The Pathfinder: May 21st, 2026
Diocesan Juneteenth Celebration at All Souls
Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 20, at 11:00 AM. Our parish has been asked to host the official Diocese of California Juneteenth Celebration this year. It is a huge honor for All Souls, and honestly, a beautiful opportunity for us to open our doors and welcome a wider diocesan family into our space for worship, reflection, and celebration.
To understand why this is such a big deal, we have to look back to the summer of 2020. We were all dealing with the anxiety of the pandemic, alongside the heavy national grief and pain following the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and so many other Black and Brown folks. That year, our Diocesan Convention decided the church needed to step up and act. They passed a major resolution formally recognizing Juneteenth as a day of historic significance, making it an official diocesan feast day and holiday of the Diocese of California. Our diocese didn't just keep this internal, either—they successfully pushed to make Juneteenth a state holiday in California and worked to get it added to the national Episcopal calendar (Lesser Feasts and Fasts). It was a clear statement that the church has to join the fight against systemic racism. Today, this annual service is a core piece of the diocese's Becoming Beloved Community work—a practical way for us to show up as reconcilers and healers.
When we sit in the pews on June 20, the liturgy we use will carry a deeply moving, homegrown history. It was actually constructed right here in our diocese by a three-person team: the Rev. Deacon Alberta Buller, the Rev. Dr. Mauricio Wilson, and a layperson, Jeanette Dinwiddie-Moore. When they were asked to put the very first service together for Grace Cathedral back in 2022, they wrestled with a lot of self-doubt. They openly asked themselves, "Are we good enough to do this?" But they prayed through it and answered, "Here we are, Lord."
Their whole mission was to center and remember the people history has ignored. We know that while Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, word didn't actually reach enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, until June 19, 1865. They were kept in brutal, illegal bondage for two and a half years after they were legally free.
The creators of this liturgy felt the weight of that reality. They designed a service with an incredibly honest focus: to remember the harm done in the past, acknowledge the harm continuing today, and recognize how we have all benefited from it. When we pray the confession together, we will say out loud: "We repent of the evil that enslaves us, the evil we have done, and the evil done on our behalf."
This service is a celebration of freedom, but it's also a sober reminder of how far we have to go. Looking around our society today and seeing massive attacks on the Voting Rights Act and racist redistricting meant to strip away Black representation in our government. On top of that, research shows hundreds of thousands of people—overwhelmingly Black and Brown—are still trapped in "modern slavery" through forced labor and human trafficking right here in the U.S. Celebrating Juneteenth in worship together is an act of resistance and truth-telling. It's a time for us to learn, self-assess, and renew our Baptismal Covenant to respect the dignity of every single human being.
This liturgy is a living gift to the church, and All Souls gets to be the place where everyone comes together to experience it. And when folks come, we want to show all who enter our doors the kind of warmth and radical hospitality our parish is known for. To pull this off, we're going to need everyone. Whether your gift is ushering, greeting, serving as an acolyte or LLA, working behind the scenes as a sacristan, singing in the choir, or baking something for the reception, there is a place for you to help.
Please save the date, start thinking about friends or neighbors you can invite, and let's bring our best All Souls energy to this special day. If you can volunteer, please email Mother Rachel at rachel@allsoulsparish.org
–Mother Rachel
The Truth About Summer Reading Groups
Imagine sitting around a table with fellow All-Soulsians having a lively conversation about the book you are currently reading! Imagine people sharing the feelings and ideas the book has evoked in them. This community sharing is what our summer reading groups are all about!
Each summer the Adult Formation committee chooses three books for the parish – one for June, one for July, and one for August. Different All-Soulsians lead these groups to get the conversation rolling. While it is helpful if people have read the book, you are welcome to attend and enjoy the conversation even if you didn’t quite get through the recommended chapters for the week! And if you are away one week, you can still come and join in.
We start off this summer with Jack Shoemaker leading a discussion of Elaine Pagels’ book Miracles and Wonder: The Historical Mystery of Jesus. This book offers us the chance to reflect deeply on the life of Jesus with new insights from the renowned scholar Elaine Pagels. Jon Meacham says “This is a brilliant and necessary book. Sober, wise, respectful, and fearless.” Join Jack on June 14th, 21st, and 28th at 9:15am in the Common Room for a lively discussion!
In July we turn our attention to Angela Buchdahl’s Heart of a Stranger. Mark Richardson and Anne Yardley will lead a discussion of this autobiographical account of the first Asian American to be ordained a rabbi. Buchdahl’s work raises questions of vocation, multiple identities (Korean and American Jewish), breaking the glass ceiling and many other threads. July 12, 19, and 28 at 9:15 in the Common Room.
Our selection for August takes us to the biblical book of Ruth and its insight into migration, the stranger, mixed cultures and religions. Join Jenny Kern and Jane Vandenburgh in reading Glenn Jordan and Pádraig Ó Tuam's book Borders and Belonging: The Book of Ruth: A Story for our Times. In the book, the authors reflect on how this story can help us bridge divisions today. August 2, 9, and 16 at 9:15am in the Common Room.
Order your books and start reading!
–Anne Yardley
Come and Celebrate Ordinations
On Saturday, June 6th at 10am at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, the Diocese of California will ordain two new deacons and five new priests. Among those being ordained priest will be the Rev. Emily Rose Hansen Curran, Vicar of St. Lucy’s Episcopal Church, and raised up for ordination by All Souls Parish.
Singing in the choir that day will be members of the All Souls choir and preaching at the service will be the Rev. Laura Eberly, former All Soulsian (and senior warden), and newly called Canon for Congregational Development for our diocese.
It will be a truly festive day, one that looks forward to the Church that God is calling forth and also recognizes and gives thanks for the Church that has called these leaders. Much like families and friends shape children, and marriages shape partners, congregations shape deacons and priests. Come celebrate the priest that Emily is becoming and the ways that the Spirit has moved in our parish and in our Diocese.
Thanks be to God!
Announcements & Events
Thursday (TONIGHT)
5:30 pm, Reading Between the Lines Bible Study in the Common Room.
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 classes in the Parish Hall and 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.
7 pm, Last Youth Group of the School Year! All-grades bonfire in the Courtyard.
Tuesday
8pm, Ignation Imaginative Prayer with Annie Hayes in the Chapel.
For those who missed the Ignatian Imaginative Prayer adult formation sessions in April (or for those who want a little more), there will be one final offering on Tuesday, May 26th at 8pm in the Chapel. Join us as we immerse ourselves in a Gospel story and explore the graces that God is inviting us into. We will wrap up by 8:45pm.
Wednesday
9 am, Holy Eucharist in the Chapel. Please enter through the copper doors downstairs on Cedar Street.
Gather With Us
BEING WITH GROUPS
Being With is for anyone who’s curious about faith or wondering if Christianity has something meaningful to offer them. In this 10-week small group, we seek out the sacred simply by paying attention to our lives — and the lives of those around us.
What happens during Being With?
Every 90-minute group begins with a question. For example, I wonder where in your life you find the most meaning? Then we listen to a brief teaching and move on to a group conversation. Participants are encouraged to listen to and openly receive what each person shares. Together, we’ll come to see how our stories are interconnected.
Our pilot Being With group began on May 17th, 2026. Groups are kept to 12 people. The class meets at 5 pm in the Common Room. Questions? Click here to email Mother Rachel.
BEER GARDEN MEET UP - May 28th at 6 pm
Join other All Soulsians to connect at a local beer garden - for a drink, a bite, a chat, a game, etc. Drop by for as long as you are able. This is an all-ages, intergenerational event. See you there!
May location: Fieldwork, 1160 6th St, Berkeley
RACIAL JUSTICE MOVIE NIGHT - May 29th
The Racial Justice Committee invites everyone to a film screening of “Crash” (2004) a crime drama directed by Paul Haggis that explores racial and social tensions in Los Angeles through a series of interconnected stories involving diverse characters over a 36-hour period. The characters’ lives intersect in unexpected ways, revealing prejudices and biases. The film won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and is known for its complex, interwoven narrative and exploration of racism, class, and human connection.
Date: Friday, May 29
Location: Common Room
6:30 pm: Noshing. Please bring snacks And drinks to share
7 pm: Movie starts
After the movie we will have a small discussion. Everyone is welcome!
EMILY HANSEN CURRAN’S ORDINATION - Saturday, June 6th at 10 am
Everyone is invited to Grace Cathedral for Emily Hansen Curran’s ordination. Click here to see your invitation! There will be a reception immediately following the service.
PARISH PICNIC - June 21st
Just after the 10:30a service, we’ll all head up to Tilden Park for a church potluck and picnic! We’ll have a BBQ fired up with burgers and hot dogs, and maybe even play a favorite pastime of ours: a corn hole tournament. If you can help out with the picnic, please see Jeannie Koops. No RSVP necessary.
ALL SOULS PARISH ANNUAL CAMPING TRIP - July 17th–19th
Registration is now open! Join us for a weekend of togetherness at our private spot on the river behind the Big Sur River Inn. Whether you want to float downstream, let the kids splash in the swimming hole, or chat under the stars, it’s a sweet time for all.
Where? Santa Lucia Campground, Big Sur
Everyone is welcome: Invite a friend and get your tent ready!
Early Bird Option: Limited spots are available to arrive one day early (July 16th).
Sign Up:Click here to register on REALM or on the sheet in the narthex.
Volunteer: We need help with campfires and activities! Click here to email Mother Rachel and to lend a hand.
Learn With Us
ADULT FORMATION
Christian Theologies from Women’s Experience
We often hear about men’s experiences in the Bible, but less so about women. From May 17 to the 31st, we’ll explore theological and spiritual understandings from women with different lived experiences. Each voice opens up an opportunity to examine the breadth of God’s relationship with contemporary women’s voices in similar and different ways.
May 24th will feature Asian feminist theologies, with guest speaker Dr. Yanan Lu, who receives her Ph.D. from the GTU on May 21. Her dissertation is on ecclesiology from the perspectives of Chinese Christian women. Dr. Lu has been teaching at a seminary in Henan Province, in central China.
On May 31st, we will explore Mujerista theology and feminist theology from Caucasian women’s experiences. Special thanks to Gabriela Merayo, an Argentinian Anglican and feminist colleague for resources on Mujerista voices. We will conclude comparatively with these differing voices.
Please join us in the Parish Hall on May 17, 24, and 31st at 9:15 am for conversations with Rev. Dr. Paula Nesbitt and her guests. Everyone is welcome!
COMING UP IN ADULT FORMATION
Summer Book Groups 2026
The Adult Formation Committee is happy to announce the schedule for our summer book groups this year. We will send more information as the time draws nearer, but wanted to get this information out now so that you can start reading. For now just a few short teasers! Any questions, please contact Anne Yardley at ayardley@drew.edu.
June 14, 21, and 28
Jack Shoemaker will lead a discussion of Elaine Pagels' book Miracles and Wonder: The Historical Mystery of Jesus. As the description of her book says, in this book Pagels “sets out to discover how a poor young Jewish man inspired a religion that shaped the world.”
July 12, 19, and 26
Mark Richardson and Anne Yardley will lead a discussion of Angela Buchdahl's book Heart of a Stranger. “From the first Asian American to be ordained as a rabbi, a stirring account of one woman’s journey from feeling like an outsider to becoming one of the most admired religious leaders in the world.”
August 2, 9, and 16
Jane Vandenburgh and Jenny Kern will lead a discussion of Glenn Jordan and Pádraig Ó Tuam's book Borders and Belonging: The Book of Ruth: A Story for our Times. “A leading poet and a theologian reflect on the Old Testament story of Ruth, a tale that resonates deeply in today's world with its themes of migration, the stranger, mixed cultures and religions, law and leadership, women in public life, kindness, generosity and fear.”
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!
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!
Open Door Dinner makes a warm jambalaya meal on the second Sunday of every month for anyone who is hungry. Teams of All Soulsians and friends take turns cooking and delivering. Email Jennifer A. (akiyama.jennifer@gmail.com) if you’d like to help!
Food Bank collection is active for the Good Shepherd Food Pantry. 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
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.
Worship With Us
PAUSE OF TAIZE TUESDAYS
These services will be on hiatus during the summer months. Check back in the Fall for information on a potential new series of services.
CHILDREN & FAMILIES
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 B+ (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:
May 24 - Final Youth Group of 2025-26 (All Grades)
To join the weekly youth mailing list, email Emily B+ (emilyb@allsoulsparish.org).
Community Opportunity
Join GO Public Schools in a College and Career Exploration Workshop!
On June 2nd, GO Public Schools is hosting an event here at All Souls for K-12th grade students and families. GO’s College and Career Exploration Night invites students and their families to spend an fun and engaging evening together exploring future opportunities and the steps needed to pursue their college and career dreams. From discovering college options that align with students’ interests to learning about skilled trades, certification programs, and direct-to-career opportunities, this interactive event helps students continue planning for their future. Dinner will be provided for attendees, so don’t miss out and come ready to engage! One of the organizers of this event is All Soulsian Natalie Walchuk, and we are excited that they have chosen to use our church space for this important work. RSVP and get more information here.
Event Details: Tuesday June 2nd, 5-7pm, All Souls Parish Hall. Dinner Provided.
