The Pathfinder: February 22, 2024
Where Change Takes Place
“Do you feel different?”
This is a question I’ve heard many times in the week since my priestly ordination. I’ve asked it of myself (Do I feel different?) as I’ve tried to grasp and honor the significance of this long-awaited event.
I’ll confess: I don’t fully know the answer.
On one level, I’d say yes. A profound change happened in the ordination ceremony. The self who walked out of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral last Friday is different, somehow, than the self who walked in. In the presence of many witnesses, I repeated the vows of obedience, study, ministry of the Word, prayer life, and more. I put into words the calling that has been forming inside me for years. And I knelt before the Bishop, who placed her hand on my head and spoke the words of ordination, as a company of clergy gathered round and laid hands on me, too. The moment was both gentle and powerful—deeply spiritual, and deeply embodied. It reminded me of singing in a choir—how an individual voice mingles with the soundwaves of other voices, and the whole you create together is greater than all of you, greater than the sum of its parts. I felt a palpable energy flowing in and through me, marking the moment sacred, transformative, and utterly new.
But on another level, the question, “Do I feel different?” doesn’t feel quite like the right one to be asking. The question suggests that I, the ordinand, am the locus of attention, the focal point where we should look to see if a change has taken place. And the question places a lot of importance on the event of ordination, implying a distinct “before” and “after” rather than a continuous, gradual arc of change.
In my experience, ordination is collective, not just individual. It’s a process, not just a one-time event (as important as that one event may be). Asking, “Do I feel different?” is telling just one part of the story, leaving out important nuance and context. I would add other, equally vital questions, like these:
Do you, the congregation I serve, see me differently after ordination?
Do you sense in me a new energy or confidence, a new capacity to fulfill the roles our community needs?
Some change has happened already, yes—but what change is still coming?
How will we evolve together as I step into this next phase of my call?
If there’s one thing I’ve found to be true in my journey of discernment and ministry, it’s this. Formation happens in and through community. Far before I was named a priest last Friday, you all have been forming me into the priest I am and will be.
In the last six months, you—the people of All Souls—have expanded my understanding of ministry, liturgy, and sacrament in more ways than I can describe. I’ve learned that worship isn’t just separate elements (hymns, prayers, and rituals) strung together. Worship is a cohesive whole, a unified story, more than the sum of its parts. You’ve modeled courage and vulnerability, bringing your needs and questions to our shared space, willing to be transformed. You’ve shown me how important it is to examine every statement, act, and passage from Scripture with honesty and integrity, asking, “What does this mean in our own lives? How does it help us act justly and live in love?” And you’ve entrusted me to lead the rituals of grief, joy, hope, and celebration that mark our collective and individual thresholds in life.
So, yes, profound change has happened because of my ordination. But it’s been collaborative, gradual, and ever-evolving. I hope that I will continue to “feel different,” in some small way, every time I bless or preach or preside.
Which brings me to this Sunday. In just a few days, I’ll preside for the first time at our table. I’ve had years (and an extra unexpected month!) to think about what that ritual means to me.
I believe, as our Episcopal tradition teaches, that the Eucharist is a collective experience. We all participate in the process of Thanksgiving; there’s no single, consecratory action performed solely by a priest. And we believe that something happens among us during the celebration of the Eucharist. The bread and wine are not literally transfigured into Christ’s blood and body, but neither do they merely “stand for” something. Through the prayer of consecration, the bread and wine become the outward signs of an inner reality. Christ’s presence moves among and within us. Even as we participate in a centuries-old ritual, each Eucharist we share here, today, is in some way unique and new.
So on Sunday, I’ll bring the full weight of the change that has happened in me as an individual. I’ll bring the energy that moved through me in the Cathedral, and the energy of all who gathered there. I’ll also bring the memory and knowledge of all that I’ve learned by observing, participating, and walking alongside you. I’ll carry gratitude for all of the moments that are coming, the gifts that have opened up before us as a result of this call.
I invite you to bring your full self—past, present, and future—to the altar. All of us, at any time, can change and be changed.
With gratitude and love,
– Emily+
Notes from the Vestry: February Meeting
At the Annual Meeting in January, we elected five new Vestry members: Laura Altieri, Bob Cross, Cathy Goshorn, Erin Horn and Jenny Kern. They join Sarah Kern (repeating as Senior Warden), Nathan Bostrom and Jill Anderson (2025 class), and Michael Lewis, Ryan Roesel-Green, Grace Telcs and Mark Wilson (2026 class).
The newly constituted Vestry met on retreat Friday-Saturday February 2-3 at St. Clement’s Parish, Berkeley. The focus was on setting goals for 2024, and working together in small groups and as a body to learn about each other and gain experience in functioning in community. Primary goals are to develop initiatives in Kinship and Gathering (especially newcomers), and implementing Living Waters projects.
On Sunday, February 4, the Vestry convened for its initial meeting. We determined that Jenny Kern (with her consent) would serve out a one-year term; the other four new members will serve three-year terms. We next engaged in discernment and discussion to choose the Junior Warden (aka the “People’s Warden”), calling Grace Telcs to serve in that position. Grace will be liaison to the Property Committee and also interact with the Finance Committee. We then selected three members to serve as Chaplains to the Vestry: Jill Anderson, Nate Bostrom and Jenny Kern.
The Rector reported on the status of Heart’s Leap preschool, which is faced with temporary relocation during the Living Waters project construction. Various issues need to be resolved and the Vestry is committed to support Heart’s Leap in that process and to welcome them back when construction is completed. The Vestry authorized the expenditure of up to $4,000 to remediate flooding to the preschool space that occurred during recent storms.
– Bob Cross
Let the Children Come
Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’ - Matthew 19:14
If you’ve attended the 10:30 service over the last few weeks, you’ve likely noticed some new faces taking part in our worship: kids!
As our Children’s Ministry program continues to grow, we’re seeking ways to involve children more centrally in our shared worship life. The Godly Play curriculum (which we now offer for all ages) emphasizes that children have inherent spiritual wisdom, curiosity, and connection to the sacred. The role of a church community is to equip kids with resources– story, symbol, and ritual– to help them express that wisdom and carry it forward in their lives. Part of this learning happens downstairs in the Godly Play classrooms, through “storytelling,” “wondering,” and “work.” And part of the lesson extends outward, as the children rejoin the sanctuary for the Eucharist to witness everyone– even grownups!– celebrate the mystery of our faith.
In Godly Play, kids learn by exploring and doing. We want to extend that hands-on learning beyond the classroom by inviting kids to take part in these ways:
They’ll help hand out Newcomer packets during the Announcements. (Because let’s face it: who doesn’t want to raise their hand for an adorable, excited child?)
They’ll help carry the elements (the bread and the wine) forward during the Offertory.
Older kids may help pass the offering plates.
And, kids will carry up the basket of food offerings and the offering plates prior to the Eucharist.
Practically speaking– each Sunday morning, our Sunday School teachers and ushers will work to identify kids who want to take part. The process is organic and unfolding. No need to sign up in advance, and all are welcome to try on any role.
We hope that these tasks will help children understand why it’s important to come to church each week. We want kids to know that they are integral participants in worship, not merely observers. We value their presence, and they bring something to our community that no one else can provide.
Finally, we’re always looking for new and creative ways to involve children in our liturgy (you may recall how children took part in question-asking and wreath-lighting during Advent). If you have other ideas or suggestions, we’d welcome your input.
In the meantime, I hope that you’ll join me in welcoming and celebrating these newest members of our worship team!
Thanks,
– Emily+
Announcements & Events
Happening This Week
Worship This Sunday
8:00am, Holy 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. Password: 520218.
Reading Between the Lines Bible Study, Sunday @ 7:00a. Click here to join by Zoom, or join them in-person in the Common Room.
Youth Group is happening this Sunday, Feb 25th, 7-8:30p in the Parish Hall.
Adult Formation
Is THIS Anglican Music? with Dr. Anne Yardley
Just as the Book of Common Prayer has changed and adapted, so too has the musical repertoire in churches of the Anglican Communion grown. In this three-part class we will look at the development of English hymnody and choral music and the subsequent movement of that repertoire around the globe as the Anglican church expanded. We will then try to answer the question “what is Anglican music?” Parish Hall, 9:15a (February 25, March 3 &10)
Book Club: The Confessions by St. Augustine with Jack Shoemaker
Saint Augustine’s Confessions, written in the fourth century, is among the first autobiographies ever composed. It has been extraordinarily influential, and yet it may now be one of the least read of the Christian classics. Whether this is your first time reading it or your tenth, you are invited to join in lively discussion with small reading group. Please read any translation you like — we’ll share and compare. Three sessions: Week 1 chapters 1-6; Week 2 chapters 7-10; Week 3 chapters 11-13. Common Room, 9:15a (February 25, March 3, 10)
Lenten Soup & Story
Soup + Story is just as it sounds; for the first five weeks of Lent, we’ll gather in each others’ homes around soup and conversation. Groups meet all over the East Bay on different nights of the week. Groups began last week, but it’s not too late to join. Reach out to Emily Hansen Curran for more information.
Children & Family
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 for children from pre-K through 5th grade. Children head downstairs at the start of the service, then return after the “Peace.” See an usher if you need directions.
All ages attend a shared Godly Play “Storytime.” Then, our youngest kids (pre-K to 1st grade) remain in the Godly Play classroom for “wondering” and “work” time, while our older kids (grades 2-5) split off for deeper investigation and exploration.
Note to Parents: We encourage all kids to return to the sanctuary after Sunday School and save outdoor playground time for later. In the Godly Play curriculum, we view the Eucharist as an important extension of Sunday School; the sacred space that we create downstairs continues and expands as we join the whole congregation upstairs. We appreciate your help reinforcing this norm!
Read more about our Sunday School program here.
Youth Program - Youth Group happens weekly on Sundays from 7-8:30 in the Parish Hall. 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.
Godly Play & Faith Explorers Teachers We are actively seeking teachers and/or alternates to add to our Sunday School team for all ages. If you are interested, please reach out to Emily B. (All teachers will go through SAFE Church training and background checks).
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.
Needs of the Community
Request for Assistance Teresa Vosper, a member of of our community, is seeking temporary emergency housing due to a health crisis. She is also seeking a cat-sitter so that she can travel in the wake of a family member’s death. If you can provide housing, or if you are interested in cat-sitting, please email Teresa: tlvosper@gmail.com.
Everything Else
Monthly Drop-in Writers’ Workshop
Meets this Sunday, February 25th, at 12:30 in the Jordan Court Community Room.
Please join us as we look at how we came to be here at All Souls, where we were born, who are people are, what we’ve reacted for or against in various systems of belief, all the various roads we’ve traveled in trying to find ourselves a spiritual home.
The drop-in workshop is an affinity group open to writers at all levels of experience.
More info? Text Jane Vandenburgh 510-384-1173
AI for Writers Workshop
Curious about the impact of artificial intelligence on writing and spirituality? Join our hands-on AI for Writers Workshop in the Community Room at Jordan Court, Sunday, March 10, 2024, 12:30-2:30 pm.
Open to the spiritual autobiography writing group members, to the broader church and Jordan Court communities, this session dives into AI with a focus on Large Language Models like ChatGPT. And yes, we’ll define what a “Large Language Model” actually is!
Bring your devices to explore AI tools practically, addressing topics from environmental concerns to data privacy. Tailored discussions and activities await, based on your pre-submitted questions and interests.
More info? Contact Raymond Yee (raymond.yee@gmail.com) for details. Let's explore the creative and ethical dimensions of AI together.
