Meeting Life’s Absurdities with a Stephen Minister
Stephen Ministry offers confidential, parishioner-to-parishioner care for people facing life’s difficult, confusing, and sometimes absurd turns. November is the month at All Souls where we collectively focus on Stephen Ministry, which is part of our congregation’s pastoral care ministry and one of the many ways that we “make church together,” as Rev. Phil says.
This reflection explains how I came to receive that care myself, what made it different from relying only on family, and why both giving and receiving care strengthen our community.
For the past five years, I have served as a Stephen Minister; for the past six months, I have also been a care receiver. I requested a Stephen Minister after losing vision in my right eye because this medical crisis felt different from the others I had faced. Over the previous six years, I had met multiple joint-replacement surgeries, radiation treatments for cancer, and other challenges of aging with general equanimity and little help. This loss, however, followed a fall while hiking. A retinal tear, combined with a genetic predisposition, caused the repair surgeries to fail. It did not feel like an infirmity produced by aging, but like an arbitrary disruption to life that I could not explain away.
Initially, I sought to make sense of the loss of sight by blaming myself (I was walking too fast, I was slow to seek treatment, et cetera). My retina specialist, however, was firm: “No, it is not your fault; it just happens.” The result, a major loss of sight affecting field of vision and depth perception at the age of 76, without fault or reason, just struck me as absurd.
To me, it seemed unfair to share the resulting flood of emotion and fears, often wildly exaggerated, with my wife and daughter alone. Moreover, since our family life in Berkeley depends on my ability to do many things that then seemed to require full vision, I could not see how my family could easily provide objective perspectives that would help me accept how my life had changed.
In Stephen Ministry, we not only learn how to provide confidential supportive care that benefits the care receiver, but we also learn that letting someone help provides a benefit to the caregiver. I therefore requested a Stephen Minister to assist me. Since January, my Stephen Minister has supported me, accepting both my fears and my dark gallows humor (which can be especially difficult on friends and family).
Based on the training that all Stephen Ministers obtain, I knew that my own Stephen Minister would be someone brave enough to stand with me as I tried to put together a new life and help me to accept the fact that vision would not return to my right eye. The difference it has made in my own life is beyond anything I expected and not something I can readily describe or explain. The most unexpected results were the hopefulness and joy that gradually replaced the sense of isolation and doom that the injury produced.
During the coming month, I hope you will learn more about Stephen Ministry through the materials distributed in church and through conversations with our current Stephen Ministers. The program cannot make life’s absurdities disappear, but it can ensure that we do not meet them alone. Giving care strengthens our capacity for compassion; receiving it allows that compassion to become a shared practice that builds both individuals and our community.
In the months ahead, if you encounter a situation in which steady, confidential support might help, consider receiving care from a Stephen Minister. To explore whether Stephen Ministry is a good fit for you, please reach out to the Rev. Emily B, the staff point person for Stephen Ministry, or Kim Wong, the Stephen Leader who currently coordinates the intake process. During November, current Stephen Ministers will wear identifying pins at Sunday coffee hour and at the services they attend and will be glad to answer any questions you have about the ministry.
-Tim Sulllivan
Belonging at All Souls: Join Our Membership Class
You are welcome at All Souls no matter your membership status. But for many, becoming a member of this community is a meaningful outward sign of commitment—a way to formally mark your journey with this parish family and engage with the All Souls community in a deeper way.
Whether you are a brand-new visitor or have been participating in the life of the parish for months, we invite you to join our upcoming Newcomer Class.
What to Expect
Over four weeks, you will journey with a cohort of others exploring what it means to be a member at All Souls Parish and how our community fits into the tapestry of the broader expression of the Christian tradition. We will dive into key topics including:
Our Shared Life: How we learn and serve together.
Worship: Exploring our common Episcopal practices.
Spirituality: How we experience God in our daily lives.
The Path Forward: Understanding Baptism, Confirmation, serving, and practicing generosity.
At the conclusion of the class, those who wish to formally join the parish will have the opportunity to do so during a New Member Ceremony on Sunday 12/6.
Class Details
Dates: Nov 8, 15, 22, and 29 (Four Sundays)
Time: 9:15 AM – 10:15 AM (The Teaching Hour)
Location: The Downstairs Common Room
Teachers: The Rev. Rachel Dykzeul, the Rev. Dr. Ruth Meyers, and the Rev. Phil Brochard
No need to RSVP—just join us! We can’t wait to welcome you. Please reach out to Mother Rachel for questions rachel@allsoulsparish.org
- Mother Rachel
Building Interfaith Bridges Pulpit "Sweep" - Three opportunities to participate!
Ever heard of a pulpit "swap"? It's when two or more clergy members from different congregations or denominations exchange pulpits for a service. Instead of a clergy person sharing a sermon with their own congregation, the swapping clergy person delivers the sermon instead.
Join Building Interfaith Bridges in November, December, and January for our second annual pulpit "sweep"! Instead of the senior clergy of each congregation swapping pulpits for these services, Pastor Tony Hughes (St. Paul AME Church), the Rev. Phil Brochard (All Souls Episcopal Parish), and Rabbi Rebekah Stern (Congregation Beth El) will join in conversation together during the regular sermon time during each of these services, reflecting on a different text each time.
Members of each of our three congregations are invited to attend each of these services, deepening our critical and meaningful work of building bridges across difference. Mark your calendars with the following dates!
Sunday, November 8 at 10:30 am - All Souls Episcopal Parish
Sunday, December 13 at 9:30 am - St. Paul AME Church hosted at Congregation Beth El
Friday, January 29 at 6:15 pm - Congregation Beth El
-Paul Mathew
Setting Our Path: An Ingathering to Remember
Ingathering Sunday arrived on October 25th, and All Souls, as always, showed up — in the morning to offer pledges, and in the evening to share a meal and a little friendly competition. Through November 1st, 126 households have pledged support for 2027, committing a total of $720,414 toward our goal of $860,000.
That is 84% of our target — a genuinely encouraging start, and a testament to the faithful generosity already flowing through this community.
But the work is not done. 132 households in our giving universe have not yet pledged, representing more than $200,000 in outstanding asks. Each pledge — at any level — matters. The Vestry must finalize the 2027 budget in the weeks ahead, and the more complete our picture of giving is, the more confidently they can plan for the ministries, programs, and staff that make All Souls what it is.
If you have already pledged, thank you. If you haven’t yet, we hope you will soon. All Souls 2027 Pledge Form
The evening brought the parish together for a potluck that filled the Parish Hall with food, laughter, and the kind of easy warmth that helps bind us together.
After dinner, we played a spirited round of Biblical Montage — a tradition that continues to delight and amuse.
We have begun a new practice this year — creating and filling a pledge banner. As members make their pledges, they can place a sticker with their name on the pledge banner now hanging in the Narthex. It is a tangible, growing picture of the community of givers that makes All Souls possible. There is something powerful about seeing all those names accumulate, week by week: a visible sign of the commitment that sustains this parish.
If you have already pledged and haven’t placed your sticker yet, you are welcome to stay after either service this Sunday and add your name to the banner. Next week we will catch up on stickers for all current donors, so no one is left off the wall.
If you haven’t yet made your pledge for 2027, it would still make a big difference for us. The pledging period runs through December 6th — though the sooner you pledge, the sooner the Vestry can move from planning in uncertainty to planning with confidence.
Also in this Pathfinder, Garret Estadt reflects below on finding a spiritual home — and what giving thanks looks like. See “Finding Home — and Giving Thanks”
Setting our path, together.
Finding Home and Giving Thanks
Why do I give to All Souls Parish? I was raised in another Christian denomination and reached a point about a decade ago where I knew in my heart that I didn't accept some of the key teachings of my church. But I knew that I believed in the Trinity and the truth contained in the Gospels, and so I sought out a place that matched my belief.
It didn't take me long to find All Souls. When I arrived, I was warmly welcomed, and when I saw the fellowship and belief of the people who practiced here, I knew that I had found my spiritual home.
I never attended school in Berkeley, but I jokingly say that Berkeley is where I came to get my spiritual education. What does it mean to be a Christian in the 21st century? How do we live our faith and share the good news of the Gospels with others? How do the teachings of Jesus and the disciples pertain to the problems of the modern world? I find the answers to these questions and many others in the sermons, in the adult education classes, and in simple conversation with the members of our community at All Souls.
I volunteer my time at All Souls, mostly through the Sacristans ministry, but I recognize that it takes more than volunteering to sustain a congregation. Every year during the Annual Pledge drive, I ask God what I can contribute financially to help make this community space possible, and the answer usually comes to me quickly and simply. It is, for me, a number that feels correct to my own situation and circumstances, and a way for me to give thanks for the blessings that God has given me in this life.
-Garett Estadt
Glorious and Sparkling Birthdays
On October 8, the Second Thursday lunch group celebrated the 94th and 96th birthdays of Gloria Bayne and Margaret Sparks with a wonderful potluck. Gloria’s son and Margaret’s daughter were also in attendance (see photo below).
Gloria and Margaret’s presence and contributions over many years are part of the rich weave of the ASEP culture and the love people hold for these women was truly present. Thank you all who made this a special day for them!
Our next potluck will be held on Thursday, November 12th at noon in the Parish Hall. Bring a dish to share and enjoy fellowship with the women of All Souls.
-Suzanne Nelson
What if All Souls had a Time Machine?
Ann and I joined All Souls just after we moved to Berkeley and before COVID. We went to a few services and a Lenten series, and then lockdown happened. It was a grim time; the Soulcast and the streaming Sunday services were our community lifelines.
The Soulcast was clearly called out in the Pathfinder, but we quickly learned they showed up in our YouTube feed, so we could get YouTube notifications when a new one arrived. We savored each one, and YouTube videos became a part of our life. COVID lockdowns are gone, but the infrastructure for making All Souls worship and outreach is still there, and there is much more available now.
There are many things in that channel; nothing is ever removed.
Sunday Services, such as the Feast of All Saints and All Souls, November 1, 2026
But many improvements have happened incrementally. Streaming services first appeared on Facebook, but they were useful only for immediate feeds. This moved to YouTube in February 2023. In 2024, we added title pages with beautiful photos for the liturgical season, as well as trimming pre-service time from the video and adding timestamps.
That brings us to today.
Channel info
The YouTube channel screen is the heart of the experience. It is All Souls Episcopal Parish Berkeley and currently has 370 videos and 217 subscribers. You can become a subscriber by clicking on the subscribe button below, highlighted with the red arrow.
Streaming
Ever miss a service and want to hear the sermon? Or remember something in the announcements, but can’t quite recall? Every service is here, including memorial services, which often contain the remembrances of people who spoke that day.
The key to the streaming services is that we not only have the video, but we have the link to the order of service and timestamps. So, if you wanted to hear just the sermon for the week, you can go down in the description and click on the link to get to that section. The three most popular sections are the sermon, the announcements, and the thanksgivings.
On Desktop & Mobile: Click any of the blue time links (like 47:33) to jump straight to that section.
On TVs & Consoles: Open the description, scroll down to the timestamps, and select them with your remote.
Using Chapters: You can also hover over or scrub across the video progress bar to see labeled sections.
Videos
The video section is home to the Soulcast, but it has been less active lately, with only a few video clips for special events. Adult Formation sessions are now being made available here. Those talks are among the jewels of All Souls, but many people, especially those with children, can't easily schedule that time and miss out. We started doing videos of the series on icons, with three of the sessions available as full videos. They were phenomenal talks, and I recommend that you watch them if and when you can. The visual nature of these talks drove us to move from just audio to the richer video.
Here’s one of the icon talks, Icons at All Souls #4 Easter and the Anastasis: How Do We Picture Resurrection? - 10/25/26. You can see all of the formation talks in the archive, where earlier ones are audio only, but we have now started doing videos and will continue this.
One concern: Will I see ads?
As I prepared this article, a few people asked if having this on YouTube means that they will see ads. Ads only appear if you select monetization, which we do not. There should not be ads.
Suggested actions
The best way to internalize this is to experience it yourself.
Go to the All Souls channel and subscribe
On a browser, not a mobile app, access a service and click to the sermon
Listen to an Adult formation talk
Finally, consider joining the AV team that makes these events, whether services or education, available. Contact Jim Feeley, Charlie Myers, Tim Ereneta, or Mother Rachel. We’re making major improvements so that these videos are easy to set up and run, and we need to have more than our small crew of 3 to do this. This is an important and rewarding ministry that just might be for you! And we will teach you the technology.
-Charlie Myers
Announcements & Events
Thursday (TONIGHT)
5 pm, Reading Between the Lines Bible Study in the Common Room.
Saturday
9 am, Godly Play Training in the Sunday School Room. PLEASE NOTE: THIS TRAINING HAS BEEN POSTPONED
2 pm, Letter-Writing Event 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 Parish Hall and Newcomer’s Group in the Common Room.
10:30 am, Sung Eucharist in the Nave. Join us via livestream here, and Sunday School in the Godly Play room downstairs.
12 noon, Coffee hour in the Courtyard
5:30 pm, Being With Group in the Common Room.
7 pm, Youth Group - High School Small Group.
Monday
Isaiah Project 2.0: Volunteer Training over Zoom.
Tuesday
6 pm, Being With 20/30’s Group.
8 pm, Taize in the Chapel.
Wednesday
9 am, Holy Eucharist in the Chapel. Please enter through the copper doors downstairs on Cedar Street.
7 pm, Choir Rehearsal in the Nave.
Learn With Us
ADULT FORMATION
THIS COMING SUNDAY
Disability, Theology, and Social Justice: Conversations at the Crossroads of Theory and Lived Experience co-led by Erin Horne, Jenny Kern, and Sarita Cannon.
In this three-week class, we will explore some of the questions that shape both theoretical writings in the field of Disability Theology and the lived experiences of people with disabilities at All Souls. How might spiritual practices and discourses inadvertently marginalize those living with disabilities? How might we rectify the harm caused by that marginalization and uplift voices that are often silenced, misrepresented, or spoken for? Radical empathy will guide our work together.
We look forward to spending the hour with you on Sunday mornings at 9:15 am in the Parish Hall starting November 8th. Join us for one or all of the following offerings.
Session 1 - November 8: Disability Justice: Lived Experience, Activism, and Scholarship will be led by Jenny Kern and Sarita Cannon
Session 2 - November 15: Disability, Vulnerability, and Dependence will be led by Erin Horne and Sarita Cannon
Session 3 - November 22: Panel Discussion from the lived experiences of All Soulsians will include Penny Armstrong, Jane Vandenburg, Carrie Smith, and Erin Horne
NEWCOMER CLASSES
Looking for ways to learn more about All Souls and connect with community? The newcomers' class is an excellent opportunity for those new to All Souls to become acquainted with the life of the parish and the many ministries that take place here. This class serves as a space for introductions, orientation, and fellowship. We will cover topics such as our mission and values, baptism and confirmation, membership, liturgy and prayer, and how to find your place and get involved. We will also provide a tour of the church and answer any questions you may have. Join us to connect with other members and to learn more about what All Souls has to offer. The classes will be held in the Common Room at 9:15 AM on the following Sundays in November: 11/8, 11/15, 11/22, and 11/29. Email Mother Rachel (rachel@allsoulsparish.org) with any questions.
GODLY PLAY TRAINING - 11/7 PLEASE NOTE: THIS TRAINING HAS BEEN POSTPONED
The Children and Family Committee will host a Godly Play Training on Saturday, 11/7, from 9 am-12:30 pm, led by Jill Gidlund, a gifted trainer with the Godly Play Foundation. This is a chance to experience a Godly Play story firsthand, hear a presentation on children’s spirituality, and enjoy treats and fellowship! Anyone is welcome, whether you’re a parent, thinking about becoming a teacher, or just interested in the topic. Please feel free to contact committee members Kim Wong, Molly Nicol, or Jeannie Koops if you would like to sign up or learn more. Stay tuned for more details on when this training can be rescheduled. It will likely be in the new year.
ISAIAH PROJECT 2.0: VOLUNTEER TRAINING
If you feel called to volunteer at one of the four Isaiah Project organizations, please plan to attend our second volunteer training on Monday, November 9. This time, we will be meeting on Zoom from 6:30 to 8 pm.
The training is designed to invite us to reflect on what it means to serve others within a Christian context. In addition, we will learn about how cultural humility can help us build bridges and “repair the breach”. Here are the links to the four organizations we are supporting:
WEEKLY BIBLE STUDY GROUPS
All Souls hosts two weekly Bible Study Classes each week. The Sunday morning group meets from 7-8 am and the Thursday evening group meets from 5-6:30 pm. Both meet in our Common Room and use the Reading Between the Lines curriculum. Join us! Drop-ins are always welcome, too!
Serve With Us
FEED THE NEED, LOVE THY NEIGHBOR, SPREAD THE WORD - PART 2
These three simple phrases called All Souls Episcopal Parish (ASEP) to action, and on All Saints' Day and Día de los Muertos, we answered that call.
While we do not know the total amount of money donated to local food banks, we do know that 30 bags of food were collected that day. It is not too late to support those in need. Financial contributions can still be made directly to local food banks and pantries, and nonperishable food donations may be brought to church this Sunday or on any future Sunday for distribution to Good Shepherd's Pan de Cielo.
Please stay tuned for future announcements as we continue to explore ways to help our neighbors and strengthen ASEP's ministry addressing hunger and food insecurity.
Because when one person acts, others are inspired to act as well. And together we can do far more than ever imagined.
- Patrick Tahara and Jennifer Akiyama
COURTHOUSE VIGILS
Join us at 1855 Gateway Blvd., Concord, on the 4th Tuesday of every month, 7:15-9:30 am. We gather on the last Tuesday of every month to hold a vigil for people coming for their immigration appointment. The majority of our time is spent singing and holding signs expressing welcome and solidarity. We also take time each month to pray, remembering immigrants in detention centers and those who have died there. For more information, contact Kaki L. or Ruth M.
LETTER-WRITING EVENT - NOVEMBER 7th
All are welcome to join us in the Common Room for another immigrant letter-writing event on Saturday, Nov. 7th, 2-4 pm. RSVP to Pam Maffei (pamelamaffei@icloud.com) or Cindy Townsend (hikinpsyd@gmail.com).
Feeding Our Neighbors - Let’s do our part to make sure that all of our neighbors have access to nutritious food. Please bring non-perishable food on Sundays and use the baskets in the Narthex. Food will be delivered to Pan Del Cielo, the pantry at the Episcopal Church of Good Shepherd in West Berkeley.
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 is THIS COMING SUNDAY. We will make a warm jambalaya meal for anyone who is hungry. Teams of All Soulsians and friends take turns cooking and delivering on the second Sunday of every month. Email Jennifer A. (akiyama.jennifer@gmail.com) if you’d like to help!
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.
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!
Worship With Us
WEDNESDAY MORNING EUCHARIST
Join us every Wednesday at 9 am in the Chapel for a small, discussion-based service. All are welcome!
TAIZE TUESDAYS
Join us on Tuesdays at 8 pm as we gather in the Chapel for a community-led contemplative Taizé service that weaves singing chants, reading poetry and prayers, and sitting in silence. All are welcome. The Fall session will end on Tuesday, November 17th. Questions? Email Ryan (rypotpie@gmail.com) or Kris (kris.starr@gmail.com).
CHILDREN, YOUTH & FAMILIES
Join us at the Advent Festival on the evening of Nov. 29th. This family-friendly intergenerational event will be one of the many gatherings for families and kids throughout the Advent season.
Sunday School - Grades Pre-K - 5th
We meet during the 10:30 am service. We follow the Godly Play curriculum, an approach to spiritual formation that features storytelling, hands-on learning, and wondering. (See the article above for an upcoming training opportunity). Shortly after the service starts, we go downstairs together, following the cross, and return at “The Peace”.
Youth Group - Grades 6-12
We meet on Sunday evenings in the Youth Room from 7-8:30 pm for games, art, reflection, and prayer. We alternate between a High School Small Group and a Middle School Small Group with occasional larger group events. Click here to see the Fall Calendar.
Everything Else…
Episcopal Peace Fellowship: Bay Area Chapter Meeting - November 14th
All are welcome to join this meeting on Creative Peacemaking in Belmont at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church from 11 am-1 pm. Click here to see the flyer. The Rev. Dr. Daniel Prechtel will discuss conscientious objection and other activities of the national action group.
Assistive Listening System Now Available
For those of us who want the audio at the 10:30 am Sunday service to be a bit louder or clearer, our long-awaited assistive listening system may help. The system is now installed, working, and available for use. Most users will check out a small wireless receiver and compact headphones in the narthex, then adjust the volume to their liking. That’s it. After the service, they will return the system. The receiver is smaller than a deck of cards; about the size of a thick artisanal chocolate bar. In testing, the headphones worked both for people without hearing aids and for those with hearing aids. Inquire in the narthex near the Cedar-side door. We hope to have a QR code to let Auracast hearing aids connect to the signal. Ushers and AV team members will get you set up! Questions? See Charlie Myers or Jim Feeley.
