The Pathfinder: July 9th, 2026
Going to the Edges
The poet David Whyte writes, “The only place where things are actually real is at the frontier between what you think is you and what you think is not-you.” He’s describing a kind of inner stance or disposition that he calls the “conversational nature of reality”: the notion that knowledge and identity unfold in dynamic, reciprocal relationship with the world around us.
The boundary between self and more-than-self isn’t a dead end. It’s a starting point, the beginning of discovery, authenticity, and connection.
This quote has been on my mind recently as I prepare to take a group of All Souls youth on a trip to the U.S./Mexico border in San Diego. We will be going to a physical frontier: a geographical and political boundary that is used (metaphorically and literally) to exclude and to “other.” From the site where we’re camping, we’ll be able to see the physical border wall extending far out into the ocean. We will grapple head-on with the destructive, divisive aspects of the borders we draw between people and places. At the same time, I’m aware of the ways in which borders can be generative: sites of learning, relationship, and sharing across identities and experiences. I hope that during our trip, we’ll have a chance to lean into the complexity and nuance of all of these understandings of “borders.” Here is some of what our time will hold.
Throughout the week, we’ll visit organizations that accompany migrants and immigrants in the San Diego-Tijuana border region. We'll begin by worshiping with The Border Church congregation at Friendship Park, where Christians gather on opposite sides of the international border to pray together across the fence that divides us. We will explore the Museum of Us and the extraordinary murals of Chicano Park, learning about the history of the region and the communities that have called it home.
We will partner with Border Angels in their outreach to day laborers at sites such as Home Depot. We will help distribute food and supplies, and engage in conversation with people who often wait for hours each day in hopes of finding work. ICE has been known to conduct raids at these work sites, so the presence of volunteers (particularly church groups and clergy) is vital. We will visit a local Jesuit Parish, Our Lady of Guadalupe, to learn about their ministry of accompanying, serving, and welcoming migrants.
In addition to learning from external sources and visiting the physical border wall, we will also reflect on the theme of borders and belonging in our interior spiritual experience. What equips us to go to the edges of our personal understanding, seeking to encounter those who are different, challenging us to consider new perspectives? Each evening, we'll gather for prayer around a campfire, reflecting on these themes in relation to Scripture. We'll discuss the importance of listening well, recognizing that stories have the power to transform us. We'll ask what it means to truly see our neighbors, especially those whom society often overlooks. We'll consider how compassion leads to action, prompting us to work for justice in the world.
I suspect this week will challenge us and push us past the zone of comfort. Some moments will undoubtedly be joyful, while others will be difficult. I ask your prayers for the youth as we embark on this trip. Please pray for safe travel, for wisdom and flexibility, and for strong relationships within our group. Pray for the ministry partners who have generously welcomed us into their work. Pray especially for the people whose stories we will encounter, that we may receive them with reverence, humility, and love of neighbor.
When we return, our youth will preach together at All Souls on Sunday, August 19th, sharing what they experienced and what questions they are still carrying. Thank you again for all of the ways you have supported this trip and will continue to uphold us from afar.
Peace,
-Emily B+
Honoring Past Immigration Work at All Souls
In April 2026, All Souls Adult Formation sponsored three sessions led by the Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity (IM4HI). As Kaki Logan and I talked in preparation for those sessions, I was curious about the history of the work of the Justice and Peace committee in this area. People suggested that I talk with Elena Ramirez, Janet Chisholm, and Christine Trost.
From these conversations, I learned a lot about the deep roots of our current work in immigration. Here is a brief sketch of important dates in that chronology.
2011 – Elena C. Ramirez met the Rev. Deborah Lee, a leader of the East Bay Immigration Coalition, now the Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity, and began attending their meetings monthly
2014 – Sharon Roberts and Elena Ramirez volunteered with the Post-Release Accompaniment Project of IM4HI, picking released detainees from the West CCC Detention Center in Richmond and taking them to airports. The ASEP Outreach Committee provided funding for backpacks for each detainee.
2014 – Janet Chisholm, Margaret Sparks, Sharon Roberts, and Elena Ramirez went for the first time to Sacramento on Immigration Day to lobby legislators. This work has continued since then with numerous All Soulsians participating.
2013-2018 – ASEP was actively involved with the Vigils at West County Detention Facility, planning and directing the first Saturday vigils, an effort that included many members of the parish attending and some music by the church choir and Angel Band. In July of 2018, the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office ended the facility’s contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Janet recalls as many as 80 All Soulsians participating in those vigils.
2015 – 2020 – ASEP responded to the request from IM4HI to participate in their Post-Release Accompaniment Program (PRAP) to provide short-term housing to immigrants who were released from detention with time to make travel arrangements. After receiving vestry approval and fitting out a room in the Parish Hall, they received their first guest in the fall of 2015. They continued receiving guests until the Parish Hall was demolished to make way for Jordan Court. Christine Trost was a leader in this work.
Accompanying individuals to immigration court as a silent witness and prayerful support
2016 – ASEP responded to IM4HI’s request to help new immigrant children and families through their program Nueva Esperanza by including IM4HI in the Advent In-gathering at the church.
This timeline by no means captures all of the heart and soul that went into these projects. In a 2016 Pathfinder article, Christine Trost described the work of housing immigrants. She wrote that she gained confidence that “the pieces will fall into place and we will be able to extend deep hospitality to whomever God sends our way. My ability to take this leap of faith more easily is due to the fact that I have witnessed so many ‘loaves and fishes’ moments over the course of the past year in the context of this ministry: volunteers always step forward, generous donations are made, parish leaders provide unwavering support, and together our faith community shares its abundant resources in numerous, unanticipated and deeply meaningful ways.”
My thanks to Elena, Janet, and Christine for sharing their reminiscences with me – a much more recent All Soulsian – as background for the profound work that continues to take place in our Justice and Peace ministry.
–Anne Yardley
June Vestry Update
Even as the program year starts to quiet down in June, the Vestry is still humming along with many projects and hands in exciting growth for the parish. Literal growth is taking place thanks to our landscaping team. Plants are coming, and the handicap parking slots on Spruce St. are being updated to provide water to the Oak tree and smooth out the gravel for ease of access.
In addition, the indoor railings of the stairs by the back door and Sacristy will be replaced, and painting is underway around some areas of the inside of the building. Molly Nicol updated us on the growth of our preschool space. After many interviews and conversations, there are 2 very promising new tenants for that space, and we will keep you updated when a final decision is made after more follow-up from both schools.
We engaged in lively conversation regarding a report from Jim Feeley and Charlie Myers requesting funds to expand the audio-visual equipment. The Vestry voted unanimously to approve this request, which includes new listening devices for anyone who is hearing impaired. It is a relief to know that these devices will work both in the Nave and the Parish Hall. Speaking of making things easier around here, Dan Hardy and Raymond Yee have been researching a new digital connection platform to replace Realm. In the coming months, the Vestry will be able to try using this new platform to see if it will cover our needs and be much more user-friendly than Realm.
In other news, Sarah Bakker Kellogg and I have been commissioned by the Vestry to create a framework for deliberation around our outward giving at All Souls. We have been in conversation with many parishioners who hold specific experience in discerning how we decide which organizations we as a parish support financially. This document will be available for use by committees of the parish after the Vestry meeting in July, and the hope is that it will serve as a guide and reference in order to choose organizations to support in an equality-based, mission-aligned process.
The meeting wrapped up with a discussion about how we can best support our core, with specific attention to the many ways we ensure our staff is supported in their time, financially and in community. Then Phil+ gave a final update on the finishing of the seismic retrofitting, and the organ being expanded from 800 keys to 2,000 keys. Other property work includes a new corner sign, new chairs ordered for the Nave, and bids have been accepted for ivy removal and fence repair in the courtyard.
–Erin Horne
Michael Drell’s Ordination!
Greetings All Soulsians from DC! I’m thrilled to be approaching my ordination to the priesthood next week on Thursday, July 16th. It is particularly exciting that your Rector, Phil+, will be one of my presenters and the All Souls banner will be part of the procession.
Phil’s+ mentorship and the supportive environment of the congregation were the exact experiences I needed, and the good Lord brought us all together in perfect time.
Of all the parishes I have been a part of over the years, All Souls is unrivalled in so quickly becoming my church home. Living up the street at CDSP and worshiping and serving among you, I became immersed in a way that not only helped me survive seminary but prepared me for the life ahead. Throughout my diaconate, I regularly called upon the learning, formation, and fun that you all baked into my bones. I have so many beautiful memories of services that brought my faith to new depths and heights and also so many memories of fellowship and laughter that have set the bar high for how I hope to continue in parish life.
From October 1st, I will serve a two-year Curacy at St. Paul’s Parish in Foggy Bottom near the Kennedy Center and GW University. Come visit if you are ever around these parts!
-Michael Drell, former seminarian
Announcements & Events
Thursday (TONIGHT)
5:30 pm, Reading Between the Lines Bible Study in the Common Room.
Sunday
7 am, Reading Between the Lines Bible Study in the Common Room or click here to join by Zoom.
8 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.
12 noon, Coffee hour in the Courtyard.
Wednesday
9 am, Holy Eucharist in the Chapel. Please enter through the copper doors downstairs on Cedar Street.
Gather With Us
LAST CALL FOR THE ALL SOULS PARISH CAMPING TRIP!
The window of time to register is closing! If you want to join us for a weekend of togetherness at our private spot on the river behind the Big Sur River Inn, register TODAY. Whether you want to float downstream, let the kids splash in the swimming hole, or chat under the stars, it’s a sweet time for all.
Sign Up: Click here to register on REALM or on the sheet in the narthex. If you need help logging into Realm, please contact Mother Rachel.
Where? Santa Lucia Campground, Big Sur
When: 11 am Friday, July 17 to 11 am Sunday, July 19. (Note: Limited space is available for early arrival after 2 pm on Thursday, July 16. Contact Mother Rachel at rachel@allsoulsparish.org if interested).
Everyone is welcome: Invite a friend and get your tent ready!
Early Bird Option: Limited spots are available to arrive one day early (July 16th).
Everything else you need to know:
Amenities: Running water, flushing toilets (no showers), picnic tables, a group barbecue area, and a large campfire circle.
Food: We will organize communal potluck dinners for Friday and Saturday nights; all other meals are on your own.
Cost: $55 per adult for the weekend ($150 max per family). Children under 5 are free! Young adult and youth pricing are also available. Scholarships Available: Financial constraints shouldn't keep you from joining us. If the cost is prohibitive, please reach out to Mother Rachel for confidential scholarship information.
Accommodations: Please note that this is a tent camping trip, so all campers will need to bring their own tent and gear.
Volunteers: Interested in helping organize the community meals, gear log, hikes, or an art project? Are you interested in leading morning or evening prayer? We will need about 5 volunteers. Contact Mother Rachel to help.
Directions and a final packing list will be emailed to all registered campers one week before the trip.
ALL SOULS PARISH RETREAT - September 18th–20th
Please mark your calendars and save the date for the annual All Souls Parish retreat! Every September, our parish community heads to The Bishop’s Ranch—a lovely retreat center located in Healdsburg—to relax, connect, and engage in meaningful fellowship.
The Bishop’s Ranch offers something for everyone. You can join the traditional group bike ride, relax by the pool, hang out on the lawn, or get creative in the well-stocked art casita. Whatever your pace, you are sure to find renewal in this beautiful space.
Keep an eye out in the coming weeks for registration to officially open!
BEING WITH GROUPS
Please note: No meetings on July 12th and 19th. We will resume on Sunday, July 26th.
Being With is for anyone who’s curious about faith or wondering if Christianity has something meaningful to offer them. In this 10-week small group, we seek out the sacred simply by paying attention to our lives — and the lives of those around us.
What happens during Being With?
Every 90-minute group, we listen to a brief teaching and move on to a group conversation. Participants are encouraged to listen to and openly receive what each person shares. Together, we’ll come to see how our stories are interconnected.
Our pilot Being With group began on May 17th, 2026. Groups are kept to 12 people. The class meets at 5 pm in the Common Room. Questions? Click here to email Mother Rachel.
Learn With Us
COMING UP IN ADULT FORMATION
July 12, 19, and 26
Heart of a Stranger by Angela Buchdahl
Join the Rev. Mark Richardson and Anne Yardley in the Common Room at 9:15 am to discuss this fascinating memoir by the first Asian American Rabbi, Angela Buchdahl. Angela Buchdahl is the child of a Jewish American father and a Buddhist, Korean-born mother.
July 12th: Chapters 1-8, covering Angela’s early years through high school.
July 19th: Chapters 9-17, taking her through her early jobs.
July 26th: Remaining chapters of the book, detailing her time as the Senior Rabbi of Central Synagogue in New York City.
Feel free to join us even if you haven’t finished the reading!
August 2, 9, and 16
Jane Vandenburgh and Jenny Kern will lead a discussion of Glenn Jordan and Pádraig Ó Tuama's book Borders and Belonging: The Book of Ruth: A Story for our Times. “A leading poet and a theologian reflect on the Old Testament story of Ruth, a tale that resonates deeply in today's world with its themes of migration, the stranger, mixed cultures and religions, law and leadership, women in public life, kindness, generosity and fear.”
Any questions, please contact Anne Yardley at ayardley@drew.edu.
BIBLE STUDY GROUPS
All Souls hosts two weekly Bible Study Classes each week. In addition to our Sunday morning group (meets from 7-8 am), we are now offering another group on Thursday evenings from 5:30-6:30 pm. Both groups meet in our Common Room and use the Reading Between the Lines curriculum. Join us! Drop-ins are always welcome, too!
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!
Open Door Dinner makes a warm jambalaya meal on the second Sunday of every month for anyone who is hungry. Teams of All Soulsians and friends take turns cooking and delivering. Email Jennifer A. (akiyama.jennifer@gmail.com) if you’d like to help!
Food Bank collection is active for the Good Shepherd Food Pantry. 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.
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:
Waterproof tarps
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.
Worship With Us
TAIZE TUESDAYS
These services will be on hiatus during the summer months. Check back in the Fall for information on a potential new series of services.
CHILDREN & FAMILIES
Sunday School (for kids pre-K through 5th grade) is currently on hiatus for the summer. Typically, we gather weekly during the 10:30 am service. We follow Godly Play, an approach to spiritual formation that features storytelling, hands-on learning, and wondering. Shortly after the service starts, children follow a teacher, carrying a cross, downstairs to the classroom and return to church at the “Peace.” Check back in the Fall for futher information or email Emily B+ with any questions.
To join our Children and Family mailing list, email Emily B+ (emilyb@allsoulsparish.org).
YOUTH
We are currently on a summer hiatus. Check back in the Fall for a new schedule.
Youth Group (for grades 6-12) generally happens each Sunday from 7-8:30 pm during the school year. All youth are welcome to join us for games, art, reflection, and prayer. We alternate between a middle and high school group with some all-grades events.
To join the weekly youth mailing list, email Emily B+ (emilyb@allsoulsparish.org).
Housing Request from an All Soulsian
A parishioner from All Souls, Francesca Raphael, is seeking a room to rent in the East Bay. She is glad to help out with chores and cleaning, and has prior experience living with elders as a live-in advocate, companion, and helper. Her budget is $600/month. If you have an extra room, or know of any people or places that may be a good match, please reach out to fgr.alameda@gmail.com
Last But Not Least…
On June 24, two earthquakes hit north-central Venezuela in rapid succession. Episcopal Relief & Development is in contact with local partners as they provide critical relief today and assess their community needs. The International Disaster Fund is an important tool for responding to immediate needs and supporting long-term recovery. Click here to make a gift today or visit episcopalrelief.org to get more information on the work of Episcopal Relief & Development.
