The Pathfinder: August 29, 2024
Thankful and Ready
In the last days of my sabbatical this summer I was preparing for the major areas that would need attention at All Souls when I returned: the Associate for Music search, the construction work as part of Living Waters, the annual pledge campaign, the start to the program year, the upcoming Parish Retreat, and, of course, dealing with whatever crises emerged while I was gone.
And, having now been back for almost two weeks, I’ve been spending my time and attention in all of those directions. Except the last one, as there were no lingering crises demanding my attention. The combined efforts of our remarkable staff––the Rev. Emily Boring, Emily Hansen Curran, Diana Markley, Dent Davidson, Carol Terry, and the Rev. Dr. Mark Richardson––alongside the steadfast and skilled Wardens––Sarah Kern and Grace Telcs––with the exemplary work of the Associate for Music Search Team, the Property Team, the Stewardship Team, and many others, navigated the various opportunities and challenges of the ten weeks I was on sabbatical with grace, dedication, and expertise. As has happened before at All Souls, when I returned, I didn’t need to provide any added momentum––I needed to catch up to an already moving train.
I returned to All Souls thankful and ready.
Thankful that I had the opportunity to rest and recover from this past year’s intensity, and ready to re-engage my work as your Rector. I was able to spend this time of sabbath in ways that were different from what I was used to. Some of that was by intent and some by circumstance. We’ve been able to spend much of our time during previous sabbaticals as a family.
Now, our boys are becoming young men, and are leading increasingly independent lives. And, I wanted to set aside time to listen and reflect, so I spent more time on my own this summer than I have for decades, perhaps ever. It allowed me to spend time in the wilderness, sifting through what I would like to carry with me from this past year of discernment, and what I am ready to leave behind. Most of my sabbatical was spent between 5,000’ and 8,000’ in the Sierras and the Rockies, with Alpine Lilies and grouse and trout and others for conversation partners. It was a fruitful and holy time.
Along the way, I had opportunity to teach in two very different contexts. One was with the Vestry and broader leadership of St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, as they navigate the challenges and gifts that come with being a growing congregation.
The other was with the College of Congregational Development (CCD) in the Diocese of New York. (here with a former All Souls seminarian, the Rev. Stephen McHale) Some of the great gifts of those experiences was recognizing the Holy Spirit on the loose, changing hearts and lives in wildly different spaces. Teaching in these spaces gave me great hope.
Along the way I was also able to connect with All Soulsians that live afar. While in New York teaching with CCD I was able to have breakfast with All Soulsians living in NYC: David, Wally, Riley and Julia.
Then, after the consultation with St. Patrick’s, Pagosa Springs, I was caught up with Anders, Jonah, Liam, and Otto at the Ultimate Frisbee youth national championships in Denver.
You just never know where you will see an All Soulsian next!
Once again, I am grateful to return to a call and a congregation and a people that I love. While I didn’t miss some of the weight that comes with leading this congregation, I definitely missed the conversations, the care, the creativity, and the Spirit-filled connection that I experience with this parish. And, after this opportunity to rest and reflect, I am ready to see where that wily Spirit will lead us next.
Peace,
–Phil+
Why Attend the Parish Retreat?
When sign ups for the church retreat came around last Fall, our family (me and Matt, plus our kids Lydia (10) & Michael (8) had only just started attending All Souls. We were coming off a rather rocky church search, having left a church community we deeply loved a few years earlier.
Joining retreat felt like an easy way to get to know people and connect. And Healdsburg is beautiful. But by the time we actually drove through the vineyards and reached the ranch, I felt a bit like I was turning up to someone else’s family reunion. “What if there’s not even any kids my age,” Lydia asked anxiously. “Lydia, there’s a POOL,” Michael reassured her.
There is, indeed, a pool. And we were immediately greeted by a full on gaggle of children running down the best possible grassy, rolling hill. If this was like turning up to someone else’s family reunion, it was at least a very friendly family.
By Saturday night, I felt like we’d been initiated. Here’s my rather sentimental post-bedtime writing from that night:
Tonight,
…after Matt finished out the “Talent-Optional” show with I Left My Heart in San Francisco to a standing ovation,
…after Lydia walked through the dark and leaned against my side and said, “this is the best church time ever,”
…after Dax and Michael switched back their shoes (they were each wearing half a pair of each others’—one blue croc, one blue puffy shark sandal apiece),
…after kids star gazing on the porch with tea,
…after adults admiringly recapping talent show performances to children glowing with pride,
…after all of that, we headed to the ranch house filled with late night singing voices and a guitar. A 2,000 piece puzzle was being worked–Lydia settled in next to a twenty-something friend. A spot on the couch opened up—Michael curled on my lap, eyes drifting, Pokémon sweatshirt ears soft on my chin. A woman asked me if I’d like “some cognac in a fancy glass.” “Yes. Yes, I would.” “You have to swirl it like this to warm it up.”
Several sea shanties and a Beatles song later, Michael could make it no further and we came back to the cabin. Tucked into bed in the darkness, I whispered goodnight through his sweaty hair while we listened to the singing coming from up the hill.
I asked the kids just now what they would say to someone who was debating whether or not they should come to the retreat this year and Lydia said: “There’s only one answer: YESSSSS!" Michael added: "The food’s really good. And if you’ve never gone before and you don’t know anybody, you can meet new people and then you’ll know everyone.”
They are absolutely right.
Thanks,
–Brenna Hall
Gathering Silence: deepening our prayer practices
Strengthen your relationship with the Holy One as we explore a variety of prayer practices together. Whether you are new to The Episcopal Church or looking for a booster to your current patterns, enjoy this drop-in class exploring how and why we pray and some resources to support individual prayer.
Sept. 1: An exploration of why we pray and ways we name the Holy, and an Introduction to the Book of Common Prayer.
Sept. 8: Digging into the Book of Common Prayer for individual and family prayers; explore some online apps to support your prayer life.
Sept. 29: Using our Oldest Hymnal (aka Praying the Psalms). Discover some of the ways the psalms are built and can be built into our faith walk.
Oct. 6: Gathering Silence. Episcopalians don’t just “read to God” in our prayer life. We might listen in the silence of Centering Prayer and Breath Prayer, which will both be introduced in our final class.
We meet from 9:15 to 10:15 in the conference room of Jordan Court. If you have a copy of the Book of Common Prayer (electronic or print), please bring it with you. Hard copies will be available to use in the first three classes.
–The Rev. Marguerite Judson
Homecoming 2024
Homecoming 2024 was super sweet. We saw the return of many families and kids (bopping around in the bounce house, primarily), back from the summer. We saw some Jordan Court residents join us, and even saw some passersby join in for some cotton candy and popcorn.
The most exciting part of the day was the prank the taco truck played on us (that was a joke for anyone really paying attention), in which they told everyone that All Souls was covering the cost of all the food for the day! Where we budgeted about $150 for subsidizing tacos, the bill came back for just over $1000! So, for those who were denied the opportunity to pay for their food, and who wanted to and were able to, we’re asking that you might consider sending along the cost of your food through this link (click here and then select “homecoming tacos” from the fund drop down menu).
All in all it was a very sweet day. It’ll only be made sweeter next year by being back in our own courtyard for the festivities. Enjoy some pictures :)
– Emily Hansen Curran
Living Waters Weekly Update
Progress, according to the Cambridge Dictionary, is to move toward an improved or more developed state.
We are continuing to make progress in our Construction Zone! Abatement is ongoing on all levels. These areas are off limits!
The lower Cedar Street door is the entry point for the 8AM chapel service while the upper Cedar Street door is the entry point for the 10:30 service. Egress is through the Sacristy, down the stairs and right out to Jordan Court. The stairs from the narthex to the undercroft are off limits as well.
ADA porta potties are located in the off street parking spot on Spruce. The bathrooms in Jordan Court Community room are also available.
Exciting times in the life of our parish!
–Ann Myers and the Property Committee
Announcements & Events
Happening This Week
Worship This Sunday
8:00am, Holy Eucharist in Chapel. Please access the Chapel through the copper doors on Cedar St.
9:15 am, Adult Formation. Gathering Silence: deepening our prayer practices in the Jordan Court Community Room.
10:30am, sung Eucharist (click here to access the live stream). Enter through the Cedar St. doors.
Wednesday 9am Eucharist Service, in the Jordan Court Community Room (note the new temporary location, due to construction noise). Join us on Zoom here.
Reading Between the Lines Bible Study, Sunday @ 7:00a. Click here to join by Zoom, or join them in-person in the Jordan Court Conference Room.
Adult Formation
Gathering Silence: deepening our prayer practices
Led by the Rev. Marguerite Judson
Strengthen your relationship with the Holy One as we explore a variety of prayer practices together. Whether you are new to The Episcopal Church or looking for a booster to your current patterns, enjoy this drop-in class exploring how and why we pray and some resources to support individual prayer.
Sept. 1: An exploration of why we pray and ways we name the Holy, and an Introduction to the Book of Common Prayer.
Sept. 8: Digging into the Book of Common Prayer for individual & family prayers; explore some online apps to support your prayer life.
Sept. 29: Using our Oldest Hymnal (aka Praying the Psalms). Discover some of the ways the psalms are built and can be built into our faith walk.
Oct. 6: Gathering Silence. Episcopalians don’t just “read to God” in our prayer life. We might listen in the silence of Centering Prayer and Breath Prayer, which will both be introduced in our final class.
We meet from 9:15 to 10:15 in the conference room of Jordan Court. If you have a copy of the Book of Common Prayer (electronic or print), please bring it with you. Hard copies will be available to use in the first three classes.
Children & Family
Sunday School: Our Sunday School year has been slightly postponed due to construction delays– apologies! The new kick-off date is Sunday, Sept. 8th (after Labor Day). Sunday School (for kids pre-K through 5th grade) happens each Sunday during the 10:30 service. We will meet outside of main Cedar St. doors at the start of the service; teachers will lead you around the corner to our temporary classroom space. (If you’re late, ask an usher for directions). Children will return to church at the “Peace.”
Godly Play Training, Saturday Sept. 7th, 9am-1pm. All are welcome to learn about our Sunday School curriculum! We are actively growing our teacher team and especially encourage parents to attend.
Donate Supplies for Sunday School: Do you have old craft supplies at home? We are seeking creative materials for our Sunday School classes: yarn, fabric, paint, collage paper, clay, sketchbooks, wood, etc… anything is welcome! Please hand off any donations to Emily B at church, or email her.
To join our Children and Family mailing list, email emilyb@allsoulsparish.org
Youth Program
Youth Group returns on September 8th from 7-8:30 for middle and high schoolers. Meet in the narthex.
Parish Retreat Youth are encouraged to sign up for Parish Retreat! We’ll have special youth programming and designated cabins. Register with this link and select "Youth" as your occupancy. Scholarships are available; ask one of the Emilys.
Join the youth mailing list, email emilyb@allsoulsparish.org.
Justice & Peace
Boost the Vote! “…it is the church’s responsibility to help get souls to the polls.” - Presiding Bishop Michael Curry
This important effort is still ongoing! Please consider taking part:
The All Souls Justice and Peace team invites you to help increase voter turnout by writing letters, following these easy steps:
Pick up from church 20 individual names, addresses, paper, & envelopes
(The names come from Vote Forward’s analysis, identifying citizens in low voter turnout areas)
Write non-partisan notes to encourage voting
Add postage
Return to Janet or a church basket to be mailed on Vote Forwards’s assigned dates
Ask for 20 more…?
Contact Janet Chisholm, jgchisholm@aol.com to request materials or to ask questions.
Undergraduate Street Medicine Outreach Undergraduate Street Medicine Outreach (USMO) is a Cal student group that organizes outreach events every Saturday to bring food and resources to homeless encampments in Berkeley. In addition to ongoing menstrual product donations, there is need for the following items: power banks, phone chargers, batteries, general hygiene and first aid products, and size 8 women’s shoes. Please bring these items to the red bin in the Narthex. Email Beth Christensen, (beth.christensen@gmail.com) for other volunteer opportunities with USMO.
Needs of the Community
Meal Train If you are in need of meals, or if you’d like to join this network to deliver food to others, please email Sarah Oneto at sarahoneto@gmail.com.
Everything Else
Save the Date: Parish Retreat Join us at Bishop’s Ranch for our annual Parish Retreat, September 13th-15th. Sign up here, in our new Realm system. If you have trouble signing up via Realm, you can use this link instead.
Sermon Haiku Here is this week’s sermon Haiku— generated by ChatGPT!— about the Rev. Emily Boring’s sermon on August 25th.
In breaking of bread,
Infinite meets the finite,
Word becomes our flesh
We’ve been experimenting with other forms of poetry (sonnets, limericks, and more). Stay tuned in coming weeks! You can listen to this sermon and all past All Souls sermons on our podcast channel.
Taco Truck contributions Did the food truck deny your payment for your food on Sunday? If so, and you’re able to contribute, we’ve set up a fund so that you can do just that. It was a funny miscommunication, but where we had budgeted to subsidize the food on Sunday with about $150, we spent just over $1000 on the truck (!). If anyone is able to give to make up some of that difference that would be greatly appreciated. You can do so by clicking here, and then selecting “Homecoming Tacos” as the fund from the drop down.
Ale Souls Brewing is at it again! This time we’re brewing for our Feast of Title: All Souls/All Saints Day. The next brewing will happen on September 26th at 6:30p at David Gutfeld’s house. If you would like to participate in the brewing, reach out to David Gutfeld, davidlawrencegutfeld@gmail.com.
