The Pathfinder: January 29, 2026
Vigil Reflection
It was a chilly Tuesday morning when a couple dozen or so beautiful souls gathered from different congregations and synagogues to show our solidarity and compassion for people heading into immigration court. We arrived in various carpool cars. People who may not have known each other riding together, driven to take action at a time when it is easy to feel helpless and hopeless.
Once everyone had arrived, we took a few minutes to ground ourselves in our bodies and to feel the interconnectedness to one another and to the people we were there to accompany.
After an opening prayer, we went around the circle introducing ourselves and sharing why we'd come. The reasons poured out, urgent and heartfelt: "I'm outraged." "I believe no human is illegal." "I wanted to be in community, to do something, even if it's small." "I can’t just stay home." For some of us, this was our first time standing vigil in this way; for others, this had been their weekly ministry for several months. Gathered in that circle, I felt the power of what happens when strangers, united by shared values, show up in the name of love and justice. We started to sing.
Our first song, which alternated between English and Spanish, went like this:
Courage, my friend, you do not walk alone. We will walk with you and sing your spirit home. Justice, my friend, you do not cry alone. Freedom, my friend, you do not pray alone.
My tears started pretty quickly, but I held it together so I could project my voice loud enough for the young woman in line to hear us. We kept singing as others started lining up behind her, and I felt my heart breaking open with the power of this spiritual practice. Showing up. Bearing witness. Standing with people so they know they are not alone.
Between songs, we read names aloud. Names of people currently held in detention centers, separated from their families. Names of children who have died in detention centers. Names of people killed by ICE just this year. Each name spoken was an act of resistance against a system that wants us to forget these mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, and children with families who love them and with lives that are sacred and worthy.
As we sang outside the courthouse in Concord, my heart was also partly in Minneapolis, my hometown. A city that has been a refuge to immigrants for a long time and is currently under siege by federal ICE agents. Right now my friends and family are protecting their neighbors, delivering groceries to families afraid to leave their homes, and standing guard at schools. Diverse communities are working together to provide sanctuary and safety, and showing us that the way forward is to lead with love.
Now, leading with love doesn't mean we're not also incredibly angry. I am furious at what's happening. I'm enraged by a system that treats human beings as disposable and terrorizes people and families. But as poet and playwright Nikita Gill says so beautifully: "The rage you are feeling comes from the same place inside your heart as the love. This is why you refuse to accept a world where cruelty reigns and the fire consumes all.”
This kind of resistance - grounded in faith, driven by love, and refusing to back down - is in my Minnesota bones and is what the Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity (the group leading these vigils) has been organizing for over twenty years. But it is also what Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities have been doing for generations. The fear of being beaten or killed by law enforcement isn't new. Terror and violence have been woven into the fabric of our country’s foundation. What's happening now with ICE, especially in Minnesota, is making visible what many communities have known and been resisting all along. For those of us with more protection and privilege, our job right now is to listen, to follow the leadership of the people who have already been doing this work, and to use our relative safety and privilege to stand with those being targeted.
Showing up, bearing witness, and letting love and rage move me to action have become big elements of my spiritual practice. And I'm so grateful to have All Souls as a community that not only encourages this practice but models it and organizes us! What a gift to be a part of a place where we can bring our whole broken-open and messy hearts, our love and our rage, our compassion and our questions, and find others ready to learn, grow, and stand with us.
When we finished singing and people started to leave, I paused and thought about everyone who had entered the building that morning. I carried them with me. Their faces, their courage, the weight of what they were walking into. I don't know what happened to them. But I know there will be many more vigils, more protests, and more opportunities to show up and put our faith in action together. And I know we won't stop.
–Kris Starr-Witort
Organ Update
I would like to thank All Souls Parish for their trust and support in allowing me to work on the current organ restoration and expansion project. Over the past months, a great deal of planning has gone into this project, including a complete CAD model, fluid dynamics calculations for the wind supply system, a structural permit to hold the expanded instrument above the side chapel, design of the electronic systems that power the instrument, as well as the design of many other subsystems that all must work flawlessly together to produce sound and music.
Last week we completed replacement of many of the pipes from the original organ with new pipes selected to help the sound blend more artistically, as well provide better support for accompanying the choir and congregational singing. The sound from these new pipes is still a bit rough here and there because setting the final volume and other tonal adjustments are not made until the entire organ is completed and we can hear every pipe in relation to the entire instrument.
At present, we are working on another very important task: releathering the 804 pneumatic pouches and 73 magnets that make up the action. This organ uses an electropneumatic action, meaning that electrical signals from the keyboards activate small pneumatic mechanisms inside the windchest. These pneumatics act like tiny bellows and valves, opening and closing to allow air to flow into their respective pipes. These pneumatics, pictured below,\ are also primarily composed of thin leather components which must remain flexible and airtight to allow the organ to respond promptly when a key is pressed. Over time, leather naturally deteriorates, dries out, and develops tears. These leaks cause notes to become stuck on, speak slowly, or not work at all.
Releathering involves carefully dismantling each of the 804 action pneumatics, removing the old leather, and replacing it with new, properly prepared leather that matches the original design. The original sheep leather from 1964, now 62 years old, is turning to dust at the lightest mechanical stress. We are in the process of replacing it with kangaroo leather, which has a much better strength-to-weight ratio and is projected to last 90-100 years. Although this work is largely hidden from view, it is quite meticulous and critical to the organ’s long-term reliability, directly affecting how the organ feels to play and how it supports congregational singing and worship. Overall, this stage of restoration is laying a solid foundation to keep the organ functioning for the next century.
–Daniel Gonzalez, Dillon, Affolter, and Gonzalez Organ Builders
Berkeley Reparations
For several years at All Souls Parish, we have been studying about, discerning with, and acting to be “repairers of the breach and restorers of the streets to live in.” From our class on a Christian understanding of racial reparations in the fall of 2021, to the Isaiah Project’s report about some of the long-felt effects of racism in the East Bay, to the grants of the Isaiah Project and our growing relationships with four local organizations working towards repair, this work of repair has been an essential practice of our communal life.
Our work continues in the weeks to come, with a class in the Common Room with Dr. Jennifer Snow this Sunday, February 1st, on “Episcopal Resistance & Resilience.” On Sunday, February 8th, we will have a panel discussion about reparations in Berkeley with two leaders in the Berkeley Reparations Coalition, Kad Smith and Maya Lawton. You can read more about the Berkeley Unified School District’s Task Force and the work of the Coalition here.
This will be an opportunity to learn more about the findings of the Task Force and what the Coalition is moving forward with in the year to come, especially a possible measure for the November 2025 ballot. Join us at 9:15 am for this timely and important conversation.
Peace,
–Phil+
All Soups N’ Such Cookbook
“Have you tried the Coconut Red Lentil Soup, the Peanut Stew with Winter Vegetables, or the Creamy Hungarian Mushroom Soup? Did you alter any of the recipes that you have prepared? Do you have any favorite recipes from the All Soups ‘N’ Such Cookbook? Which one are you trying next?”
These are some of the questions which have been discussed amongst All Soulsians and others in the community who have prepared recipes from the cookbook. If you have yet to obtain one of the cookbooks-you are in luck as we have a few left. The All Soups ‘N’ Such cookbooks are available:
During coffee hour @ ASP after the 10:30 service
At Orinda Bookstore: 276 Village Square, Orinda
At Amphora Olive Oil Store: 7 Fiesta Ln., Lafayette
To date, proceeds from the cookbook are $3175! And where are these funds going? Originally, the intention was to donate 100% of the proceeds from the cookbook to the Berkeley Food Pantry at the Friends Church in Berkeley. Sadly, the Berkeley Food Pantry is closing at the end of January. However, $3000 of the proceeds have been gifted to Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Berkeley, which also has a food bank. Any additional proceeds will also be donated to Good Shepherd’s food bank.
The All Soup’s ‘N’ Such Cookbook is in homes across the nation: Maryland, Indiana, Montana, Texas, Washington state, Oregon, the Sacramento area, the Bay Area, and Southern California. Kathleen Summerland Heuser bought cookbooks to send to her friends in Southern California who lost everything in the fires! Folks have purchased the cookbooks to support food insecurity in Berkeley, to build community, and to nourish the body and soul. As we prepare and share these recipes, we remember the importance of food in the life of Jesus and gathering around the table.
Many thanks to all who have purchased a cookbook and to those who have donated additional funds.
–Cathy Goshorn
Life in Community
We hope you enjoy these captured moments of life in community at All Souls over the last several months. (June 2025-Jan 2026)
-Mother Rachel
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.
9:15 am, Adult Formation in the Common Room and Chapel.
10:30 am, Sung Eucharist in the Nave. Join us via livestream here. Sunday School in the Godly Play room.
12 noon, Coffee Hour in the Courtyard.
5:00 pm, Faithful Families in the Common Room.
7:00 pm, Youth Group (High School Group)
Tuesday
8:00 pm, Taize in the Chapel.
Thursday
5:30 pm, Reading Between the Lines Bible Study in the Common Room.
Death and despair do not have the last word
A letter from the Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe on January 25th, 2026
Dear people of God in The Episcopal Church:
Like Jesus, we live in frightening times. His earthly ministry began, as we heard in today’s Gospel reading, when John the Baptist was imprisoned by authorities who wanted to silence his preaching and prophesying.
Jesus knew what happens when earthly powers persuade human beings to fear one another, regard one another as strangers, and believe that there is not enough to go around. In Jesus’ time, the power of these divisions motivated John’s beheading and Jesus’ own death on the cross at the hands of Roman authorities.
In our time, the deadly power of those divisions is on display on the streets of Minneapolis, in other places across the United States, and in other countries around the world. As has too often been the case throughout history, the most vulnerable among us are bearing the burden, shouldering the greatest share of risk and loss, and enduring the violation of their very humanity.
Click here to read the letter in its entirety.
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.
Learn With Us
ADULT FORMATION
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 or click here to join by Zoom.
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 two classes will meet in the Chapel at 9:15 am. The final class in this series will meet in the Common Room.
Justice & Peace Events and Resources
Each week, the Justice & Peace Team will provide events and resources for All Soulsians to learn more and get involved. Please send prospective calendar items to Jenny Kern Jenkernesq@gmail.com and Martin Ortega martin–ortega@att.net
EVENTS
Event: Letter writing on behalf of people in detention
Location: ASEP Common Room
Date and time: Saturday, January 31st, 2 pm
Contact person: Pam Maffei pamelamaffei@icloud.com or 510-928-1056
Event: Justice & Peace Ministry Meeting
Location: Chapel
Date and Time: February 22, 12:15 pm
Contact persons: Martín Ortega martín-ortega@att.net or Jenkernesq@gmail.com
Event: Concord Immigration Court Vigil
Location:1855 Gateway Blvd., Concord
Date and Time: Tuesday, February 24, 7:30-9:30 am
Contact person: Kaki Logan kaki.logan@gmail.com 510-367-9416
If you are interested in attending a vigil, but the time above doesn’t work for you, the Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity (IM4HI) hosts vigils multiple times a week. click on the link below to register/rsvp.
Event: Weekly Interfaith Vigils Court Vigils
Stand in solidarity with detained immigrants and their families. RSVP here
Vigils take place at San Francisco immigration courts, 100 Montgomery St. and 630 Sansome St., Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 8 to 10 a.m. or 11:45 to 2 p.m.
Vigils take place at Concord immigration court, 1855 Gateway Blvd., Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. or 12 to 2 p.m.
Event: No Kings Day Protests
Location: Bay Area and National
Date and Time: March 28; various times tbd
Contact: https://indivisibleeb.org
The following events are from the newsletter Together We Will Albany-Berkeley (TWWAB)
Overpass Visibility Dance Party I-80: Every Friday, 6-8 pm on the University Ave. pedestrian/bike bridge. More info here. Check out the video from last week!
TWWAB Berkeley Rush Hour Resistance: University Ave. bike/pedestrian overpass on I-80. More info here.
Face Down Fascism: Every Friday, 4–5 pm at the corner of Gilman and Santa Fe. Bring signs and noisemakers!
College and Ashby Protests: Every Friday, 4:15–5:15 pm with Indivisible Elmwood. More info here.
El Cerrito Due Process Protests: Every Friday, 3–4 pm in front of DAISO at El Cerrito Plaza. Sign up here.
Stand Up for Immigrants Protests: Every Saturday, Grocery Outlet, San Pablo, 11 am–12 pm. Sign up here.
RESOURCES
https://5calls.org is a great organization with information about calling elected officials.
https://www.standwithminnesota.com
Important Reminder: If you see immigration enforcement, don’t engage—document what you can safely, and call your county’s Rapid Response hotline. Rapid Response Network Hotlines (by county):
Alameda: 510-241-4011
Marin: 415-991-4545
West Marin: 415-755-3622
Contra Costa: 925-900-5151
San Francisco: 415-200-1548
San Mateo: 203-666-4472
Santa Clara: 408-290-1141
Worship With Us
ASH WEDNESDAY - Feb 18th
Join us on February 18th for one of our three Ash Wednesday services. Times and locations below:
7:00 am (Chapel)
12 noon (Nave)
7:30 pm (Nave) This service will be livestreamed
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:
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
BEER GARDEN MEET UP - TONIGHT
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
Mardi Gras/Shrove Tuesday Dinner - 2/17
Join us at 5 pm on Feb 17th for a party to celebrate Mardi Gras/Shrove Tuesday. This festive dinner (with pancakes!) is also our annual Youth Program fundraiser. Please consider a donation of $5-10 for kids 12 and under, $10-15 for adults, $35 for families (credit cards or Venmo accepted). Funds go directly toward our Youth Group, acolyte program, immersion trips, and retreats. Looking forward to seeing everyone there!
Serve With Us
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 February, March, April issue of Forward Day by Day is about to begin.
We provide Forward Day by Day to parishioners as a simple and effective daily prayer practice. Each day features a Bible verse from the daily readings and a related reflection written by a different author each month, all in less than 200 words. It even includes the daily feast days, as well as prompts to take faithful action in your daily life.
