The Pathfinder: December 12th, 2024
The Light Shines in the Darkness
When I was child, one ritual, more than any other, marked the start of Advent.
On the first Sunday of Advent, a crowd of a hundred or so people– from many churches and many denominations– would gather outdoors at twilight. Everyone carried a lantern with a candle. No batteries, flashlights, or cell phones, but a real, warm, flickering flame.
And then we’d walk. In silence, for over an hour, we’d process in single file– over open fields and rolling hills, past black ponds, through dense groves of fir trees.
Each year, (especially when I was very young), there came a time when I began to feel cold and tired. My lantern became heavy, and a chill seeped through my mittens and boots. Ahead of me, I could see only darkness– no destination, and no visible path.
But then I’d pause and look backward. Behind me, winding across the landscape, a string of lanterns stretched as far as my eyes could see. I was merely one speck, held in a line of light, and together, we made an unbroken chain against the dark night.
These images– light amid darkness, a path where there was no path– are central to our celebration of Advent. This season, we speak of waiting, gestation, and wilderness. We speak of entering into a time of silence and expectation.
And as my childhood experience reminds me, the mysteries we celebrate this season are too deep for words to capture. We enter the truth of Advent by participating– by moving our bodies through space and time with other people in shared ritual space.
One of the ways we encourage this participation is by our choice of Sunday liturgy. If you’ve been to church in the last few weeks, you’ve likely noticed something different about our Eucharistic prayer.
This season, we invite children and families to process in with the choir and leaders, and light the candles of the Advent wreath. We also invite kids to stand at the altar for the Eucharistic Prayer. The child (or two or three) asks these questions:
Why is it right to give God thanks and praise?
Why do we share this bread and wine?
Why do we follow Jesus Christ?
The Great Thanksgiving becomes a conversation, an interweaving of young and old voices, presider and congregation, song and speech. The words are well-known; many of us have them memorized. But through the lens of a child’s questions, we’re all invited to pause and contemplate just how wonder-ful, miraculous, and profound the claims of our faith truly are.
And we’re invited to join a long line of people, stretching back through history, who have wondered and questioned and used their voices to approach a deep mystery that we can barely grasp.
And so this season, as we enter these last two weeks of Advent, I hope that you will find a sense of belonging in some part of our liturgy and ritual. Whether it’s lighting an Advent wreath, or chanting Taize, or joining in the children’s questions, I hope that you’ll allow the sounds and sights and symbols of this season to go in deep, and light your way.
–Emily Boring+
Surprised By “Yes”
For our Taize services this Advent, we have asked parishioners to share reflections about a time when they said “Yes” unexpectedly to something in their lives. Below is the reflection by Michael Drell, which he shared on Tuesday the 10th.
Join us for Taize services at 7:30 pm on Tuesdays during Advent, Dec 10th and 27th, in the nave.
A good evening to you all and Advent Blessings all ‘round!
If you have had a conversation with me over the past few years, it’s quite likely that you have heard me complain about Berkeley.
Moving here in the midst of the pandemic was weird!
Seminary was weird!
Berkeley makes my skin and hair dry!
The air is dusty.
When I arrived here, I distinctly remember thinking “How can it be that I am always walking up a hill?”
In Berkeley, there is a wintery aspect to most days of the year
But also, a summery feel.
Springtime seems to occur several times.
Moving here offered me my first experience of seasonal allergies.
After 46 years of blissful ignorance…in the first 12 months of living in Berkeley, I got to experience the weird and torturous symptoms of allergies a few times.
Allergies are still so new to me that each time I forget the pollen possibility and assume something must be gravely wrong with my health.
Aside from my topographical and meteorological suffering, Berkeley is also very expensive!
After graduation from seminary next May, my partner and I will be moving to Washington DC.
There is a whole separate story behind this BIG YES, but the unexpected story unfolding as a result, is my newfound love affair with Berkeley and the whole Bay Area.
After 4 years, I must have somehow acclimatised to the weather?
I am no longer freezing all the time.
Here in Berkeley, there is of course amazing food, arts, music, and sunsets.
There are quirky shops and other independent small businesses.
I particularly love the rosemary bushes everywhere!
The first time I realised this intense new love, came over me when out on the Bay herself.
The Order of Naucratius fishing trip of several hours on the water did something to me.
While thinking about writing this reflection, I haven’t been able to get that song out of my head…the one that goes “you don’t know what you got till it’s gone”…
No, not the Joni Mitchell one, but the Cinderella one.
Not a Disney Cinderella, but the kinda glam rock band 1988 release “You don’t know what you got ‘till it’s gone”. I do recommend looking it up! Not just for a listen but watch the video for a good chuckle.
Much of the lyrics don’t actually apply to my experience, but I keep hearing the chorus and appreciating Berkeley more and more.
I hope and pray that this giddy love lasts all next term…
I’ll be making solid plans ahead that will keep me connected to the Bay Area in various ways.
I would like to think that God has offered me a miraculous change in temperament.
Maybe now I might approach new uncomfortable contexts with less complaining and a bigger more open heart?
Time will tell. Thanks be to God, it always does.
–Michael Drell
The Gift of a Stephen Minister
I asked for a Stephen Minister shortly after I returned to All Souls as an Assisting Priest in July, 2021.
I was ordained to the priesthood in 2017 and had been serving full time as Associate Rector at St. Mary the Virgin when two life changing medical conditions meant I had to resign. I was struggling with the loss of what I expected to do as a parish priest, and trying to figure out how to talk about my unexpected medical conditions.
A colleague encouraged me to ask for a Stephen Minister and I was very grateful for the comfort and support I received in conversations with my Stephen Minister over the next year.
Just as I figured out how to speak to others about the ways Parkinson’s Disease and low vision had changed my ministry model, my daughter Mary Alice was diagnosed with brain cancer.
I asked my Stephen Minister if we could continue meeting, which we did throughout the next year as my daughter’s medical condition deteriorated. Because Mary Alice was immune compromised - and seemed to catch any illness that came within five feet of her - I only attended All Souls through the live stream lest I bring any extra germs near my daughter. Having the additional zoom calls with my Stephen Minister were a Godsend.
As was my Stephen Minister’s support during the first year of my grief process after Mary Alice’s death. Walking through all those “valleys of the shadow of death” was MUCH easier with the gift of my Stephen Minister!
I encourage you to consider the possibility that talking with a Stephen Minister might bring you comfort and support if you are struggling with some of the curve balls life can throw our way.
–Marguerite Judson+
November Vestry Update
Greetings All Souls Family!
Vestry chaplain, Nathan Brostrom, opened the November Vestry meeting with a reflection on hope. Richard Lynch provided an update on the annual stewardship campaign where there has been a 22% increase in pledges from returning pledgers, which seems to be in response to the sharing more information about the needs and aspirations of the parish and what it would take to meet them.
Vestry also discussed the 2025 budget and while pledges have increased we are still about $100,000 short of the campaign goal meaning we are on track to be able to have a half-time Associate for Ministry Development. We also learned that UC Berkeley requested a seismic assessment as part of the process for them to consider renting the preschool space at the church. The parish has requested a seismic assessment, but this could potentially impact the likelihood of the preschool space being occupied by next Fall which has implications for the Parish’s 2025 budget.
Senior Warden, Sarah Kern, led a discussion around Vestry’s current approach to liaising with various ministries. There will be further consideration on how to connect with ministries moving forward. Emily Hansen-Curren spoke about the Welcome ministry and how it relates to the Kinship ministry as people transition from entering the congregation to fuller participation. Emily also discussed how she has designed and documented this process over the years. Dan Hardy and Nydia McGregor are the new ministry leadership for the Kinship which has seen healthy engagement from the 20s/30s affinity group, Ale Souls, and a new Emmaus group starting up.
Grace Telcs, Junior Warden, provided an update on the Living Waters. The Parish Hall is continuing its construction and may be available for Christmas. There should be more access to the undercroft, but, it will be a while before heat is restored. It was decided to give $1,000 to each of the runner up organizations that applied but did not receive Living Waters grants.
–Michael Lewis
Advent Ingathering Week 3: Berkeley Unhoused Encampments
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.
This Week (Dec. 8th): Berkeley Unhoused Encampments
We will be gathering the following items to be distributed to the encampments at 8th/Harrison and 2nd/Jones. This list comes from the residents themselves.
Small fire extinguishers
Small propane canisters
Head lamps
New Gloves
New Hats
New Socks
In addition, you are welcome to make a monetary donation which will be granted to the Homeless Action Center in Berkeley on Shattuck. This organization provides advocacy for the unhoused and disabled residents of Alameda County.
Next Week, December 22nd:
Tiny House Project Many of you remember the tiny houses we helped build and furnish for Youth Spirit Artworks. They’re now filled with transitional age youth who are rebuilding their lives! We will continue the Advent tradition of supporting these young adults with holiday gifts to be determined. We are requesting cash donations we will use to purchase gift cards so the resident can purchase needed items. More information forthcoming about how to donate.
With questions, please email Beth Christensen.
–Beth Christensen for the Justice and Peace Team
Answering the Call
All Souls’ response to the Answering the Call:All Souls 2025 pledge drive has been amazing.
One hundred sixty households have pledged $793,373! The pledge drive asked for a 25% increase in the total amount pledged and 69 households increased their pledge by 25% or more. Household after household, person after person considered the vision for 2025 and stretched to support it. Ten households at least doubled their pledge from 2024.
We have received 29 pledges for 2025 from households that had not pledged in 2024. Twenty one were new to the community and 8 households returned to pledging after previous gifts.
Soon and very soon, these pledge totals will be worked into a 2025 budget. The Finance Committee is working now to draft a budget based on our current pledges and the Vestry will consider and likely adopt the 2025 budget next week. With that budget we will begin to see how these gifts translate into our vision of greater welcome, kinship, service, and formation in 2025.
We are a bit below our pledge target and hope to bring in a few more pledges. There are still a few households considering pledges, and we are sending out one last email to folks we have not heard from. If you haven’t pledged yet, and would like your pledge to make the biggest impact on our budget, please use the online pledge form by noon on Sunday.
It’s been a minute since we started this pledge drive. If you’d like a refresh on the campaign and how your pledge will support All Souls in 2025, you can see the Kickoff Presentation and the Pledge Packet here.
It has been humbling and inspiring to work with such a devoted and generous congregation. I have been involved with asking people to pledge to All Souls for a number of years. I continue to be moved by the prayerful, heartfelt stories so many people have shared about their pledging and about what this community means to them. I am grateful to be connected with you all in the work of making church together. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your dedication and generosity.
–Richard Lynch
Community: a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.
Many thanks to members of our community for their work last weekend moving boxes, furniture, etc. back into place in the newly renovated spaces! I have been told that it was a rollicking good time. If you missed this opportunity, not to worry as there will be more moving to come!
Do make a trip downstairs to see the new bathrooms and the fresh Common Room and Sunday School rooms. The Chapel has been renovated as well. Although we are turning rooms over for use, work is still in progress! If you have questions or concerns about what you see, please contact Ann Myers @ annclairemyers@gmail.com for clarification. Thanks.
Egress continues through both Narthex doors and out the nave to the Jordan Courtyard.
We are so fortunate to be members of a go-getter community!
New outdoor exit with panic bar and fencing complete.
New rated assembly for electrical panel installation in electrical room. New T-bar being installed in undercroft
New LVL lumber being installed at old widow peak. Getting prepared for demolition.
New Kitchen in progress looking good.
–Ann Myers for the Property Committee
Announcements & Events
Happening This Sunday
7:00am, Reading Between the Lines Bible Study either in person in the Common 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: “Introduction to the Gospel of Luke,” with the Rev. Michael Lemaire
10:30am, Sung Eucharist; enter through the Cedar St. doors. Join us via livestream here.
Wednesday: 9am Eucharist Service, in the Jordan Court Community Room. Join us on Zoom here.
Adult Formation
This week: “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. 8, 15, 22, 9:15am)
Children & Family
Sunday School: Sunday School (for kids pre-K through 5th grade) happens every week during the 10:30 service.
Exciting news: our new classrooms are ready! This Sunday, join us for the first week in our renovated Godly Play classroom in the undercroft! Enter the narthex and walk down the stairs. There will be signs, and/or an usher can help you find the way. Children return to church at the “Peace.”
Advent and Christmas:
Advent is here-- 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. It’s not too late to join us for our Nativity Story and choir!
Nativity Story
Takes place at the 4pm service on Christmas Eve.
Rehearsals: Dec 8, 15, and 22, 9:15-10:15.
Kids get to choose their roles and costumes!
Children's Choir
Performs at the 4pm service on Christmas Eve as part of the Nativity Story
Rehearses during Sunday School (10:30a) on Dec 1, 8, 15, 22
Led by Tess Taylor; all abilities welcome!
To sign up, please email emilyb@allsoulsparish.org.
Download our Children & Family Advent Calendar.
Youth Program
Youth Group (for grades 6-12) happens each Sunday from 7-8:30pm.
Dec 8th: No Youth Group - Join us for the caroling party at 5pm!
Dec. 15th: 3rd Annual Gingerbread Competition (festive sweaters/attire welcome!)
View and download our full fall calendar (Sept. - Dec.) here.
To join the weekly youth mailing list, email emilyb@allsoulsparish.org.
Everything Else
2nd Thursday Lunch is on hiatus until further notice. Rest assured that we will return in the new year! Contact Gloria Bayne with questions.
Flower Donations After an Advent with just greens, Christmas flowers are especially welcome and offer an opportunity for you to remember or recognize a person, an event, or simply blessings received. If you want to contribute to Christmas flowers, you can donate online, put a check in the offering plate or mail to the church office with 'Christmas Flowers' in the memo line. If you want wording other than ‘For blessings received’ in the Christmas bulletins, please email Maggie Cooke, Giving Secretary at giving@allsoulsparish.org before December 20.
Extra wreath materials Did you miss our Advent Festival on Sunday? Down in the common room, we have a table with extra wreath forms, greenery, decorations, etc. You can also pick up an Advent breviary and set of candles, and make an ornament! Head down there this Sunday, or email Emily B.
A message from the Diocese:
The Board of Trustees of Grace Cathedral seeks input from the DioCal community
Dear People of the Diocese of California,
The Trustees of Grace Cathedral need your help. We are exploring what it means to be a cathedral in the 21st century. To address this question, The Board of Trustees of Grace Cathedral created a committee to consider what role the cathedral plays today in the Bay Area and diocesan community and, in conjunction with the Strategic Vision Process of the Diocese of California, what we should, and could be in the future.
We need to start with learning where we are now. We want to know what the people of the diocese and its institutions know and think about Grace Cathedral. You can help us by filling out this short (10 question) survey, which will only take about 5 minutes.
We appreciate your participation and look forward to getting your response! If you have questions or would like further information about the survey, please contact one of the members of the committee: Anne Casscells, Valerie Crane Dorfman, The Very Rev. Dr. Deborah White, The Rev. Dr. Mauricio Wilson, or Warren Wong.
