The Pathfinder: September 18th, 2025
Community Groups Forming
As Summer ends, I find myself thinking about the upcoming seasons of the year as I go about my daily tasks - Fall, Winter, Spring, and then Summer again. It's right about this time every year that I begin to make plans for the coming year.
As my kids move back into the rhythms of school, reconnecting with their friends, I think about the ways we intentionally move through the seasons of our lives and the folks who journey with us. The question I pose today is, who will you journey with this season? What intentions do you hold for these next few months in the Christian community? With this in mind, I invite you to join or consider starting a community group at All Souls.
Here at All Souls, we have various types of community groups. Some groups gather around a shared hobby or activity (Ale Souls brewing group), and others gather based on something in common (children and families group). Emmaus groups are groups designed for spiritual enrichment, fellowship, and connection. If you are new to All Souls and want to get plugged in, or a long-timer looking for a place to build deeper community, joining any of our small groups could be a good fit.
Why the name Emmaus? The name Emmaus comes from a resurrection story in Luke 24:13-53, where Jesus appears to two disillusioned apostles journeying to the village of Emmaus just after Jesus' death. These two apostles don't recognize the resurrected Jesus and instead mistake him for someone new to the area, unaware of Jesus' life, ministry, and teaching. During the journey to Emmaus, Jesus listens to the two travelers, talks to them about the Christ, and encourages them to believe. They still do not recognize Jesus until dinner, as Jesus breaks bread and blesses it, their eyes were opened, and he vanishes from their sight. The two apostles are filled again with inspiration as they admit that their hearts burned within them as Jesus spoke to them on their journey to Emmaus. Jesus was with them on their journey–in their questions, as they wrestled with their sadness and amazement–even when they could not recognize or see him.
With the Emmaus story as our base, our vision for Emmaus Groups is simple: to gather and journey together in small groups to deepen our understanding of what it means to follow Christ.
Emmaus Groups meet every other week (or every week, if the group decides), as groups of no more than 12, in 12-16-week covenant periods throughout the year. Covenant means that for 12-16 weeks, folks will be committed (covenanted) to meeting. At the end of the covenant period, the groups will open so that new folks can join (if desired and/or if there is room). The idea is that most of these groups will continue to meet with each new forming period. Generally, Emmaus groups will focus much more on journeying together than studying together. In the past, we have had groups of women, men, married folks, parents of teens, empty nesters, and groups based on no demographics – it all depends on who is interested in forming a group.
If all of this resonates with you, consider making an intention and joining or starting a group this season. If you have questions or want to sign up, please fill out this form or email me at rachel@allsoulsparish.org.
– Mother Rachel
Soul and the Self
Nearly 120 years ago, the people of St. Mark’s Parish decided to form a new Episcopal community in Berkeley. The name they chose informed the people of Berkeley what kind of community this would be, and then formed the community of All Souls ever since.
But what is a soul? What does it mean that this is a place for All Souls? For three weeks, the Reverend Emily Boring and the Reverend Phil Brochard will explore the notion of soul and self from several different vantage points: scripture, theology, history, science and liturgy.
On Sunday, September 28, at 9:15 am in the Parish Hall, we will be focusing on the Hebrew and Greek language Scriptures to understand more about what the ancients of our faith believed––what they had in common and what was distinct. On October 5, we will look at the theological, historical, and scientific understandings of soul and self, paying particular attention to the thought of Thomas of Aquinas and the understanding of a soul and a saint. For the third session on October 12, we will spend time in the liturgical and pastoral responses to the notion of a soul, especially looking at cultural expressions and the metaphors that we use to express our beliefs.
Join us for these three Sundays, let us know what a favorite piece of soul music you’d like for us to start our classes with, and bring some favorite soul food to share!
– Phil+ and Emily+
Invitation to Baptism
The Book of Common Prayer suggests particular days throughout the year when baptism is especially fitting: the Easter Vigil, the Day of Pentecost, All Saints' Day (or the Sunday after), and the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord. One of those occasions is coming up in a couple of months!
We will celebrate our church’s title feast, the Feast of All Saints/ All Souls, on Sunday November 2nd. In our liturgy, we’ll commemorate the souls who have departed before us, and we’ll also celebrate new life through the waters of baptism.
If you are someone you love would like to be baptized, we would we honored to walk that journey with you. Please reach out to Emily B or to Phil. We are happy to meet with you or your children to explore the concept of baptism and answer any questions.
Thanks,
– Emily+ and Phil+
Look at this Beauty we are selling!
Our price is $7500, a reduced price from $10,000.
We have a brand new, never plugged in, 48” AGA Elise Induction range to sell. The range is Model #AEL48IN. It is Cornwall Green, has 2 ovens, a broiler, and 5 burners. The glass top makes cleanup a breeze!
Induction is the closest to gas you can get in performance and control: it doesn’t heat up the room, the burners have a great simmer level, precise temperature control, and two burners can be combined for a griddle or larger pot. It’s the most recent technology change for cooking, being both productive and efficient.
Click here to view it online. Please check it out and let me know if you or someone you know might need it!
If you would like to see it, call Ann Myers at 408-803-1820 or click here to email.
Thanks,
– Ann Myers
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, Adult Formation in the Parish Hall.
10:30 AM, Sung Eucharist in the Nave. Join us via livestream here. Sunday School in the Godly Play room.
Coffee hour following the service.
1 PM, Ale Souls gathering at the Gutfeld home.
7 PM, Youth Group - High School Small Group in the Youth 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.
TUESDAY
8:00 PM, Taize Service in the Chapel.
WEDNESDAY
9:00 AM, Eucharist in the Chapel.
THURSDAY
6:00 PM, Beer Garden Meet Up at Fieldwork Brewery.
Learn with Us
COMING UP IN ADULT FORMATION
September 21st - The Rev. Dr. Ruth Meyers & Christopher Hayes: To Have and to Hold: Christian Understandings of Marriage
Although marriages are celebrated in the church, marriage is not a uniquely Christian practice, and unlike other Christian rites, in the United States, marriage also involves the state. In this course, we’ll explore the meaning and significance of marriage, especially in the Episcopal Church. Week one will focus on marriage in scripture, and week two will consider teaching and practices in the Episcopal Church today. In the final week, Diocesan Chancellor Christopher Hayes will join us for a discussion of the involvement of the state and legal foundations for marriage. Class meets in the Parish Hall on the following Sundays: August 31, Sept. 7, Sept. 21
September 28th - The Rev. Emily Boring and the Rev. Phil Brochard: Soul and the Self
What is a soul? What is the self? For three weeks, the Reverend Emily Boring and the Reverend Phil Brochard will explore the notion of soul and self from several different vantage points: scripture, theology, history, science, and liturgy.
Join us for these three Sundays, let us know what a favorite piece of soul music you’d like us to start our classes with, and bring some favorite soul food to share! Class meets in the Parish Hall on the following Sundays: Sept. 28, Oct. 5, Oct. 12
Save the Date! November 2nd - Kaki Logan: “Immigration with Dignity”
Join us for this two-week series intended to increase awareness of the realities facing immigrants today. The first session offers an overview of the Episcopal conference “Leaving Home, Migration Through the Eyes of Children” and introduces the Welcoming Quilt Project. The second session gives the upshot of the Episcopal Pilgrimage to 5 detention centers in New Mexico and Texas in early June. Both sessions will offer ideas about why immigration has increased and changed in recent years, and suggest how we might support immigrants in this present and rapidly changing environment. Class meets at 9:15 am in the Common Room on the following Sundays: August 31, and November 2nd.
2025-26 Adult Formation Calendar
Click here to see the calendar for the entire year.
Gather with Us
ALE SOULS BREW EVENT - September 21st
On Sunday, September 21st at 1 pm, we will be meeting as an Ale Souls group to brew a fall Beer. Food will be provided. All are welcome, including kids, non-beer drinkers, etc. Click here to RSVP to David Gutfield. New members encouraged if you haven’t come to an Ale Souls Event yet.
WELCOME LUNCH Postponed
We are rescheduling our welcome lunch to a later date in order to accommodate more people. Stay tuned for a new date.
BEER GARDEN MEETUP - September 25th
Join All Soulsians at Fieldwork Brewery from 6-8 pm. All are welcome to come for a drink, a bite, a chat, or to play chess. Beer gardens are ideal because they have plenty of family-friendly, outdoor space and are casual enough that anyone can drop by for a spell as they are able. This is an all-ages, intergenerational event—we would love to see everyone there. Questions? Click here to email Sarah Bakker Kellogg.
ANNUAL OPERATING CAMPAIGN KICKOFF - September 28th
Late September means the kickoff for a new pledge drive. Once again, we will spend a few weeks gathering the pledges that will support our operations for 2026.
After the 10:30 service on Sunday, September 28th, the AOC team will kick off this year's campaign and announce our pledge goal for 2026. Bagels and beverages will be available in the Parish Hall starting about noon.
Worship with Us
TAIZE TUESDAY
Join us on Tuesday evenings this Fall for a community-led Taize service. These weekly services will be held from 8 pm-8:30 pm until November 18th. All are welcome to join us in the Chapel for a simple program of silent meditation and Taize chants.
WEDNESDAY EUCHARIST
The 9 am Eucharist will remain in the Chapel of the Nativity. Come join us for a reflection on the Saint of the day and sustenance for the rest of the week.
CHILDREN & FAMILY
Sunday School is Back!
Sunday School happens every week during the 10:30 service. Kids pre-K through 5th grade are welcome. Children begin the service in the nave with their families. About five minutes into the service, they process down to the classroom together - look for the leader with a wooden cross! We follow the Godly Play curriculum: a mixture of storytelling, wondering, and creative work time. Children return to church at the “Peace.”
To join our Children and Family mailing list, email Emily+.
Save the Date! Kids & Youth Pajama + Pizza + Movie Night, October 5th.
Join us on Sunday, Oct. 5th, for a screening of King of Kings (2025), a new animated movie about the life of Jesus. Families with kids of all ages are welcome.
6:00 Pizza dinner
6:30 Movie
This will be a joint event with our older youth, too. Pajamas encouraged! Please RSVP here to let us know you’re coming and to share any dietary restrictions.
To sign up for our Children and Family e-newsletter, please email Emily+.
YOUTH PROGRAM
Youth Group Is Back!
The High School Small Group meets this Sunday, 9/21, at 7 pm in the Youth Room.
Youth Group happens on Sundays from 7 pm-8:30pm during the school year. We alternate between a high school small group and an all-grades (6-12th) youth group.
Coming Up:
Sept. 28th - all-grades Youth Group, 7:00-8:30
Oct. 5th - all-grades pizza and movie night, 6:00 pm (note earlier start time)
Download our full Fall Youth Program 2025 calendar here.
To sign up for our Youth e-newsletter, please email Emily+.
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, 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) makes a warm jambalaya meal for anyone who is hungry every second Sunday of the month. If you are interested in joining the ODD team, click here to email Jennifer A.
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. Click here to email Beth Christensen for donation and other direct volunteer opportunities with USMO.
Looking for ways to be politically engaged from a faith perspective?
Learn more on the Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations site. You can find out about timely action alerts, service opportunities, and ways to be involved on local and national levels.
In particular, consider joining their weekly network call via Zoom, which the Rev. Dr. Ruth Meyers mentioned in her recent sermon. Register here.
You can also receive action alerts from the Episcopal Public Policy network here.
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."
Last but not least
UPCOMING REALM HELP
Next Sunday, September 28th, folks will be standing by after the 10:30 am service to answer all of your Realm questions. Stop by the Common Room with your questions!
UPCOMING PLAY
Tess Taylor, an All Soulsian, is celebrating the release of her play based on the book Last West: Roadsongs for Dorothea Lange at the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art. This play grapples with themes like climate change, migrancy, internment, and economic crises– issues of high relevance for our present time. You’re invited to join the Arts at All Souls committee to attend a matinee performance on Saturday, Dec. 6th. Tickets for the whole run are already half sold out, but SVMA is reserving a block of 20 tickets until September 30th. Please reserve your tickets soon! You can do so at this link and then email Ann Trinca (atrinca@svma.org) to say that you’re part of the All Souls group.
We may be able to arrange carpools for parishioners. Please contact Michelle Barger (barger1965@gmail.com) if you can provide a ride or need a ride, or if you have any questions.
