The Pathfinder: January 18, 2024
Welcoming the Unexpected
Dear All Soulsians,
Many of you have heard the news by now. I’m sad to share that my priestly ordination, scheduled for tomorrow at 7pm in Portland, has been cancelled due to winter weather. People all over Oregon have been dealing with ice storms, power outages, and impassable roads for a week now. Understandably, the Diocese has chosen to err on the side of caution so that no one need travel for the event. A new date hasn’t been set yet; I’ll share that as soon as I hear.
l’ll admit I’m disappointed. As I write this, I’m on a plane to Oregon; my travel plans were already in motion. Friends and mentors from the East Coast and from All Souls were on their way. Many people put in time, work, and resources to be present this weekend, and I’m sorry that we can’t be together—on Zoom or in person—tomorrow. Mostly, I regret that this means that more weeks will pass before I can preside at All Souls. I was so ready, grateful, and eager to step into this new role on Sunday.
And yet—like so many unasked-for changes, this one has brought new perspective. It’s confirmed a realization that I’d just begun to name in the days leading up to this weekend. The realization is this. Though the ceremony of ordination is an important event, it’s only one small part of the significance of this threshold. The real transformation—the growth, the joy, the designation, the call—happens before and after. It happens in the conversations, encounters, and relationships that led up to this moment. And it happens in the spiritual experiences we’ll share going forward— in our liturgy, our one-on-one conversations, and our communal life.
The last few weeks of preparation have been precious and intentional. The prospect of ordination gave me an occasion to seek conversations I wouldn’t have had otherwise. With Phil and the assisting priests in our parish, I explored the role of a presider, the theology of the Eucharist, and the intention behind manual acts. With mentors (lay and ordained alike), I reflected on the invitation of life transitions: to carry some of our past stories forward, and to leave some behind. People asked questions. I had the chance to explain, to friends and family outside of the church, what this calling means and why I’ve chosen it. I received blessings and well-wishes from many of you. Just yesterday, the women at our Wednesday 9:00 a.m. Eucharist laid hands on my shoulders and sent me off with a prayer. I wouldn’t change a thing about the days leading up to now. Though the ceremony itself has been postponed, these gifts remain.
I’m also carrying the glow of an experience I had last Sunday. Many of you were in church that day. Phil preached a sermon about loss, grief, and friendship, a story that made many of us cry. He wasn’t simply talking about vulnerability and realness. Something real and vulnerable and tender happened among us, then and there.
During Communion, I held the grape juice cruet– a role I’ve never had before. Standing off in the corner, I could relax, listen to the music (“Here I Am, Lord”), and watch it unfold. Lines of people, treading their way up the aisles. The choreography of kneeling, rising, bowing heads. The exchange of bread from one hand to another. And I began to see something I’d never seen before. Almost every week, I serve at the altar rail. I have the privilege of connecting face to face, hand to hand, at the moment you receive the bread or wine. This week, for the first time, I saw what comes before the receiving—what you carry with you as you approach and prepare.
In the faces of our community, I saw trust. Weariness. Grief. Joy. Trepidation. Excitement. Calm. Love. It was as if the entire spectrum of human emotion and experience was present in our sanctuary, incarnate in expressions and body language and movements. It was a true “communion.” Together, we made a whole. And the space—the Church—was big enough for all of it. Whatever we brought to the altar, it was held in the body of our community, the body of Christ.
A phrase came to my mind, clear and certain: “I believe in this.” By “this,” I mean all of the ingredients of that moment. I believe in the symbolism of the Eucharist, the assurance that God “has brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.” I believe in a theology of grace, freely given and unearned. I believe in the value of what we do here each Sunday: the value of moving through space, with music and words and ritual actions, to participate in something greater than the self. And I believe in the ability of humans to witness and hold one another, whatever we carry, whatever may come.
When I began the path toward ordination six years ago, I sought a vague, unformed idea of integration. I hoped that someday my beliefs, my gifts, and the needs of a community might align. Now, I know what integration feels like. I’d say my journey has come to conclusion, except it doesn’t feel like an ending. Life has begun.
Later, after church, I walked up the hill to the Berkeley Rose Garden. I watched the sun set, orange and misty, over a shining bay. I thought, “I don’t need anything more to complete my calling. If I never get ordained as a priest, this—here—is enough.”
I may have jinxed it. But I still agree.
So, onward we go. It will be my privilege to show up on Sunday again as your deacon. I do really enjoy wearing a dalmatic (so warm and cozy!).
What I know is this. Things happen in their own time, for reasons beyond our desire or vision. This has been true for every step of my spiritual journey. If my life had unfolded exactly when and how I thought it ought to, I never would have ended up at All Souls.
So let us trust. Let us hold one another. Let us stay awake, alive, and grateful in the face of the unexpected, and look for the gifts that reside here.
With gratitude and respect,
–Emily +
Annual Meeting: 120 and Going Strong
If you are a long-time reader of this space you might know that I’m a lover of history. One of the reasons why I practice Christianity within the bounds of the Anglican tradition is because we deeply value our connection and continuity with those who have professed this belief who have gone before us––whether 50 years ago, 500 years ago or 1500 years ago. Another gift of being Christian is that we a practice within a body, a movement that is much, much larger than we are. I find a certain humility with this understanding, along with a sense of gratitude and almost awe.
Another gift of being Christian is that we a practice within a body, a movement that is much, much larger than we are. I find a certain humility with this understanding, along with a sense of gratitude and almost awe. One of the first experiences that I had of this at All Souls was one Easter soon after I was called. As I was preparing to celebrate the Eucharist on Easter Sunday I realized that the paten we were using had been given and first used on Easter exactly 100 years prior. The number of people who had been fed from that vessel in 100 years was staggering, and just as staggering was the procession of priests and deacons who have lovingly fed those All Soulsians, some for a the day, some for decades. We were entering into a feast that had been going for a long, long time.
I’ve been considering all of this as we prepare for this year’s Annual Meeting, held on Sunday, January 28th at 12:30p in the Parish Hall. This year’s meeting will the 120th of the congregation and the 97th Annual Meeting of the Parish. (for 23 years we were a chapel of St. Mark’s, Berkeley) Each year for many years now I’ve read from the Annual Reports of 25 and 50 years ago, and this year I’ll be sharing what happened at All Souls in 1999 and 1974. Each year it is stunning to hear the repeating patterns of parish life ebb and flow. (often quite literally in the Undercroft) Lean years when the diocesan assessment couldn’t be met; robust years when we were launching a hospice program at Alta Bates or beginning the Open Door Dinner.
I know that a fine Annual Meeting can be held without the framework of episodes of All Souls’ past. But as we look to elect leadership for this year to come, hear about the health of our congregation from a variety of perspectives, and look for what might be ahead, I am grateful to be accompanied by the saints of All Souls. I find great comfort in knowing that the trials and tribulations we face are not ours alone, and that there are witnesses to God’s grace for 120 years and many, many more. Come on the 28th to hear their (our) stories, and begin to tell the stories of our own.
Peace,
–Phil+
Godly Play
One of the greatest joys of my work at All Souls has been watching the momentum and growth of our Children’s Ministry program. This fall, we launched a re-imagined Sunday School program.
During the 10:30 service, we’ve offered two separate classes: pre-K through 1st grade (Godly Play), and 2nd-5th grade (Faith Explorers).
A few weeks ago, our parish hosted a Godly Play training. Ten All Soulsian parents/adults attended, taking part in hands-on stories, “wondering,” and discussion. The day was moving, meaningful, and healing. We reflected on the loneliness and loss of covid, the absence of opportunities for formation or church community. We emerged with newfound commitment to providing a spiritual home at All Souls where children can explore, interact, and grow.
Going forward, we are excited to try a new structure for Sunday School.
Kids of all ages (youngers and older) will gather for a shared Godly Play "storytime."
After the story, the younger kids will stay in the Godly Play room, and the Faith Explorers will split off for some deeper wondering, investigation, and hands-on work.
Our hope is that this will give some structure and consistency across our classes. Kids of all ages will get to explore the same themes and experience the rhythms of the church year.
Stay tuned for more updates and reflection as we continue on this journey of joyful experimentation!
Peace,
–Emily+
Announcements & Events
Happening This Week
Concert Fundraiser, Interfaith Council of Alameda County, January 20th, 2024
This special evening will feature Billboard artist Lena Byrd Miles, the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, and Destined2Dance. Attendance will help support the Interfaith Council of Alameda County (All Souls is a founding member) in their charitable efforts in the community, especially their work to improve community health and safety and to feed and care for those in need of food and shelter. More info here.
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.
Adult Formation
When Notes Meet Words Join the rector, the Rev. Phil Brochard, and the Associate for Music, Dent Davidson, as they explore the connection between theology and music in the congregational song of the church. How do the words and music come together in expressions of faith? How does changing the music for a hymn alter the experience of singing it? Bring your voice to this interactive class. (January 7, 14, 21)
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.
An Invitation to Wholeness and Holiness with Hildegard In this experiential class, taught by the Very Rev. Dr. Peggy Patterson, we will welcome our guide, Hildegard of Bingen - mystic, musician, healer, poet, lover of creation, wisdom friend, abbess, greening prophet of the earth – as we consider the experiences of wholeness and holiness in our own lives. We will explore Hildegard’s colorful illuminations, create our own mandalas, and consider how our lives might change if we, like Hildegard, considered ourselves “a feather on the breath of God.” (January 7, 14, 21) Small group; not on Zoom.
Coming Up Next: 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. (February 4, 11, 18)
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 is happening this Sunday, Jan 21st, 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
From our Colleagues at Building Interfaith Bridges:
Please join the Building Interfaith Bridges* group at Congregation Beth El on Friday, January 26, 2024 at 6:15pm for Beth El’s “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 our historical liturgy and many wordless melodies, we welcome Shabbat with a focus on the transformative power of music, with support from volunteer instrumentalists in our community. Bring your voice, your percussion or other portable instrument and come play and sing along! Or join us just to soak up the music.
All service attendees are invited to stay after for a nosh and meet and greet. Guests from All Souls and Saint Paul’s are also invited to participate in a short Q + A about the service.
Congregation Beth El is located at 1301 Oxford Street in Berkeley. An RSVP to Anna Fogelman (annaleahfogelman@gmail.com) is appreciated but not required. Hope to see you there!
*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, All Souls Parish liaison Bonnie Bishop bonniekbishop@myyahoo.com or Saint Paul AME Church liaison Joyce Dawson dawsonje@prodigy.net.
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 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).
Moving Help A member of our community, Teresa Vesper, is approaching a transition to a new apartment. She is seeking moving help, exact date and time TBD. If you have some time in the next week or so and may be able to step in, please email tlvosper@gmail.com.
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
