The Pathfinder: September 12th, 2024
Constraint and Creation
It has been said that during the time the Rev. Bill Clancy was Rector of All Souls, there was a sign on the pulpit that read, “No Soul Is Saved After 15 Minutes.” (I’ve also heard that it read 12 minutes, but few souls have reported that it read 20 minutes.) I’ve been thinking about that sign for the past year or so as I’ve been trying to tighten my sermons, aiming for about 1,100 words. It’s not that there’s something magical about the 1,100 word mark, more that it has been a helpful discipline in making sure that I’ve got everything I need to say and little more. As one seminary professor taught us, “Preaching is like sculpture; often it’s not about what you add, but about what you take away.”
In this way, like many people who create in one medium or another, I have found the constraints of the form I work in to be helpful, even essential, in accessing the creativity needed to convey a message. For some this feels counter-intuitive, much like the studies that have found that monastics (nuns and monks) report greater feelings of freedom than most other groups in American culture. How can it be that constraining oneself might lead one to more generativity? Or could this be the kind of generativity produced when a householder brings out treasures old and new? (Mt. 13:52)
Yesterday, September 11th, a good friend was part of a memorial service at the newly constructed St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine. St. Nicholas was the only structure of a faith community destroyed during those attacks. (St. Paul’s Episcopal Chapel, across from the World Trade Center, somehow emerged unscathed.) St. Nicholas has been rebuilt as a church and national shrine, and integral to the new church are stunning icons created for this space.
Some iconographers consider the historic forms of the tradition to be immutable. (When we were creating our own Good Shepherd icon for All Souls, one iconographer was unwilling to take on the project, as it hadn’t been done before.) But there are other iconographers who are willing and able to use the constraints of the ancient form and style to respond to the present moment, in order that they might express deeply held truths of the Christian faith in new ways.
The icons at St. Nicholas are a stunning example of this way forward. Using the constraints of the historical form––for example, look at the rocks, the boat, the clouds––the artist is able to use the millennia-old visual language of iconography while depicting a contemporary scene.
The scene is both harrowing and hopeful––the destruction of the towers and the souls of the departed that St. Nicholas is bringing to God. Similarly, in the central icon over the altar, the classically drawn Theotokos (or Mother of God) is seen holding all of Manhattan, including a rebuilt lower Manhattan, in her embrace.
The constraints that the forms (liturgy, music, art, preaching, etc.) we’ve received place upon us can be demanding. Sometimes even exasperating. And, at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine in Lower Manhattan, it seems to me that these constraints also allowed the writer of these icons––and all of us––to glimpse something new and essential about God.
–Phil+
Highlights from our 20s and 30s Group!
Led by Lizzie and Tommy Belgum, our All Souls Young Adult group offers community for folks in their 20s and 30s. Events happen every other week, with a combination of social activities and spiritual content. Recently, they went to an Oakland Baller’s game!
This fall, meeting times are 6:30-8pm on Monday evenings. Here’s the schedule of upcoming dates:
September 23 (spiritual content)
Monday, October 14 (social)
Monday, October 28 (spiritual content)
If you’re in your 20s and 30s and interested in joining this group, please email Emily B, who will connect you to the group leaders.
–Emily B, Lizzie, and Tommy
Reflection on Spiritual Rest
It seems like everywhere I turn at All Souls, there is someone who is experiencing unemployment or a time of transition between careers or moving towards retirement. As we all know, looking for work can feel like a full time job. Discerning whether to change careers or go back to school takes time, talking with loved ones and praying mightily for Gods guidance. Then there’s transitioning into retirement, which often leaves people more booked and committed than when they were working.
In June, when the non-profit I was working for lost its grant funding it had relied on for decades, I was faced with the unwanted question of, “What next?”. I loved my job and saw myself working there for many years to come. The work was intense, but I had finally reached the level of upper management I have sought my entire career. When normal life came to a screeching halt, I did not have the energy to even begin to think about looking for work and had no idea where God was calling me next. So, I got myself signed up for unemployment insurance right quick, then began to pray and talk with loved ones about this conundrum.
It was during one of these conversations that I sought the input of a friend of mine, who is a pastor. She was reminding me of a revelation she had on her sabbatical last summer when it hit me, “Hey, what if I take a sabbatical?” Why is it just professors and clergy who take sabbaticals? The professors and clergy I know who have taken sabbaticals typically take some time to travel, study, reflect and get reacquainted with their center and where life/the Holy Spirit is calling them. I realized that all of these things were what my soul was crying out for. So, lo and behold, I had my answer. It is time for me to take a sabbatical!
So many emotions flooded me at this decision; joy, relief, uncertainty and praise to the Holy Spirit for guiding that conversation with my friend. I have had a long list of books I wanted to study: from disability theology, to how to have a healthy sleep schedule as someone who is blind with no light perception, to many recommended novels. I just never had a chance to read much of anything with the never-ending work load. Along with that list of work chores was a lack of time to stay engaged with what brings me joy. In fact, since losing my vision a few years ago, I had not had time to grieve the fact that much of what used to bring joy involved vision and I had no idea what else may fill that void. Then there were the growing number of health issues I had swept under the rug but were crying out for attention. It was time to step off of that hamster wheel many of us find ourselves on in order to keep up with others and try to manage our over-crowded lives. It was time to reset my equilibrium to discover who I am at this moment in time and who I feel called to be in the world in the years to come.
So I began the planning for my sabbatical. Audiobooks were purchased, doctor appointments were scheduled, a couple of trips to visit loved ones were booked, and calls were made to both Emilys and Diana at All Souls to inquire about what I could take on to lighten their work loads. Every day and every conversation with a loved one made it more visible that this sabbatical was exactly where the Holy Spirit was guiding me. I could not help but smile every time I set about meditating with the intention of finding joy again.
With some uncertainty in this time set aside, many questions were going through my head. What if at the end of this sabbatical period, I still am unclear on where I want to work next? What if my body tells me I am unable to work again at that high level? Many people with disabilities or other health issues may face this question at some point in their lives. I was so proud of my passion, work ethic and my body’s stamina that I was able to maintain a career I loved which was also making a difference in the world. When we are the ones primarily on the receiving end of assistance, it is a remarkable feeling to be in the other shoes of providing support and advocating for the well-being of all Gods creation. Underneath all of our layers lies a fragile ego, and I am ready to face into that reality.
As I am a couple of months into this sabbatical, I am immensely grateful for this blessing. It leads me to wonder why everyone at some point in their life does not get to experience a sabbatical? If only our society allowed for this, we all would be more centered and at peace. After all, just look at the refreshed exuberance of Father Phil when he returned from sabbatical a few weeks ago! How can each of us find such time away to invite in this time for renewal? When can we step off of that hamster wheel to regroup and look around at our lives and the world around us?
Whether it is taking one day off a week from job searching, using holiday weekends wisely by taking time to get away, or giving yourself a year off after retirement before committing to way too many things, I pray that you find ways to take care of yourself, discover new passions to study and joys to be had, and to center your spirit in the mercy of Gods ever-present grace.
–Erin Horne
Celebrating Tess Taylor, Poet Laureate and Fellowship Recipient!
Many of you have heard the good news: earlier this year, Tess Taylor, an All Soulsian, was selected as the 4th Poet Laureate of El Cerrito! In addition, she was chosen among poet laureates from across the country for a fellowship from the Academy of American Poets! With this prestigious award, Tess will offer a variety of workshops and events throughout the community, with a particular goal of bringing poetry to public schools. One of her local events is coming up this weekend.
From Tess:
“Please do join us @10:30 on Saturday morning, Sept. 14, at the El Cerrito Public Library celebrates the library's 75th anniversary. I'll be sharing poetry, as well as my vision for the Poet Laureate projects this coming school year, and joining in discussion with audience members.”
You can learn more about Tess’s work and events on her website. And, please join us in warmly congratulating her on behalf of the All Souls community!
–Emily+
The generous financial support of All Soulsians makes our community and ministry possible. Throughout the year we will be highlighting ways that support makes a specific difference in our communal lives.
Because of you, our Parish Retreat at Bishop’s Ranch is an annual highlight for All Soulsians. This weekend we will eat together, play together, laugh together, and pray together, getting to know one another more deeply in beautiful natural surroundings.
Your financial support allows staff to organize the weekend, develop an inspiring program, preside at sessions, and offer scholarships to persons who could not otherwise attend.
Thank you.
+++
This fall’s pledge drive, Answering the Call – All Souls 2025, will focus on what calls each of us to All Souls and the ways that All Souls is called to live out God’s love here in the East Bay.
The Kickoff Presentation for this year’s pledge drive will be on September 22nd at 9:15 a.m., live in the nave and streaming online. Phil, Emily B, and other church leaders will share their vision for the upcoming year and invite all of us to help make that vision a reality.
Please join us!
–Richard Lynch for the AOC Committee
Living Waters Weekly Update
Anticipation: the act of looking forward.
Our huge project is moving forward and we hope you all share in our anticipation of a marvelous church home with many upgrades.
The courtyard concrete work will be started in the next few weeks. This work includes the main stairs, all the old courtyard space and a little bit more. A fresh new meeting space for All Soulsians!
Entry is the same as last week, Cedar Street. Egress, in case of an emergency, is again through the sacristy and down and out. The porta potties and Jordan Court are the accessible bathrooms.
Enjoy the pics of some areas of work, it is still pretty empty right now!
–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.
Note: No Adult Formation class this week due to the Parish Retreat
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
We have a break from classes this week and next week due to the Parish Retreat (Sept. 15th) and our Stewardship launch event (Sept. 22nd). We will return on Sept. 29th with Rev. Marguerite Judson’s class, below.
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. 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: There is no formal Sunday School this week (9/15), because many are away for the Parish Retreat. Look for special coloring sheets and activities in the soft spaces.
Sunday School (for kids pre-K through 5th grade) returns next week and happens every Sunday during the 10:30 service. 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 (originally on Sept. 7th) has been rescheduled for November 23rd, 9am to 1pm, at All Souls. All are welcome to learn about the spiritual formation of children! Email Emily B to sign up.
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 There is no Youth Group this week (9/15) due to Parish Retreat. The following week (9/22), we have our first High School small group.
This year, we are following a new structure for Youth Group. We will alternate between an all-grades gathering, and a high school small group, every other week of the month:
Weeks 1, 3, and 5: All grades, 6th-12th
Weeks 2 and 4: High school small group, 9th-12th
View and download our full fall calendar (Sept. - Dec.) here.
To join the weekly youth mailing list, email emilyb@allsoulsparish.org.
Justice & Peace
(Inter)Faith in Action: Get-out-the-vote non-partisan letter writing event Sunday, September 29, 2024, 11:30am - 1:30pm @ Saint Paul’s Church, 2024 Ashby Ave, Berkeley, CA 94703
The Building Interfaith Bridges (BIB) group is sponsoring a non-partisan get-out-the-vote letter writing event. Congregants from three congregations - St. Paul AME church, congregation Beth El and All Souls Parish - are invited to address and send non-partisan letters to encourage people to vote. The event is being hosted, open-house style, from 11:30am-1:30pm on Sunday 29 September, at St. Paul AME church, 2024 Ashby Ave, Berkeley, CA 94703.
Template letters, envelopes and stamps will be provided. You just need to show up and write as many letters as you’d like! Feel free to bring a packed lunch and a snack or drink to share!
Please RSVP no later than Thursday, September 26. Hope to see you there! For more information and to RSVP, contact Paul Mathew: pmathew1000@gmail.com
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
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.
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.
Sermon Haiku Here is this week’s sermon Haiku— generated by ChatGPT!— about our seminarian Michael Drell’s sermon on September 8th:
She speaks, Jesus hears,
Power in the quiet words,
Both are changed that day.
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.
