The Pathfinder: December 18, 2025
Love as the Bestowal of Life
During a private conversation some time back, Phil asked me to share my personal reflections on the gift of God’s eternal love for us. In our liturgical tradition, the Fourth Sunday in Advent is devoted to love, so it seems appropriate to offer this meditation just as our Advent expectations are about to be fulfilled in the Nativity of Our Lord.
My life is short. Recollections of my life will be shorter still, swallowed up in the passings of those who love me. So it’s not too much to say that soon after my death, I will have been forgotten, lost to the regard and affections of the world. Many classical Romans acknowledged this perceived destiny by inscribing their sarcophagi with the words, “Non fui, fui, non sum, non curo. (I was not, I was, I am not, I care not.)” I suppose it quite reasonable to assume that if one is has been extinguished, not caring about anything follows as a matter of course. I have many friends and acquaintances who embrace this Epicurean view, sometimes from philosophical conviction, sometimes from temperament, but mostly, I suspect, from sheer exhaustion born of what appears to be the cosmic indifference to relentless suffering. Nothing saps hope more quickly than futility. Needless to say, my response to our creaturely predicament is viewed by some of my friends with a certain puzzled amusement. What one might describe as evangelical atheism has, after all, become quite outspoken these days: only a fool says in his heart there is a God. (contra Psalm 14:1) Obviously, everything I say below presupposes the existence of God. Given that premise, how is the “love of God” to be construed, for it is the quality of that “love” with which many of us struggle?
After undergoing open heart surgery in 2004 to replace a failed mitral valve with a titanium valve, I complained to my husband Scott about how loud and annoying my new heartbeat sounded. Shopkeepers commented on my loud watch when, in fact, I wasn’t wearing a watch. Scott instantly caught me up short: “Without that new metal valve, you’d be dead! Don’t complain about it, celebrate it. Give it a name. Call it Emmanuel, God With Us. Befriend it.” And so I did. What does my loud, ever-present valve have to do with my disappearance from the world’s consciousness after my death? My valve of flesh is dead, but Emmanuel continues within me as an actual source of new life and a metaphor for continuing renewal.
Several passages in the New Testament are refreshingly blunt about such continuing renewal, but Paul is unequivocal: “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile, and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have died in Christ have perished. If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.” (I Corinthians, 17-19, NRSV). See also Mark 12:27, Matthew 22:32, and Luke 20:38 for similar synoptic passages.
But I’ve no wish to proof text, an exegetical method too often used to justify almost any horror, as our current theopolitical rhetoric amply demonstrates. Rather, I urge a theological principle which, for me, is foundational to all other considerations of God’s relationship to Creation: The concept of love is meaningless apart from the concept of eternity. Annihilation and love are mutually exclusive. Who among us, if it were in our power to choose, would consign a loved one to oblivion? The intrinsic worth of any human being, or of any creature for that matter, rests entirely upon God’s free choice to bestow that worth. In the absence of that gift, the sanctity of the human person has no warrant. Our meaning as creatures begins and ends within the embrace of transcendence. The Incarnation is emblematic of that divine dispensation. The American philosopher, Irving Singer (1925-2015), says somewhere in his magisterial three-volume work, The Nature of Love, (I can’t find the exact citation at the moment) that hatred is best defined as the active desire that something not exist. Although Singer rejected the existence of any transcendent reality, it would seem to follow that the obverse of his observation is also true. Love is the desire that something continue to exist, and what is continuing existence but an ongoing relationship? What is the love of neighbor but the desire that others flourish and continue to do so through our service and sacrifice as helpmates, one to another? Could God conceivably do less and remain worthy of our worship? Not merely our well-being, but the honor of God is at stake.
As Paul says to philosophically-inclined Athenians in the Areopagus, “For in Him we live and move and have our being; as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we, too, are his offspring.’” (Acts 17:28). This is not merely the longing for duration. Duration without mutual love, duration in isolation, is what we call Hell. No, nothing so paltry can fulfill our primordial yearning. We want to live forever because we want to love and to be loved forever. It is this life-giving desire to be in relationship, to grow into the image of God for which each of us is uniquely destined, that sustains us. It is to live into God’s bestowal of intimacy in the Communion of Saints. Nothing less will do. The world may forget me; the world may forget you. God will not. Emmanuel remains at our side and in our hearts. Against all the evidence that might militate against it, this is the vision I choose. Herein lies my hope. No matter where you find yourself this Christmas, at All Souls or away, I hope that you will be able to find a space––at a church, in your home, in your heart––to revel in a new way in the great Mystery, of God-with-us.
Peace,
–Alan Schut
A New Nativity
“Tonight, like no other night. It is a time to dream and sing our way to Bethlehem. The children will show us the way…” So begins “A Children’s Liturgy for Christmas Eve” by Jerome Berryman, the founder of Godly Play. Godly Play is an approach to spiritual formation that’s near and dear to me.
It’s the curriculum we used at the church I attended as a child. I have vivid memories of gathering in a circle on the floor with other children, listening in rapt attention as a Storyteller used small wooden figures– people, animals, buildings, objects– to bring Bible stories to life. After the story, we’d “wonder” aloud together, voicing the questions and feelings the stories evoked. From Godly Play, I learned many of the things I still believe about spiritual formation and faith community. I learned that church is a place that welcomes all questions; that material objects can be a way for us to glimpse the mystery of the divine; and that there are some truths about faith that are best conveyed not through logic or argument, but through story.
These realizations led me to the theme of our Nativity Story this year. Each Christmas Eve, in lieu of a sermon, the children and youth of All Souls represent the story of Christ’s birth in some creative way. This year, we will use the script of Godly Play to tell a life-sized story! Our story “pieces” will be children in costume, alongside a set of large wooden figures created by our Arts at All Souls team. As a Storyteller speaks the words, the children will move these figures into place to create a living nativity scene. Children who arrive that evening are welcome to grab a costume and join in.
We hope that you will join us at the 4pm Christmas Eve service to experience this immersive story. If you miss it, you can come visit the wooden figures in the Parish Hall later on Christmas Eve, or throughout the Christmas season.
Thank you to Humberto Carrillo, Brenna Hall, and Diane Haavik for envisioning, cutting, and painting these beautiful figures, and to Molly Nicol for helping direct the story!
Blessings,
–Emily+
Christmas Eve Service Opportunities!
As we prepare to warmly welcome visitors into our parish space this Christmas, I hope that we will set an intention to offer warmth and welcome to all who come through our doors. Remember that each of us (not just the greeters and the ushers) can offer a warm welcome and share the kindness that is so characteristic of the All Souls community.
To that end, we are still in need of about 15 volunteers for Christmas Eve services. Below are our needs broken down by the three services.
4 pm
chalice bearers
7 pm
chalice bearers
lectors
greeters
cookie reception volunteers
Acolyte
LLA
9 pm
chalice bearers
lectors
greeters
cookie reception volunteers
Acolyte
LLA
Please reach out to me at rachel@allsoulsparish.org if you can serve in any capacity.
–Mother Rachel
Organ Update
We haven’t had the use of the organ for the past several weeks as work has been proceeding including completely cleaning out the great division (which seems to have housed a family of mice at some point). However, the organ will be a part of our Christmas Eve liturgies this year including our new Trumpet pipes!
After the holidays, plans are in place to start building out the new swell division and, if all goes well, the organ should be completed somewhere around Easter 2026!
Did you know: our original organ had about 1169 pipes - when the project is over, that number will be about 2276!
–Matt Wolka
Deanery Delegates
As Mark Wilson noted in his November 20th Pathfinder article, the nominating committee is seeking All Souls members who would be interested in standing for election to be one of the four Deanery and Diocesan Convention Delegates.
At the annual meeting the parish will elect 4 delegates to serve two-year terms: during their first year, as alternates; during their second year, as delegates to the convention. The Diocese of California is organized into six deaneries (groups of congregations). All Souls is a member of the Alameda Deanery. The deaneries hold convocations/meetings four times each year. If you’re not aware of the role of the Deanery, it is a geographical grouping of nearby parishes within a diocese. The body serves as a link for mutual support, communication, and shared ministry, led by the President of the Deanery and an appointed priest called the Dean, who convene clergy and lay representatives for prayer, fellowship, resource sharing, and coordinating diocesan efforts like mission, formation, and governance.
The Deanery functions as a local arm of the diocese, helping parishes connect, share best practices (like online giving or disaster planning), develop leaders, and address community needs.
If this sounds like something you would be interested in, please reach out to me and Grace Telcs.
–Michael Lewis, Senior Warden
Join in the Joy
One of the great joys of serving with All Souls Parish is the ways that we come together to celebrate the signal acts of the Christian life. Baptisms and confirmations and ordinations, and even burials, make up some of my most treasured moments in my time as a priest. And at the top of the list have been the occasions to be able to witness to love in the form of a marriage during the Sunday morning service.
And thanks be to God, and to Janet Harper and Cody Call, we will be able to join in that joy once again on Sunday, January 4th at the 10:30a Eucharist. While it is not normative to celebrate weddings on Sunday mornings, after having done it a few times at All Souls, I can tell you that it is quite profound. It’s like the last piece of a puzzle clicking into place. Oh, that’s why we do the kiss of peace in the wedding rite…this is what it means for a community to make promises alongside a couple. It is quite incredible.
So please put this witness on your calendar, and if possible, please bring some food and drink to share for the reception in the Parish Hall afterwards. You can follow this link to Janet and Cody‘s wedding website to learn the kinds of food and drink we can add to the feast, or you can reach out to Mother Rachel as well.
See you on Sunday, January 4th at 10:30a to join in the joy and witness to the Love that comes down at Christmas.
–Phil+
Caroling Party Pictures
We hope you will enjoy these photos from our All Souls Parish Caroling Party!
–The Staff
Announcements & Events
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.
10:30 am, Sung Eucharist in the Nave. Join us via livestream here. Sunday School in the Godly Play room.
Learn With Us
ADULT FORMATION
Coming up in January: Discerning Sacred Rhythms with Mother Rachel Dykzeul
Spiritual transformation often happens over time through community engagement and partaking in personal spiritual practices. This class is designed as an invitation to explore prayer and meditation within the Christian tradition with the intention of developing life-giving spiritual practices to contour the rhythms of our daily lives. The class aims to help parishioners connect their everyday spiritual experiences to their theological understanding of what it means to live a Christian life. Classes will be held at 9:15 am in the Common Room on the following days: January 4, 11, 18. Please join us!
Worship With Us
Christmas Eve Services
4 pm - family-friendly service with Nativity Story
7* pm & 9* pm Carols and Candlelight Service with receptions following
The 7 pm service will be live-streamed.
(*Note: Rather than a 10:30 pm "Midnight Mass" service, we are having two Carols & Candlelight services.)
Christmas Morning Service
10 am Eucharist
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.
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 21, 28 & Jan 4th - No Youth Group - Winter Break
Jan 11 - 1st Youth Group of 2026
To join the weekly youth mailing list, email emilyb@allsoulsparish.org.
Serve With Us
All Soups ‘N’ Such Cookbook
The All Soups ‘N’ Such Cookbook is ready for purchase! 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the Berkeley Food Pantry. Get your copy (for a $20 gift) in the following ways:
via Realm (look under “registration events” or use the link in the Pathfinder)
during coffee hour (cash or check)
pick up one (or multiple copies!) at the Orinda Bookstore: 276 Village Square, Orinda
Questions? Email Cathy Goshorn.
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 TODAY 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.
