The Pathfinder: September 25th, 2025
Blessing of the Animals: St. Francis Sunday
Each year, Christians around the world pause to remember St. Francis of Assisi, a beloved figure in church history. Francis lived in Italy in the 12th and 13th centuries and is remembered for his deep devotion to Christ, his care for the poor, and his love for all of creation.
He saw the natural world—sun and moon, bird and beast, water and stone—as a mirror of God’s goodness and an expression of divine love. His life and witness remind us that all creatures, great and small, belong to God and are our kin in the family of creation.
On Sunday, October 5th, we will mark this feast with a special celebration at All Souls. During our 10:30 service, we will continue the creation-centered liturgy we’ve been using this season, recognizing the lives of all of God’s creatures and giving thanks for the gift of the natural world.
Following the service, we invite you to gather in the courtyard around noon for the Blessing of the Animals. This is a cherished tradition where we ask God’s blessing on our companions—whether they bark, meow, hop, slither, or crawl. Dogs, cats, bunnies, hamsters, lizards, snakes, and every other kind of pet are welcome. If your animal friend cannot make the trip, feel free to bring a photo instead—even of a beloved pet who has died, as we give thanks for their presence in our lives.
The Blessing of the Animals is a reminder that God’s care extends to the whole of creation, and we are called to live in harmony with the world around us. In blessing our pets, we recommit ourselves to caring for the earth and all its inhabitants, following in the footsteps of St. Francis.
Please join us for this joyful day.
Peace,
– Emily+
Renew and Sustain
Time and again, for generations, people have come to All Souls to be renewed — to find strength, comfort, and the sustaining embrace of God’s love. Whether through the deep tradition of our worship, or in the joy and tenderness of community life, All Souls has always been, and will be, a place where people draw closer to God.
At our parish retreat earlier this month, All Soulsians shared moving stories of how the church has been an oasis for them. Just last week, Vestry members reflected on moments when the spaces, events, and people of this community opened the way for God’s presence in their lives.
As we look toward 2026, our goal is clear: to continue being that wellspring of renewal in a world that can feel uncertain and demanding. This year's annual pledge campaign, Renew and Sustain: All Souls 2026, carries this vision forward.
This Sunday, right after the 10:30 am service, we’ll gather in the Parish Hall to kick off the campaign. Yes, there will be bagels, fruit, and coffee. But more importantly, our clergy will share stories of how this community has refreshed and equipped people for the life they live, inside and these walls and beyond. Then we’ll invite you to reflect on your own experiences of how All Souls has been a source of renewal. For anyone who is comfortable, we’ll have a way to share those experiences with the broader congregation throughout the campaign.
We’ll also preview the weeks ahead and open sign-ups for the all-parish Ingathering Dinner on Sunday, October 26th — a joyful evening for all ages, beginning at 5:30 pm.
Join us this Sunday at about noon in the Parish Hall as we launch Renew and Sustain: All Souls 2026 and celebrate the life-giving community we create together!
– Richard Lynch for the AOC (Annual Operating Campaign) team
Undergraduate Street Medicine Outreach (USMO)
USMO was founded in 2021 by a handful of UC Berkeley students who were deeply troubled by the living conditions of unhoused residents in Berkeley and decided to bring food to the encampments. The first outreach consisted of 50 peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches and has since expanded to numerous partnerships and milestones.
Our first major partnership was Whole Foods on Telegraph Avenue. They supply us with thousands of dollars of unsold products every week, from fresh produce to ready-made meals. Similarly, we receive hundreds of pounds of cat and dog food from East Bay SPCA to feed the burgeoning pet population.
In 2024, USMO partnered with All Souls Episcopal Parish, and we have been humbled by the generosity and kindness of the clergy and parishioners. Thanks to All Souls, USMO has been able to provide menstrual products, clothes, first aid kits, batteries, and even camping tents to the unhoused community. In return, USMO sends student volunteers to Open Door Dinner every month to help cook jambalaya and assemble meal kits. Working with All Souls has created a wonderful bridge between our on-campus and off-campus communities.
The photo above is from “USMO-giving” in 2024 when members assembled home-cooked Thanksgiving meals, featuring ten whole turkeys from Whole Foods
Today, USMO is a student organization of over 100 students who work together to support the unhoused communities in Berkeley and Oakland. Every Saturday, we send cars to different encampments with food, hygiene supplies, and harm reduction materials. Each car is assigned to an encampment – this fall, we are focusing on 8th and Harrison, 7th and Grayson, and East 12th Street. Over the years, as encampment sweeps have forced residents to relocate, we have done our best to keep up with them and provide support.
We realize that homelessness is a daunting issue to tackle. Jemia, a young woman living at 8th and Harrison, told us, “I’ve been waiting for housing for six years… And I’m only twenty-five. It’s not a big deal, but it’s like … what if another six years go by? And I still get no placement?” When asked what she would like our readers to know, Jemia was succinct. “We’re not homeless because we want to be. We’re not. If you see somebody homeless, just don’t stare. You approach them. You try and see how you can help.”
In light of this, one of USMO’s guiding principles is to “treat the person, not the problem.” We meet our unhoused friends where they are, rather than requiring them to come to us. Erin, a longtime resident at 8th and Harrison, said, “Smiling faces and fresh produce is immensely helpful. It's also one of the signs that … we haven't been forgotten about.”
Finally, USMO keeps track of encampment requests. This year, we are requesting the following items, which have been in high demand at the encampments:
Bottled water, or water filtration devices
Clothing, particularly large shoes, socks, and jackets/sweaters
Hygiene supplies and toiletries, particularly wet wipes, toothbrushes, soap
Menstrual pads and diapers
We greatly appreciate any and all donations, which we deliver directly to encampment residents.
– Helen Na Li
Parish Retreat 2025
Our annual parish retreat was a gift to our community. Children chasing animals, painting, and learning to pray. Warm mealtime conversations that will no doubt lead to deeper connection and community. Devoted time set apart to think and speak about personal experiences of God in community, and so much more.
So much joy and abundance.
One of our intentions every year is to make the retreat accessible to all by partnering with the Ranch to provide scholarships and flexible pricing. This year, we were able to offer scholarships to nine members of our community who otherwise would not have been able to easily afford the retreat. In future years, we hope to build a retreat scholarship fund that significantly reduces the retreat costs for youth and children.
Please consider donating to the retreat scholarship fund here.
Enjoy the photos!
– Mother Rachel
The mid-50’s was a very exciting time for All Souls Parish as that was when the new nave was constructed! Part of that building houses the sacristy, the rooms behind the altar where preparations are made for all the services. Thanks to the Living Waters funds, the sacristy is being brought into the 21 st century with a remodel. It has been painted, a new sink has been purchased, the old formica counters have been removed and prepared for new quartz counters going in very soon.
There are plans for the cabinets to be painted, and that, along with the new skylights, will complete the transformation! It has been exciting to see this drab space become bright and fresh.
We are also trying to sell the AGA induction stove purchased in the wrong size. See last week’s Pathfinder for more information.
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 click here to contact Ann Myers.
-Ann Myers
A(nother) Work party at ASEP: A note from Kaki Logan and the Landscaping User Group
The Living Waters Landscaping User Group decided that two years of gardening neglect during construction is enough. Our group is not responsible for maintaining the grounds, but the yards had become so unruly with weeds and overgrowth that ASEP was becoming a messy neighbor. So we thought we’d tidy up a bit.
Our job as a Living Waters Landscaping User Group is to select and work with a designer on a plan that will be relatively low maintenance, drought-resistant, adherent to the fire zone codes, native when possible, and attractive to humans and all the other living creatures who share the space with us.
Since the seismic retrofit work outside the Parish Hall will take place this fall, the Courtyard will have a spring planting. Work on the Cedar Street and Spruce Street sides, however, could begin this fall. The upcoming Berkeley Fire Zone regulation requires that there be no planting within five feet of the eaves of a building, so the Spruce Street side will have a hardscape treatment. The large electrical boxes on the Cedar Street side also create a design challenge, but when we’re all warm and toasty inside the Nave, we will live through this limitation.
Thanks for the cleanup go to Suzanne Nelson, who initiated the effort, Robert Calvin, Jill Churchman, Martins Faustino who was just passing and lent a (strong) hand, and Diane Haavik from the ASEP Arts Committee that will team up with us to offer input on the Spruce Street design. Not pictured in the photo is Margaret Sparks, who, of course, provided lunch.
All Souls Gothic
– Kaki Logan
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.
12 N, Realm Help in the Common Room.
12:15 PM, Annual Operating Campaign Kickoff in the Parish Hall. Bagels, fruit, and coffee provided.
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.
Learn with Us
THIS SUNDAY IN ADULT FORMATION
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
COMING UP IN ADULT FORMATION
October 19th - Dr. Mary E. McGann, RSCJ: Lament and Praise in an Ecologically Challenged World
Lament is often missing from our personal and liturgical prayer. Yet in this time of ecological destruction, can we reclaim lament as essential to the truthfulness of our prayer? Human praise would be greatly diminished without the witness of other-than-human creatures. Can we turn more fully toward them as our partners in praise, while remembering those whose voices have been extinguished? Class meets in the Parish Hall on the following Sundays: Oct. 19, 26
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
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, fruit, and beverages will be available in the Parish Hall starting about noon. Read the full article above for all the details.
WELCOME LUNCH - October 12th
We are so glad you found us and would love to welcome you. Join us for lunch on Sunday, 10/12, at 12 noon in the Common Room to meet our clergy, enjoy a meal, and learn more about getting connected at All Souls. Please RSVP by signing up in the narthex or online via Realm.
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
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
The All Grades Youth Group meets this Sunday, 9/28, 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:
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:
Bottled water, or water filtration devices
Clothing, particularly large shoes, socks, and jackets/sweaters
Hygiene supplies and toiletries, particularly wet wipes, toothbrushes, soap
Menstrual pads and diapers
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
This 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.
