The Pathfinder: December 4, 2025
Mindful Engagement
With the start of the liturgical calendar, the new year for Christian life, we thought this was a time to reflect on our practices for the year to come. As the Senior Warden and Junior Warden for All Souls, we have a front row seat when it comes to witnessing the dedication and impact of our clergy and staff.
We know many of you get to see this in your own way as well. Upon our own reflection, we realized that the parish’s lay leadership has not regularly communicated that almost all of our amazing salaried clergy and staff are part-time employees of the parish. Phil is the only member of clergy and staff who is full-time, and 3 out of 5 of our staff work only 20 hours per week. With this in mind, when you reach out to a staff member, you may be contacting someone on their day off, so you may not receive a response right away due to that fact. While there is usually an expectation that texts will be responded to more promptly than emails, when you text someone, you may be texting someone on their day off as well, so please use email when possible.
As you already know, All Souls clergy and staff have managed to lead and help us foster an amazing Christian community for years. We do not mention their capacity and hours to hinder engagement, but we note it because they have developed practices to maximize their time in service to our parish, the community we collectively want to sustain. These practices require us to work mindfully with them, which require us as members to adopt certain practices ourselves like: not contacting staff on their days off (especially not by text/call); for pastoral emergencies contacting the pastoral care emergency line (510-848-1755, ext. 8) which is staffed by clergy on call for that purpose; and not expecting an immediate response because clergy and staff may have already allotted their current time to core responsibilities that are expected of them.
In the spirit of transparency, clergy and staff will be noting their working days in their email signature and on their bios on the All Souls website.
As a vibrant parish, there are often questions from members that need to be answered as well as great suggestions on how to further build and sustain our community. We just ask that when engaging with clergy and staff you be intentional and mindful of the hours they are committed to work, and the obligations they already have with their roles at All Souls and their lives outside of the parish like other jobs and family commitments. Also, consider directing questions and comments to lay leaders including the wardens and other Vestry members.
We share this respectfully and with Christian love and affection.
–Grace Telcs and Michael Lewis, Wardens
Seismic Improvements and Temporary Parish Hall Closure
Seismic retrofitting includes bracing, bolting, and reinforcing your home's foundation, walls, roof, and chimney to resist earthquake shaking.
As the construction phase of the Living Waters campaign winds down, we are embarking on the next important step in caring for our campus: a Seismic Upgrade Project. Never let it be said that we lead a boring existence here at All Souls!
As we explored renting the preschool space again, potential tenants consistently asked for assurances about its seismic stability. In response, structural engineers examined the entire campus. Their assessment showed that several areas, the Parish Hall floor, the entire roof, the Parish Hall walls (from roof peak to preschool floor in the Undercroft), and the Nave roof-supporting columns, need seismic reinforcement.
The Parish Hall floor was addressed as part of the Living Waters work and, thanks to a generous gift to the Seismic Project, we completed the roof work this past August. We are now ready to move forward with the shear wall upgrades in the Parish Hall and bracing for the Nave columns. These improvements will significantly strengthen the seismic safety of our campus and put us in a much better position to offer the preschool space for lease.
The remaining Parish Hall and Nave column work is expected to cost up to $828,000. The Vestry has decided to meet those costs by using the balance of the seismic gift, $564,000, $95,000 from recent bequests, and up to $169,000 from our capital reserves to fund this project.
This work will take place on the interior, except for the bracing of the Nave pillars. We are fortunate that, with the rainy season coming that interior work was a good option. However, interior work is not without challenges! The main challenge will be the closure of the Parish Hall from January 5, 2026 to April 1, 2026. Yes, we just finished that space, and it is sad to lose it, but nothing will be demolished, except interior walls, and it will be wonderful when we are finished.
Shear walls will be installed on the east, west, and south walls as well as the north (kitchen door) wall. The kitchen will remain accessible through the foyer door, and there will be no disruption in the use of the elevator or foyer. The entire project should take around six months and will include those areas mentioned, as well as some roof work and painting of the exterior. Once completed, we will meet Level 4 seismic standards and will be able to market the preschool space once again.
We will again be working with WCI, the general contractor for the Living Waters project. They know our campus well, we have a strong working relationship, and they understand our need to be back in the Parish Hall by Holy Week in April of 2026.
As always, we appreciate your patience and understanding as we embark on this last major construction project. Questions? Feel free to me at annclairemyers@gmail.com
–Ann Myers
All Souls Visit with Elizabeth House
On October 27, thirteen members of All Souls visited Elizabeth House, one of our Isaiah Project grantees. Founded in North Oakland in 1991, Elizabeth House is a small organization, but it makes a tremendous impact on the people it serves – women and children (primarily people of color) who have been living unhoused and in extreme poverty – by providing transitional housing.
Families live at the House for an average stay of 18 months, but can stay up to two years. Approximately 80% of the women who have stayed at Elizabeth House go on to find safe, permanent housing and find employment.
Elizabeth House does not receive any government funding, but rather relies on grants from foundations and local organizations. They have 5 staff members. Elizabeth House currently has sixteen adult women residents and their children. We learned that residents receive personalized support, including individualized case management, counseling, and life skills training tailored to their unique needs and goals. The organization supports mothers in pursuing their educational and vocational aspirations, providing access to resources, workshops, and mentorship. It also fosters a supportive, inclusive community where residents can connect, heal, and grow together. Moreover, families benefit from programs and activities designed to support children’s development, well-being, and academic success. Even after they “graduate” from Elizabeth House, residents remain in contact with the House and receive future counseling and support, where needed.
During our visit, we met with the Director and Assistant Director, participated in a tour of the house (which is located in the Rockridge District of Oakland), and learned more about the potential to volunteer in some of their activities. Here are some examples of volunteer activities that have occurred in recent years: repainting walls in a hallway; making a meal for the families; gardening and teaching gardening skills; leading professional development or financial literacy workshops; and tutoring adults who are working on completing their GED. Adults generally need to go through a background check. All Souls would coordinate with Elizabeth House on training for any All Soulsians who may want to volunteer.
Lastly, the staff explained that they welcome donations of Christmas gifts that they will wrap and present to the residents on Christmas. All Souls has set aside the Second Sunday of Advent (December 7) for gifts to Elizabeth House (see gift ideas below in the Serve With Us section of the Announcements).
–Lewis Maldonado
Annual Operating Campaign Update
As we enter the final phase of this year’s pledge campaign, I want to share both my deep gratitude and a growing sense of urgency. Our pledge goal for 2026 is $820,000. Hitting this target allows us to sustain our ministries, support our staff, offer faithful programs, and care for our campus.
As of today, 159 households have pledged a remarkable $768,257. To everyone who has already pledged: thank you. Your generosity is what allows All Souls to thrive, and I am profoundly grateful.
Even with this strong response, we remain more than $50,000 short of our goal. Earlier this week, 57 emails went out to households we have not yet heard from. If you received a message from our Giving Secretary, Maggie Cooke, we truly need to hear from you.
Please use this pledge link, Pledge Today, or the links in that email to let us know your plans for 2026—even if you do not expect to pledge this year. Hearing from every household is absolutely essential. Without that information, the Vestry cannot plan responsibly, and uncertainty makes the work of setting a faithful, balanced budget far more difficult.
The Vestry meets on December 16 to finalize the 2026 budget. If we are still $50,000 short at that time, they will have to consider ways to close the gap. That could include drawing from reserves, reducing our financial resilience for the future, or scaling back some expenditures in the coming year, which would impact our shared life and ministries. None of these possibilities reflects the hopes we all share for All Souls.
But we can still reach our goal. If you have not yet pledged or have been meaning to respond to Maggie’s email, now is the moment. Your pledge—of any size—makes a real difference.
If you haven’t already, please make your 2026 Pledge Today.
–Richard Lynch for the Annual Operating Campaign Team
Immigration Letter-Writing for Moose
Thank you very much to all who participated in the ASEP immigration letter-writing event on November 22nd. Forty people attended and wrote 36 letters of pardon for Moose, a detainee. $715 was collected and donated for the family.
It turns out that ICE had not followed the law in the process of detaining him, so he has been temporarily released until ICE produces the correct paperwork. In the meantime, Moose went to the hospital for medication for COVID, and has been recovering with lots of rest and good nutrition. He is expected to be re-incarcerated within the month, at which time he may be deported to Laos, where he has never lived.
So the family continues to seek letters of pardon for him, hopefully in time for him to avoid deportation. If he is detained and deported, letters of pardon would still be useful, but the process of returning a deported person is more complex.
Again, thank you, ASEP, for such an enthusiastic response to Moose's need for support!
Kaki Logan
Building Interfaith Bridges November Concert
Enjoy these photos from our concert and gathering on November 16th, which was centered around gratitude.
–The Staff
Announcements & Events
Friday
6:30 pm, The Racial Justice Committee’s screening of the film Sugarcane in the Parish Hall.
Sunday
7:00 am, Reading Between the Lines Bible Study in the Common Room or click here to join by Zoom.
8:00 am, Holy Eucharist in the Chapel. Please enter through the copper doors downstairs on Cedar Street.
9:15 am, Adult Formation: “The Gospel of Matthew,” with the Rev. Michael Lemaire in the Parish Hall and Rehearsal for Christmas Eve Nativity Story in the Godly Play Room.
10:30 am, Sung Eucharist in the Nave. Join us via livestream here. Sunday School in the Godly Play room.
12 noon, Coffee Hour in the Courtyard.
5 pm, All Souls Annual Caroling Party at the Nicol’s home.
Learn With Us
ADULT FORMATION
This Week: The Gospel of Matthew,” with the Rev. Michael Lemaire
See the article above for the full description of this four-part series on the Gospel of Matthew. Class meets in the Parish Hall at 9:15 am on the following Sundays: Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14, 21
Next Week: Capital Update Forum
Please join us on Sunday, December 14 at 12n in the Nave for an update about all the capital work we have been doing at All Souls, and the projects that remain for the first half of 2026. You'll learn about our elevator, the new plans for landscaping, and the work ahead for seismic strengthening.
Pray With Us
ADVENT BOOKLET & HOME PRACTICE
If you missed the Advent Festival, we invite you to pick up a copy of this year's Advent Booklet on the theme of "refuge." Where and how do we find shelter, rest, and belonging? How do we know when we’ve “arrived”? What and who sustains us on the journey? Through readings, reflection questions, and wreath-lighting ritual, you will be invited to go deeper into the themes of this season. You can download a copy on the All Souls Resources page, or pick up a copy in the narthex.
Gather With Us
EMILY HANSEN CURRAN’S ORDINATION - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6th
The day has arrived! Our beloved Emily Hansen Curran will be ordained to the Diaconate at Grace Cathedral on December 6th at 3 pm. All are welcome to celebrate this memorable occasion, marking the end of one journey and the beginning of another. Click here for the invitation.
THE CENTER FOR ARTESTEEM FUNDRAISER - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6th
The Center for ArtEsteem, one of the four Isaiah Project grantees, is having its annual fundraiser on Saturday, December 6th, at 12 pm. You will enjoy a delicious catered lunch while having heartfelt conversations in small groups about critical issues facing our city and our world. You'll have a chance to see their new studio space, see student artwork, hear from students in their programs, and learn about ArtEsteem's current initiatives.
Here are the details of the event and links that you can click on to learn more and purchase tickets:
DATE: Sat Dec 6, 2025
TIME: 12-3:30 pm
LOCATION: The Center for ArtEsteem, 3111 West St, Oakland, CA 94608
Food catered by Jusla Catering
Hope we can see a few All Soulsians there!
ALL SOULS CAROLING PARTY - DECEMBER 7th
Join us on Sunday evening, 12/7, for the annual All Souls caroling party! This is a great event for all ages, especially children and families. Invite your friends! RSVP here. The schedule is as follows:
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. We hope to see and sing with lots of All Soulsians and friends.
SOUP & SINGING - WEDNESDAY EVENINGS DURING ADVENT
Join us on the three consecutive Wednesdays of Advent, 12/3, 12/10, and 12/17, for a heartwarming evening of soup supper followed by the peaceful and luminous Holden Evening Prayer. To sign up to bring soup or bread, use this link.
6 pm: Supper (Parish Hall)
6:50-7:30 pm: Holden Eve. Prayer (Parish Hall)
7:30 pm: Choir/Angel Band rehearsal (Nave)
We would also welcome folks who are able to come a bit early (5:30-ish) and stay afterward to help us set the space and clear it at the end.
It feels wonderful to be able to gather for these suppers. Last year, we had to take a pause because of construction in our Parish Hall and kitchen. Now, those spaces are beautifully re-done and ready. We’re excited to celebrate this completion and fill the spaces with new memories this Advent. We hope you will join us!
Worship With Us
CHILDREN & FAMILIES
Advent for Children and Families
Advent is an opportunity for children and families to sink more deeply into spiritual community and practices. This year, we want to draw your attention to five particular ways that children can take part: our Advent Festival, Nativity Story, Sunday liturgy, caroling party, and Christmas Eve services. Email Emily+ (emilyb@allsoulsparish.org) if you’d like to be involved. Download our Children and Family Advent calendar here.
Christmas Eve Nativity Story Rehearsals
Rehearsals for our children’s Christmas Eve Nativity Story starts this coming Sunday, 11/30! Join us again on 12/7 & 12/14 from 9:15-10:15 am in the Godly Play Room. Plenty of roles and costumes for everyone! Email Emily+ emilyb@allsoulsparish.org to take part!
Sunday School: Sunday School (for kids pre-K through 5th grade) happens every week during the 10:30 service. Meet outside of the main Cedar St. doors at the start of the service; teachers will lead you around the corner to our temporary classroom space. (If you’re late, ask an usher for directions). Children return to church at the “Peace.”
To join our Children and Family mailing list, email Emily (emilyb@allsoulsparish.org).
YOUTH
Youth Group (for grades 6-12) generally happens each Sunday from 7-8:30pm.
Join us on Sunday evenings from 7-8:30 pm for games, art, reflection, and prayer. We alternate between a large, combined middle and high school group and a small high school-only group.
COMING UP:
Dec 7 - All Parish Caroling Party at 5 pm
(in place of regular Youth Group)
Dec 14 - All Grades Holiday Youth Group
To join the weekly youth mailing list, email emilyb@allsoulsparish.org.
Serve With Us
JUSTICE & PEACE
Sugarcane Film Screening - Friday, December 5th
The Racial Justice Committee (RJC) invites you to join us on Friday, 12/5, at 6:30 pm in the Parish Hall for a screening of the documentary film Sugarcane, a groundbreaking investigation into an Indian residential school, shedding light on years of forced separation, assimilation, and abuse that Indigenous children experienced at the hands of church and government. Click here to see the flyer with additional details.
Advent Ingathering 2025
During the four weeks of Advent, we collect donations for organizations that serve the wider community. Learn more about the work of these four service providers and how you can help each week.
Week 1: November 30th
The Berkeley Food Pantry has been serving the hungry in Berkeley and Oakland since 1969. BFP welcomes donations of packaged foods (NOT expired, damaged, or opened), and they love donations of produce and fruit from home gardens and yards. Popular foods and kitchen favorites often requested:
Canned meats such as tuna and chicken (low-sodium and low-fat)
Peanut butter
Shelf-stable tofu
Low sugar breakfast cereal
Canned soups (low-sodium)
Brown or white rice, pasta, and pasta sauce
Shelf-stable non-dairy milk such as soy, almond, and oat
Healthy snack foods for kids, such as low-sugar nutrition bars and dried fruit
Energy or snack bars for unhoused visitors
Cooking oil
Ketchup, mustard, salad dressing, and mayonnaise
Seasoning such as salt, pepper, herbs, spices, and garlic
Boxes of teabags
Ground coffee
$$$ Monetary donations. For each $1 you donate, BFP is able to purchase $7 worth of food! Make checks payable to All Souls Parish and include BFP in the memo section.
Week 2: December 7th
Elizabeth House is one of our Isaiah Project grantees. Please read the article above for more details on their important work.
For the ingathering, we are requesting that people bring one or more of the following items, which Elizabeth House will wrap and provide to the families at Christmas:
pajamas* for the children
socks for the children and for the mothers
board games (traditional and not electronic) that family members can play together
*Sizes needed are as follows: Infant 0-3 Months; Boys Toddler 9-12 Months; Girls 2T (Toddler) Boys 3T (Toddler); Girls 7; Girls 8; Boys 10; Boys 12.
Week 3: December 14th
American Indian Child Resource Center (AICRC) is an American Indian led, American Indian serving, community service organization whose mission is to “preserve and promote the cultural integrity of American Indian youth and their families.” Founded in 1974, AICRC provides culturally congruent services to American Indian children and families (e.g., culturally focused mental health services for children), recruits and trains American Indian foster parents/families, and prioritizes youth programming. AICRC is also one of four organizations chosen by the All Souls community to receive an Isaiah Project grant, which is being used to support their staffing needs. Another need is holiday gifts for children and youth who participate in AICRC programs.
With this in mind, we will be gathering holiday gift cards from Amazon or Target to give to AICRC children and youth.
Week 4: December 22nd
Undergraduate Street Medicine Outreach (USMO) is a volunteer student organization at UC Berkeley focused on providing aid to Berkeley and Oakland homeless encampments. Each week, student volunteers go out to encampments and hand out food, hygiene supplies, medical supplies, and other requested items, such as clothing and desserts. They are committed to bridging the gap between the unhoused community and access to basic services and necessities.
They are requesting the following items, which are in especially high demand in the winter.
Tents
Petrol
Winter jackets
Camping stoves
Butane and propane
Socks
Underwear
Blankets
Gloves
Batteries (any type)
USMO also accepts monetary gifts through GoFundMe, at this link.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST
Please pick up your photos and mementos from the ofrenda in the back of the Nave. We will have a box on the counter in the narthex for those unable to take theirs home last week.
