The Pathfinder: November 21st, 2024
All Souls: New and Improved!
Every two weeks for the past couple of years a merry band of All Soulsians has been delving into our collective memory. Ever since Alan Schut’s persuasive invitation went out to the parish, this intrepid crew has been carefully cataloguing the bulletins, minutes of meetings, journals, and ephemera of well over a century of life––more than 50 bankers boxes worth.
Many gifts have been unearthed as our archivists have been sorting through the effects from decades of the communal life of thousands of faithful people. A couple of these recent gifts were the bulletin and photos from the blessing of the new Nave with then Bishop Karl Block nearly 70 years ago. The discovery of this artifact allowed us to pray one of the prayers from that day when then Bishop Marc Andrus visited with us in June and blessed our spaces before they were deconstructed for this generational work.
I’ve been meditating on these connections across time a lot in the last few months, grateful for the foresight and consideration that previous All Soulians offered us, and deeply aware of the responsibility invested in us as we recreate our spaces for the decades to come. The many people (architects, contractors, Property Team, User Groups, Vestry, Staff) who have worked on the capital portion of Living Waters have held the intentions of the past uses of the spaces while also trying to re-imagine these spaces for All Soulsians ahead.
As the work has progressed, the ways that we will be able to inhabit our new spaces has taken shape in new and exciting ways. Thanks to Ann Myers and the site superintendents from WCI, each week we’ve been able to track the progress through photos in the Pathfinder. Now that the finish line for much of the work is in sight, we thought that it would be good to have an All Parish Update this Sunday after the 10:30a service, roughly from 12n-1p.
Come hear about the rolling unveiling of the long-awaited remade spaces: the courtyard, the bathrooms, the Parish Hall, the kitchen, the classrooms, the Youth Room, the Common Room, and, yes, eventually the elevator!
Come hear about how we will ask for God’s blessing as we live into each of these new spaces.
Come hear more about the organizations that we will be partnering with as we live out the work of repair from the Isaiah Project.
And, come hear how your gifts have made this all possible and what remains ahead.
In all, come hear the story that the archivists of All Souls Parish will be unearthing 70 years from now. It’s a good one.
Peace,
–Phil+
Exploring Memory and Migration: A Film Showing of Past Lives
The Racial Justice Committee (RJC) invites you to explore themes of identity, migration, and belonging in our next movie discussion series. Join us Friday, December 6 at 7:00 pm (snacks at 6:30) in the nave, with food served in the narthex, 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.)
When it was my turn to choose a film for the series, I considered various works created by or featuring Asian Americans. After watching Past Lives on a flight and being moved and unnerved by its beauty and uncanny resemblance to my own life, I knew it would be my choice. Past Lives was a standout last year—not just in Asian American cinema but in cinema overall—acclaimed for its poignant exploration of migration, memory, and love.
Past Lives is a love story with three main characters. Na Young (later Nora) and Hae Sung are childhood friends in Seoul, separated when Na Young’s family emigrates to Canada. The two reconnect twelve years later through video calls and then again twelve years further on when Hae Sung visits New York, where Nora lives with her Jewish American writer husband Arthur. Many questions come up in this quiet, reflective film. What does one gain and lose in migration, and how does a shared place of origin shape both identity and intimacy? What drives people to reconnect with their past and people from earlier times? When is it time to say goodbye? And then there's the question at the heart of the film: Does Nora leave Arthur because she is fated to be with Hae Sung, in accordance with the Korean concept of in-yun, the cosmic connection between souls across lifetimes?
I identify with the movie on many levels. Born and raised in northern Ontario, the son of Chinese immigrants, I often wondered whether my family was weird. We looked different from the majority white kids and teachers, but also because the values (both spoken and unspoken) my parents instilled in me were orthogonal to what I saw around me in school. Although “racialized” is more common in Canadian than American social discourse, I find the term useful in capturing my experience. I was acutely aware of not being part of the dominant majority that considered itself “normal” or without race. I didn’t speak a word of English until I started kindergarten. Like Nora, I have two names: one from my first language, Chinese, and my English legal name, the one everyone at the church knows me by. In some sense, I also made two migrations like Nora (and real-life director Celine Song). My journey of belonging at this church has been a long one, often shaped by the reality—or my perception—of being Chinese-American in a predominantly white space. Past Lives resonated deeply with me because it mirrors the struggles of navigating multiple cultural worlds, capturing the quiet yet profound challenges of finding where we belong.
Past Lives might not seem like a film about racial justice at first glance. Its beauty lies in its ability to tell a deeply personal story (inspired by Song’s own life) while capturing themes that resonate widely. Centering Korean faces on screen challenges the long-held norm in American cinema, where white faces have been treated as the embodiment of universal experiences, while racialized characters were often confined to representing only their own race. Justice begins with recognizing the complexities, contradictions, and basic humanity in those who look different from us—or even like us.
The Racial Justice Committee believes films like Past Lives illuminate the complexities of identity, belonging, and how migration shapes individuals and communities. After the screening, stay for a community discussion. Whether your life has been shaped by migration or you simply want to reflect on the shared human story, we welcome your voice in this conversation.
–Raymond Yee
Vestry Nominations
In November, the Vestry members who are finishing their terms gather to consider who might feel called to serve on the next Vestry. Five new members of the Vestry will be elected at the annual meeting in January 2025. Four members will have three-year terms, and one will have a two-year term.
In addition to the February retreat, the Vestry meets on the third Wednesday of the month from 7 to 9pm. Occasionally, there are additional meetings if issues arise that need timely attention.
Here is a recap of my experience as a Vestry member this year to give you a sense of what’s involved.
At the retreat in February, we spent time setting goals for the year to guide parish priorities. The goals we crafted are:
Living Waters - oversee, communicate, and support the implementation of the Living Waters capital projects and Isaiah Project.
Welcome - Revitalize our approach to newcomers and how we gather new people, in a sustainable manner.
Kinship - Foster deeper connections within the parish especially among young families, young adults, and those who may feel isolated.
Over the course of the year, we have made decisions on budgets, Living Waters, the Isaiah Project, personnel, and stewardship among others. We have gotten to know each other better and have enjoyed the bonus of Senior Warden Sarah’s delicious baked goods!
Some of the highlights for me were serving as one of the three Vestry chaplains. This allowed a chance to center the group as we finished our busy Wednesdays and settled into the sacred role of serving on the governing body. Other highlights were participating on the search committee for a new music director and serving as the ministry liaison to the justice & peace committee where I feel most at home. I also enjoyed hosting a table at the stewardship dinner.
I encourage you to reach out to a Vestry member to learn more if you are so called. If you feel you are too busy, you may find the monthly meeting is more spiritually filling than logistically depleting. It has been a privilege to serve.
-Jenny Kern
Calling All Pledges…
We are getting close … to our pledge and participation goals, to the end of the pledge drive and to a 2025 budget.
Through last Sunday, we have received pledges of $738,000 from 142 households. Updated progress gauges look roughly like this:
We have had a few households tell us they won’t be able to make a pledge this year, but we are still hoping to receive pledges from 27 households who pledged in 2024. This group received emails yesterday inviting them to help support All Souls in 2025. Their response will have a big impact on how close we come to reaching our goal. We are hoping to have their responses by Sunday!
We will also continue to be in contact in the next few days with the other 50 households on our list, hoping for responses. Even if people cannot pledge much, we are trying to push to receive 180 pledges this year.
All of the effort to contact people before Thanksgiving takes place as the Vestry has begun to consider the 2025 budget; the goal of pledge season is to give the Vestry the information it needs to plan for the next year. Now is the time when a pledge can have the biggest impact on the 2025 budget. If you have decided you are going to pledge, please use our Online Pledge Form to support All Souls today!
-Richard Lynch for the AOC Committee
Living Waters Weekly Update
Fellowship: friendly association, especially with people who share one's interests.
We had coffee hour in the new courtyard! It was a joyous day to once again gather in our outdoor space. It is not all open yet but the next few weeks should see major changes outside.
In the undercroft, new carpets are laid, walls, doors and trim are all painted, bathroom tile has been installed in fun colors and new lighting brightens everything. Great strides have been made in the last couple weeks and it is amazing and wonderful to see!
However, anyone who was in church last week might remember being a bit chilly! We have no heat at the moment so do bundle up, blankets are acceptable!
Porta potties are still in use, ADA bathroom available in Jordan Court as well as the porta potties.
Egress has changed! Both the Spruce Street narthex doors and the Cedar Street narthex doors are open! A new door in the nave, by the altar, takes you down new stairs and out the door to Jordan Court.
Left: Emergency exit from nave; Right: New ramp and handrails
Left: Main corridor; Right: Restroom finishes
Left: Common Room carpet; Right: New Spruce St. stairs!
Above: All Soulsians enjoy our newly-paved courtyard! Come see it this Sunday!
–Ann Myers and the Property Committee
Save the Date: Taizé Tuesdays
During Advent, we gather on weekday evenings for a contemplative service of prayer, Taizé chant, and reflection. This year, our Taizé services will take place on Tuesday evenings from 7:30-8:15. Because of our construction project, we won’t be able to offer a soup supper. But, we’ll provide hot cider, and you are invited to bring a snack to share. Dates: Dec. 3, 10, 17.
Look out next week for more information about our Advent events and offerings!
Announcements & Events
Happening This Sunday
7:00am, Reading Between the Lines Bible Study either in person in the Jordan Court Conference Room or Click here to join by Zoom.
8:00am, Holy Eucharist in Chapel. Please access the Chapel through the copper doors on Cedar St.
9:15am, Adult Formation. “Heretics and Creeds” with the Rev. Phil Brochard, in the Jordan Court Community Room.
9:15 Membership Class with Emily Hansen Curran, in the Chapel
10:30am, Sung Eucharist; enter through the Cedar St. doors. Join us via livestream here.
12-1:00pm: All Parish Living Waters Forum (JC Community Room)
12-12:45: Stephen Ministry Info Session (Chapel)
7:00pm High School Small Group
Wednesday: 9am Eucharist Service, in the Jordan Court Community Room. Join us on Zoom here.
Adult Formation
Current Class: “Heretics and Creeds,” led by the Rev. Phil Brochard and others
Every Sunday at All Souls we say or sing the Nicene Creed. You may be wondering why. Well, in a word, heresies. For four weeks in late October and into November the Rev. Phil Brochard (joined by the Rev. Emily Boring and the Rev. Mark Richardson) will explain what a heresy is, why they were important to the early church, and why they continue to matter today. Come engage the tensions of a Christ that is both human and Divine, a God that is three in one and one in three, and the meaning of free will. Come to understand why you believe what you do, and quite possibly how that relates to the right belief of the Church. This class meets in the Jordan Court Community Room on the following Sundays at 9:15 am: Nov. 10, 17, 24.
Membership Class Wondering how to learn more about All Souls and connect with our community? Whether you are new here or looking to become a member, join us for a class held in the Chapel at 9:15 am for two more Sundays: Nov. 24 and December 1st.
Coming Up: “Introduction to the Gospel of Luke,” with the Rev. Michael Lemaire
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. (Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 9:15am)
Children & Family
Godly Play Training is this Saturday! Join us to learn about this unique philosophy of children’s spiritual formation and train to be a teacher. All are welcome. November 23rd, 9am to 1pm, at All Souls. Email Emily B to sign up.
Sunday School: We are not holding Sunday School this week, November 24th; many families will be traveling for Thanksgiving break.
Generally, Sunday School (for kids pre-K through 5th grade) happens every week 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 return to church at the “Peace.”
To join our Children and Family mailing list, email emilyb@allsoulsparish.org
Advent Programming for Kids!
Advent is coming-- and with it, many fun things for kids! Whether you've joined us for Christmas every year, or this is your first year in town/ at All Souls, we want to personally invite you and your family to take part. Below are three things to consider.
Nativity Story
Takes place at the 4pm service on Christmas Eve.
Rehearsals: Dec 1, 8, 15, and 22, 9:15-10:15.
Kids get to choose their roles and costumes!
(Don't worry too much if you can't make all of the rehearsals; we still want you to join us!)
Children's Choir
Performs at the 4pm service on Christmas Eve as part of the Nativity Story
Rehearses during Sunday School (10:30) on Dec 1, 8, 15, 22
Led by Tess Taylor; all abilities welcome!
Children in Liturgy
During Advent, we invite families to take part in our 10:30 a.m. service in two roles: Lighting the Advent wreath, or reading three questions as part of our Eucharistic Prayer
Sign up for all of these activities using this form.
Download our Children & Family Advent Calendar.
Youth Program
Youth Group happens each Sunday from 7-8:30 pm.
This week (November 24th): High School Small Group
Next week (Dec 1st): No Youth Group - come to the Advent festival at 5pm!
View and download our full fall calendar (Sept. - Dec.) here.
To join the weekly youth mailing list, email emilyb@allsoulsparish.org.
Justice & Peace
Undergraduate Street Medicine Outreach 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. As the weather gets colder, they are especially seeking donations of the following items:
General hygiene products (toothbrushes/toothpaste, deodorant, soap, etc.)
Clothes/cold weather gear
Bottled water
Please bring these donations to the red bin in the Narthex. Email Beth Christensen (beth.christensen) for donation and other direct volunteer opportunities with USMO.
Serve With Us
Information Session: Becoming a Stephen Minister All Souls is planning to offer a Stephen Ministry training class beginning in February 2025. If you have ever thought about becoming a Stephen Minister, please come to the information session on Sunday, November 24 at noon in the Chapel. Find out the nuts & bolts of Stephen Ministry—how to apply, what’s involved in training, and (best of all!) offering your gift of compassionate listening to another. You can also learn more about what it is like to be a Stephen Minister here. Can’t come to the session Nov 24? Contact Marilyn Flood, 510-517-7192 or marilyn.flood4902@att.net for more information.
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
Next Week: Advent Festival Join us Dec. 1st at 5pm for an outdoor service with carols, wreath-making, ornament crafts, hot cocoa, and more. Bring some holiday cookies or snacks to share! (Contact Jeannie Koops if you’d like to help set up, bring supplies, or serve at our hot cocoa bar).
Taize Tuesdays This year, our Advent community Taize service will be held on Tuesday evenings from 7:30-8:15. Join us for a contemplative service with prayer and chant: Dec. 3, 10, 17.
New Church Directory/Database called Realm We have a new church online directory and database, and you are invited to join! If you are a member here, you should already have received an invitation from Realm to join the online community. If you’re new and looking to join (or didn’t get an invitation in your inbox), see Emily Hansen Curran. For anyone interested in learning more about Realm or need help troubleshooting any problems logging in or using Realm, we’ve got folks who will be in the Narthex this coming Sunday, after the 10:30 service, with laptops ready to answer your questions and help. Come by and get the help you need.
All Saints & All Souls Art Project This Sunday (Nov 24th) is the final week to participate in our All Souls and All Saints Day art project in the nave. Write a special message to a loved one who has passed away, and then pin it to one of the ribbons on the columns alongside the pews. Writing directly to this person creates a space of connection, where an absence can turn into a presence.
Sermon Poetry is back by popular demand! Enjoy the following haiku, composed by Chat GPT, based on seminarian Harlowe Zefting’s sermon last Sunday.
Darkness births great light,
God’s promise seeds the present—
Live as if it’s near.
You can listen, or listen again, to sermons on our website or our podcast channel.
