The Pathfinder: July 30th, 2026
Homecoming is Coming!
In just a few short weeks—on Sunday, August 23—we will celebrate Homecoming Sunday with popcorn, treats, a bounce house, a backpack blessing, and delicious tacos! What exactly are we celebrating, you may ask?
We are celebrating coming home to one another, offering blessings over backpacks for those starting school or college, and kicking off our new program year together in community. It is a moment to pause, give thanks, and rejoice in the vibrant life of our community.
Last year was my first Homecoming at All Souls. I still remember the energy in the courtyard and the joy in people’s eyes as they reunited over food, while table after table in the courtyard showcased our incredible ministry teams. It was a beautiful reminder that our life together is rooted in connection—and that same spirit of hospitality is at the very heart of what it means to practice evangelism.
As Episcopalians, we sometimes worry that evangelism means forcing our beliefs on others without regard for their consent. But it’s time to reclaim what evangelism truly means for our community: it is simply about spreading the transformational love of Jesus beyond our walls and communicating the truth that all belong and are welcome at God’s table.
When we gather for Homecoming, our hospitality is our evangelism. Sharing a taco, hosting a ministry table, or inviting a neighbor to join in the festivities are small acts of love, care, and faithfulness. And so, from August 2nd through Homecoming Sunday, I encourage each of us to treat this Homecoming season as our official "Bring a Friend to Church Season." An invitation may seem like a simple gesture, but it offers someone a chance to experience an inclusive community, hear a message of hope, and encounter God’s grace in new ways.
How You Can Get Involved
Invite a Friend: Set an intention this month to reach out to a friend, neighbor, or colleague and invite them to join the celebrations on August 23rd (or any time that works for them).
Ministry Teams: If you lead or serve on a ministry team and would like a table in the courtyard to share your work and invite folks to serve, please contact me so I can reserve your space.
Homecoming Volunteers: We need several hands to make the day special! If you can help serve snow cones or popcorn, pour wine, set up tables, take photos, or clean up, please let me know at rachel@allsoulsparish.org
Throughout this season, I invite you to reflect on the impact of a warm welcome. How have you seen lives touched or transformed simply by an open door and a listening ear? How can we embody Christ’s hospitality together this year? It feels so good to be coming home to this community.
-Mother Rachel
New Season, New Prayers
One of the many gifts of the liturgical renewal of the mid 20th century was the expansive practice of the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Some of the fruits of this are seen in the 1979 Episcopal Book of Common Prayer.
Instead of one Eucharistic prayer like the one found in the 1928 Episcopal Book of Common Prayer, there are four ways to pray into this great Mystery.
As a congregation, we have found many ways into this great Mystery. In addition to those four primary prayers from the ’79 BCP, we regularly use the prayers in the Episcopal Church’s Enriching Our Worship liturgical resource. As varied and evocative as all of those prayers are, one thing they are not is thematic––in that they aren’t centered on any particular Christian truth or liturgical season.
Towards the end of the 20th century and into the 21st century, many of the churches around the Anglican Communion who were revising their primary liturgical texts began to craft prayers according to season. More recently, we have begun to practice with them with deep gratitude, in Advent with a prayer from the Church of England, and in Lent with a prayer from the Anglican Church of Southern Africa.
For the season of Creation, which we will be observing from the beginning of August to the beginning of October with the feast of St. Francis, we’ll be using a prayer from the Anglican Church of Southern Africa that specifically draws on images of Creation. Our service music will reflect this change as well, combining new pieces with those we have sung before. And, on Sunday, September 6th, we will be celebrating the feast of Christ in Creation, a first for All Souls that you’ll be hearing more about in the weeks to come. Until then, enjoy that richness and beauty of what God has and continues to create.
Phil+
Mark your Calendars for Oakland Pride!
This year, All Souls will be hosting a table at the festival on Sunday, August 16th. We had an absolute blast at our Pride table last year—chatting with folks, painting faces, and sharing freshly baked cookies—and we can't wait to bring that same joyful energy to Oakland!
If you’d like to volunteer at the All Souls table to help spread the love and chat with festival-goers about our community and the Episcopal Church, please contact me at rachel@allsoulsparish.org.
–Mother Rachel
A reflection on the Parish Camping trip in Big Sur
I can't tell you exactly which year I started coming to Santa Lucia. That's the strange thing about a tradition that begins when you're young: there's no single first memory I can point to, just a kind of accumulated experience.
Somewhere back in elementary school, the Big Sur camping trip became an annual tradition until COVID-19, creating many memories that have since merged into one special place. When Mother Rachel asked if I could write a reflection on my time in Big Sur, I said yes without hesitation.
As I walked through the campgrounds when I first arrived, memories began flowing of hide-and-seek late into the night. When I looked at the river, I remembered building a dam with rocks alongside my friends and dad with the ambition to stop the flow of the river that could never be tamed. I also remembered Otto Elson doing backflips into the shallow water, causing parents' hearts to skip a beat as they watched, unable to deter it. This year's trip felt different in a good way, and it slowly revealed why over the course of the weekend. Part of it was who showed up. My aunt, uncle, and cousin joined us at the campground for the first time. Watching family experience and interacting with the All Souls community was a treat, and I’m pleased to report back that they felt warmly accepted by everyone. This can be confirmed by my cousin telling me, “Wow, so it’s true… everyone in California really is nice.” I caught myself pointing out different places in the campsite, such as the large redwood big enough to walk inside, the beautiful and serene outdoor Santa Lucia chapel that my cousin somehow walked past without noticing. I also couldn’t stop talking about the sound and the beauty of the river that flows through the campsite.
The other shift crept up slower. The kids I grew up coming here with, the ones I built forts with, chased through the campground, and sat around fires making s'mores over the years, weren't around anymore. In their place was a whole new batch of young kids running the same paths and playing in the river, laughing at the same games, singing songs, and throwing the occasional tantrum. It was bittersweet watching them create the same experiences of my childhood, and a recognition that the All Souls community is alive and strong, but also that I’m moving on to a new chapter in life.
That recognition landed because I just graduated college and I'm sitting in that in-between stretch where not much about my daily life feels settled yet, job included. My favorite hour of the trip came late on the first night. Everyone came together around a campfire, introduced themselves, made s'mores, and sang songs. After the campfire, my cousin and I walked down to the river and stretched out on the flat rocks, which wasn’t exactly comfortable, but worth it to look at a sky full of stars. Away from any major light except the dying fire behind us, the sky opened up in a way I forgot after being in New Orleans for College these last four years. The moment made me step back and realize how the stress of post-graduation is infinitely minuscule in comparison. It reminded me of a Christmas sermon from Father Phil a few years ago, about the miracle of the earth existing at all among the stars, tucked into an insignificant corner of the galaxy, not the center of the universe and nowhere near the center of anything for that matter. He compared it to the miracle of Jesus being born in Bethlehem, an insignificant town on the outskirts of the Roman Empire, about as far from the center of attention as a place could be.
I still don't know when I first came to Santa Lucia in Big Sur. What I do know is how grateful I am for everyone who made the trip out this year, family old and new, and I hope to see everyone who can make it back again next time!
-Charlie McGinley
Sitting Under Our Fig Tree
A year ago, Cathy Goshorn had a question for me: “Don’t you think every church needs a fig tree and an olive tree?” Given her bright face and strong enthusiasm, I knew there was only one answer: “Of course!”
Cathy and her husband Jeff have been propagating a fig and an olive tree for over a year, both hopefully destined for All Souls. Each tree has an interesting story regarding its origin. You may want to ask her to tell you the story.
Given the new EMBER fire regulations, we have very little space for planting large trees, so last week Cathy and I went shopping for two huge pots that she and Jeff would donate. We sent Phil three options of types and colors. What do you think of our choice?
-Kaki Logan
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 in the Common Room.
10:30 am, Sung Eucharist in the Nave. Join us via livestream here.
12 noon, Celebration of a Marriage - Reception for Isaac and Annika in the Parish Hall.
5 pm, Being With group in the Common Room.
Wednesday
9 am, Holy Eucharist in the Chapel. Please enter through the copper doors downstairs on Cedar Street.
11 am, Interfaith Memorial and Procession in San Francisco.
Gather With Us
CELEBRATION OF A MARRIAGE - Sunday, August 2nd
All are welcome to join us in the Parish Hall after the 10:30 am service to celebrate the recent wedding of Annika and Isaac. Cake and beverages will be served!
INTERFAITH PUBLIC MEMORIAL AND PROCESSION - Wednesday, August 5th
Join justice & peace ministry friends attending a memorial and procession held in San Francisco at 11 am on 8/5, co-hosted by IM4HI (Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity). Remembering Lorenzo, Johan, Jesus, and too many others. Lifting up Carlos, Ulises, and survivors in ICE detention today. Click here to see the flyer. Email Jenny Kern (jenkernesq@gmail.com) with any questions.
ALL SOULS PARISH RETREAT - September 18th–20th
It’s time for our annual Parish Retreat! Join us Friday, September 18th through Sunday, September 20th for a weekend getaway up at the beautiful Bishop’s Ranch in Healdsburg. This year’s theme is "Teach Us to Pray," featuring sessions led in part by members of our own community.
The Bishop’s Ranch offers something for everyone. You can join the traditional group bike ride, relax by the pool, hang out on the lawn, or get creative in the well-stocked art casita. Whatever your pace, you are sure to find renewal in this beautiful space.
On Saturday, we’ll gather for an intergenerational session on prayer practices before breaking into focused workshops, with special programming tailored just for children and youth. Beyond our program, the weekend includes plenty of free time for reflection, rest, adventuring, and play.
It’s always a sweet time of connection and spiritual growth in a lovely setting, and we’d love for you to join us! Reach out to a fellow All Soulsian, make plans to room together, and reserve your spot:
Registration is officially open! 👉 Click Here to Register
Registration & Pricing Notes:
Costs are listed per person. Please select whichever occupancy type suits each family member best, and we’ll work out the remaining details!
Financial Support: We want everyone to be able to attend. If cost is prohibitive for you or your family, please let us know or indicate it on the registration form—scholarship and sliding-scale options are readily available, and we are more than happy to help.
Questions? Feel free to reach out to me directly at rachel@allsoulsparish.org.
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, 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.
Learn With Us
ADULT FORMATION: Sundays at 9:15 am in the Common Room
Borders and Belonging: The Book of Ruth: A Story for our Times by Glenn Jordan and Pádraig Ó Tuama
The Rev. Dr. Ruth Meyers will lead a discussion of this book by a poet and theologian as they “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.” These discussions will take place on August 2nd and 16th in the Common Room.
Any questions, please contact Anne Yardley at ayardley@drew.edu.
SPECIAL ADULT FORMATION OFFERING: Sunday, August 9 in the Common Room at 9:15 am
Bearing Witness: Our Journey to Israel-Palestine
In January 2026, Monique Baylocq, Nancy Midlin, and Laurie Porter were part of a woman-to-woman peace mission to Jerusalem and the West Bank. Believing that peace begins when we truly listen to one another, their goal was to meet with women --Israeli and Palestinian; Jewish, Muslim, and Christian--in order to hear their stories and bring them back to the United States. In this presentation, they will share some of those stories and talk about what they learned. Join us in the Common Room at 9:15 am.
WEEKLY 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
There are lots of ways to share your talents and time! Check out the bulletin board in the Narthex to sign up for one of All Souls’ many ministries.
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
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.
WEDNESDAY MORNING EUCHARIST
Join us every Wednesday at 9 am in the Chapel for a small, discussion-based service. All are welcome!
CHILDREN & FAMILIES
Sunday School (for kids pre-K through 5th grade) is currently on hiatus for the summer. Typically, we gather weekly during the 10:30 am 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.” Check back in the Fall for futher information or email Emily B+ with any questions.
To join our Children and Family mailing list, email Emily B+ (emilyb@allsoulsparish.org).
YOUTH
We are currently on a summer hiatus. Check back in the Fall for a new schedule.
Youth Group (for grades 6-12) generally happens each Sunday from 7-8:30 pm during the school year. All youth are welcome to join us for games, art, reflection, and prayer. We alternate between a middle and high school group with some all-grades events.
To join the weekly youth mailing list, email Emily B+ (emilyb@allsoulsparish.org).
Everything else
Do you like Oakland baseball? Would you like to see Emeline and Bennett Taylor Schreiner play the National Anthem? How about it being Grateful Dead night at Raimondi Field? All that (and more) this Friday, July 31st at the Ballers game. Have fun, Emeline and Bennett!
