list as well) to contribute as we celebrate the saints and souls of All Souls Parish.
During the worship services we will also pray the names of those who have died over this past year. If you would like to add a name to that list of names, please do so here.
Lastly, the Arts at All Souls will also provide a way for us to remember those who we have loved but see no longer.
Young Adult Group
Our young adult group (20’s & 30’s) will be meeting the following Monday evenings: Sept. 23 (spiritual content), Oct. 14 (social), and Oct. 28 (spiritual content). If you are interested, please e-mail Emily B. who will connect you with the group leaders.
Spaghetti Again Men's Dinner
Join the men of All Souls parish as we gather each month on the last Monday of the month. The meal is prepared by a volunteer and the menu varies. Costs are shared. Beverages are brought by attendees to share.
More information is available from Bob Cross, George Tharisayi, Kirk Miller, or John Cockle (rrc2406@gmail.com). Please sign up as a head count is necessary to have food for all.
Stewardship Ingathering & Celebration Dinner
Sunday morning, October 27th, we’ll gather our pledges of financial support to All Souls. Then, Sunday evening at 6p, we’ll all meet at St. Magdalen Church (2005 Berryman St) to eat and celebrate together. All are welcome to join us for this very fun and celebratory evening. Don’t miss it!
Heretics and Creeds
In the early years of the Christian church, the wars among “believers” were intriguing and occasionally violent as the early church attempted to set the boundaries of what is Christian. This class will offer a brief history of the early heresies and the development of the creeds of the church; further, we will consider the continuing use of the creeds in worship today. Class is led by the Rev. Phil Brochard and meets in the Jordan Court Community Room on the following Sundays at 9:15 am: Oct. 27, Nov. 10, 17, 24.
Church Meets State
Have you been curious why more Episcopalians were signers of the Declaration of Independence and more Episcopalians have served as President of the United States than any other religious tradition? Do you struggle with what an appropriate Christian response to the Gospel might be in a country where Christian nationalism is on the rise? Do you ever wonder about Jesus of Nazareth’s own political ambitions? Are you trying to figure out how to live out your Christianity in a country that is becoming more polarized? To learn more about all of these questions join the Rev. Phil Brochard in conversation with two All Soulsians, Jim Copeland and Dr. Christine Trost, on October 13th and 20th at 9:15am in the Jordan Court Community Room.
Young Adult Group
Our young adult group (20’s & 30’s) will be meeting the following Monday evenings: Sept. 23 (spiritual content), Oct. 14 (social), and Oct. 28 (spiritual content). If you are interested, please e-mail Emily B. who will connect you with the group leaders.
Open Door Dinner
Every second Sunday of the month we host a jambalaya meal for anyone who is hungry. Please come by and pick up a meal to go, or sit and eat in the courtyard. For more information or if you would like to volunteer to help with this meal, contact Pat Jones, jpatricej@gmail.com or Don Gates, don.a.gates@gmail.com.
Lay Eucharistic Visitor Training
Join us to learn how to serve as Lay Eucharistic Visitor (LEV) and discern a call to this ministry. We will meet in the Narthex from 12-1 on Oct. 13th. Please RSVP to Emily B.
Church Meets State
Have you been curious why more Episcopalians were signers of the Declaration of Independence and more Episcopalians have served as President of the United States than any other religious tradition? Do you struggle with what an appropriate Christian response to the Gospel might be in a country where Christian nationalism is on the rise? Do you ever wonder about Jesus of Nazareth’s own political ambitions? Are you trying to figure out how to live out your Christianity in a country that is becoming more polarized? To learn more about all of these questions join the Rev. Phil Brochard in conversation with two All Soulsians, Jim Copeland and Dr. Christine Trost, on October 13th and 20th at 9:15am in the Jordan Court Community Room.
2nd Thursday Lunch
All women of the parish are invited to a potluck lunch on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 12:30 in the Jordan Court Community Room. Please bring one of your favorite lunch dishes or a beverage to share and feel free to invite other women.
Contact Gloria Bayne for more information: gloria.bayne@comcast.net.
