The Pathfinder: November 6th, 2025
Building Interfaith Bridges - Every Day is Thanksgiving
Please join us on Sunday, November 16, at 1 pm right here at All Souls Parish for a very special interfaith event with Congregation Beth El and St. Paul’s AME. If you missed our Spring event, it was quite beautiful to hear the many expressions of faith through music, prayer, and dance.
November’s event is focused on gratitude: Every Day is Thanksgiving. In addition to lots of great music from each of the three congregations, we have chosen to focus on the Mary Oliver poem, “Gratitude.” A young person, a middle aged person, and an older person from each congregation will offer a brief reflection on one of the questions in the poem. There will be some time allotted for all who attend to talk with each other about their own personal experience with gratitude. And then refreshments will be served!
Mark it on your calendar and can’t wait to see you there!
Gratitude by Mary Oliver
What did you notice?
The dew-snail;
the low-flying sparrow;
the bat, on the wind, in the dark;
big-chested geese, in the V of sleekest performance;
the soft toad, patient in the hot sand;
the sweet-hungry ants;
the uproar of mice in the empty house;
the tin music of the cricket’s body;
the blouse of the goldenrod.
What did you hear?
The thrush greeting the morning;
the little bluebirds in their hot box;
the salty talk of the wren,
then the deep cup of the hour of silence.
When did you admire?
The oaks, letting down their dark and hairy fruit;
the carrot, rising in its elongated waist;
the onion, sheet after sheet, curved inward to the pale green wand;
at the end of summer the brassy dust, the almost liquid beauty of the flowers;
then the ferns, scrawned black by the frost.
What astonished you?
The swallows making their dip and turn over the water.
What would you like to see again?
My dog: her energy and exuberance, her willingness,
her language beyond all nimbleness of tongue,
her recklessness, her loyalty, her sweetness,
her strong legs, her curled black lip, her snap.
What was most tender?
Queen Anne’s lace, with its parsnip root;
the everlasting in its bonnets of wool;
the kinks and turns of the tupelo’s body;
the tall, blank banks of sand;
the clam, clamped down.
What was most wonderful?
The sea, and its wide shoulders;
the sea and its triangles;
the sea lying back on its long athlete’s spine.
What did you think was happening?
The green beast of the hummingbird;
the eye of the pond;
the wet face of the lily;
the bright, puckered knee of the broken oak;
the red tulip of the fox’s mouth;
the up-swing, the down-pour, the frayed sleeve of the first snow -
so the gods shake us from our sleep.
-Matt Wolka, Associate for Music
Seeking Solidarity with our Immigrant Neighbors
If you have been looking for a way to support immigrants, join other All Soulsians as we prepare together to launch some new efforts. During Adult Formation last Sunday, at the second presentation about immigration, participants heard from various All Soulsians who have already participated in one or more of the actions below and now recommend them as appropriate for our parish.
Please check out the list below to see if you find a team that suits you. To be added to any of the eight options, please email Kaki.Logan@gmail. The teams are as follows:
Vigil at the Concord Courthouse
We will carpool to the courthouse in Concord to welcome and support immigrants and their families on the way to their hearings. We will have an interfaith time of prayer and singing, and also be a presence for traffic driving by.
Letter Writing
We will sponsor an interfaith meeting for letter writing to detainees, judges, and the governor. A former detainee will be present to help us understand the circumstances of detained immigrants.
Court Watch Training
This training is to assist immigrant lawyers by observing hearings to provide basic information for the attorneys and to assist families if their loved one is detained and not readily located. Observing hearings is also an excellent opportunity to learn more about this important aspect of the immigrant experience.
Verifier Training
This training enables ordinary citizens to learn how to observe ICE activity in a way that is helpful to the Rapid Response teams formed to protect immigrants.
Communication
This group will assist ASEP in maintaining communication for safety during any activity or actions and in informing the parish of opportunities and actions.
Protests, Marches
This team will have the option to participate in an “art build” to make signs, t-shirts, flags, etc. and/or to participate in marches, protests, or other public demonstrations of resistance.
Book Group
Members will select a book (perhaps from a recommended bibliography), determine meeting times, and choose a means for discussion.
Benefit Concert at Freight and Salvage
Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity, IM4HI, (the primary group All Souls collaborates with on immigration activities), is hosting a benefit concert that includes stories by detainees and their family members and lively, inspiring music. Details can be found in the “Gather With Us” section of the Announcements below.
Thank you,
– Kaki Logan
“Making Church Together”: Stephen Ministry at All Souls
In 2007, All Souls established a support service of parishioners to and for each other that is known as Stephen Ministry. During the month of November, we will highlight this confidential peer support service that, in part because of its embrace of confidentiality, often remains unseen.
We commonly say that “we make church together.” In Stephen Ministry, we attempt to follow St. Paul’s advice in his letter to Galatians that commends Christians to “bear one another’s burdens.” Through Stephen Ministry, All Souls offers care and support to those going through difficult life situations such as the death of a loved one, an acute medical crisis, a job loss, retirement, or relocation. The care receiver typically meets with an assigned Stephen Minister for one hour a week, as needed and desired during times of crisis or life difficulty. In these conversations, the Stephen Minister listens attentively, interactively, and reflectively with the care receiver. This assistance makes clear that at All Souls we do not need to go through difficulties alone or unseen, and that we walk through difficult times together as part of our common life.
Stephen Ministers receive 50 hours of structured training that is supplemented by ongoing peer supervision and monthly continuing education. All ministry is done under the supervision of trained leaders and clergy. (At All Souls, Emily+ has this responsibility.) In Stephen Ministry, All Souls joins with 4000 congregations in 190 denominations and 600,000 volunteer lay people who have collectively served 1.5 million people. You can read more about this ministry here.
November is traditionally ‘Stephen Ministry Awareness month,’ when parishioners relate their experiences with Stephen Ministry to the congregation in brief vignettes. This year, we’re turning the tables and asking YOU to share your understanding of Stephen Ministry by responding to a survey!
At this link, you’ll find a fun multiple-choice “quiz” with some questions about Stephen Ministry. We see this as an interactive teaching and learning tool. Make your best guesses, and then you’ll have a chance to see the correct answers and learn more about this ministry. Please complete the survey by the end of the day on Sunday, November 16th. (Paper copies will be provided in the narthex if you’d prefer a physical version). You will also find information cards concerning this ministry in the pews for the next three Sundays in November.
If you wish to find out more about this ministry at All Souls, feel free to contact any of the current Stephen Leaders (Carol Terry, Marilyn Flood, Tim Sullivan) or the Rev. Emily Boring, who will gladly answer your questions or direct you to someone who can.
Peace,
– Tim Sullivan on behalf of the Stephen Leaders
Food Emergency
Because of the federal government shutdown, and the Trump administration's non-compliance with two court orders, millions of people who rely on SNAP benefits to put food on the table are in danger of going hungry. As a conscious and caring faith community, we at All Souls are called by these extraordinary circumstances to step in.
“Photo reproduced with permission of Alameda County Community Food Bank.”
Please consider making an immediate donation to this urgent need. Below is a link to the Alameda County Community Food Bank's Virtual Food Drive page: https://donate.accfb.org/vfd/Donate/Tickets
There are, of course, many other ways to give, including:
The Berkeley Food Pantry, https://www.berkeleyfoodpantry.org
Richmond Emergency Food Pantry, http://www.refp.org
Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, https://www.foodbankccs.org
All existing All Souls food missions will continue uninterrupted.
Thank You,
– Justice & Peace Team
2025 Convention Results
On Friday and Saturday, October 17th and 18th, over three hundred lay and clergy delegates from congregations around the Bay Area gathered at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco to pray, deliberate, and discern. The Strategic Visioning Plan was unpacked, reports were offered from leaders around the diocese, resolutions discussed and voted upon, and new leaders were elected and appointed.
Below you’ll find the results of the resolutions and elections. If you’d like to know more about the 176th Convention of our diocese, talk with one of our delegates: Richard Page, Kathleen Summerland Heuser, Dean Williamson, Lenore Williamson, or our clergy in attendance: the Revs. Rachel Dykzeul, Dr. Paula Nesbitt, Dr. Ruth Meyers, or Phil Brochard.
2025 Diocese of California Convention Results
Resolutions Voted Upon by the Convention:
Elections:
Secretary of the Convention
Richard Edward Helmer
Treasurer of the Diocese
Lane Ringlee
Executive Council:
Lisa Guevara Perry - Lay
Hannah Elyse Cornthwaite - Clergy
Standing Committee
Marj Leeds - Lay
Stephen Siptroth - Clergy
Pamela Stevens - Clergy (filling an unexpired term ending Convention 2027)
President: Jane Stratford
Vice President: Don Miller
Secretary: Beth Foote
General Convention Deputies
Lay
Sarah Lawton
Laura Curlin
Christopher Hayes
Jeanette Dinwiddie-Moore
Lay Alternates
Karma Quick-Panwala
Emily Hopkins
Warren Wong
Ronald Fisher
Clergy
Eric Metoyer
Richard Edward Helmer
Cameron Partridge
Mauricio Wilson
Clergy Alternates
Deborah White
Ruth Meyers
Kira Austin-Young
Marisa Tabizon Thompson
Appointments:
Chancellor
Christopher Hayes
Chair of the Committee on Dispatch of Business
Ellie Simpson
Co-chairs of the Committee on Elections
Matthew Burt and Krista Fregoso
Commission on Ministry
Lay: Angela Langi
Deacon: Elizabeth Sims
Priests: Sahra Harding and Dan Scheid
Co-Chairs: Cameron Partridge and Cynthia Faust
Thank you,
– The Rev. Phil Brochard
This photo cannot begin to capture the amazing ofrenda painstakingly built by Humberto Carillo. It will remain in the Nave until the beginning of Advent, and it’s not too late to bring photos or mementos of your loved ones to place on the altar. If you missed it, be sure to read Humberto’s article in the October 23rd Pathfinder. In it, he shares the significance of every aspect of the ofrenda, which is meant to be an expression of joyful reunion of the living and the dead.
– The Staff
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. Newcomer Class series in the Common Room.
10:30 AM, Sung Eucharist in the Nave. Join us via livestream here. Sunday School in the Godly Play room.
12 N, Coffee Hour in the Courtyard
7 PM, Youth Group - All Grades Group.
MONDAY
7 PM, Reading Between the Lines Bible Study, either in person in the Common Room or click here to join by Zoom.
TUESDAY
8 PM, Taize Service in the Chapel.
WEDNESDAY
9 AM, Eucharist in the Chapel.
THURSDAY
6 PM, Beer Garden Meet-up at Headlands Brewery in Berkeley.
6 PM, “Love Over Fear” Benefit Concert at Freight & Salvage in Berkeley.
Learn with Us
COMING UP IN ADULT FORMATION
November 9th - “The End: Body, Mind, and Soul”
Death is one of life's few certainties, yet it's a topic many of us avoid discussing until crisis forces our hand. We will tackle these important conversations head-on with a three-part series titled "The End: Mind, Body, Soul" taking place in November.
Whether you're 30 or 80, planning for end-of-life is one of the most loving gifts you can give yourself and your family. Too often, families find themselves making difficult decisions without knowing their loved one's wishes or discover that the absence of proper legal documents creates unnecessary stress, expense, and conflict during an already difficult time.
Each Sunday will focus on a different dimension of end-of-life planning, with Richard Lynch facilitating conversations centered on preparing for life's final chapter.
Week 1 - 11/9 "Mind": Legal and Financial Planning
Week 2 - 11/16 "Body": Physical Care and Final Arrangements
Week 3 - 11/23 "Soul": Spiritual Preparation
Classes meet in the Parish Hall at 9:15 am on the following Sundays: November 9th, 16th, and 23rd.
2025-26 Adult Formation Calendar
Click here to see the calendar for the entire year.
NEWCOMER CLASSES
Wondering how to learn more about All Souls and connect with our community? The newcomers' class is an excellent opportunity for those new to All Souls to become acquainted with the life of the parish and the many ministries that take place here. Join us in the Common Room (downstairs at the church) at 9:15 am on the following Sundays in November: 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th.
Gather with Us
"LOVE OVER FEAR" BENEFIT CONCERT - NOVEMBER 13th
The Justice and Peace Committee invites you to attend the 2025 "Love Over Fear" Benefit Concert at the Freight & Salvage on November 13th. This terrific, family-friendly evening of multicultural song and storytelling supports the work of the Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity, which has been leading the faith-filled witness to our unjust immigration and incarceration systems.
Date: Thursday, November 13th
Time: Doors at 6 pm, Show at 6:30 pm
Location: Freight & Salvage, 2020 Addison St, Berkeley
Purchase tickets here (sliding scale): bit.ly/2025LoveOverFear
A group of All Soulsians is attending. Please email Gretchen Donart (gbdonart@gmail.com) if you plan to come and want to connect.
BEER GARDEN MEETUP - NOVEMBER 13th
One Thursday a month, from 6 pm-8 pm, All Soulsians will meet up at a different beer garden in Berkeley. All are welcome to come for a drink, a bite, a chat, or to play a game. 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. But this is an all-ages, intergenerational event—we would love to see everyone there.
November location: Headlands Brewery, 1280 Gilman St, Berkeley
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 am 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.”
A BIG “thank you” to all of the kids and teens of All Souls for helping guide our thoughts toward how we experience God’s presence by creating icons that beautifully decorated our church. Please come by the Sunday School room to pick yours up to take home as a way to feel connected to God at all times. Contact Emily B. or Brenna Hall if you have trouble locating your icon.
To sign up for our Children and Family e-newsletter, please email Emily+.
YOUTH PROGRAM
Youth Group
Youth Group happens on Sundays from 7 pm-8:30 pm during the school year. We alternate between a high school small group and an all-grades (6-12th) youth group.
Coming Up:
Nov. 9th - All Grades Youth Group, 7-8:30 pm in the Youth Room
Nov. 16th - High School Small Group, 7-8:30 pm in the Youth Room
Download our full Fall Youth Program 2025 calendar here.
To sign up for our Youth e-newsletter, please email Emily+.
Serve with Us
Coffee hour isn’t just about coffee and cookies—it’s about community. After worship, we gather not only to enjoy a bite to eat but also to welcome newcomers, catch up with friends, and strengthen the bonds that make our parish family so special. To keep this ministry thriving, we invite everyone to take part, as they are able.
Each week, we ask a few parishioners to bring refreshments—homemade treats, fruit, or simple snacks—to share. Your contributions help make our hospitality warm and abundant. Please click the Coffee Hour Sign-Up link to support this ministry. We ask for someone to lend a hand (literally) as “host” in support of Scott, and folks to provide some treats (enough to feed 10-15).
Your help will make coffee hour a joyful expression of Christian community and welcome!
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 this coming Sunday for anyone who is hungry. 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.
PROTECTION AGAINST EMAIL AND TEXT SCAMS
Over the past several years, scammers have gotten increasingly more sophisticated with targeting people in churches. Stopping scammers can be difficult, so it is important to educate yourself on how to spot suspicious messages and avoid falling for scams.
Keep an eye out for:
Money or information requests — Clergy will never ask for money, gift cards, or personal information via email.
Urgent language — Does the email have vague but urgent language? (Ex: “I’m in a meeting right now, but please send me the gift cards as quickly as possible!”)
Fraudulent email addresses — Check the email address against what is listed on the All Souls website.
If you are unsure whether an email or text is legitimate, please contact the church office via phone or e-mail.
Click here to see a helpful flyer created by our Diocese. Click here to learn more about how to file a complaint.
FORWARD DAY BY DAY
We provide Forward Day by Day to parishioners as a simple and effective daily prayer practice. Each day features a Bible verse from the daily readings and a related reflection written by a different author each month, all in less than 200 words. It even includes the daily feast days, as well as prompts to take faithful action in your daily life. The November, December, January issue of Forward Day by Day has just begun, so ask one of the ushers for your copy or pick one up on the counter closest to the glass doors on Cedar Street.
