The Pathfinder: June 19th, 2025
The Healing Work of Repair
Sometimes in life you are led by the Spirit to places that you didn’t realize you were meant to be. For me this week, that was far below ground, in the crypt of the Diocesan House of the Episcopal Diocese of New York, on the close of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City.
I went there looking for information on the General Convention of 1913, held on the Cathedral grounds. What I ended up holding in my hands was the sermon that the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. preached there on May 17th, 1965. As in, the pages that still bear the pencil marks of his edits.
It was the second time that Dr. King preached at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. The first time was in 1956, on the second anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision, Brown v. Board of Education. (the Dean of the Cathedral at the time was the Rev. James Pike, later Bishop of the Diocese of California) Dr. King then returned to the Cathedral in 1965 for the 11th anniversary of that landmark decision.
In Dr. King’s sermon from May 17th, 1965, he imagines a letter from Paul of Tarsus to American Christians in 1965. In that imagined letter he marvels at the technological progress that has resulted in space travel and skyscrapers and submarines, but then offers this, “all of this is marvelous America, but as I look at you from afar, I am wondering whether you have not allowed your scientific progress to outdistance your moral progress…in so many instances you have allowed the means by what you live to outdistance the ends for which you live. You have allowed your civilization to outrun your culture. You have allowed your technology to outdistance your theology. You have allowed your mentality to outrun your morality.”
As I held this sermon in my hands these 60 years later, on the eve of the celebration of Juneteenth, I found myself considering one of Dr. King’s familiar themes. And wondering how long the arc of the universe must stretch before it bends towards justice.
After all, today we celebrate Juneteenth, a day that, as Erin Stewart Mauldin, Professor of Southern History at University of South Florida, St. Petersburg reflects, “is neither the beginning nor the end of something. The end of the Civil War and the ending of slavery didn’t happen overnight and was a lot more like a jagged edge than a clean cut.”
More like a jagged edge than a clean cut. That feels real. Today we celebrate the day when Union soldiers finally made it to Galveston, Texas and read aloud what had been proclaimed two years prior and accepted at Appomattax two months earlier, that, “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.”
If only the stain of slavery and the idolatry of white supremacy were able to be repaired and healed with the words of a proclamation or of a Supreme Court decision. In fact, this work of repair and healing has been the spiritual and practical work of every generation of Americans, and of American Christians, ever since the colonial projects began.
In his sermon from 1965, Dr. King makes this plain, in words that ring out clearly to our own day, “May I say to you that somehow and in some way, you must stand up amid injustice with all of your might, with all the power of your soul and all the force of your soul and body, yet not stoop to hate in the process. Let no man pull you so low as to hate him. You will realize that as you struggle, you are struggling to free the soul of your nation.”
The struggle to free the soul of this nation, the work of reparation and healing and reconstruction, has taken different forms over the generations, but it is work that remains for us to this day. And it is work that we at All Souls Parish are taking part in and will be giving ourselves towards.
After riffing off on Paul’s teaching about love to the Corinthians, and the power of love over hate, Dr. King ends his sermon with words that resonate truly for this day,
“This is the letter and now comes the living of it.”
Peace,
– Phil+
Mini Reading Group: Disability Theology
“Our goal should not be to erase limitations but to understand them as part of what it means to be human.” —Debbie Creamer, Disability and Christian Theology: Embodied Limits and Constructive Possibilities
“Disability does not limit the Spirit. Rather, the Spirit is poured out upon all flesh—including disabled flesh.” — Amos Young, The Bible, Disability, and the Church
“For me, the Eucharist is a meal of the disabled God, who sustains us not by erasing our impairments but by welcoming our full humanity.” – Nancy Eiseland, The Disabled God: Toward a Liberatory Theology of Disability
These quotes are a small sample of some of the foundational voices in the area of disability theology. Disability theology is a growing, dynamic field that invites us to view people of all abilities as full participants in the image of God and the life of the church. It challenges us to rethink Scripture, worship, and community through the lens of inclusion, justice, and the diverse ways that God's presence is revealed in every body. Now more than ever, these themes feel relevant and crucial in our communal life at church and beyond.
We (Erin Horne and Emily B) would like to invite the community of All Souls into experiences of learning, discussion, reading, and listening on this important topic. Many of you joined our screening of the documentary “Crip Camp” earlier this year, co-facilitated by Erin Horne and Jenny Kern– thank you! We envision an ongoing series of reading groups and/or events on disability theology in the coming months.
To that end, we are offering a mini Bible-study-style discussion group as part of our summer reading series. On Sunday, July 6th, join us during the 9:15 teaching hour as we examine classic narratives of disability in Scripture. We’ll discuss passages such as John 9:1-12 (Jesus heals a blind man), Mark 2:1-13 (Jesus heals a paralytic), and Luke 8:43-38 (Jesus heals a hemorrhaging woman).
Here are some of the questions we might explore together:
How do we distinguish between metaphorical uses of disability and lived experiences?
What does it mean to be whole or healed in a Christian context?
What does true accessibility look like—not just physical, but theological and relational?
What new insights emerge when the Bible is read from a disability standpoint?
No preparation needed; we’ll read the passages aloud together. Please bring your questions and curiosity! We hope to see you on July 6th in the Common Room at 9:15.
Thanks,
– Emily B+ and Erin Horne
Big Sur All Parish Camping Trip
July 18th-20th
Join the All Souls community for a relaxed weekend of fellowship and fun! The Santa Lucia Chapel and Campground, a mission of All Saints Parish in Carmel, is a private and secluded campground in the gorgeous Big Sur area.
It’s a sweet spot that sits right on the Big Sur River, and is right next door to the Big Sur River Inn and restaurant. There’s a spot to float down the river and a little swimming hole, and family-friendly beach, complete with a rock to jump from.
The campground has running water and toilets (but no showers), picnic tables, a group barbecue area, and a large campfire circle. A communal dinner will be prepared for all on Saturday night, but otherwise meals are individual responsibility. The weekend will be framed with Evening and Morning prayer, and an informal Sunday Eucharist in the outdoor chapel.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns and Andrew Molera are both beautiful state beaches within driving distance for those who want to venture out. In general, this weekend is a time to relax, play in the river and on the beach, and for the kids to roll in the dirt!
The campground is reserved from 2:00 pm on Friday through 11:00am on Sunday.
To register, click here or you can use the physical sign-up sheet in the narthex. (The link will prompt you to sign in to Realm. If you need assistance, please contact Mother Rachel).
Cost: $45 per person for the weekend (children under 5 stay for free; $180 max per family) Note: Santa Lucia has substantially raised their rates, but we are hoping to keep this weekend affordable for all who are interested. Scholarships are available. Talk to Mother Rachel for more information.
To reserve your spot, you must sign up and pay in full no later than July 13th! Directions and final details will be sent out to those registered a week before the camping trip.
Our youth program is taking a break for the summer, but incoming 6th through 12th graders are welcome to join us when we pick up again in September.
– Mother Rachel
WIP: WIP is used to describe a piece of work that is not yet complete but is being actively worked on.
In addition to our biggest WIP, the elevator, there are a couple of new projects that have begun but are not yet complete. You may have noticed there is a large cement pad poured behind the fence on Cedar Street. This is for the power stations for our service upgrade. The upgrade will allow us to have power for the elevator as well as the kitchen. This aspect of the renovation has been in the works for over a year but is due to be finished by fall.
The other recent WIP is the replacement of the smaller windows in the Parish Hall. The new dual pane glass has been installed, dry rot repaired, and final touches will include repairing trim and painting the window frames a creamy white. This should happen in the next month.
As you walk around the building, you will notice a few other WIP sites, and there are some you won’t ever notice! Progress is being made. Please bear with us as we experience a very busy summer.
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!
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.
Thanks,
– Ann Myers on behalf of the Property Committee
Upcoming Summer Reading Group
Revelations: Visions, Prophecies, and Politics in the Book of Revelations by Elaine Pagels. Elaine Pagels is a distinguished scholar of Christianity and has written many books.
This book, which is an exploration of the book of Revelation, was originally published in 2012. These discussions will be led by Jack Shoemaker. In week one, we will discuss Chapters 1 and 2 along with Revelation 1-7. In week two, we will read Chapters 3 and 4 along with Revelation 8 -12. In our final week, we will discuss Chapter 5 and the Conclusion along with Revelation 13-22. Please join us in the Common Room on the following Sundays: July 13, 20, & 27.
– Jack Shoemaker and the Adult Formation Team
Announcements & Events
Happening This Week
SUNDAY
7 AM, Reading Between the Lines Bible Study, either in person in the Common Room or Click here to join by Zoom.
8 AM, Holy Eucharist in the Chapel. Please access the Chapel through the copper doors on Cedar St.
9:15 AM, Summer Book Group Discussion on How We Learn to be Brave in the Common Room.
10:30 AM, Sung Eucharist in the Nave. Join us via livestream here. Coffee hour after the service.
12:15 PM, Realm Help Session in the Common Room.
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
Summer Reading Group this Sunday
On Sunday, Ruth Meyers and Bonnie Bishop will continue our discussion on Bishop Budde's book How We Learn to be Brave. The first discussion covered the Introduction through chapter 3. Sunday’s discussion, on June 22nd, will cover chapters 4 and 5. The final class will include chapters 6 and 7 as well as the epilogue. Join us in the Common Room at 9:15 am on the following Sundays in June: 15th, 22nd & 29th.
Upcoming Summer Reading Groups
Join Emily B.+ and Erin Horne on July 6th for a Bible-study-style discussion group as part of our summer reading series. We will examine classic narratives of disability in Scripture. We’ll discuss passages such as John 9:1-12 (Jesus heals a blind man), Mark 2:1-13 (Jesus heals a paralytic), and Luke 8:43-38 (Jesus heals a hemorrhaging woman). Class meets in the Common Room at 9:15 am.
Jack Shoemaker will lead a discussion of Elaine Pagels’ Revelations: Visions, Prophecies, and Politics in the Book of Revelations. These groups will meet on July 13th, 20th, 27th
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 3rd, 10th and 17th.
Realm Help Rescheduling
Due to the Organ Extravaganza event last Sunday, our monthly Realm Help session has been rescheduled for this Sunday, June 22nd. Join us in the Common Room after the 10:30 service. If you need help in the meantime, you are welcome to email Dan Hardy (danwhardy@gmail.com).
Gather with Us
Big Sur Parish Camping Trip - July 18-20
Reserve your spot to join us in Big Sur for a fabulous intergenerational weekend full of food, fun, floating down the river, prayers, silence, retreat, and frisbee at the beach. We arrive on Friday evening and conclude on Sunday morning with a worship service held at the outdoor chapel on the campground. Read the full article above for details or use this link to sign up.
Pray with Us
Stephen Ministers are standing by!
With the addition of three new Stephen Ministers to our team there are plenty of compassionate skilled people available to support you in a time of need. Stephen Ministers are trained lay persons who walk with you in a confidential one to one relationship to provide a listening ear, supportive dialogue, and prayer for all times of difficulty, stress, transition, loss and uncertainty. If you are interested in meeting with a Stephen Minister please reach out to the Rev Emily (emilyb@allsoulsparish.org) or coordinator Marilyn Flood (marilyn.flood4902@att.net).
Worship with Us
CHILDREN & FAMILY
Our Sunday School program has wrapped up for the year. We’ll pick up with weekly Godly Play during the 10:30 service beginning August 24th. Over the summer, we hope you will take advantage of the soft spaces at the back of the church and in the side chapel, where you’ll find snacks, books, and toys. Kids are also welcome to use the playground with adult supervision.
You are also invited to join our Parish Camping Trip in Big Sur, July 18th-20th. This is a very kid and family friendly event including swimming, games, campfires, outdoor church, and more. Sign-ups forthcoming!
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).
Serve with Us
We Need Your Help on Sunday, June 29th!
Join us after the 10:30 am service for two important jobs! We will be moving items out of the former preschool rooms into their permanent homes and loading up a truck (or two) with items in need of disposal. See Jill Churchman if you can lend some time.
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. Please pray for peace in the Holy Land and consider contributing 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.
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 making a warm jambalaya meal for anyone who is hungry on the second Sunday of the month. Note: The ODD teams need a few people willing to drive meals to various locations in Berkeley. If you can help, please email Cathy G. (ogoshca@yahoo.com). If you are interested in joining the ODD 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.
