The Pathfinder: May 8th, 2025
Listening for a New Call
One of the primary tasks of a Christian community is to listen, to listen for the still, small voice of God in a world that feels increasingly full of distraction and volatility.
And one of the more visible ways this listening has happened at All Souls over the years is when we search for new leadership on our staff. For well over 15 years, when searching for new leaders to join us, I’ve invited members of the All Souls community who are closest to the area of ministry from which we are looking for leadership to listen. When they come together to form a search team they listen for the needs of our community within All Souls and more broadly, create a job description and posting, and invite people to discern with us. All along the way they pay attention for the subtle, and sometimes insistent pulls of the Spirit.
This process has unfolded over the last several months as we have prepared for Emily Hansen Curran’s departure to plant St. Lucy‘s Episcopal Church. In the midst of the planning and celebration and tears, our search team––Cathy Goshorn and Dan Hardy (chairs), Brian Beachler, Sarah Crawford, Annie Hayes, Erin Horne, Deirdre Nurre, Toni Martinez-Borgfeldt––have been hard at work, listening intently for God‘s voice through the 23 initial candidates, one another, and themselves.
The week before Holy Week, the search team forwarded three qualified, faith-filled, and engaging candidates. In my interviews with those three finalists, I was deeply impressed with their skills, gifts, and visions for this role at All Souls. As the search team and candidates had listened over months, I listened deeply through the course of those conversations. And I heard what I believe is a call from God for our next chapter at All Souls Parish.
It is with joy and anticipation that I share the news that the Rev. Rachel Dykzeul has accepted a call to serve as our new Associate for Welcome and Kinship. Rachel will join us in June following her ordination to the priesthood on Saturday, June 7th at 3pm in Grace Cathedral.
I am looking forward to how we will be shaped by the depth and breadth of her Christian practice and leadership, the clarity of her words, and her warm and grounded spirit. And, most of all, how she will help us listen, together.
Peace,
– Phil+
And now, a few words about Rachel, more to come in a few short weeks!
The Rev. Rachel Dykzeul, born and raised in the East Bay, holds a Master of Divinity from San Francisco Theological Seminary and a Certificate in Anglican Studies from Church Divinity School of the Pacific. Before being called to All Souls Parish, Rachel served as a seminarian at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Oakland. Rachel's hobbies include hiking, reading, and spending time in her garden. Rachel lives in the East Bay with her husband, Theo, and their four children: Zora (6), Langston (4), Ezra (2), and Desmond (0).
Introducing Friends of All Souls: A New Invitation to Legacy Giving
At All Souls, we trust something simple but powerful: some of us plant, some of us water, we all tend—but it’s God who gives the growth.
With that trust in mind, we’re thinking about planting for the future. No matter what seasons may come, we–like faithful others who have gone before us–have the chance to help nurture and sustain this community we love—for those here now, and for those yet to arrive.
We’re delighted to introduce Friends of All Souls – a heartfelt new way to support the long-term life of our beloved church through legacy giving. This is an open invitation to consider including All Souls in your estate plans, helping ensure our parish continues to be a place of welcome, faith, and spiritual growth for generations to come.
Last fall nine households let us know - just by checking a box on the pledge form - they had already included All Souls in their estate planning. Since then, our Friends of All Souls team – Bonnie Bishop, Marilyn Flood, Sarah Kern, Richard Lynch and the Rev. Phil Brochard– had the joy of connecting with each of them to offer our thanks and to learn more about what inspired their gift. Their stories moved us deeply - each one unique, thoughtful and filled with love for this community.
We know there are likely others who’ve already made similar plans. If you have made All Souls a direct beneficiary of a gift, large or small, in your estate plan, we would be truly grateful to hear from you. We’d love to be able to thank you personally and to invite you to our first annual Friends of All Souls luncheon on Saturday, May 31.
We are looking forward to hosting a joyful afternoon of good food, warm conversation, and deep gratitude for those who have made a lasting commitment to All Souls through legacy giving. Save the Date notices have gone out to the nine households we have heard from and formal invitations have been mailed. We would love to add others to the guest list.
If you’ve made a direct legacy gift and haven’t received an invitation, please reach out to any member of the team, we’d be delighted to save you a seat.
If you are curious to learn more about supporting legacies at All Souls community, Friends of All Souls is also hosting an informal conversation called Legacies at All Souls on Sunday, May 18, after the 10:30 service in the Chapel.
Everyone is warmly invited to this informal session, where we’ll take a look at the journey of All Souls—the vision that has guided us, the gifts that helped build the church we cherish today, and the legacies we hope to leave behind. We'll also share practical ways to make legacy giving part of your own story of faith and stewardship.
Whether you’re just curious or already considering a legacy gift, we’d love for you to join us. Light refreshments will be served, and there’s no pressure—just an open space to listen, learn, and connect. Please RSVP here.
Legacy giving has quietly shaped All Souls since its earliest days. Through Friends of All Souls, we’re lifting up this vital tradition and weaving it into our ongoing conversation about how we steward God’s gifts with care, joy, and intention. We look forward to continuing this conversation together.
With gratitude,
– Friends of All Souls
April Vestry Update
On April 30, the Vestry held our April meeting, kicked off with a reflection read by Jesse Kadjo. The Vestry discussed the financial reports and approved our consent agenda.
Phil+ and Cathy Goshorn updated us on the call for a new Associate for Welcome and Kinship, including progress in conducting interviews and we hope to have news soon.
Phil+ voiced over the seismic report that the Parish received, focusing attention on the recommended roofing improvements. The Vestry approved the proposed roofing contract and asked the property committee to obtain at least one additional estimate for the remaining recommended seismic work.
Patrick Tahara gave the update on the Living Waters campaign, particularly asking Vestry for their approval on the expenditure of the remaining funds toward the stretch goals. The Vestry discussed the goals and approved the proposed added projects to the Living Waters Campaign.
As mentioned last month, Matt Wolka shared an opportunity that has come to the Parish to acquire an extension to our organ at a significant discount. The Vestry discussed and voted to approve the purchase contract for the parts and installation.
Molly Nicol and Emily Boring updated the Vestry on the Children and Youth programs. This year, the Youth program was split into all-grades and high school small group programs on roughly alternating weeks, with Lizzie and Tommy Belgum leading the high school small group. Emily Boring shared the need for adult leadership next year and support for the June retreat, where 13 high schoolers are planning on coming, and in the following school year.
We ended with a closing prayer during which we offered up our hopes and our gratitude for the collective efforts of all involved.
– Laura Altieri
Sacristy - a room in a church where a priest prepares for a service, and where vestments and other things used in worship are kept.
Thanks to wise spending, capital interest on paid LW pledges and some new pledges, we are able to tackle some unbudgeted wish list items. The sacristy is one of them! Many of you have not been in these rooms behind the altar where clergy vestments are kept, clergy robe before services, the sacristans set up all the items for the service like chalices, pitchers, bread, candles and flowers. It is an integral part of the church and hasn’t been touched since the mid-50’s! Plans include a new sink, faucet, lighting, re-stained cabinets and new counters. An overall paint job will complete the update. There are also plans for the replacement of the smaller parish hall windows, landscaping, fixing the awning outside the Parish Hall, refreshing the foyer bathroom, adding some additional kitchen storage and a griddle, and installing some new AV equipment for the Common Room. It is very exciting to be able to fund these additional items.
Stay tuned for updates on work as it progresses!
More and more spaces are becoming available for use, however, work and organization are still in progress! If you have questions, comments or concerns about what you see, please contact Ann Myers @ annclairemyers@gmail.com for clarification. Thanks.
– Ann Myers on behalf of the Property Committee
Join Our New Member Class!
Are you a newcomer to All Souls? Have you been hoping to learn more about what it means to be a participant in the life and community of the church?
All are welcome to join our Newcomer and New Member Class! This class, typically taught twice per year, is a chance to go deep with a cohort of people who are also exploring All Souls and their relationship to faith. We’ll spend the four weeks diving into key topics: how we learn and serve together at All Souls, our common worship practices, how we experience God, and more. At the end of the class, those interested in becoming a member of All Souls have an opportunity to do so in a New Member ceremony.
The class meets four Sundays in a row: May 11th, 18th, 24th, and June 1st. It will be co-taught by the Rev. Emily B and the Rev. Phil Brochard. We’ll meet in the downstairs Common Room during the 9:15-10:15 teaching hour. No need to RSVP– just join us! We hope to see you there.
Thanks,
– Emily B+
The Stations of the Resurrection
I recently heard someone ask one of our beloved All Souls theologians, “Did you have a nice Easter?” and then she replied, “It was awesome, but it isn’t over yet!”
We sometimes think of the Lenten season as forty days of preparation and observance, while Easter is seen as a one-off event. Actually, in the liturgical calendar, the Easter season lasts 50 days. It follows, with profound amazement, the impact of Jesus’ resurrection and appearance on the disciples, beginning with Mary Magdalene meeting Jesus in the garden, down the road to Emmaus, meeting with his friends and especially Thomas, having breakfast at the Sea of Tiberias, forgiving Peter, commissioning his disciples on the mountain, and ending with Pentecost.
It is a journey for each of us to ponder and honor the disciples as they grew from a broken ragtag group of men and women to become the visionary founders of the Church.
As we remember the recent passing of Pope Francis, we reflect on his words: “It is precisely in contemplating Jesus’ death that faith grows stronger and receives a dazzling light; then it is revealed as faith in Christ’s steadfast love for us, a love capable of embracing death to bring us salvation.”
You are invited to take a contemplative walk along the columns in our church during the next several weeks, and prayerfully consider each station of the resurrection.
“For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his…But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him…So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.” Romans 6:5,8,11
– Diane Haavik, on behalf of the Art at All Souls Team
Announcements & Events
Happening This Week
SUNDAY
7:00 AM, Reading Between the Lines Bible Study, either in person in the Common Room or Click here to join by Zoom.
8:00 AM, Holy Eucharist in the Chapel. Please access the Chapel through the copper doors on Cedar St.
9:15 AM, Adult Formation Class in the Parish Hall and Common Room.
10:30 AM, Sung Eucharist in the Nave. Join us via livestream here. Sunday School in the classroom downstairs. Coffee hour after the service.
MONDAY
7:00 PM, Reading Between the Lines Bible Study, either in person in the Common Room or Click here to join by Zoom.
WEDNESDAY
9:00 AM, Eucharist in the Nave.
Learn with Us
ADULT FORMATION
Love Thy Neighborhood: Allyship and Faith in Action
The Racial Justice Committee invites you to this workshop which will explore the critical role of allyship in working for racial justice. Grounded in Christian teachings and our baptismal covenant, we will discuss practical ways to be allies in our communities and examine how faith informs our actions. Classes meet at 9:15 in the Parish Hall on the following Sundays: April 27, May 4, 11
New Member Class
Wondering how to learn more about All Souls and connect with this community? Join Emily+ and Phil+ to learn more. Classes will meet in the Common Room at 9:15AM on the following Sundays: May 11, 18, 25, June 1.
Worship in the Beloved Community
Join the Rev. Dr. Ruth Meyers for this two part series starting May 18th.
It’s been said that Sunday morning is the most segregated hour of the week in the United States, that is, most churches have very little racial diversity. Believing that learning to worship in multiracial communities is a key aspect of building the beloved community, I set out to learn about the experience of racially diverse congregations in the Episcopal Church. In this series, we’ll learn about worship patterns and practices in these congregations, and consider what All Souls might learn from these congregations. Classes meet at 9:15 in the Parish Hall on May 18 and 25.
Monday Night Bible Study Starts May 12th
We will be offering an additional Reading Between the Lines bible study at 7pm on Monday evenings in the Common Room (click here to join via zoom). We will study and discuss the liturgy for the following week. If you would like to join, simply drop by on Monday night! If you have questions, email Emily M. (emilykmcdonald5@gmail.com). All are welcome!
Summer Reading Groups Are Coming- Order your books now!
Adult Formation is sponsoring three reading groups this summer. More details will follow but we wanted to give you a heads up so that you can order books or get them at the library!
Ruth Meyers and Bonnie Bishop will lead a discussion on Bishop Budde's book How We Learn to be Brave on June 15, 22, 29
Jack Shoemaker will lead a discussion of Elaine Pagels Revelations: Visions, Prophecies, and Politics in the Book of Revelations and the group will also read the biblical book. on July 13, 20, 27
Jane Vandenburgh and Mark Richardson will lead a discussion of Patrick Bringley's book All the Beauty in the World: The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Me on August 3, 10 and 17
Gather with Us
Young Adults Summer BBQ is Monday, May 12th
Join us next Monday, May 12th, from 6:30-8:30 at the Belgum's house for BBQ and tasty treats! Please bring something to share and e-mail Tommy Belgum (tommylbelgum@gmail.com) to RSVP. Folks in their 20s and 30s are welcome!
Save the Date! The Parish Picnic is Sunday, June 1st!
We hope you will join us at the Padre picnic grounds in Tilden Park. More details to follow.
Worship with Us
CHILDREN & FAMILY
Sunday School (for kids pre-K through 5th grade) happens every week during the 10:30 service. Starting March 16th, we’re trying out a new way to begin our time together! Children will begin the service in the nave with their families (rather than going straight down to the classroom before the service). They’ll stay through the opening hymn and procession. Then, during the “Song of Praise” (about 5 min into the service), the kids will see a teacher holding a big wooden cross coming down the aisle. They’ll “follow the leader” as a group downstairs to the classroom. We hope that this change will help kids feel more involved with the congregation at the start of the service, and it will create an intentional transition into the start of class. Children will still return to church at the “Peace.”
Come join other All Soulsian families and kids in the courtyard after church. Please be mindful of fencing around the perimeter.
To sign up for our Children and Family newsletter, please email Emily B.
YOUTH PROGRAM
Youth Group (for grades 6-12) happens on Sundays from 7-8:30pm. Generally, we alternate between an all-grades gathering, and a high school small group (~once a month).
This Sunday, May 11th - No Youth Group (Mother’s Day)
Coming up!
May 18th - High School small group
May 25th - No Youth Group (Memorial Day)
We’re excited to share the calendar for the rest of our program year. Download our April/May/June calendar here.
Serve with Us
FOOD BANK collection is active. 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, e-mail Cathy G. (ogoshca@yahoo.com).
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, email Sarah (sarahoneto@gmail.com).
OPEN DOOR DINNER (ODD) will be happening TODAY, May 11th. ODD consists of a group of All Soulsians and friends that make a warm jambalaya meal for anyone who is hungry on the second Sunday of the month. This is a meaningful way to connect with other volunteers while serving the community. If you are interested in joining this team, email Jennifer A. (akiyama.jennifer@gmail.com)
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. With the colder weather, they are especially seeking donations of the following items:
General hygiene products (toothbrushes/toothpaste, deodorant, soap, etc.)
Clothes/cold weather gear
Bottled water
Please bring these donations to the red bin in the Narthex. Email Beth Christensen (beth.christensen) for donation and other direct volunteer opportunities with USMO.
Everything else…
Prayer List
To request someone’s name be added to the All Souls Parish prayer list, you can either send an e-mail to Diana (diana@allsoulsparish.org) or use this form on our website. Names will be read aloud during our 8am and 10:30am services for four Sundays. Please note: names will be removed after one month. If you’d like someone to remain on the prayer list for a longer period of time, contact Diana to make a request for an additional four weeks (or longer, if needed).
