The Pathfinder: January 23rd, 2025
Gifts of Reflection
Every year as I prepare my annual report, I look through my calendar of the previous year week by week, day by day. As I reflect on a year of life at All Souls Parish, I try to distill what has made that year itself.
What was distinctive about it? What was unusual, what hadn’t happened before, or what kept happening, whether we wanted it to or not? Where was God moving in the midst of it all?
I do this for a few reasons. One, it’s my job— every priest before me who is had responsibility for this congregation has reflected on that year in some way. That’s not a streak I want to break. I’ve also found inspiration in the practice I’ve kept of reading from annual reports of 25 years and 50 years ago at the Annual Meeting. In this practice I’ve come to deeply appreciate the work of our ancestors in the faith. Each year they have attempted to capture what made 1957 or 1968 or 1992 what it was. Their words form a kind of time capsule of that moment in human history, refracted through the lens of the Gospel and the prevailing issues of that day.
Often what helps me understand All Souls today comes from something like a stewardship report from 50 years ago. At times the discoveries are thrilling, such as the year we learned that All Souls sent the then Rector, the Reverend Brad Brown, to Alabama to be part of the March on Selma. And often I am both comforted by and simultaneously exasperated by what I read in these reports. The same challenges—say, deferred maintenance—seem to repeat themselves. Over and over.
I also have found that writing my annual report is an important practice of reflection—reflection on my part of our congregational life, as well as our communal life, what we have experienced together. If Kierkegaard is right and, “life is live forwards, but only understood backwards,” then this may be one of the only ways to truly understand our lives.
So I find often myself asking questions like, from this past year, what has been a lingering pain? What notes continue to soar and reverberate? What laments did we carry? What hopes were fulfilled?
Today you’ll be able to download the annual report of All Souls Parish Berkeley for 2024 and you’ll find dozens of reports, facets of our life lived together. For those who like data, dig in. There are statistics and there are tables and there are budgets galore. For those who like stories, read on. There are stories about difficulty, redemption, and courage.
Scores of hours went into this report representing the days of this past year. Please give yourself the space to read about them, and join us this Sunday at noon in the nave after the 1030 service. Together, we will affirm new leaders for the parish, Hear the stories of All Soulsians past, reflect on the year that has been, and look forward to what the spirit has in store for us next.
Peace,
–Phil+
Taking Action
I was dismayed, though not surprised, by the executive orders on immigration that President Trump signed on his first day in office. How do I – how do we – take action as Christians called through baptism to seek justice and respect the dignity of every human being?
One response: the Episcopal Church has an Office of Government Relations in Washington, DC. Guided by policies adopted by the church’s General Convention, staff build relationships with legislators to influence US government policy and legislation on critical issues, including immigration.
The staff voices are amplified by actions of individual Episcopalians, like you and me, through the Episcopal Public Policy Network. “Action alerts” notify participants at crucial times in the legislative and policy-making process. Clicking on the link to an action alert will take you to a page with background information, including information about the Episcopal Church’s stance. Alongside, you’ll find a customizable message to be sent to the legislators who represent you in Congress. After you submit your message, links will enable you to share your action on social media or through email. You can also sign up to receive action alerts in your email.
This week the office issued two alerts on immigration: one opposing mass deportations, and one voicing support for Dreamers (undocumented individuals brought to this country as children). Because there is no specific legislation currently before Congress, these alerts express concern and ask legislators to work for just and humane immigration policies.
Please join me in taking action, following our baptismal call to speak up for justice.
–The Rev. Dr. Ruth Meyers
Reading music refresher & an invitation!
In our Sunday morning bulletins for the 10:30 am service, we almost always include the musical notation for the hymns, psalms, liturgy parts and other music so that you can sing along.
Those piano lessons or participating in your school choir when you were a kid might have been a few years back, so I thought it would be helpful to do a quick review to make it easier to follow along and sing, even if the song is not completely familiar.
Here is the last line from “Angels we have heard on high,” which we sang during the Christmas season. I like it because it has most of the kinds of notes we see every week. Music is all about dividing up time - the longest note we usually see is the empty note at the end of the line: the whole note on the syllable “o”. Add a stem, as in the two notes before it, and we have half notes, which are twice as fast. Fill in the note (“in ex-cel-sis”) and you have quarter notes, again twice as fast as half notes. Finally, add a flag (or bar connecting the notes) and we have eighth notes, twice as fast as quarter notes (those are the groups of notes in the first three measures. A dot after a note (the beginning of the 4th measure) means hold the note its own value plus ½ of its value. Once you have the timing down, the pitch - how high or low the note is - is easy: sing higher pitches for notes higher on the staff, and lower pitches as you get lower on the staff.
One other music notation that comes in really handy is the repeat sign:
When you see the repeat sign, repeat the section of music between the two signs before moving on to the next section. Sometimes it means going back to the beginning if you don’t see the first repeat sign.
An Invitation!
If that music review seemed easy peasy for you, maybe you are ready to start sharing your musical gifts through one of our musical ensembles or as a soloist.
For singers, the parish choir rehearses from 7 pm - 8:30 pm on Wednesday evenings and then practices again on Sunday mornings beginning at 9:30 am.
Angel Band is a great way for those who like singing and playing a mix of music in more of a roots tradition - they are currently getting together after the 10:30 am service on Sundays and are led by Nat Lewis.
Instrumental Soloists frequently enrich our worship and we would love to have more people share their gifts. Since I arrived, we have had baroque oboe, flute, clarinet, oboe, percussion, trumpet, violin and a student quartet. Do you play accordion, bagpipes, trombone, cello, penny whistle, bassoon, electric guitar, etc, etc, etc? Let’s talk about how your talent might take a Sunday morning to the next level soon! Stop by after the service or send an e-mail to matt@allsoulsparish.org.
–Matt Wolka
Coming Up in Adult Formation
Liturgy and the Lyric: A Workshop in Reading and Writing Mysteries, with poet Tess Taylor
How do the forms of poems relate to the forms of prayer? How might the reading of poems help us more deeply engage the psalms, the Bible, and liturgical language? And how might the figures of poetry– small and large-- help us access the mysteries of the Bible and of the Divine?
In this course, offered across three weeks, Tess Taylor (author of five books of poetry and a practicing All Soulsian) will explore some of the shapes, forms and pathways of poetry in and outside liturgical texts—inviting us to use that exploration to deepen our experience of liturgy, prayer and Biblical text. Come ready to read, write, and explore. Feb 2, 9, and 16 at 9:15 in the Common Room.
Theology and Evolutionary Biology with the Revs. Emily Boring and Mark Richardson
Is there purpose or direction to evolution?
How do we define knowledge?
Do cells or genes have “agency”?
What kind of evidence makes something true?
These are just a few examples of the kinds of questions that we’ll encounter in this class– questions that both science and religion, in turn, have tried to address. Our course will begin with a brief history of the relationship between evolutionary biology and theology, dating back to the early responses of theology to Darwin. We then explore various ways or methods of approaching this relationship still present in our culture. Finally, we will turn to contemporary case studies, exploring the possible theological implications of recent advances in genetics and evolutionary theory. Our class isn’t an argument between science and religion, nor is it an attempt to “reconcile” opposites. We come from a stance of curiosity and integration, exploring how these two disciplines mutually inform one another and meet in lived experience. Come to the Jordan Court Community Room on Feb. 9, 16, 23 and Mar. 2 at 9:15am.
What we accomplished this week
Color: the aspect of any object that may be described in terms of hue, lightness, and saturation.
Atlantis, Black Spruce, Cottage White, Rookwood Terra Cotta, and Faded Grey are all names of paint colors being used throughout our construction project. I love color, every room in my house is a different color. It is often the most difficult aspect of renovation! We have tried to have some good variety and interest in colors, hopefully we have succeeded! Can you match the names listed above to colors you see around the space?
More amazing photos of elevator progress! The elevator pour has begun, and that is quite exciting. The elevator pit will next get rebar and lots of cement. It takes weeks to cure, it is a long process. Shoring will eventually be removed and the actual elevator installed. Look for travel between floors around Halloween!
Some lovely paneling and trim has gone up in the nave and outside in the courtyard, once again it will be painted. I wonder which color?
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.
Egress continues through both Narthex doors and out the nave to the Jordan Courtyard. Remember to bundle up!
Left: Slurry concrete is getting poured. Middle: Form work in place for Slurry concrete. Right: TPO at elevator parapet and roof.
Left: Entry paneling getting finished ready for paint.
Middle: Data cabinet installed along with new heat pump in place.
Right: New electrical panels in electrical room with new rated in closure for church back light.
Left: TPO being installed Elevator roof. Middle: Finally the roof shingles patched and repaired. Right: 3rd floor Sheetrock and taping.
–Ann Myers and the Property Committee
Announcements & Events
Happening This Week
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 the Chapel. Please access the Chapel through the copper doors on Cedar St.
10:30am, Sung Eucharist in the Nave. Join us via livestream here.
12n, Annual Meeting in the Nave.
WEDNESDAY
9:00 am Eucharist, either in the Jordan Court Community Room at 9:00 a.m., or by Zoom here.
Adult Formation
“Repairs in the Bay Area,” with Isaiah Project partners
The Isaiah Project team is introducing each of the four organizations that are receiving All Souls grants through the tithe from our Living Waters campaign. A representative from each organization has or will join us to talk about the work of repair that they are performing in our local East Bay communities. The four organizations and the dates they will join us are:
Elizabeth House (January 5)
The Center for ArtEsteem (January 12)
The American Indian Child Resource Center (January 19)
Youth Spirit Artworks (February 2).
We meet at 9:15 am in the Jordan Court Community Room on the following Sundays: January 5, 12, 19 and February 2nd.
Upcoming Classes:
Liturgy and the Lyric: A Workshop in Reading and Writing Mysteries, with poet Tess Taylor
How do the forms of poems relate to the forms of prayer? How might the reading of poems help us more deeply engage the psalms, the Bible, and liturgical language? And how might the figures of poetry– small and large-- help us access the mysteries of the Bible and of the Divine? In this course, offered across three weeks, Tess Taylor ( author of five books of poetry and a practicing All Soulsian) will explore some of the shapes, forms and pathways of poetry in and outside liturgical texts—inviting us to use that exploration to deepen our experience of liturgy, prayer and Biblical text. Come ready to read, write, and explore. Feb 2, 9, and 16 at 9:15 in the Common Room.
Theology and Evolutionary Biology with the Revs. Emily Boring and Mark Richardson
Is there purpose or direction to evolution?
How do we define knowledge?
Do cells or genes have “agency”?
What kind of evidence makes something true?
These are just a few examples of the kinds of questions that we’ll encounter in this class– questions that both science and religion, in turn, have tried to address. Our course will begin with a brief history of the relationship between evolutionary biology and theology, dating back to the early responses of theology to Darwin. We then explore various ways or methods of approaching this relationship still present in our culture. Finally, we will turn to contemporary case studies, exploring the possible theological implications of recent advances in genetics and evolutionary theory. Our class isn’t an argument between science and religion, nor is it an attempt to “reconcile” opposites. We come from a stance of curiosity and integration, exploring how these two disciplines mutually inform one another and meet in lived experience. Join us in the Jordan Court Community Room at 9:15 on the following Sundays: Feb. 9, 16, 23 and Mar. 2nd.
Children & Family
Sunday School Sunday School (for kids pre-K through 5th grade) happens every week during the 10:30 service, in our newly-renovated classrooms 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.”
Exciting news: The playground is now open! Come join other All Soulsian families and kids in the courtyard after church. Please be mindful of fencing around the perimeter.
To sign up for our Children and Family newsletter, please email emilyb@allsoulsparish.org.
Youth Program
Youth Group (for grades 6-12) happens on Sundays from 7-8:30pm. Generally, we alternate between an all-grades gathering, and a high school small group (~once a month).
This week, January 26th, All-grades Youth Group.
Upcoming:
Feb 2: All-grades Youth Group.
Feb. 9: High school small group.
Download our winter (Jan/Feb) 2025 calendar here. Look our for a full winter/spring calendar soon! To join the weekly youth mailing list, email emilyb@allsoulsparish.org.
Request for collage materials: Do you have old magazines sitting around at home? We are seeking collage supplies for our children and youth programs, and we’d love to give your materials a home! Please bring them to church on Sundays and/or arrange a time to hand them off to Emily B. Thanks!
Justice & Peace
Help for SoCal Wildfire Victims
If you’d like to learn more about how to help the wildfire victims in Southern California, please click on the links below for more information.
Building Interfaith Bridges January Event
Please join the Building Interfaith Bridges community for “4th Friday Shabbat in the Round” on Friday, January 24, 2025 at 6:15p at Congregation Beth El, 1301 Oxford St. in Berkeley.
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. Bring your voice, your percussion and come play and sing along! Or join us just to soak up the music.
All service attendees are invited to stay after the service 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 with the Rabbi about the service.
RSVP’s to Anna Fogelman (annaleahfogelman@gmail.com) are appreciated but not required. Hope to see you there!
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.
Open Door Dinner (ODD) If you are able or interested in helping put the meal together or deliver some meals to the camps around Berkeley, please email Jennifer Akiyama.
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.
Ladies Luncheon
The second Thursday Ladies Luncheon will return when the Parish Hall is ready!
Everything Else
You might have noticed, but we have shifted our mailing service from Squarespace to Constant Contact. Hopefully this will not impact any or many of you, but in case it matters, please add allsouls@allsoulsparish.ccsend.com to your contacts. This will hopefully ensure that the Pathfinder arrives in your inbox and not your spam folder.
