The Pathfinder: November 13th, 2025
Labors of Love
I’m excited and relieved and grateful to write that the interior elements of the Living Waters capital campaign are within weeks of being finished. The new stove and griddle have been installed in the kitchen, and passed inspection, the HVAC in the Parish Hall is connected, and the elevator is nearly complete with some finishes and inspections to be done.
A few items remain: the landscaping along Cedar, Spruce, and in the courtyard, some more chairs for the Nave, some baseboards and paint in the undercroft hallways. But thanks to the leadership and persistence of many, especially our property team––Patrick Tahara, Ann Myers, Martin Ortega, Ed Sinek, Kaki Logan, Grace Telcs and myself – a large majority of the over $4 million worth of renovations towards complete accessibility, carbon neutrality, communal flexibility, and continued vitality have been completed.
In the process of the most significant work in over 70 years to care for the structures that house and support us and many others, I’ve not just been daunted by the amount of work that this parish has undertaken––the thousands of collective hours of planning, praying, meeting, and supervising that people of this parish have given––I’m also inspired by the quality of work that has been offered along the way.
Make no mistake, to echo the words of Scripture, laborers were given their wage for the work they offered. The plumbers and electricians and carpenters and elevator technicians and welders and flooring specialists and painters all received their payment. And along the way they were joined by All Soulsians who also offered their labors of love so that our spaces could be functional and beautiful. Dozens and dozens of people brought to these projects not just skill, but careful attention, creativity, and a willingness to extend themselves.
Jill Churchman led countless All Soulsians in sorting, moving, selling, and clearing out of our spaces. Thanks to Jill and her compatriots, in the last year we have cleared out myriad items from decades and decades of accrual. Our Parish Hall has been sorted, moved, and unpacked twice, with our kitchen now ready for its own organization.
Martin Ortega and his crew followed God‘s command at the beginning of creation––and there was light! There is light in our upstairs restroom, in the sacristy, and throughout the Crow’s Nest. And the fan in the upstairs restroom that sounded like a helicopter preparing for takeoff is now a whisper.
David Brown, upon seeing that our scuffed-up columns in the Parish Hall were not part of the scope of work, took it upon himself to sand down every plane of every column, re-stain them, and build new guards at the bottom from scratch. He then cleared out, re-painted (for the first time in 40? years) and moved everything back into the sacristy storage room in the Crow’s Nest.
Will Boutelle remade the doors to the Common Room and Library so they each have a safety window. He then fashioned a small shelf for our credence table, so that we no longer have to balance a table within it to hold our books of Scripture. Dean Williamson is still hard at work crafting a new altar for our Chapel, based on a design by Caitlin Lempres Brostrom.
Daniel Gonzalez, our organ builder, realized that due to the expansion of the pedal division of the organ, our aumbry would need to be moved. And this is where I witnessed contracted work also being a labor of love. Because after a consultation, Daniel designed and built a new aumbry out of repurposed Cedar of Lebanon that now contains our reserve sacrament and holy oils. It is built with such skill and careful attention, that if you didn’t know better, you would assume that it has been there for decades.
I am grateful about many aspects of this significant collective work that we have undertaken. Our spaces will now be more accessible, functional, resilient, and beautiful. And, one of the things I will forever be grateful for is the laborers who have given themselves to this work at All Souls over the past year, whose labors of love will flow through this parish for years and years to come.
Peace,
-Phil+
A Quick Check on 2025 Pledges
This week, the Stewardship team is pausing our 2026 campaign to take a moment to check in on the 2025 pledges. We’ll have a big update on the 2026 campaign in next week’s Pathfinder.
Last year, 171 households made generous commitments to support All Souls throughout 2025. As of today, about 70% of those households still have some balance remaining—ranging from just a few dollars to larger amounts. Altogether, about $141,000 remains to be received. Every bit of that support has been allocated in our 2025 budget and is crucial to sustaining All Souls.
Many, many All Soulsians give faithfully each month, and we know many will complete their pledges by year’s end—thank you! You can check your own payment and pledge status anytime by visiting the Giving tab in your Realm profile.
If you fulfill your pledge through Bill Pay from your bank, please take a moment to confirm that your current payment amount is based on your 2025 pledge. Unless you updated your Bill Pay settings at the beginning of this year, your bank is likely still sending the same amount you paid in 2024. A quick adjustment now can help ensure your 2025 pledge is fully met by year’s end.
Next week, we’ll be sending gentle reminders to those whose 2025 pledge payments are less than halfway fulfilled or who are not on the schedule they originally set. If you have questions about your pledge, your payment plan, or simply want to talk about your giving, please reach out to me at giving@allsoulsparish.org.
Please note: If you use Bill Pay, I see a few pledges that didn’t update the monthly amount and will find themselves short at year’s end.
Thank you for your continued generosity and for helping sustain this community we share.
– Maggie Cooke, Giving Secretary
Coffee Hour: A Ministry of Fellowship
Coffee Hour is about more than just coffee and cookies—it’s about connection and community. After worship, we gather to share food, conversation, and the joy of being together. It’s a time to welcome newcomers, catch up with friends, and celebrate the life we share as a parish family.
Scripture reminds us that hospitality is at the heart of the Church’s life. In Acts 2:46, we hear that the first Christians were “breaking bread in their homes and eating together with glad and generous hearts.” In that same spirit, our Coffee Hour is an open table—a place where everyone is received with warmth, joy, and belonging.
For visitors and newcomers, Coffee Hour is often the first chance to experience the friendly heart of our parish. For longtime members, it’s a cherished moment to reconnect, share stories, and encourage one another as one body in Christ (Romans 12:5).
To keep this ministry thriving, everyone’s participation matters! Each week, we invite a few parishioners to bring refreshments—homemade or store bought goodies, fruit, or simple snacks to share (enough for about 10–15 people). Your contributions help make our hospitality warm, welcoming, and abundant.
Please click here to sign up for coffee hour and to support this ministry by lending a hand as "host" or providing treats to fill the table.
Your participation helps make Coffee Hour a joyful expression of Christian fellowship and love—a small act of hospitality that has a big impact.
Come for the coffee, stay for the community!
– Sarah Crawford
Reminder: Test Your Knowledge of Stephen Ministry!
November is Stephen Ministry awareness month! Stephen Ministers are a team of highly trained lay leaders who provide spiritual care and support to parishioners in times of grief, transition, and questioning.
Typically in the month of November, we hear reflections from people who have been supported by Stephen Ministry. This year, we've turned the tables a little… we’ve invited you to share your understanding of Stephen Ministry through an interactive survey. You'll be "quizzed" on how much you know, and afterward, you can see the correct answers to expand your knowledge.
Thank you to those who have already taken the quiz! If you haven’t done so yet, there’s still time. Please complete it by the end of the day this Sunday, Nov. 16th. The link to the survey is here. There are also paper copies in the narthex if you’d prefer. Look out next week for a report on our quiz findings.
We hope that these awareness activities will help more people become familiar with Stephen Ministry and consider seeking support. If you’re interested in having a Stephen Minister, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Rev. Emily B (emilyb@allsoulsparish.org) or Marilyn Flood (marilyn.flood4902@att.net) to get that process started. There is no question or situation too “small” for Stephen Ministry, and we’re happy to answer your questions and explore whether this feels like a good fit.
Thanks,
– Emily+ on behalf of the Stephen Leaders (Carol Terry, Tim Sullivan and Marilyn Flood)
Berkeley Half-Marathon THIS SUNDAY
This Sunday, 11/16, is the Berkeley Half Marathon. Street closures will significantly affect the area around the church. Please plan your route ahead of time and allow extra time for parking and driving. Click here for information on closures and detours.
– 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 and Realm Help in the Common Room.
1 PM, Building Interfaith Bridges Concert/Event in the Nave.
7 PM, Youth Group - High School Small 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
Learn with Us
COMING UP IN ADULT FORMATION
November 16th - “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
BEER GARDEN MEET UP TONIGHT, 11/13: CHANGE IN LOCATION DUE TO RAIN
There has been a location change for the beer garden meet-up tonight because of the rain. We will be gather at Los Moles Beer Garden in El Cerrito tonight instead. Help us spread the word to folks you know who might be coming.
BUILDING INTERFAITH BRIDGES CONCERT THIS COMING SUNDAY!
Please join us on Sunday, 11/16, at 1 pm at All Souls for a very special interfaith event with Congregation Beth El and St. Paul’s AME. 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. Refreshments will be provided!
Mark it on your calendar and can’t wait to see you there!
SAVE THE DATE - OUR ANNUAL ADVENT FESTIVAL IS NOVEMBER 30TH!
Join us on Sunday evening, 11/30 at 5 pm for our annual Advent Festival. On this night, we gather around a fire in the courtyard to sing, pray, and recall some of the stories that have brought us here. Then, we will enjoy some hot cocoa and cookies, make Advent wreaths, and our annual All Souls Christmas ornament. This is a great night for kids and families, especially. Bring some cookies to share!
SAVE THE DATE - OUR ANNUAL ALL SOULS CAROLING PARTY IS DECEMBER 7TH!
Join us on Sunday evening, 12/7 for the annual All Souls caroling party!
5 pm - Chili dinner and warm-ups at the Nicol's home (1324 Santa Fe Ave)
5:30 ish - Caroling around the neighborhood
We'll wrap up at the Wilson's home (1120 Key Route Blvd) for cookies and cocoa.
This is a great event for all ages, especially children and families! RSVP here.
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. 16th - High School Small Group, 7-8:30 pm in the Youth Room
Nov. 23rd - Thanksgiving Break - No Youth Group
Nov. 30th - All Parish Advent Festival at 5 pm (in place of regular Youth Group)
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) prepares a warm jambalaya meal the second Sunday of every month 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.
