The Pathfinder: May 15th, 2025
Together Met, Together Bound
Several weeks ago, in the sacristy right before our Maundy Thursday evening service of foot washing and Eucharist, I had an epiphany. The altar party (presider, preacher, assisting ministers, acolytes) was gathered, and we were just about to pray.
And as it looked around the circle, I realized that this circle of people, seemingly able to gather together forever, was soon to separate. There were only seven or eight of us there, but as I looked into the faces of Emily Hansen Curran and Harlowe Zefting and Michael Drell and Jonah Brochard I realized that soon, they would no longer be gathering in that space with us, to lead us and guide us.
These kind, gifted, loving, faithful people would soon be off on their next adventure–planting a new church in Oakland, getting ready to be ordained a priest in Washington DC, taking their first call in Walnut Creek, beginning college in Corvallis. And those adventures would bring them to incredible new places and possibilities that could not happen if they stayed in that sacristy of All Souls Parish.
So, at the risk of interrupting Emily B’s gathering prayer, I asked the group of us to look around and savor this moment. Because it was something that wouldn’t happen, in that way, again. For Emily Hansen Curran that last day at All Souls came on April 27th. For Harlowe and Michael, that last day with us will be this Sunday, May 18th.
One of the great gifts of All Souls Parish, Berkeley is that we stand astride swift currents. Because of the university a few blocks to our south, and for the past 100 years, an Episcopal seminary just to our east, scores of passionate, inspiring, wonderful people have been brought to the corner of Cedar and Spruce.
And as we gather people together from all over the country, even the world, learning from one another and loving one another, this sense of goodness and connection feels like it will last eternities. But in fact, it won’t. These are actually glimmering, wondrous moments that are to be savored until we are reunited by God’s call.
And that moment in the sacristy had me recall a similar moment full of conflicting emotions: my commencement from General Seminary 22 years ago. Archbishop Desmond Tutu had just delivered an electrifying address, we had received our diplomas, and the group of over two dozen of us who had prayed, and argued, and studied, and wept, and changed, and rejoiced together for three intense years was soon to be scattered to the four winds.
And somehow, the fullness of that moment was captured in song, through the words of Brian Wren, words that I have held onto ever since. Here are the last verses of the final hymn (304 in the Hymnal 1982) we sang through rolling tears in the Chapel of the Good Shepherd that day, words that I have trusted at partings like the one in our sacristy ever since.
And thus with joy we meet our Lord.
His presence, always near,
is in such friendship better known:
we see, and praise him here.
Together met, together bound,
we’ll go our different ways,
and as his people in the world,
we’ll live and speak his praise.
Peace,
– Phil+
Catechumenate Reflection
I named myself after doubt, and it was the truest choice I ever made. Let me explain. As a teen preparing for Catholic confirmation, I had a heart-to-heart with our priest where I admitted I couldn't honestly say I was fully on board with everything.
I denounced the devil, sure, but had plenty of doubts about the rest. Father Mike suggested I choose the name Thomas—as in "Doubting Thomas," who needed to touch Jesus's wounds to believe. I was never made to feel wrong for questioning, but I always sensed my doubts were expected to be a teenage phase that I'd eventually outgrow as my faith matured.
Fast forward through decades of life. Through the joy and chaos of raising children (talk about not having answers!), and later when I found myself at a spiritual crossroads with an unexpected cancer diagnosis, my questions only grew and became more profound. Gradually, I came to understand what my younger self couldn't yet grasp: faith isn't about having answers but about finding the strength to live meaningfully in the questions.
Perhaps that's why finding All Souls and joining the catechumenate class this past Lent has felt so much like coming full circle. Here, questions - and there were many! - didn't signal a lack of faith or a hole to be filled with more instruction or time. Instead, they were the results of genuine spiritual engagement and fully present minds and hearts.
Our group, a beautiful mosaic of people of different ages, races, faith backgrounds, and life experiences held space for one another and truly embodied what it means to say “we make church together.” Over the weeks, we listened to our stories, shared insights, and shed tears when someone's story touched a vulnerable place in our hearts. What made it even more special was being part of Emily Hansen Curran's final catechumenate class at All Souls. With her natural warmth, wisdom and wit she fostered an environment that felt safe to laugh and cry and where you knew your contributions mattered.
In my experience, it is these spaces of collective wondering and vulnerable sharing that form true and lasting connections. I've found a spiritual home at All Souls and as an added blessing, I am part of a vibrant community of fellow seekers. As I look forward to being “received” (whenever that day comes), I will continue to embrace the understanding that my faith isn't a destination to reach but a winding path best walked in good company.
– Kris Starr-Witort
Vestry Chaplain Reflection
Each month one of the Vestry chaplains offers a reflection to ground our Spirit-led communal work. Sometimes the chaplain reflects on the previous Sunday’s scripture, that day’s feast, or a poem.
This reflection (below) by Jesse Kadjo from our April meeting about the season of Easter was helpful for many members of the Vestry, so with Jesse’s permission we thought we’d also share it with the congregation.
I wanted to tailor today’s reflection to our Easter season. I’ve found myself thinking about it in earnest for the very first time this year. I have always loved Lent and I think because of my Catholic schooling, I have focused on that season the most in my religious life. I’m sure that sentiment applies to others. It’s a focus on what you can give up or improve; a lens that can be soured by our optimization obsessed society. It can focus on deprivation and withdrawal, from the world, from our physical selves and an emphasis on the spiritual self.
I think that after this Easter, I’m thinking of it a bit differently. Because of all of the services, it forced me to see Easter not just as one day. Not just as the culmination of Lent. Not just one day with two additional days before the BIG SHOW. But with 4 days this year to really stew, on it, it feels like something that continues on beyond last week. The true Easter season.
Easter is about Jesus’ resurrection, but ours as well, the one we choose every day in our actions and in our words. Despite the ongoing horrors of the world, the wars, the tumultuous nature of our government and the pain that our society continues to struggle through, I feel hopeful for the months ahead. The year does not yet need to be written off.
In that, I was called to the Book of Acts, specifically the Pentecost. An event where everyone can suddenly understand each other. An event that feels so impossible that the naysayers say the crowd is drunk. But then Peter speaks to the crowd and debunks that immediately (after all, it was only 9 AM). He reminds them this was all spoken through the prophet Joel. I want to share versus 19-20. It reads,
“And I will show portents in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and smoky mist. The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the coming of the Lord's great and glorious day.
It feels to me like we are in these times. The LA fires alone could have served as a backdrop to these words. But I hope as we reflect on the hard stuff, we also take in the good, the resurrection and get closer to a Pentecost where we better understand our neighbor and ourselves.
– Jesse Kadjo, one of the Vestry Chaplains
Triptych: A Sign of Ministry
Have you ever wondered how the chalkboard sign on Cedar (called the Triptych) gets updated? Are you eager for more neighborhood engagement?
Do you love All Souls sermons and want to tell folks what stood out to you? Do you want to be part of a ministry revitalization and renewed visioning process? We’re looking for folks to join the Triptych team and help manage the sign on Cedar!
Right now, the Triptych is basically a 1-woman ministry. Tonantzin Martinez-Borgfeldt has kept the sign updated weekly with insights from All Souls sermons and our schedule. We are seeking more support to make this a communal ministry, and welcoming folks into discussions about revitalizing our sign and the neighborhood engagement that it offers.
The Triptych needs a “refresh” each week: we add a quote or idea from the sermon, list service and class times, and solicit written prayers from passers-by. It takes 15-20 minutes after the service. With a larger team, each member would only do the refresh every few weeks. Seasonally, we change the banner, sharing messages of advocacy and love. The team would also be involved in visioning and revitalization conversations with our incoming Associate for Ministry, the Rev. Rachel Dykzeul. You could be a part of working out how this interactive sign can best connect All Souls with our neighborhood!
I have been helping Toni the last couple months, and updating the Triptych has become an enriching spiritual practice. I have started listening to sermons more deeply, paying attention to a central message or interesting quote to bring to our larger community. When refreshing the chalk, I read through the list of what our neighbors are praying for. Before erasing anything, I say brief prayers for each note (which have ranged from thanks for burritos to plead for safe housing).
If you are interested in joining our Triptych care team, or want to learn more, email Toni (tonimborg@gmail.com) or me (hzefting@ses.cdsp.edu).
– Harlowe+
Bahia Reflection
Although several weeks have passed since my return to Berkeley, I am still adrift on waves of impressions resulting from a volunteer trip to Brazil. Last month, at the invitation of a Brazilian community health and environmental organization, I traveled to Serra Grande, in Southern Bahia, to work on a variety of projects.
The young children and volunteers I met were memorably nice. The Brazilian volunteers were dedicated to their community and fiercely loyal to each other. The volunteering Americans from my undergraduate college, working under the auspices of the Yale Alumni Service Corps, came from the four corners of the United States and were united in their commitment to serving others.
The local non-profit was led by a South American, Paulo Sanjines Barreiro, who is an alumnus of the Yale School of Forestry (hence the Yale connection). This local non-profit seeks to enhance community life on the edge of the Atlantic Forest, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The leadership of the volunteer team assigned me to assist in classes with young children and high school students. Our team sought to support the local teachers in enhancing the students’ appreciation of their environment and in cultivating a sense of ownership of shared public spaces along the local river, Riacho Pancadinha. The Yale volunteers shared stories that testified to our commitments to preserving our very different ecologies of Northern forests, coastal California, the Texas hill country, and the DC swamps through community action.
The culture in this part of Brazil is Afro-Brazilian. The Portuguese brought 14 times more African slaves to this part of Brazil than arrived in Charleston, South Carolina, and slavery ended only in 1888. As a result, the community’s music and dance has strong African rhythms and life reflects the legacies of slavery and economic exploitation.
By the end of the week, the children had selected a name for the trail (Trilha Renascer do Pancadinha), via voting, and created signs for the key trees along the river. Other volunteers in our group removed garbage from the riverside and constructed a trail, including two bridges crossing a wetland and the river. The health and wellness team learned much. A volunteer doctor in our group told us that there is nation-wide access to health care and the people live in communities built around family, churches, and neighborhoods. No one is alone, people help each other when they are ill, and people are generally healthy.
To bring this reflection to a conclusion, the diversity of the environment and the people expanded my conception of the wonders of creation. Moreover, the local people, who were skeptical of outsiders, could not hide their innate kindness. When I was unsteady on a stream bank, there was always a local volunteer nearby to protect me from falling. Meeting the other Yale volunteers, who were uniformly engaged and engaging, reminded me of what is best in liberal arts education and that giving to others is its own reward.
Finally, there was an inspiring saying that the volunteers shared with each other to keep spirits up in the face of overwhelming needs in this area of Brazil, “If you don’t believe that a small thing can make a big difference, then you’ve never tried to sleep with a mosquito in the room.”
– Tim Sullivan
Worship in Beloved Community
In October 2017, I went on a personal retreat. Unlike my usual practice of long walks and quiet reflective time to listen for the still, small voice of God, I spent this retreat working through a stack of books about race and racism.
One of those books was America’s Original Sin: Racism, White Privilege, and the Bridge to a New America, by Jim Wallis, a pastor and activist who is the founder of Sojourners, an organization whose mission is to put faith into action for social justice.
One chapter of Wallis’s book is devoted to the church. Citing Martin Luther King Jr.’s observation that “eleven o’clock on Sunday morning is the most segregated hour in Christian America,” Wallis goes on to describe efforts at building multiracial churches, using the image of “beloved community” in contrast to segregated churches. Reading Wallis’s book, I learned about the Church for the Fellowship of All Peoples, an intentionally interracial church founded by Howard Thurman in San Francisco in 1944.
I began to wonder about the Episcopal Church, knowing it to be a predominantly white denomination. Do we have multiracial congregations? What might be distinctive about worship in those churches?
My curiosity lingered after that retreat, and I began to imagine how I as a liturgical scholar might study worship in multiracial congregations. Eventually, I developed a research project that I’ve called “Worship in the Beloved Community.” In this research, I’ve visited six congregations to worship with them and to interview clergy, musicians, and several members. My first visits were in 2019, before the pandemic, and I returned to each congregation in 2024.
In the adult formation class over the next two Sundays (May 18 and May 25), I’ll offer more background about multiracial churches, explore biblical foundations for multiracial congregations, introduce some dynamics of cultural difference, present initial findings from my research, and discuss the significance of this work for All Souls. I still have a lot to learn, and I’m eager to hear your responses and insights.
My research has resulted in an invitation to be a panelist at an upcoming conference at Berkeley School of Theology on Friday, June 6. The conference, “DEI Matters,” will focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion in principle, in pastoral practice, and in public practice. I’m looking forward to learning from this conference, and I invite you to attend. You can learn more and register here.
I’m grateful to be doing this work as a member of All Souls, which continues to shape my commitments to racial equity, healing, and justice. I hope to see many of you at the adult formation class and/ or the conference.
– The Rev. Dr. Ruth Meyers
Pallets: flat wooden structures that heavy goods are put onto so that they can be moved using a fork-lift truck
Are you wondering what those two huge tarped shapes on pallets are in the courtyard? The elevator has arrived! Yes, it has arrived, some assembly required. Installation is still a few months out, it needs power from PG&E and that should happen in July. Having the equipment onsite moves us closer, take heart!
WCI has paused in their onsite work, they have done what they can without additional power. There are other projects being done by outside vendors, so we will still have a busy time.
Stay tuned for updates on work as it progresses!
Just a reminder, if you have not fulfilled your Living Waters pledge, now is a fantastic time to do so. Our target end date is May 31.
As spaces become available for use, please remember that 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.
– Ann Myers on behalf of the Property Committee
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 Classes 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.
12 N, Legacies at All Souls in the Chapel and Realm Help in the Common Room.
7 PM, Youth Group - High School Small Group
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
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
We are 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
Legacies at All Souls on Sunday, May 18th
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.
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 18th - High School small group
Coming up!
May 25th - No Youth Group (Memorial Day)
To see our calendar for the rest of our program year, click 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) 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).
Are you missing me?
Are you looking for your favorite coat, sweater, jacket, or sweatshirt and can’t find it anywhere? It might be at All Souls! Check out the lost and found in the Narthex (see a sampling of the items below). We would love to be able to reunite these pieces with their people. If they aren’t claimed after a few weeks, we will donate them to a good home.
