The Pathfinder: June 26th, 2025
Community as God’s Creation
Many of you have heard about an accident last week involving three All Soulsians. Mark Richardson, Janet Chisholm, and Margaret Sparks were on their way to an event at one of our Isaiah Project grantee organizations, the Center for ArtEsteem, when they were broadsided by a car in a hit-and-run collision.
Against the odds– and after a visit to a Level 1 Trauma hospital– all three are alive and will make full recoveries. Thanks be to God!
Over the last week, I’ve been deeply moved by the way the All Souls community has rallied together to provide support, encouragement, and care in a time of need. Within hours, there were email chains going with offers of meal trains, hospital visits, errands, phone calls, get well cards. People stepped forward to offer their unique gifts, skills, and areas of expertise. It reminded me of one of the things I love most about All Souls. You are here for each other in all of life’s moments: in joy and celebration, in loss and trial and vulnerability. This kind of community – intergenerational, unconditional, compassionate– is so rare and needed in our present moment. In a world full of fracture and division, it’s uplifting to witness people coming together around shared values and working for a common purpose.
And so today, I want to share three short reflections from people who were involved in this accident and its aftermath: Lewis Maldonado, Brenda Richardson, and Mark Richardson. More important than particular details or actions, I believe that these voices uplift themes and questions that many of us have experienced in our own moments of crisis. Where is God amid our trials? How do we make meaning from events that disrupt our lives? In what ways can an unexpected need– our own, or other people’s– call us to be more prayerful, faithful, and compassionate? Whether or not you know these parishioners– whether or not you’ve experienced something similar– I hope that you can find some insight and inspiration in their words.
On Friday, June 20, as Wendy Calimag, Kim Wong, Paul Mathew, Cathy Goshorn, and I gathered on site at the Center for ArtEsteem in West Oakland, we were becoming increasingly concerned. Not only had the three congregants riding together in Mark Richardson’s car not shown up, we hadn’t heard from them. More ominously, none was answering their phone.
We waited forty-five minutes at the Center for ArtEsteem, growing more and more worried, when Mark finally called, saying that he, Margaret Sparks, and Janet Chisholm had been in a serious automobile accident and that each had been injured, but all were conscious. All three were transported via ambulance to Highland Hospital, which is the only Level One trauma center in the East Bay, and are dealing with various ongoing injuries.
Among the many movings of the Spirit that I have experienced throughout this incident, there are two that have stood out for me. First is the web of community pastoral care that spontaneously sprang up among the congregation, particularly as we have looked to find ways to be present for all involved as they transition between levels of care. The second is how the Spirit also moved to be with us through others in the community. The Rev. Maggie Foote (our former Associate Rector), who is now a chaplain at Highland Hospital, was working Friday afternoon when she noticed the three names of folks who had just been admitted to the trauma unit, quickly realized they were from All Souls, and rushed over to be with them. Then on Sunday, the folks from the Center for ArtEsteem brought a bouquet of flowers and left them in the narthex with a message that read: “All Souls Community, Wishing healing for a smooth recovery for Margaret, Janet and Mark. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. From the Center for ArtEsteem.” (Pictured above).
These relationships both near and wide formed a web through which the Spirit moved and I have found all of it quite extraordinary.
-Lewis Maldonado
On Friday afternoon, Mark’s Apple watch – programmed to detect falls and sudden impacts – sent us a signal that Mark had been involved in a crash. The watch also alerted the police and ambulance; it can detect when a wearer is involved in a life-threatening situation. Our daughter Carolyn was able to rush to the scene, where she discovered a totaled car and a scene of pandemonium.
What stands out most about this experience was the excellent care that Mark and his companions received from everyone who responded to the incident. The police and ambulance workers were thoughtful and highly professional. Once transported to Highland, Mark realized upon arrival that he couldn’t have been in better hands because of the excellence of the medical professionals and series of sophisticated tests. The other two parishioners, despite their discomfort, also spoke with clarity and gratitude for their excellent care at the hospital.
Mother Rachel, our new priest at All Souls, after being contacted by me, rushed over to Highland to offer comfort and support. The head of the non-profit program where they’d been scheduled to visit, the Center for ArtEsteem, contacted Mark to say they were praying for them.
Meanwhile, I repeatedly thanked God for the positive outcomes of Mark and his passengers, the police, the witnesses, ambulance drivers, etc. And I prayed most heartily for the young man who had hit them. I asked God to please help him. (Although he initially fled the scene, by the next morning, he had turned himself in.)
The next day, when I sat by Mark’s hospital bed, I realized that I had come to recognize through this experience something that Mark had stressed many times during our 45 years together (41 of those years in marriage). God doesn’t hover over our lives like some magician, deciding who will live, who will die, who will have good luck. God works for the good through us. God doesn’t micro-manage. God has given us this world, offers his wisdom, exists with us, stands by us, but has also given us the gift of agency.
The scene of the accident offered a picture of the real world: second by second— through the actions of all combined. Thank you dear God for not creating us as puppets, but instead offering opportunities for us to choose between right and wrong. And God, I know that you hold all of us, no matter our choices.
-Brenda Richardson
I’ve been asked about my reflections regarding our accident. My thought is that God is in the creative processes of the world, and these processes include suffering and violence in the movement toward fulfillment. The theologian Austin Farrer stated that, “God makes things make themselves.” The process of the world and the structures include suffering and violence alongside grace and the beauty of the creative process. How does that fit with what happened in last week’s accident? No one can doubt that a hit-and-run that creates a crash of this kind is anything but an act of violence. It’s an aspect of the brokenness of our social system and the brokenness of people.
And yet in this particular experience, we also saw the gift of the beauty of human beings. We saw first responders – police and medics – who were trained to do the essential tasks at the beginning of an injury accident, and transporting us to a hospital filled with top-level medical personnel at peak performance at every phase of the trauma response.
There might be some who read this or who witnessed the accident scene and wondered, “Why them?” “Why does God let these kinds of things happen?” But many of us already know that God doesn’t set any of us apart from the harmful experiences of the world, any more than God sets others up for the good. We are all in this world, and just by virtue of that, we will experience the harsh edges of life along with goodness. And there was goodness: the accident brought aspects of ongoing life together, giving us a greater appreciation of how we live in community.
Why didn’t God cultivate a universe without problems? Why is there violence, suffering, death, and extinction? Well, those are mysteries no one can answer until they know the complete mind of God. But as people blessed with curiosity, we can make our best hunches. As for me, I believe that God brings to God’s creation–all of us, all things living through time –toward the process of greater fulfillment within God’s life, and does this through life challenges.
God is within us, yet does not manipulate us into perfection. In a sense, God lets the world come into being as creatures who interact in relation to one another. And so, there are instances of this within the experience of a tragic accident. I know that as a result of that frightening scene, I felt blessed by the kindness of the people who stopped to volunteer, of the police first responders who sacrifice their lives to support us daily. And, of course, I was comforted to see that despite the horrific impact of the crash that Margaret and Janet survived the impact, and a bit later, to see that Mother Rachel, our new priest, had dropped everything and rushed to be with us.
Yes, God allows for misfires, because God allows for our own agency. As to why? That’s a mystery we cannot solve without full knowledge of God’s mind. I say, thank goodness for that, because God remains the inexhaustible, transcendent mystery alongside a continuous creative presence, and through this latter aspect we gain glimpses of God. Thanks be to God, indeed!”
-The Rev. Mark Richardson
Emily again – In closing, I want to give special thanks to those who have been deeply involved this week:
To Mother Rachel, who skillfully managed the priest-on-call line and visited folks in the hospital; to Raymond Yee, who has stepped up as a point person to organize practical aid; to Jane Vandenburgh, who has worked tirelessly to communicate among parishioners, make visits, and gather reflections; and to all of you who have delivered meals, answered emails, run errands, made visits and phone calls, and otherwise given of your time and skills. Stay tuned in the coming days for information about a Caring Bridge page and other ways to help if you are so called.
Finally, a reminder: for pastoral care in an emergency, you can always call the Parish Office at 510-848-1755 and press 8 for the priest on call. This line is staffed 24/7. If you don’t receive an answer, please leave a voicemail. The Revs. Phil, Emily B, or Rachel will respond to your call as soon as possible, and we will communicate with each other to assess the situation and determine next steps. For more information about pathways of pastoral care at All Souls – lay and ordained, urgent and ongoing– see this past Pathfinder article.
We never know what life will bring. May we continue to uphold one another amidst it all.
Blessings,
– Emily +
One Time Opportunity to Dance with the Saints
Come one, come all on July 13, 2025, to St. Gregory of Nyssa Episcopal Parish to see the rotunda of Dancing Saints. Reverend Paul Fromberg, rector of St. Gregory’s, has extended a generous invitation to host All Souls Parish to learn about the Dancing Saints that live in the rotunda over the church sanctuary.
See Jesus, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Florence Nightingale, Saint Nicholas, Albert Einstein, Queen Elizabeth I, and at least 70 more saints, holding hands and dancing to the glory of God. We might do some dancing too!
In addition to the visual delights of the sanctuary, Paul will tell us about the painting and installation of the Dancing Saints. We may also learn about Paul’s own work as an icon writer. Paul wrote the three cross-shaped icons that are part of the sanctuary at All Souls: Jesus the Good Shepherd, the gold cross of Easter, and the crucifixion during Lent. Click here for a short video of many of the Dancing Saints. You will not want to miss this singular opportunity.
Here are the particulars: St. Gregory’s is located in San Francisco at 500 de Haro Street and is fully accessible. Public transportation is limited, so let’s carpool!! Once we know who is coming and wants to carpool, carpooling will be arranged using Realm and a clipboard in the Narthex. Light snacks will be provided, but feel free to bring your lunch. The church will be open between 1-1:30 pm since travel times can vary. Adults, youth, and older children are all invited. If you have questions about carpooling or anything else, email Bonnie by clicking here or text her at (510) 230-8307.
Click here to see the website for St. Gregory’s of Nyssa. On the website, you will find a map with driving directions as well as instructions for public transportation.
– Bonnie Bishop
June Vestry Meeting
The All Souls Vestry June 18th meeting began with a meditation on two Rumi poems, led by Chaplain Ryan Greene-Roesel.
The pieces, “Tending Two Shops” and “The Guest House,” offered some much-needed peace as we reflected silently, then shared ways that we are working to find balance in these fitful times (some included attending protests, snuggling dogs, and making a point to connect with family and friends).
We then turned our attention to Richard Lynch, who has been working very hard in many ways to plan wisely for the current and future needs of our parish family. He shared about the Friends of All Souls/Legacy Giving luncheon, which took place on May 31st. Currently, fifteen households have included ASEP in their estate plans and Vestry discussed guidance for these and forthcoming gifts, including a potential strategic reserve fund into which funds/bequests from Friends of All Souls would be placed, similar to the Jordan Fund has been held. Richard also reported on the success of the Organ Extravaganza, which took place after the 10:30 am service on June 15th. Around 50 people attended to hear organ music and details from Matt Wolka about the rare opportunity to expand our music ministry through improvement of the organ. Attendees, our All Souls Choir and others have moved quickly to raise funds, and the Vestry discussed various funding strategies to complete the campaign goals. If you weren’t able to attend the Organ Extravaganza on Father’s Day but would still like to take part in this effort, please feel free to reach out to Richard or pledge directly on Realm.
Grace Telcs, Junior Warden, provided updates on the Living Waters campaign, such as work being done to prepare for the switchgear, which is set to ship soon, new windows in the Parish Hall and the arrival of stair materials. She also shared details about the process to retrofit All Souls seismically. We are working with Base Design to create thorough drawings of our space to be able to collect bids on what will hopefully be the site of another early childhood education center. After a successful walkthrough on June 18th with Phil+, Richard Lynch, Ann Myers and two engineers from Base Design, it was reported that the drawings for the seismic work will be submitted to Phil+ and Ann. Lastly, Grace reported that roof replacement is scheduled to begin August 4th.
Phil+ then shared the Rector’s Report, starting with a recap of Pentecost Sunday, which was the Rev. Rachel Dykzeul’s first Sunday at All Souls and first celebration of Eucharist, having been ordained just the day prior. It was joyful sharing the day with the family and friends of Mother Rachel and our congregation felt - as Phil+ put it - “fully alive.” In the coming weeks and months, Mother Rachel will work closely with Emily+ as well as the Welcome and Kinship teams. Phil+ also discussed upcoming parish events, including the annual Big Sur Camping Trip (July 18-20), Homecoming Sunday (August 24) and the Parish Retreat at Bishop’s Ranch (September 13-14).
We closed with a prayer led by Ryan and adjourned the meeting. I left the June 2025 Vestry meeting feeling grateful to have as a touchstone the place and people of All Souls, especially amidst times of uncertainty. Specifically, I feel deep gratitude for the individuals of this parish who answer the call time and time again to bring us all together to do the work, each doing our part, of building and rebuilding God’s kingdom.
– Molly Nicol
Switchgear: Basically, it is where the upgraded power comes into from the transformer and is metered at the switchgear. From the switchgear, the power is run to all the new and old panels throughout the building. This includes the power for the new kitchen and the power needed to run the elevator.
I have been hearing about switchgear for many, many months! It has finally arrived and is being installed on the large cement pad on the Cedar St. side. This is great news as once that is totally installed, PG&E can do their work. This means we truly will have a functioning kitchen and a new elevator this fall. It is the heart and soul of the new power.
The parish hall floor is due to be installed the week of July 7th! 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
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, Sorting and Moving - please help if you can!
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 wrap up our discussion on Bishop Budde's book How We Learn to be Brave. The first discussion covered the Introduction through chapter 3. Last Sunday’s discussion, on June 22nd, covered chapters 4 and 5. This final class will include chapters 6 and 7 as well as the epilogue. Join us in the Common Room at 9:15.
Upcoming Summer Reading Groups
JULY 6th: Join Emily B.+ and Erin Horne 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, provided during the class, 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). Come with your questions and ideas! Class meets in the Common Room at 9:15 am.
JULY 13th, 20th, 27th: Jack Shoemaker will lead a discussion of Elaine Pagels’ Revelations: Visions, Prophecies, and Politics in the Book of Revelation. This group will meet in the Common Room at 9:15 am.
AUGUST 3rd, 10th, 17th: 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. This group will meet in the Common Room at 9:15 am.
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 THIS 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.
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, click here to e-mail Cathy G.
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, click here to email Sarah O.
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. They are especially seeking donations of the following items:
General hygiene products (toothbrushes/toothpaste, deodorant, soap, etc.)
Clothing
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.
Ways to respond to the current Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Education: Learn and educate yourself on the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict dating back to the late 19th Century.
Partnership: Consider partnering with these organizations: Episcopal Relief and Development (episcopalreleif.org), Episcopal Peace Fellowship (episcopalpeacefellowship.net), and the Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity (www.im4humanintegrity.org).
Advocacy: Our baptismal covenant calls us to "...strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being."
