The Pathfinder: February 26th, 2026
A Process of Discovery
On the wall above my desk at home, there are layers and layers of post-it notes, each one with a word or phrase.
Sea Star Wasting Syndrome. Incarnational theology. Scuba diving as meditation. Phylogenetics of darter fish. Prodigal Son/Loving Father. “Sin as separation.” Resilience. Eucharist. Good Friday. What is the soul…?
To an outside observer, these phrases may seem wildly unrelated and random. But they do belong together (or as least, I hope and think they do!). Each phrase describes a section of my book manuscript—a piece of the puzzle I’ve spent the better part of three years creating.
Many of you know that since the time I came to All Souls, I’ve been working on a book project. The tentative title is Bearing Witness. It’s a collection of essay-like chapters that weave together my experiences as a biologist, hospital chaplain, and priest. I take the reader to many scenes and places— tidepools, chapels, laboratories, hospital rooms, museums, and our own parish–to explore questions like these:
What does it mean to be a self in a body, seeking wholeness and belonging?
How can we transform experiences of suffering into sites of connection, empathy, and resilience?
If we move beyond notions of science and religion as separate worlds, what kind of language belongs at their intersection? How is the religious imagination shaped by the physical world?
(In January of last year, I wrote an in-depth article describing the project in more detail if you’re curious).
At the outset of this process, a mentor told me, “The task ahead is two-fold. There’s writing the actual book, and then there’s discovering how to write a book– and you’ll be doing both at once!” He was very right. Like any creative process, it’s been filled with trial and error, frustration and empowerment and stuckness and breakthrough. I’ve learned many things, such as: my most productive hours are from 4:00 to 8:00 a.m.; I can’t pull all-nighters as easily as I used to in college; ask for help soon and often; when you’re stuck, praying really can help.
Finally, just last week, I passed a major milestone: I turned in a full draft of the manuscript to my editor. There’s still a lot of work to be done; I’ll spend the next few months stepping back to look at the book as a whole and making revisions. But I want to take a moment to acknowledge and thank you, All Souls, for your indispensable support in this project.
You’ve supported me tangibly—by honoring my dual calling as priest and writer, and by respecting my need to spend time and energy on this project. You’ve offered encouragement, prayer, and advice.
Most importantly, you’ve shaped the content of the writing in more ways than I can say. I knew that the book would be about “faith,” broadly speaking. But thanks to my time here in our parish, the book has evolved to become much more about the value of religious practice, ritual, and kinship. You’ve helped me understand the power of intergenerational community connecting over shared values and questions. You’ve helped me see how important it is to have a shared “body” to hold our sorrow, grief, fear, joy, pain. And you’ve brought new, embodied meaning to words like yearning, transcendence, belonging, hope, and love.
So, thank you for traveling alongside me on this process! God willing, the book will be published by Simon & Schuster in late May or early June of next year (2027), and I can’t wait to share it with you. In the meantime, it’s an honor to continue the work of learning, discovering, reflecting, and living with each and every one of you.
In gratitude,
–Emily+
Elevating the Accessibility of All Souls Parish
After years and months and weeks, we are finally welcoming the newest part of our All Souls family: the elevator! We have dreamt of a way for all of us to access the 3 main floors of our building for decades, and now that dream is a reality. The previous lift only brought people from the nave to the floor with the Parish Hall. Now, in addition to those 2 floors, we can easily access the undercroft to get to the Common Room, the Chapel, Sunday School and Youth Rooms.
A big THANK YOU to all who made this dream a reality: members of the Capital Campaign team, all who gave generously to that campaign, our Property Committee and staff. As we get used to having this elevator as an easier form of access for all, here are a couple of practical things to keep in mind:
Please try to avoid using the elevator during services to prevent distraction in the nave and ambient noise.
If you see someone who may benefit from the use of the elevator, perhaps ask them if they are aware of our elevator, and if they would like some assistance.
As part of our Capital Campaign, we agreed to prioritize accessibility, and the elevator was a major win for this particular goal. We hope to use this occasion as an opportunity to reflect more broadly on the meaning of accessibility, and have deeper conversations and teachings as a parish about how we welcome all people in the church. In the coming months, we will offer reading and discussion groups around the topics of accessibility and the theology of disability.
In the meantime, here are some ways we can be aware of our guests and members with disabilities:
With limited parking, and a lot of passing cars, it is helpful to save those spots closest to the church entrances for anyone who needs extra help.
Our ushers are adept at helping people to their seats, and especially during the Eucharist, we can all be of assistance and support those in need of help.
It is a good practice to hold off on touching anyone before asking if they are comfortable being touched. There are many reasons why someone might not want to be touched in order to be guided or greeted. People living with physical, learning or psychological disabilities may not feel comfortable with touch, or anyone who is ill or simply having an off day may prefer not to interact. Someone blind or with low vision will have no warning of being touched unless spoken to first.
We now have ramps, a beautiful elevator, accessible bathrooms, large print bulletins and we can gladly accommodate all people from all walks of life into our beloved community.
Thank you for your consideration and blessings on your inaugural ride on our elevator!
–Erin Horne
Highlights from Mardi Gras
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Mardi Gras last Tuesday! It was a great night of feasting, fellowship, and music. We raised over $1,500 for our Youth Program, specifically our summer Immersion Trip to San Diego. Here are some photo highlights from the evening.
–Emily+
Chapel Altar Update
All Soulsian Dean Williamson continues to hone and build our new altar for the Chapel of the Nativity. Made from Central American Mahogany, the base for the altar has been cut, sanded, assembled, stained, and oiled.
The next work will be the sub-top and the top of the altar, along with the feet. After all of those pieces have been prepared Dean will assemble it in his workshop and we will transport it to All Souls, aiming for a consecration and first Eucharist in the Easter season.
Thank you, Caitlin Lempres Brostrom for your design, and Dean for your skilled carpentry!
–Phil+
Announcements & Events
Sunday
7 am, Reading Between the Lines Bible Study in the Common Room or click here to join by Zoom.
8 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.
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 & Justice and Peace Meeting in the Chapel.
12:30, Catechumenate Class in the Common Room.
7 pm, High School Youth Group (with Christ Church Alameda - email Emily B. for details)
Tuesday
8 pm, Taize Service in the Chapel
Thursday
5:30 pm, Reading Between the Lines Bible Study in the Common Room.
Justice & Peace Events and Resources
Each week, the Justice & Peace Team will share 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 to Immigrants in ICE Detention Centers
Date and Time: Saturday, February 28, 2 pm
Location: Common Room at All Souls
Contact person(s): Pam Maffei pamelamaffei@icloud.com or Cindy Townsend hikinpsyd@gmail.com
Join us for a letter-writing session on Feb. 28, at 2 pm in the Common Room. We will be writing in support of individual immigrants. Please RSVP to either Pam or Cindy (emails above) so that we can get an estimate of how many detainees at the California City prison we can include. Tea, sweets, and all materials will be provided. All are welcome.
If you are unable to make it and would still like to write a letter, email Pam or Cindy for more information.
Event: Weekly Interfaith 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
Date and Time: March 28; various times tbd
Location: Bay Area and National
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
5calls.org - 5 Calls is the easiest and most effective way to make a political impact. Find information on issues that are important to you, as well as phone numbers to elected officials, so you can have your voice heard.
Stand with Minnesota - Across Minnesota, ICE continues to stop, harass, and detain people regardless of their citizenship status. Normal life in Minnesota has been interrupted, as schools have been forced to close or go virtual, as people live in fear of leaving their homes or going to work. Minnesotans are organized and activated to respond to this violence. This website has compiled a directory of places to donate/help.
Important Reminder & Rapid Response Hotlines: If you see immigration enforcement, don’t engage—document what you can safely, and call your county’s Rapid Response hotline.
Stay Informed and Take Action with the Episcopal Church
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
The Book of Judges - Feb. 22nd, March 1st, 8th, 15th
This is not the book of Judgement! Judges was a term for the early leaders of Israel before the period of the Kings that began with Saul and David. This book is full of great old stories and offers a window into early Israel, its self-understanding, its understanding of God, and some of its worship practices. We will look at Deborah, an early female leader of Israel, as well as Gideon and Samson. Each class will focus on one story, so there is no need to attend all to enjoy one. Classes meet in the Common Room at 9:15 am.
Adult Formation Advisory Panel seeks your input!
The Adult Formation Advisory Panel will meet in early March to begin selecting books for our Summer Book Groups and classes for the 2026-2027 year. Now is the time for your input! Please send ideas for books and any ideas/suggestions for classes to Anne Yardley at ayardley@drew.edu, preferably by Feb. 28th. We welcome your thoughts and ideas!
CATECHUMENATE CLASSES
Interested in getting baptized, Confirmed, or Received into the Episcopal Church? Consider taking this six-week class during Lent. Even if you missed our first class (Feb. 22nd), you are still welcome to join. We'll introduce Episcopal theology, liturgy, the Book of Common Prayer, and more. Join us in the Common Room at 12:30 and bring a lunch. Questions? Email Mother Rachel (rachel@allsoulsparish.org).
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!
Worship With Us
TAIZE TUESDAYS
Each Tuesday, from 8-8:30 pm, we hold a community-led program of silent meditation, prayer, and chants from the Taize tradition. The spring series will run through Tuesday, May 19th.
HEALING PRAYER
Sometimes our hearts are weighed down with emotions for ourselves, someone we love or our hurting world. There is a sacred space in the back of the nave on the courtyard side where you can bring your concerns and prayers. Every Sunday during Holy Communion, two members of All Souls are available to offer prayers for healing and the optional anointing of oil. We can help to carry these burdens with you. Especially during this time of Lent, as we face into our brokenness, you are held in prayer on the journey. Join us during the 10:30 service.
CHILDREN & FAMILIES
Stations of the Cross through Imaginative Prayer and Art!
As a way to sink deeper into the themes of Lent and Easter, we are excited to offer a special art series for older kids and middle schoolers (grades 3-8). Inspired by the book Station to Station: An Ignatian Journey through the Stations of the Cross and led by Molly Nicol and Brenna Hall, older kids are invited to engage in a journey of imaginative prayer and response to the Stations of the Cross throughout Lent.
We will gather together March 1, 8, 15 and 22 in the Youth Room during the 10:30 service. (Come downstairs when the Sunday School kids follow the wooden cross). Together, we'll learn about the history of the Stations of the Cross, practice Ignatian imaginative prayer, keep a journal and create a response - either through visual art or writing. No RSVP needed; come when you can!
Feel free to email molly.joan.nicol@gmail.com with questions.
Next Faithful Families Dinner on 3/15. Mark your Calendars!
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: March 15th, and May 3rd, 5-6:30 pm. Please RSVP here by March 13th if you would like to attend.
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:
March 1st: High School: Mixer @ Christ Church Alameda (dinner + pool party!). Email Emily B. for details
March 8th: All grades bread-baking workshop (rescheduled!). Come learn to make communion bread for the whole parish!
To join the weekly youth mailing list, email Emily (emilyb@allsoulsparish.org).
Gather With Us
BEER GARDEN MEET UP this week - 2/26
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!
February location: Los Moles, 6120 Potrero Ave, El Cerrito
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.
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:
Waterproof tarps (NEW request)
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.
