The Pathfinder: December 7, 2023
The Gifts of Discernment
If it’s true discernment that you’re interested in, you cannot know how and where and when it will end. This is a truth that I have learned over years of observing and participating in and guiding others in the mysterious, unexpected, and fruitful Land of Discernment. And, it’s a truth that I have learned very keenly and also very publicly in the past few months, and particularly in the last few days.
This past Saturday, the Diocese of California elected the Rev. Austin Keith Rios to be our next bishop. In this election I finished a solid second.
Now, I did not enter into this discernment with the expectation that I would be elected, as I have found it counterproductive, and sometimes even dangerous to enter into discernment expecting a particular outcome. In fact, for some time I was fairly certain that I was not going to enter into formal discernment with our diocesan search for a new bishop at all. So, you may be wondering why did I put myself forward for consideration?
I entered into this discernment process because I was approached by women and queer folk and people of color who asked me if I might consider this as a call. And so I did––I still myself and listened and went forward. And, at several turns in the process when I was unsure about going forward, I continued on because of prompts from what I believe to be the Holy Spirit to keep going. And so I did. And for this I am grateful.
While I continue to have reluctance about the public nature of episcopal discernment––it’s unlike just about any other search in the Episcopal Church––my intent in this process was to be able to be as clear about who I am as a priest and a Christian and a leader and a person as I could be, to discern where I see the Spirit calling us next as a body, and then to offer that sense to our diocese. To be sure there were times that I wish I had used this metaphor instead of that one, and when I forgot a concrete example that I had meant to share. But on the whole, I feel that I gave all that I have for the people of this diocese to discern with. And they made their choice.
Sure, it stings, as this is the place and the people with whom I’ve been formed. But the tears that I’ve shed since Saturday have not been because I wasn’t elected. I’ve cried in these past few days because of the extraordinary love, recognition, affection, and support that I’ve received since the election. From members of our parish (and that startling standing ovation on Sunday morning), to my friends and family, to colleagues in our diocese, to companions across our wider church, I have frequently been teary when reading texts and emails and receiving phone calls.
And, it has deepened my sense of another truth––that the gifts of discernment aren’t always immediately known. This is also part of where I am placing my trust, that the fruits of this discernment will continue to be born in the days ahead, as nothing goes to waste in God’s economy.
So, I’ve re-entered our common life––appropriately at the start of Advent––grateful for the listening and the discussing and the sorting and the refining that I’ve encountered and phenomenally grateful to be walking alongside this parish. In all, grateful for the fruit that has been born and for the fruit waiting to be seen.
With love,
–Phil+
Stories From Taize: My Camino
When Don and I made plans to walk the Camino in 2022, I started listening to a podcast called, “My Camino” where the Australian host speaks each week to different pilgrims from all over the world about their experiences. Each was different from the last, but there are common themes and expressions of the experience. One is, “the pilgrimage begins when you make the decision to walk the Camino.” Another, “The Camino provides”.
On day four of our 12 day, 125 mile walk, Don and I missed a turn we had intended to take but the pilgrims we were walking with at the time assured us that we were on the route we were meant to be on and that we would not regret it. This route took us through the village of Samos where there is an active Benedictine monastery founded in the sixth century. It was open and we took a tour. Amazing. One of the highlights of our trip.
Once we left Samos, subsequent villages were few and far between. The few villages we walked through appeared deserted and we saw very few other pilgrims. For a while I was by myself for over an hour. Could see no one ahead or behind, no cell coverage. I was also not worried about being lost as there were no turn offs, just the stream alongside. Eventually I caught up with Don just before we got to another tiny village that appeared to be completely deserted. This day’s distance was about 15 miles. I was getting low on water. That was a concern. We came around a curve in the village and in front of an old fieldstone house was a table set up that had thermoses labeled Coffee, Hot Water.There were teabags, sugar, and in a small Igloo cooler, sitting on a layer of ice were 8 bottles of water and some cream for the coffee. There was a banner next to this table stating in multiple languages, “Hospitality for Pilgrims”.
The Camino provides.
The Isaiah 40 verses 1-5 that refer to making the “road straight and smooth, fill in the valleys and level off the hills, smooth the ruts and clear the rocks)—are literally the opposite of what our route on the Camino looked like. It was rarely any of those things. It was engaging and yet allowed you to walk and be alone with your thoughts. Or no thoughts. Or talking to other pilgrims. Moving ahead, one step at a time, progressing to a distant destination.
ps.I had few preconceived notions about how spiritual or not my experience would be. To be clear, I did not carry all my belongings on my back, or stay in hostels with many people sharing a large room for the night and eating dinner & breakfast together in one large dining room.
But we all walk on the same roads, paths, trails that pilgrims on the Camino have been treading since the 9th century. One tradition on the Camino is bringing along a stone representing your burdens. Along the way are stone crosses, some that have been there for centuries, others that look more recent, where pilgrims have laid down their stones symbolically shedding their burdens and beginning anew. I brought some All Souls lenten touchstones to leave at one such spot sharing in a rite that unbelievable numbers of others have done before me.
–Pat Jones
Announcements & Events
Happening This Week
Reading Between the Lines Bible Study @ 7:00a. Click here to join by Zoom, or join them in-person in the Common Room.
Midsentence with Mark: the First Gospel In this class, we will explore the Gospel of Mark including what we know about the origins and authorship of the Gospel, its unique Christology, as well as some of its notable parables. This gospel is also used extensively as a source for the Gospel of Matthew and Luke and we will discuss some of the synoptic parallels. This class is a way to get acquainted with the Gospel of Mark and help understand and interpret the gospel as we move through the readings of the coming liturgical year. (November 26, December 3, 19, 17) in the Parish Hall and on Zoom.
Newcomer/New Member Class Anyone who is new to All Souls or is hoping to learn more about what it means to be a participant in the life and community of All Souls is welcome to our Newcomer and New Member Class taught by Emily Hansen Curran and the Rev. Phil Brochard. We’ll spend the four weeks diving into the Membership Expectations of All Souls. At the end of the class, those interested in becoming a member of All Souls have an opportunity to do so. November 19-December 10th in the Common Room, downstairs.
Advent Taize For the three Wednesday evenings in the season of Advent, we gather around for a soup dinner followed by a Taize contemplative prayer service. Dinner is provided each week by different parishioners (you can sign-up here to provide a soup) in the Parish Hall. After dinner we head over to the church for a service of prayers, story, silence, and music. All are welcome.
2nd Annual Progressive Caroling Party Please join us for our 2nd Annual All Souls "Progressive" Caroling celebration on December 10th in Albany. The Legrands and Wilsons both live on the same block so we will start and finish at the same location.
5pm - Chili / Mac N' Cheese and warm up at the Legrands
6pm - head out to sing for neighbors
7pm - celebratory cookie tasting and warm beverages at the Wilsons
Addresses will be provided upon RSVP confirmation. Contact Molly (molly.joan.nicol@gmail.com), Mark (ca.markwilson@gmail.com) or Julie (julielegrand08@gmail.com) if you have further questions. RSVP here.
Hospitality at All Souls Sign-up here (click here) to contribute to Sunday coffee hour food!
Worship This Week
8am, contemplative 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 at 9a. Password: 520218.
Children & Family
Nativity Story Our annual Nativity Story will take place at the 4 pm service on Christmas Eve! All kids/youth are invited to participate. We have many roles and many costumes! Rehearsals will be held from 9:15-10:15 on December 10th and 17th (during Adult Formation hour, between the services). There will also be a dress rehearsal on Dec 23rd, time TBD. Please reach out if you want to take part!
We are also seeking older youth and/or adults to help direct kids and ensure things unfold smoothly at the rehearsals and the performance. If you’re willing to be a “shepherd,” please let Emily B know.
For updates on other Advent events for Children and Families, see Emily B’s article and calendar above!
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)
Children’s Choir has returned! Click here to see the flyer for more information.
Youth Program - Regular Youth Group meets on Sundays from 7-8:30 pm in the Parish Hall. However, because of the many Advent and Christmas Activities, our schedule is a little different for the next month or so. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening!
December 10th: Caroling Party, 5-8 pm (no regular Youth Group)
December 17th: Regular Youth Group, 7-8:30 - Advent theology and ritual, and gingerbread house contest!
December 24th: Christmas Eve, no Youth Group
Dec 31st: New Year’s Eve, no Youth Group
Jan 7th: Regular Youth Group, 7-8:30 - Bonfire, New Year visions, Epiphany
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.’
Save the Date: Godly Play training On January 6th, All Souls is hosting a training for Godly Play teachers. Godly Play is a Montessori-based program for spiritual formation, featuring play, ritual, and story. Leaders are trained in a specific style of storytelling. The training will be held in the Parish Hall from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
We are actively seeking teachers and/or alternates to add to our Sunday School team. If you are interested in being trained in this method, please reach out to Emily B to sign up for this event.
Even if you don’t want to teach right now, or you aren’t sure, you are still welcome to attend to learn more about the program and leave open the possibility of teaching in the future.
Please email Emily B by December 28th to sign up.
Justice & Peace
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.
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.
December 3: Roosevelt Middle School Newcomer Project
December 10: West Berkeley RV & Tent Encampments
December 17: YSA Tiny Home Village (please provide monetary donations with “YSA Ingathering” as the memo to your check or online donation)
December 24: Berkeley Food Bank
Everything Else
Drop-In Spiritual Autobiography Workshop Meets this Sunday, December 10th, 12:30 - 2:00 Common Room. This group is open to all who are longing for the support a good writing workshop can provide. We meet monthly as a drop-in workshop in the Common Room following the 10:30 service and coffee hour. Led by Jane Vandenburgh.
More info? Contact Emily Hansen Curran, emily@allsoulsparish.org.
Holy Hikes Eucharist at Lands End SF (December 20) Holy Hikes- San Francisco Bay Area will be holding a hike Wednesday, December 20 at 12:45pm at Lands End in San Francisco. We will meet at the parking lot at the Lands End Lookout by the old Sutro Baths in San Francisco, located at 700 Point Lobos Avenue. From there we will hike to the labyrinth at Eagle’s Point, which overlooks the ocean and Golden Gate Bridge. After allowing time to walk the labyrinth, we will finish the liturgy by the shore and then hike back. The hike will be about 2 miles round-trip and fairly easy except for the last 1000 feet of the trail before the labyrinth. That segment includes about 200 stairs down to get to the labyrinth and shore. All are welcome to attend; no RSVP needed.
When: Wednesday, December 20, 12:45 p.m.
Where: Lands End Lookout, 700 Point Logos Avenue, San Francisco
Contact: the Rev. Justin R. Cannon, holyhikes@gmail.com
