The Pathfinder: November 30, 2023
Paying Attention
One of the joys in life for me is learning a new word. Not learning a word just to have another one in the vault, but discovering a way to describe something about the human experience that I couldn’t before. That happened recently when I was introduced to the word attensity, which is the capacity for attention. In an essay about high school and college teachers feeling that their students are not able to give sufficient attention to the texts they are learning, D. Graham Burnett, Alyssa Loh, and Peter Schmidt argue that even more than teaching literacy we should be teaching attensity.
From my own experience, as well as being a parent attempting to raise two humans in the Age of the Screen, I am very much aware of and concerned about the challenges these authors raise. And while the extrication of our attention for profit may indeed have intensified these challenges, the ancient wisdom of the Church, distilled by centuries of human experience, tells us that the difficulty of paying attention has been with us for a long, long time.
This is why I am so grateful the season ahead, the season of Advent. Advent is a time that the Church has set aside to be able to encounter one of the great mysteries of the Christian tradition––Incarnation. As our Godly Play stories teach us, in order to be able to come close to a mystery as immense as the Incarnation we need to take time to get ready, to slow down, be still still, and listen. And that means be able to pay attention.
Why do we need to pay attention? Well, in short, because it is so easy to be distracted, and in being distracted become fractured, unable to perceive the depth and wonder of God With Us. Ironically, it may be easier to be distracted at this time of year––with parties and gift buying and chestnuts roasting on the proverbial fire––than any other time of the year. To center ourselves at All Souls, drawing from centuries of Christian practice, we will be paying attention in particular ways.
Below in this Pathfinder you’ll find many of them, from the entry to Advent on the First Sunday at our 8a (Chapel) and 10:30a (Nave) services and our Advent Festival that evening at 5p, to the practices around the Advent Wreath from this year’s devotional booklet, to our Wednesday evening soup and Taizé services. I invite and encourage you to take one or more of these disciplines as a way to get ready.
All of these practices are meant to help us build our capacity to prepare, to wait, to pay attention to God moving within us and unfolding around us. Join us, so that together we can come close to the darkness, the waiting, the stillness, and the wonder.
N.B. The last several months have been its own form of waiting, anticipation, and preparation for me as I discern whether or not I am called to serve as the next bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of California. The electing convention will be this Saturday, December 2nd, starting at 9am. The convention will be livestreamed here on the diocesan website. Please keep Augusta, Austin, me, and our communities in your prayers in the days to come. May the Holy Spirit be known among us all!
–Phil+
An Invitation to the Season of Advent
I didn’t grow up celebrating or knowing anything about the season of Advent. For us, Black Friday sort of kicked off a season of thinking about Christmas––Christmas music, shopping for others, getting a tree––but it was all Christmas, all until December 25th, sometime in the evening, when it all would just suddenly be over.
What I have grown to know and love about this Episcopal tradition (and others who celebrate the season of Advent) is that there are clear starting points and ending points to things.
There are words we say, every year, that help us recognize the moment––help us put words to those things and seasons that often go unnamed and unsaid, and which we can completely miss if we’re not paying attention.
I’m also a person who appreciates a good invitation. I like to know that I have been invited, and I like that invitation to be clear. One of the worst feelings in the world, for me, is showing up to an event when I wasn’t sure I was invited. It is for these reasons that my favorite part of the Advent festival (other than the wreath making and hot chocolate) is the invitation with which we open the service.
And so, this coming Sunday evening, gathered around a fire in the courtyard, just after the opening carol, the presider will make a formal invitation to us all, to dive deep into this season of waiting, stillness, pilgrimage, light, and darkness with these words:
Beloved friends, in the stillness of this place, enfolded by night’s sacred darkness, we gather to mark the beginning of the season of Advent, in which the Church bids us prepare to celebrate the coming of Christ: who came in flesh as the Child of Bethlehem; who comes in the gift of the Spirit, in the bread of the Eucharist, and in ordinary moments of human encounter; who will come again to establish God’s reign of justice and peace. Let us now hear from prophets foretelling the coming of Emmanuel, and poets proclaiming “God with us.” Let us also pray for a renewed vision of God’s righteousness, whereby we may proclaim Christ’s transforming presence in our own generation; that our ministries with all who suffer, all who need, and all who seek may enact the coming of that same Kingdom. May God open our hearts to receive the message of Christ.
I invite you all to come out this Sunday evening for our festival to kick off the season of Advent. We’ll gather at 5p in the courtyard around the fire (dress warm!) for a service that will last about 45 minutes. We’ll sing, pray, read poems and scripture, hear from the kid’s choir, and sit in silence under the stars (or the lights of the parish hall if it’s raining). Around 5:45, or just as soon as the service wraps up, the party will begin.
In the Parish Hall, Jeannie Koops will have rounded up greens from Christmas tree lots around town, and the Parish Life team will have ribbons and other fun things so that you’ll be able to build and decorate Advent wreaths. Then, in the Nave, the Arts at All Souls committee has come up with an idea of this year’s All Souls Christmas ornament, so that you can head over into the church and spend some time at tables with other All Soulsians making your ornament. In addition to the ornament-making in the Nave, our Justice & Peace team has some cards (from the Ella Baker Center) that we can write in, to send to folks who are currently incarcerated. And last, but not least, we’ll have hot chocolate, hot cider, and cookies (please bring some to share!).
You just need to arrive in warm clothes, with your Advent wreath metal form from last year (if you’ve still got it), some cookies to share (If you’re able), and with as many friends and family as you can round up. Don’t miss this opportunity to recognize the shift in this season of our lives. You are invited.
–Emily Hansen Curran
Advent at All Souls: Children and Families
For children, there are few things as magical as Advent in the rhythm of a church year. It’s a time of candles and greenery, song and story. A time to slow down and make space for big questions and wonderings. A time when we wait with wonder, anticipation, and joy.
This Advent, we've built our Children & Family program around four key themes: Music, Prayer, Story, and Ritual. The activities are intended to invite kids of all ages– and grown-ups, too– to engage with Advent through sight, sound, and hands-on experience. Advent is not merely a lead-up to Christmas; it is a season in itself, with themes of waiting, stillness, quiet, and reflection. We hope to invite All Soulsians, young and old, to inhabit this season fully and prepare our homes and our hearts for the great mystery of Christ’s birth.
Below are some of the activities we’re offering as part of Advent and Christmas at All Souls. We hope that children will join us for any and all things, and we’re happy to adapt to meet their interest and needs. Below this article, you’ll find a calendar that breaks down these events so you can easily keep track.
Music
This year, we’re celebrating the return of our Children and Youth Choir!
The choir will perform on two occasions: at the Advent Festival (the evening of December 3rd), and at the 4 pm Christmas Eve service as part of the Nativity Story.
Songs include “Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming,” “The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy,” and “The Friendly Beasts” (these links take you to recordings to practice).
Rehearsals were held during regular Sunday School hours on Nov. 19th and 26th. More rehearsal will happen as part of the Nativity Story rehearsals on Dec. 10th and 17th.
It’s not too late to join us! Email our director Tess Taylor (tess_taylor@mac.com) or Emily B (emilyb@allsoulsparish.org) to sign up. We’ll send you the music.
Separate from this choir, we also invite you to attend the annual All Souls Caroling Party from 5-8pm on December 10th. We’ll begin with dinner, then carol through the neighborhood between the homes of various All Soulsians. Please RSVP using this link: https://forms.gle/vCCQSY4D488LRsRG6
Prayer
During Advent, All Souls engages in a special ritual during our 10:30 service.
Each Sunday, a different child/family is invited up to the altar to light the Advent wreath. Then, at the Eucharistic Prayer, you’ll hear a child asking: “Why is it right to give God thanks and praise?”, “Why do we share this bread and wine?”, and “Why do we follow Jesus Christ?” The congregation responds to each question in an interactive way.
These practices are intended to bring the curiosity of children to the center of our worship, honoring the wonder that lives in every one of us.
We have families signed up for all four weeks of Advent, but if you want to take part, it’s not too late to add others. The more the merrier!
Kids will be provided with the script in advance, and on your day, you'll arrive at 10 a.m. to prepare for the service.
Story
Our annual Nativity Story will take place at the 4 pm service on Christmas Eve!
All kids (including middle/high school youth) are invited to participate. Possible roles include angels, sheep, shepherds, assorted “friendly beasts,” Mary, Joseph, Wise Men, narrators… we have a huge closet of costumes, and we’ll fill parts based on interest! We also welcome kids who want to do “tech” behind the scenes-- making costumes/props, setting up, or helping direct the play.
Rehearsals will be held on Dec. 10th and 17th from 9:15-10:15 (during Adult Formation hour). We’ll also have a dress rehearsal on Saturday the 23rd, time TBD in conversation with families.
Even if you’ll be out of town for Christmas, kids are invited to help out with costumes, set, and general imagination prior to Christmas Eve– or come to the rehearsals just for fun!
Ritual
We warmly invite everyone– and children especially!-- to take part in our annual Advent Festival of song, reading, and reflection. The service begins at 5 pm (kids’ choir rehearses at 4).
After the festival, around 5:45, we’ll gather in the Parish Hall with cookies and cider. There will be materials and activities to help you bring the ritual of Advent into your home.
Wreath-making supplies will be available, including wire frames and candles. (If you still have your frame from last year, please bring it to reuse or return!). Children and families are encouraged to make and decorate a wreath to bring home, and engage in a candle-lighting ritual each evening. There will also be a station to make homemade ornaments for your tree.
Finally, at the wreath-making event, you’ll receive an All Souls Advent Booklet of prayers, songs, and reflection questions. You can use this booklet to guide your nightly candle-lighting and enter more deeply into the themes of this season. (If you won’t be at the Festival but you’d like a booklet, there will be some available in church– or, email Emily B). You can also access it here.
In sum: we have many things happening this season, and we’d love to hear how you want to join in. Even if you can’t make all rehearsals/commitments for a particular event, please reach out to Emily B– we'll make it work. In the meantime, feel free to reach out with any questions. I look forward to accompanying you all through this season!
Call for Wreaths: Each year, we reuse our wire Advent wreath forms. If you still have your wreath-form from last year, please either return it to church before Sunday Dec 3rd, or bring it to the Advent Festival and use it again yourself!
In peace,
–Emily+
Music of the Season
Unexpected and mysterious is the gentle Word of grace. Thus begins a newer Advent hymn penned by hymnist Jeannette Lindholm. This season of Advent is so beautifully couched in these terms. During this time of waiting we sing more music expressly designed to make us slow down and ponder the great mystery that is unfolding.
The Great O Antiphons (three of them) form the focus for our Advent Festival on Sunday evening, December 3. These ancient verses are most recognizable to us in the hymn, “O come, O come, Emmanuel.”
Each stanza calls upon a name or attribute of God from scripture: Wisdom, Rising Dawn, and Root of Jesse this year; along with the others: Key of David, King of Nations, Adonai, and Emmanuel. Traditionally these antiphons were used before the chanting of the Magnificat at Evening Prayer in the week leading up to Christmas. Over the years special liturgies have developed around them, and are celebrated around the globe.
Our Wednesday evening Taizé services provide unique time and space for this. Chants from the Taizé (pronounced ‘teh-zay’) Community in France help us to leave the world behind for a time, and sink deeper into communion with God and one another. That is why they are sung for a great length of time. Like any mantra. they need time to “work their magic” in us. WE need the time, too; and we benefit from breathing deeply as we chant each simple melody as a body. And when the chant comes to a conclusion, we spend more time in corporate silence.
We will also explore music from many traditions throughout the season, including a peppy tune from Brazil, traditional spirituals, and a setting of The Song of Mary that comes from the Philippines.
As we sing and chant our way through this season, may we prepare our hearts to receive the Christ Child, and look forward to his coming again; welcoming the unexpected ways we meet him, and embracing the mystery of a God whose extravagant love for us is best seen in the act of becoming one of us.
–Dent Davidson
Together in joyful anticipation: Advent and ordination
Standing on the threshold of Advent this year, the mystical joy and prayerful anticipation are heightened for me as I await the dawning of a new season in my own life. Next Friday, I will be ordained as a transitional deacon in our diocese.
For the past three years, I have been developing in seminary school at Church Divinity School of the Pacific and growing into a fledgling preacher and pastor at St. Paul’s, Walnut Creek. This past summer, I took flight to Kentucky, interning as a hospital chaplain at a Level I Trauma Center. In these years, I’ve sometimes felt worlds apart from my All Souls family as I immersed myself full-time in seminary and parish field education. But now, by the grace of God and the consent of the people, our worlds are cohering once more. This Advent, as we abide in joyful anticipation with Mary the God-bearer, I invite your prayers as I await the dawning of a new way of moving in worship and in the world. Next Friday will usher in a new season in my life and ministry, but its roots have always been planted deep in the All Souls community. It is you who formed me and nourished me, though often in ways unseen in these last years. In this time apart, I have fiercely cherished my time as an All Souls sacristan, a Confirm Not Conform co-teacher, a Sacred Ground facilitator, and a pandemic-tide Compline host—but most importantly, as a fellow reveler in the Spirit’s marvelous workings with you. It would be a profound honor if you were to join me at my ordination service, either in person, via the livestream, or in prayer. The service will take place at Grace Cathedral on Friday, December 8th at 4 p.m. I am almost inexpressibly grateful for all the ways in which you have loved me, nurtured me, and sent me out on this wild journey of ministry. For your spiritual companionship on this path, my rejoicing knows no end.
–Cal Payne Taylor
Announcements & Events
Happening This Week
Reading Between the Lines Bible Study @ 7:00a. Click here to join by Zoom, or join them in-person in the Common Room.
Midsentence with Mark: the First Gospel In this class, we will explore the Gospel of Mark including what we know about the origins and authorship of the Gospel, its unique Christology, as well as some of its notable parables. This gospel is also used extensively as a source for the Gospel of Matthew and Luke and we will discuss some of the synoptic parallels. This class is a way to get acquainted with the Gospel of Mark and help understand and interpret the gospel as we move through the readings of the coming liturgical year. (November 26, December 3, 19, 17) in the Parish Hall and on Zoom.
Newcomer/New Member Class Anyone who is new to All Souls or is hoping to learn more about what it means to be a participant in the life and community of All Souls is welcome to our Newcomer and New Member Class taught by Emily Hansen Curran and the Rev. Phil Brochard. We’ll spend the four weeks diving into the Membership Expectations of All Souls. At the end of the class, those interested in becoming a member of All Souls have an opportunity to do so. November 19-December 10th in the Common Room, downstairs.
Advent Festival Advent begins on December 3rd. Kick off the season of Advent during the service on Sunday morning and then come back to church on Sunday evening at 5p in the courtyard for our Advent Festival! We’ll have a service of prayer, music, and poetry around a fire and then head into the Parish Hall to green our Advent wreaths, eat cookies, write cards to folks who are incarcerated, and make this year’s All Souls Christmas ornament. Please bring cookies to share.
Spaghetti Again Men’s Christmas Dinner Spaghetti Again will hold our annual Christmas Dinner on Monday, December 4 at 6 pm in the Parish Hall. We invite SA friends, spouses & significant others to join us for a holiday celebration (festive attire encouraged- including that colorful sweater you’re reluctant to show in public!) Turkey provided, guests are asked to contribute a special dish and beverage to share. We also extend the invitation to members of the All Souls staff. Please let us know if you are coming or have questions. Bob Cross: rcross@skootskyder.com; Kirk Miller: kirk@kirkmiller.net.
Hospitality at All Souls Sign-up here (click here) to contribute to Sunday coffee hour food!
Worship This Week
8am, contemplative Eucharist (in Chapel)
10:30am, sung Eucharist (click here to access the live stream)
Wednesday 9am Service. Join the Zoom call here, or join us in person in the Nave at 9a. Password: 520218.
Friday, 5p Oración del Atardecer (Evening Prayer) from the 2022 edition of El Libro de Oración Común (Book of Common Prayer). Lower chapel. All welcome regardless of Spanish language level!
Children & Family
2nd Annual Progressive Caroling Party Please join us for our 2nd Annual All Souls "Progressive" Caroling celebration on December 10th in Albany. The Legrands and Wilsons both live on the same block so we will start and finish at the same location.
5pm - Chili / Mac N' Cheese and warm up at the Legrands
6pm - head out to sing for neighbors
7pm - celebratory cookie tasting and warm beverages at the Wilsons
Addresses will be provided upon RSVP confirmation. Contact Molly (molly.joan.nicol@gmail.com), Mark (ca.markwilson@gmail.com) or Julie (julielegrand08@gmail.com) if you have further questions. RSVP here.
Nativity Story Our annual Nativity Story will take place at the 4 pm service on Christmas Eve! All kids/youth are invited to participate. We have many roles and many costumes! Rehearsals will be held from 9:15-10:15 on December 10th and 17th (during Adult Formation hour, between the services). There will also be a dress rehearsal on Dec 23rd, time TBD. Please reach out if you want to take part!
We are also seeking older youth and/or adults to help direct kids and ensure things unfold smoothly at the rehearsals and the performance. If you’re willing to be a “shepherd,” please let Emily B know.
For updates on other Advent events for Children and Families, see Emily B’s article and calendar above!
Nursery The downstairs nursery is open and available to you for your use whenever you’re at All Souls. This is not a staffed nursery, so an adult must be there with your child, but if you need a quiet place to take a time out, change a diaper, let your child play or take a rest, the nursery is open for you to do all of those things. If there is a service going on that’s being livestreamed, you will be able to watch the livestream on the computer in the nursery as well.
Children’s Ministry - Sunday School continues each week during the 10:30 a.m. service. Children head downstairs at the start of the service, then return after the “Peace.” See an usher if you need directions.
Children pre-K to 1st grade: Godly Play (in the Godly Play 1 classroom)
Children 2nd-5th grade: Faith Explorers (in the Fiery Furnace room)
Children’s Choir has returned! Click here to see the flyer for more information.
Youth Program - Regular Youth Group meets on Sundays from 7-8:30 pm in the Parish Hall. However, because of the many Advent and Christmas Activities, our schedule is a little different for the next month or so. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening!
December 3rd: Advent Festival, Choir, and Wreath-Making, 5 pm (no regular Youth Group)
December 10th: Caroling Party, 5-8 pm (no regular Youth Group)
December 17th: Regular Youth Group, 7-8:30 - Advent theology and ritual, and gingerbread house contest!
December 24th: Christmas Eve, no Youth Group
Dec 31st: New Year’s Eve, no Youth Group
Jan 7th: Regular Youth Group, 7-8:30 - Bonfire, New Year visions, Epiphany
If you are not receiving weekly Youth Program updates but would like to, please reach out to Emily B to be added to our mailing list.’
Save the Date: Godly Play training On January 6th, All Souls is hosting a training for Godly Play teachers. Godly Play is a Montessori-based program for spiritual formation, featuring play, ritual, and story. Leaders are trained in a specific style of storytelling. The training will be held in the Parish Hall from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
We are actively seeking teachers and/or alternates to add to our Sunday School team. If you are interested in being trained in this method, please reach out to Emily B to sign up for this event.
Even if you don’t want to teach right now, or you aren’t sure, you are still welcome to attend to learn more about the program and leave open the possibility of teaching in the future.
Please email Emily B by December 28th to sign up.
Justice & Peace
Ways to help with the Israel-Hamas War, from Episcopal Relief & Development Since the start of the current Israel-Hamas war, Episcopal Relief & Development has been supporting long-time partners in the Holy Land including Al Ahli Hospital, a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, to provide emergency medical support in Gaza. Despite being hit by two explosions that damaged buildings and claimed hundreds of lives, the hospital is still serving those who are in need of care. Episcopal Relief & Development stands with the brave staff of Al Ahli Hospital as they risk their lives to help others.
Please pray for peace in the Holy Land and consider making a contribution to the Episcopal Relief & Development Middle East Fund to help meet the growing needs of all people in the region.
Stay informed about the Episcopal Relief & Development response at episcopalrelief.org.
Advent Ingathering Every Sunday in Advent we collect items for some of our neighbors in need. Our Justice & Peace team has coordinated lists for each week of Advent and what is needed. Please bring these items on Sunday mornings and place them in front of the altar.
December 3: Roosevelt Middle School Newcomer Project
December 10: West Berkeley RV & Tent Encampments
December 17: YSA Tiny Home Village (YSA is requesting monetary donations. You can contribute by adding “YSA” a memo to your check or online donation.)
December 24: Berkeley Food Bank
Everything Else
Holy Hikes Eucharist at Lands End SF (December 20) Holy Hikes- San Francisco Bay Area will be holding a hike Wednesday, December 20 at 12:45pm at Lands End in San Francisco. We will meet at the parking lot at the Lands End Lookout by the old Sutro Baths in San Francisco, located at 700 Point Lobos Avenue. From there we will hike to the labyrinth at Eagle’s Point, which overlooks the ocean and Golden Gate Bridge. After allowing time to walk the labyrinth, we will finish the liturgy by the shore and then hike back. The hike will be about 2 miles round-trip and fairly easy except for the last 1000 feet of the trail before the labyrinth. That segment includes about 200 stairs down to get to the labyrinth and shore. All are welcome to attend; no RSVP needed.
When: Wednesday, December 20, 12:45 p.m.
Where: Lands End Lookout, 700 Point Logos Avenue, San Francisco
Contact: the Rev. Justin R. Cannon, holyhikes@gmail.com
