February 16, 2012

From the Rector

Pause. Reflect. Pray.

Every year we come to this time and space, preparing ourselves for the journey to Jerusalem. Each time we approach this journey as the same people, yet because of changes and chances of the past year, we are not actually as we were a year ago. It is for this reason that the Church (across time, culture and tradition) has set aside this time to prepare. In our Godly Play teaching, we remind ourselves that to come close to a Mystery as big as Easter we have to prepare.

In a strange and often wonderful way, this is how the traditions of Mardi Gras, Shrove Tuesday and Carnival have come about. Meant to be one last blow-out before Lent begins, Christians, influenced by local culture, have been dancing, parading, and feasting for centuries that final Tuesday night. We will be engaging in much of that on Tuesday. Here at All Souls at 6p on February 21st you’ll be able to feast on our Bay Area-famous Jambalaya, eat a stack of pancakes, decorate and hide the “Alleluia” banner. Then, after the festival has wound down, join us on the courtyard as we burn last year’s palm crosses into the morrow’s ashes.

The following day, we will take time to enact the banners that will be on the sidewalks on Cedar and Oxford, to “Pause. Reflect. Pray.” Ash Wednesday is one of the ritual actions that we take part in both as community and as individuals. It quite literally marks our intention, in the words of a Lenten Eucharistic Preface that we, “…cleanse (our) hearts, and prepare with joy for the Paschal Feast; that, fervent in prayer and in works of mercy, and renewed by (God’s) Word and Sacraments, (we) may come to the fullness of (God’s) grace…” At 7 am in the Chapel, at 12 noon and at 7:30 pm in the Church, we will be taking time to ready ourselves for the days ahead.

And just as we take on practices that bring us to closer awareness of the Holy in our lives and in those around us, we at All Souls Parish will be engaging in common practices of worship during Lent. As we have in the past, before the services we will be chanting a very simple and beautiful chant, “Open My Heart.” After the chant has subsided we will spend time in silent prayer, kneeling or sitting. It is our hope that through this we can offer a changed quality of space to approach the Liturgy. At the 10am service our psalms will be plainchant, sung simply. Following the Sermon, in keeping with the practice of the 8 am service, at the 10 am we will be using a translation of the Nicene Creed for Lent that has been directed to be used in the Episcopal Church since 1994, the English Language Liturgical Consultation text (thankfully known as ELLC). There are two changes in this text that you may notice. One is in the third stanza of the Creed, when the Creed talks about the Spirit proceeding from the Father. In the ELLC text, the words “and the Son” (known as the filioque) are removed. This is to keep practice with the Ecumenical Councils (both East and West) of the Church. More on that in a future Pathfinder.

The other change is the English pronoun that refers to the Spirit. The ELLC text picks up on previous translations of the Creed which referred to the Spirit as one who is worshiped and glorified, one who has spoken through the prophets. It was in a translation of the past century that the pronoun (in Greek it is prosopon) was translated as he. And then, more recently, that individuals and congregations began using the pronoun she. This translation returns to a previous, more accurate and still expansive understanding of God. As we begin our practice over the next several weeks, please let Kristin and I know of what your experience (of all forms) with this translation of the Creed is.

When it comes time for the Peace as a Lenten congregational practice we will be attempting to engage in this practice with the people in closer proximity around us. I realize that some might see this as the “third rail” of liturgical practice at All Souls. In its origin (and remember it was just returned to Episcopal practice in the last forty years), it was a way to reconcile oneself with those around them in order to be able to honestly approach Christ at the table for communion. In essence, if you weren’t able to get right with your neighbor you wouldn’t be able to be right with Christ. To recover this intention, we are asking that people exchange the Peace with those around us rather than all the way around the corner. And last but not least, the Lord’s Prayer. At the 8 am service we will be using the Contemporary translation (Hallowed by your name) and at the 10 am service instead of singing the rich Rimsky-Korsakov version we will be saying the Lord’s Prayer for the duration of the Lenten season, both with the intent of engaging in a common practice across the services.

It is my hope that through this and these other corporate practices we can intentionally enter this liminal space together. As we come closer and closer to Jerusalem, day by day, Sunday by Sunday, it is my hope that these practices will be complement and enrich the daily, individual practices that you and I take on this Lenten journey. May it be blessed.

Peace,
Phil+

From the Music Department

So long, Alleluias – see you soon!

With Lent coming, lots of things change. We start saying things we usually sing, such as the Lord’s Prayer. We change colors, in this case from green to purple. And the most characteristic change is that we omit the magic word ‘Alleluia’ from the liturgy. It disappears from the ‘Christ our Passover’ response, from the hymns and anthems, and anyplace else that uses that magic word.

I was really intrigued some years ago to learn that the Orthodox liturgy doesn’t change in that way. Our liturgical calendar reflects that particular element of historical church theology: the Sundays between Ash Wednesday and Palm Sunday are titled Sundays in Lent, not of Lent. Those prepositions are funny things; the ‘green’ seasons are, respectively, weeks after Epiphany and Pentecost. What that means is that, in one sense, these coming Sundays are not a part of Lent itself, but retain their character as the day of resurrection.

And it’s true: just as we remember Jesus’ passion and death even at Christmas, we recall and give thanks for the resurrection in Lent. The entirety of salvation history is part of our collective memory each time we gather around God’s Table, from creation through Jesus’ life and death, and looking ahead to the coming of the Spirit. The Orthodox practice, then, assuming devotional practices of prayer and fasting during the week, continues to treat each Sunday outwardly as a ‘little Easter.’

In our case, though, the reality is that the average worshiper enters into Lent only on Sundays (though to be sure, prayer, fasting, and study are very much part of what we as a parish support). If we were to continue without changing the Sunday liturgy, many of us would hardly take note of the season.

So enjoy the final Alleluias as we conclude the season after Epiphany! Let their absence next Wednesday give you space for some new expression of faith, and mark their return at the Great Vigil of Easter with all that pent-up joy!

Christopher Putnam,
Associate for Liturgy and Music

From the Parish Archivist

The Annual 2011 Report for All Souls’ Annual Meeting correctly stated that the meeting was the 85th Annual Meeting of the Parish. It also stated that it was the “one-hundred and eighth” annual meeting of the congregation. The latter is technically possible, but highly unlikely, although the Annual Report booklets have been labeled “one hundred and …” for over thirty years. The fact is that the 2012 Parish Annual Meeting was indeed the 85th annual meeting of the parish. All Souls was incorporated on February 11, 1926, so the first annual meeting had to have been in 1927. I suppose that one could “fudge” things incorrectly and include the pre-incorporation meeting of the congregation held March 5, 1926, in which event it would have been the 86th annual meeting, notwithstanding the fact that the minutes of that 1926 meeting are clearly labeled as a meeting of the congregation, not an annual meeting.

The pre-incorporation meeting of the congregation was planned for February 28, 1926, but had to be deferred to March 5 because of a requirement of the diocesan canons that it be held at least one week after the Diocesan Steering Committee had given its consent to incorporation. There well may have been other meetings of the congregation of All Souls’ Chapel (as it was called), which was a mission of St. Mark’s, but there is no record of any such meeting prior to the pre-incorporation meeting of the congregation in 1926. If anyone remembers attending one, please let me know. The Rev. W. R. H. Hodgkin, then rector of St. Mark’s and previously vicar or priest-in-charge at the mission of All Souls’ Chapel, presided at the pre-incorporation meeting, not Richard Trelease, the then vicar of the mission at All Souls’ Chapel. 

The claim that the 2012 annual meeting was the one hundred eighth is understandable because there is a reasonable argument that All Souls has been around one hundred and eight years, but it is not so simple. In fact, the exact date of All Souls’ founding is just not known, here are some bits of verifiable history which one could select as a date for the founding of All Souls.

1.  Based upon a undated and unsigned note in the first Parish Register, 1881 could be the date selected. The note reads in part: “In 1881, Weldon L. Hanscom, his wife and six children, came from Oregon and bought the house at 1525 Walnut St.….  Mr. Hyde, Mrs. Louise Hanscom’s father, started a Sunday School in the double parlors of the home….” I note that the house at 1525 Walnut Street is still standing, but rather hidden from view from the street by trees.

2.  Perhaps one would prefer 1904 as the date of founding. Clearly there were Sunday School classes being conducted by 1904 in the homes of three parishioners - the Osborn home on Shattuck, the Hanscom home on Walnut, and the Howard home of Ridge Road (the present site of CDSP). 

3.  Then one could choose 1905. In that year a “Guild Hall” was built on a plot of land at the corner of Cedar and Spruce donated by Mrs. Louise W. B. Kellogg, widow of Martin Kellogg, the president of the University of California in the 1890s . The Guild Hall was designed by John Galen Howard, then architect for the University of California, and was completed in December 1905, in time for Christmas service. It was a small rectangular, brown shingle structure sited on the west end of the property, with leaded windows, window seats, and a stage.

4.  It might be easiest to remember if one selects 1906, being the year that The Rev. W. R. H. Hodgkin, who had been seconded by the rector of St. Mark’s to assist with the Sunday Schools, was installed as vicar of All Souls’ Chapel on Easter, April 15, 1906 (three days before the great San Francisco earthquake).

Thomas Burcham,
Parish Archivist

View from the Pew

VESTRY RETREAT
This past weekend the Vestry was on retreat at St. Dorothy’s Rest, facilitated by the Rev. Paul Fromberg, Rector of St. Gregory of Nyssa Church in San Francisco. In preparation for this year’s visioning process, Paul led the group in learning about leadership as story-telling; both in theology and practice, and in knowing and being able to tell the narrative of a congregation, all the while directing the story towards hope. As part of the retreat the Vestry also discerned and elected officers for the coming year they are as follows:

Senior Warden: Caroline McCall
Junior Warden: Nancy Austin
Treasurer: Sherry Markwart
Bookkeeper: Judith Lothrop
Chaplain: Kelsey Mayo
Clerk: Cathy Thompson

SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE / MARDI GRAS JAMBALAYA PARISH SUPPER
Join us at our annual festive celebration on the eve of the beginning of Lent. The event is held in the Parish Hall beginning at 6 pm and is hosted by the Vestry. The term “Shrove” is derived from shriving, which means confessing and absolving. Also commonly known as “Mardi Gras” or “Fat Tuesday,” the day before Ash Wednesday was a day to consume animal fat, and a day of celebration and indulgence before the discipline of Lent. The palms from Palm Sunday will be burned to provide ashes for Ash Wednesday service the next day. All invited! Costumes encouraged. Cost is $5 adults/$3 children/ $15 max for families. All ages welcome!

BOB BELLAH TO GIVE THE GTU ANNUAL SINGH LECTURE
On Tuesday, February 28 at 7 pm, Bob will give the the lecture entitled “Can Religion Meet the Challenge of Human Evolution?” at the chapel of the Pacific School of Religion, 1798 Scenic Avenue, Berkeley. This invitation from Jim Donahue, President of the GTU, was stimulated by the publication last fall of Bellah’s latest book Religion in Human Evolution: From the Paleolithic to the Axial Age, published by Harvard University Press. The lecture is open to the public. 

LITURGY OF LAMENT & REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY FEBRUARY 26
Please join us for a Liturgy of Lament & Remembrance for loss through miscarriage, stillbirth, abortion, placing for adoption, failed adoption placement, or inability to conceive on Sunday 2/26 at 7:30pm in the Sanctuary. Everyone who has experienced these losses – both women and men – are invited to participate. Whether your loss is a recent hurt or something that has been with you for decades, this liturgy will provide a place and time to enter into memory, grieving, prayer and conversation with God, and hopefully a spirit of healing. 

ELDERCARE SPEAKER FEBRUARY 26
If you’re not already caring for an older loved one – a spouse, an aging parent or grandparent, a sibling, a friend – you like soon will be. With that in mind, our Pastoral Care Committee has invited Debra Johnson, a geriatric care manager serving San Francisco, Alameda, and Contra Costa Counties, to begin a conversation about the many challenges involved in eldercare. She will speak about where to find the most helpful local eldercare resources, offer practical advice, and take questions. Sunday, February 26, 12:00 noon in the Common Room at All Souls. Everyone invited.

WEDNESDAYS IN LENT: “WE CANNOT WALK ALONE”
How has racism affected our lives? Please join us as we share our stories and help each other determine how we as followers of Christ are called to walk the road to reconciliation. The series is led by the Rev. Dr. Horace Griffin, associate priest, and the Rev. Philip Brochard, rector. Each evening will begin with a simple soup supper at 6:30 pm in the Parish Hall followed by the program and discussion, concluding with Compline. February 29, March 7, 14, 21, and 28th.

CONSIDERING A FORMAL ASSOCIATION WITH THE CHURCH
You are invited to join the Catechumenate class facilitated by Betsy Dixon and Blair Rorabaugh this Lent and Eastertide. The class at All Souls is designed to give participants a safe, comfortable venue in which to consider more formal association with the Church through Baptism, Confirmation, Reception or Renewal of Baptismal Vows. Parishioners desiring a spiritual exercise during Lent without opting for one of the more traditional rites are also welcome. The eight to ten week course will begin on Sunday March 4. Classes will run Sunday evenings from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm in the Common Room at All Souls. The course will emphasize spiritual growth, and as tools we will use scripture, rites of the Book of Common Prayer, and other readings and activities. This class complements the “Intro to All Souls” class, in which Fr. Phil has discussed church history, the Anglican approach to scripture and authority, Episcopal polity, and the sacraments. Please contact the .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for more information.

SAVE THE DATE! LEADERSHIP IN COMMUNITY AT ALL SOULS MARCH 3
In August 2011 we held the first All Souls Leadership Day, which was reported to be a huge success by all participants. Look for participant reviews and reflections in upcoming issues of the Pathfinder. On March 3rd, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm, we will build on the conversations begun in August. This day is designed to develop, support and strengthen lay leadership at All Souls. Join us as we explore leadership in community, sharing tools, resources, and camaraderie. Anyone who actively and intentionally uses his or her gifts and time to further the ministry and mission of our Parish will benefit from the day.

SMALL GROUP EXTENDED DEADLINE
The ‘Stewardship of God’s Planet’ small group has postponed its start date to Monday evening March 19. The group will meet every other Monday evening 7:00 - 9:00 at the church. See Leslie Watson, or contact her at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) if you are interested in Scripture reflection and conversation on this topic. Group leaders are Leslie Watson and Jim Moloney.