The Pathfinder: January 22, 2026

Remembering Who We Are

A few years ago, in his Pathfinder invitation to be part of the merry band of Archivists at All Souls Parish, Alan Schut invoked St. Augustine of Hippo. St. Augustine observed that memory is the foundation of the self, and Alan noted that without the living tradition of remembering our stories, we forget who we are and Whom we serve.

As you may know, it’s been my practice at our Annual Meeting to read from Annual Reports of 25 years past and 50 years past. Sometimes the reflections are startling–like the year in the early 1960s when the then Stewardship chair asked All Soulsians to give as much to the church as they spent each week on cigarettes. And sometimes they are familiar–like several reports over the decades that lamented flooding in the Undercroft. And often they are profound – distilling a particular moment in time of a group of Christians, attempting to live faithful lives in the midst of wonder and heartbreak and chaos and connection.

Reading these reports has also consistently reminded me of the ephemeral nature of life. And how the pace of change feels more charged here at All Souls. Yes, people live, and they die; that much is assured. But because of the particular location of our parish, right next to the UC Berkeley campus and down the hill from several seminaries, the currents around us are much swifter than in other places, even a dozen miles away. As a result, I think it can be easier to collectively forget who we are.

This year, I will be reading about the years 1976 and 2001. Some of us have very distinct memories of those years, perhaps even here at All Souls; others of us have only heard about what happened 25 or 50 years ago. In addition to finding moments of humor and familiarity, I find it important to tell the story of All Souls from generations passed so that we can recognize ourselves. As it turns out, these reports are reflecting on tumult in a way that feels resonant right now.

This moment that we are living in often feels chaotic and destabilizing. I recently read about a similar moment in time, the 1910s, which were referred to as the Vertigo Years, in that much of life was changing at such a rapid pace – technologically, culturally, and politically –that it felt dizzying to those living through those days. Because of what followed in that decade, the analogy was frightening. But it also contained some unexpected comfort.

Much like I find solace in Scripture and in the millennia of faithful people of God facing volatile and uncertain times, I also find that I draw strength from hearing the ways we have recently faithfully endured, communally sustained, and creatively responded to what was happening around us. Recalling the memories of who we have been and how we have been led and supported by the Spirit is part of what gives me the energy and courage to take our part in our time.

So, I invite you to take the time to join us for the 122nd time that All Soulsians will gather together to meet at the corner of Cedar and Spruce. This Sunday, after the 10:30 am service, at roughly 12 n or 12:15 pm, in the nave and on YouTube, we will be gathering to share memories, to tell stories. Stories of 25 and 50 years ago, stories of 2025, and together to begin to imagine what stories are yet to come.

Peace,

–Phil+

I have no doubt all of you are, too. For those of you outside Minnesota, it is hard to overstate the magnitude of cruelty we are seeing and the depth of fear that nearly everyone is living with all the time. So we are weary, weighed down, angry, and heartbroken.

And what the forces of evil and meanness in the world want is for us to stay there. The forces of evil we promise to resist in our baptismal covenant want us to meet anger with anger, they want us to meet hatred with hatred, and they want us to meet scorn with scorn. The forces of evil are always fed by mimetic anger and hatred. Those forces are out there tonight, as ever, daring us to become its food.

And, beloved, we aren’t going to do that. We are going to make like our ancient ancestors, and turn the world upside down by mobilizing for love. We are going to disrupt with Jesus’ hope. We are going agitate with Jesus’ love. Not because we are weak, or we have given up. And for God’s sake, not out of some naïve wish that everything will be just fine when it is so obviously not.

We are going to choose to turn the world upside down with love because we know, we know, the cross of Jesus Christ settles forever that love is the most powerful force for healing in the universe.”

As a faith community with justice & peace informing our actions, how can we best show our love and concern for Minnesotans right now? I’m certain many All Soulsians have already found creative ways to help.

The Minnesota Diocesan Office recommends the following for those looking for ways to help.

In addition, donations for direct food delivery support can be made to http://www.joyceuptownfoodshelf.org.

To learn more about important and hopeful interfaith work in Minnesota right now, check out Isaiah at https://www.isaiahmn.org.

To read more of Bishop Loya’s talk, click here.

In peace,

–The Justice and Peace Team

ASEP Immigration Update

Great news! One of the immigrants All Souls supported with letters was granted a pardon from the governor! (We were asked not to publish his name.) This is a different person from Moose, for whom we also recently met and wrote letters.

We have no new news about Moose’s status at this time. He is presently at home on a temporary stay while ICE follows the proper procedures in his arrest. He is fortunate enough to have legal representation.

Launching Our Vigils at the Concord Immigration Court next week!

In other good news, All Souls is about to lead our first vigil at the Concord Immigration Court next Tuesday, January 27th. All are welcome to join. We plan to begin small and to grow this ministry over time as we become more experienced.

Our purpose is to pray and sing and to be an encouraging presence for the immigrants coming to appear at this court. This effort is coordinated by IM4HI, the Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity. During the vigils, we intend to have no interaction with ICE or with the private security there. Our purpose is not to protest or to interfere with the business of the court or with ICE. The task of direct resistance is being ably done by others, but it is not our expressed purpose in the vigils. While, as we note so sadly in the news, what we intend may be misconstrued by federal agents, we will abide by the limitations restricting our efforts to a small area on the public sidewalk in front of the privately owned building at 1855 Gateway Boulevard, Concord. We will, when it seems safe, reach out to people attending the court to offer a red card explaining their rights, to offer a snack as they leave, or to support family members who are waiting outside the court. We will hold signs of encouragement and wear stoles to indicate our faith connection. Future clarification by attorneys may result in an increased ability to interact with immigrants on the property.

We plan to move slowly and carefully into this ministry, beginning with this two-hour shift on Tuesday, January 27th, and another on February 24th. We expect to be a group of 10 to 15 people to begin with. We plan to expand our participation in the future as seems appropriate. Eventually, we hope to engage many participants from ASEP, from our ASEP interfaith partners, and from other parishes in the diocese in this communal effort to support immigrants seeking to exercise their legal rights. We invite you, if you like, to participate with us this coming Tuesday or at some future time.

Indicating the spirit of these vigils, here is a verse from one of the songs we sang as immigrants entered the courthouse when we visited a vigil in Concord two weeks ago.

"My friends, you do not walk alone. We will pray with you and sing your spirit home."

Feel free to join us next week, or to ask questions, or express concerns to the Justice and Peace Immigration with Dignity Team. Please text to coordinate details of carpooling, etc.

In Solidarity,

–Kaki Logan, the Rev. Dr. Ruth Meyers, Gretchen Donart, and Sarah Bakker-Kellogg

Chapel Altar Progress

A few months ago, we shared the beginnings of the process to build a new altar for the Chapel of the Nativity. Designed by All Soulsian and architect Caitlin Lempres Brostrom, and built by All Soulsian and master carpenter Dean Williamson, the sides of the altar are nearly complete. The top is coming along and will be finished and placed once the base has been joined.

Soon it will be time for a dedication and blessing, followed by decades of use by All Soulsians! Enjoy these photos!

–Phil+

Announcements & Events

Sunday

7:00 am, Reading Between the Lines Bible Study in the Common Room or click here to join by Zoom.
8:00 am, Holy Eucharist in the Chapel. Please enter through the copper doors downstairs on Cedar Street.
10:30 am, Sung Eucharist in the Nave. Join us via livestream here. Sunday School in the Godly Play room.
12 noon, Annual Meeting in the Nave (see the link to the report below).
7:00 pm, Youth Group (Middle School Group)

Tuesday

8:00 pm, Taize in the Chapel.

Thursday

5:30 pm, Reading Between the Lines Bible Study in the Common Room.

Learn With Us

ADULT FORMATION

COMING UP IN FEBRUARY:

Episcopalian Resistance & Resilience – Feb. 1st

Political oppression, exploitation, and violence: we have been here before, all too many times, and God has not left us without witnesses to learn from. Join Dr. Jennifer Snow to look at just one lineage of resistance against injustice in American Episcopalian history, focusing on the context and courage of Rev. Absalom Jones in the 18th century, Bishop Alonzo Potter in the 19th century, and Pauli Murray in the 20th century. Class meets in the Common Room at 9:15 am.

Dante’s Inferno – Feb. 1st, 8th, 15th

Not only one of the most famous poems in history, Dante’s Inferno (Part I of the Divine Comedy) is also one of the greatest pieces of Christian art ever accomplished. Join Jack Shoemaker as he leads us through this three-week series. Together, we will read our way through the poem, taking turns reading from different translations, and discovering the inspired wisdom of this remarkable work. A few of us may have read this before; many of us may never have, but always intended to. This is our chance! The first class will meet in the Chapel at 9:15 am. Subsequent classes will meet in the Common Room.

Worship With Us

TAIZE TUESDAYS

Please join us in the Chapel every Tuesday evening at 8 pm for a community-led, half-hour program of silent meditation, prayer, and chants from the Taize tradition. This spring series will run through Tuesday, May 19th.

BIBLE STUDY GROUPS

All Souls hosts two weekly Bible Study Classes each week. In addition to our Sunday morning group (meets from 7-8 am), we are now offering another group on Thursday evenings from 5:30-6:30 pm. Both groups meet in our Common Room and use the Reading Between the Lines curriculum. Join us! Drop-ins are always welcome, too!

CHILDREN & FAMILIES

Faithful Families Returns!

We are excited to bring back Faithful Families dinners! Join us for a time of intergenerational fellowship and learning. We will start with a shared meal. Then, there will be time for shared prayer practices, activities for kids, and a space for parents to connect and discuss important questions of faith. Families with children of all ages (kids, teens, young adults) are welcome to attend. Sundays: February 1st, March 15th, and May 3rd, 5-6:30 pm. Please click here to email Emily if you would like to attend the February dinner.

Sunday School (for kids pre-K through 5th grade) happens every week during the 10:30 service. We follow Godly Play, an approach to spiritual formation that features storytelling, hands-on learning, and wondering. Shortly after the service starts, children follow a teacher, carrying a cross, downstairs to the classroom and return to church at the “Peace.”

To join our Children and Family mailing list, email Emily (emilyb@allsoulsparish.org).

YOUTH

Youth Group (for grades 6-12) generally happens each Sunday from 7-8:30 pm.

Join us on Sunday evenings from 7-8:30 pm for games, art, reflection, and prayer. We alternate between a middle and high school group with some all-grades events.

COMING UP:

Jan. 25th: Youth Group (Middle School Group)

Feb. 1st: Youth Group (High School Group)

Feb. 8th: Youth Group (All Grades Group)

To join the weekly youth mailing list, email Emily (emilyb@allsoulsparish.org).

Gather With Us

ANNUAL MEETING SUNDAY- JAN 25TH

Join us THIS SUNDAY, 1/25, following the 10:30 service, for this festive meeting where we listen to stories, elect our new leadership, and hear about the budget. Every year, on the last Sunday of January, we gather to reflect on the past and look forward to what is to come. All are welcome, but only members are eligible to vote in the election of new vestry leadership. Trust us, you won’t want to miss it! Click here to download the report. In an effort to save paper (and trees), please download the report and view it on your laptop, desktop, and/or iPad.

BEER GARDEN MEET UP - JAN 29TH

Join us on the last Thursday of every month between 6-8 pm when All Soulsians meet up at a different beer garden to connect - for a drink, a bite, a chat, a game, etc. This is an all-ages, intergenerational event — we would love to see everyone there!

January location: Fieldwork, 1160 6th St, Berkeley

Serve With Us

LETTER-WRITING TO IMMIGRANTS IN ICE DETENTION CENTERS

Join us for a letter-writing session on Jan 31st at 2 pm in the Common Room. We will be writing in support of individual immigrants, aiming to have the letters arrive by Valentine’s Day. All are welcome! Please RSVP to one of the following people so that we can get a headcount:

Pam Maffei (pamelamaffei@icloud.com)
Margaret Sparks (msparks457@aol.com)
Cindy Townsend (hikinpsyd@gmail.com)

Tea and sweets will be provided!

Stay Informed and Take Action

The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations represents the church’s priorities to the US government in Washington, DC, and offers several ways to connect to their work:

Weekly network calls, Thursdays 10-10:30 am Pacific time, provide information about current events, policy developments, and legislation coming before Congress. Register here.

Weekly immigration update, Tuesdays, 10-10:30 am Pacific time. Register here.

Weekly prayers, released every Friday, prayed aloud on Mondays at 8:45 am Pacific time, name concerns, offer prayer for those who are vulnerable, and seek God’s guidance as we respond. More information here.

Global Partnership monthly calls, 1st Wednesday of the month, 10-11 am Pacific time, consider how the church can address human needs, engage in peacebuilding, and build healthy, mutual relationships. Register here.

Take action by writing to your legislators and other government officials, with Action Alerts. Learn more and sign up here.

All Soups ‘N’ Such Cookbook

The All Soups ‘N’ Such Cookbook is ready for purchase! 100% of the proceeds will be donated. There are a small amount of copies still available, so get your copy before they are gone! You can pay ($20 suggested gift) in the following ways:

during coffee hour (cash or check)
pick up one (or multiple copies!) at the Orinda Bookstore: 276 Village Square, Orinda

Questions? Email Cathy Goshorn.

Coffee hour isn’t just about coffee and cookies—it’s about community. After worship, we gather not only to enjoy a bite to eat but also to welcome newcomers, catch up with friends, and strengthen the bonds that make our parish family so special. To keep this ministry thriving, we invite everyone to take part, as they are able.

Each week, we ask a few parishioners to bring refreshments—homemade treats, fruit, or simple snacks—to share. Your contributions help make our hospitality warm and abundant. Please click the Coffee Hour Sign-Up link to support this ministry. We ask for someone to lend a hand (literally) as “host” in support of Scott, and folks to provide some treats (enough to feed 10-15).

Your help will make coffee hour a joyful expression of Christian community and welcome!

Food Bank collection is active. Please bring non-perishable food on Sundays and use the baskets in the Narthex. We also need drivers to deliver food. If you want to help, click here to e-mail Cathy G.

Meal Train delivers food to others. If you are in need of meals, or if you’d like to join this team to deliver to others, click here to email Sarah O.

Open Door Dinner (ODD) makes a warm jambalaya meal on the second Sunday of every month for anyone who is hungry. If you are interested in joining the ODD team, click here to email Jennifer A.

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. They are especially seeking donations of the following items:

Bottled water, or water filtration devices
Clothing, particularly large shoes, socks, and jackets/sweaters
Hygiene supplies and toiletries, particularly wet wipes, toothbrushes, soap
Menstrual pads and diapers

Please bring these donations to the red bin in the Narthex. Click here to email Beth Christensen for donation and other direct volunteer opportunities with USMO.

The Pathfinder: January 22, 2026

Remembering Who We Are

Justice & Peace for Minnesotans: A Call to Respond

ASEP Immigration Update

Chapel Altar Progress