The Pathfinder: June 5th, 2025
Answering the Call
What a pleasure it is to be joining the All Souls Parish community. This week, I had the pleasure of meeting many of the All Souls staff for the first time and wandering around the church campus, seeing the signs of life all over the beautiful grounds.
As I look forward to my priestly ordination this Saturday and my first Sunday with the All Souls community this weekend, my heart is full of gratitude for this new chapter for me and my family.
Participating in our local church was one of the most important features of my family life and childhood. As a child, I loved our church community, the expansive nature of the space, and how our gatherings at church felt different from those in other spaces. Maybe it was the shared sense of community care and responsibility – the community clean-up days, youth trips to Tahoe and Mexico, the potlucks, the church kitchen, and the children’s and nursery rooms belonged to the community and were cared for collectively. All these memories presented themselves to me as I walked the grounds of All Souls. I am excited to think that in just a few short days, I will meet many All Soulsians and begin a new All Souls’ story myself.
On a personal note, there have been distinct moments in my life where I have felt a sense of call to a particular decision over another, or a certain peace leading me into the unknown chapters of my life. One spiritual practice I hold is making a point to respond to those little calls and prods of the Spirit in my life with curiosity and tenderness, knowing that “the one who calls is faithful, and (s)he will bring it to come.” So, as I answer this call to serve All Souls Parish as the Associate for Welcome and Kinship, I cannot wait to witness and be present to the continued work of the Spirit at All Souls Parish.
He who calls is faithful, and he will do it.
1 Thessalonians 5:24
– Mother Rachel
Senior Spotlight: Anders Koops-Elson
As the school year comes to a close, we’ll be sharing notes about our graduating seniors – the youth from the class of 2025 who are headed out into the world. Look out for more voices in the weeks to come!
Name: Anders Koops-Elson
“My favorite memories from All Souls consistently come from our Parish Retreat at Bishop’s Ranch in the fall.
Next year, I am going to the University of San Diego and I am planning on studying Environmental and Ocean Sciences. I want to surf and climb and take cool classes!”
Best wishes, Anders!
– Emily+
Isaiah Project Update:
Visit to the Center for ArtEsteem
After many months of research, discussion, prayer and reflection, the Isaiah Project team in October of 2024 recommended to the Vestry that All Souls award grants of $100,000 each to four East Bay organizations. The Vestry approved this request.
These four organizations are: the American Indian Child Resource Center; Elizabeth House; the Center for ArtEsteem; and Youth Spirit Artworks. The grants will be disbursed over a three-year period, beginning this summer. Our hope is that these grants may in some small measure promote repair of the harms caused by the history of racism in our local communities.
In addition to disbursing the grant funds, All Souls hopes to be in relationship with each of these organizations, if and in whatever way they may find that helpful. We began this process in January of this year when we conducted a four week Adult Formation class, in which the leadership of each of the organizations met with members of the congregation to engage in conversation and get to know each other better.
One of these organizations, the Center for ArtEsteem, has invited All Souls to visit their Center in West Oakland on Friday, June 20th, at 2:00 pm. The Center for ArtEsteem (formerly known as Attitudinal Healing Connection) addresses social ills by providing opportunities for creative expression and healing to children, families, and individuals. Founded in 1989, the organization “empowers individuals to be self-aware and inspired through art, creativity and education, and to make positive choices to break the cycle of violence for themselves and their communities.” The Center for ArtEsteem also provides education to youth on environmental justice, particularly the history of environmental injustice experienced by people of color in Oakland. The program has served over 75 at-risk schools and their communities, directly and indirectly reaching over 100,000 children, youth and families in the East Bay. The Center is currently in the midst of a capital campaign to expand its facilities and serve more youth. The Center’s website provides much more information about their amazing work. https://www.ahc-oakland.org/overview
Several members of the Isaiah Project and Justice and Peace teams will be participating in the June 20 visit. We would love to have other members of the congregation join us. The Center is located at 3111 West Street in West Oakland. If you are interested, please contact me at Lewiscm@mac.com or by phone or text at 510-326-7230. If you need a ride, we may be able to provide one. If you can offer a ride, we would also appreciate knowing that.
– Lewis Maldonado
A Joyful Beginning for Friends of All Souls
Last Saturday, a spirited group gathered for the inaugural luncheon of Friends of All Souls (FOAS)—a joyful celebration of the parishioners who have chosen to include All Souls in their estate plans.
Pictured: L to R Front: Grace Telcs, Katie Saral, Suzanne Siebert, Bonnie Bishop, Jill Churchman, Erin Horne, Maggie Cooke | Rear: Edward Moore, Robert Chrisp, John Gearen, Molly Christiansen, Rev. Phil Brochard
Not pictured: Caroline McCall, Ann Yardley, Daniel Prechtel & Ruth Meyers, Jennifer Kern, Marilyn Flood, Lewis & Shelly Maldonado
Held on a perfect spring afternoon, the event was filled with warm conversation, shared laughter, and heartfelt commitment to the future of our community. One of the highlights of the gathering was the signing of the Friends of All Souls banner, now proudly displaying the names of the inaugural lunch guests. This banner will grow each year, with new names added as our FOAS community expands.
Some attendees shared personal stories about their decision to include All Souls in their estate plans— their stories spoke to legacy, love, and hope for the future. Their words reminded everyone present just how powerful this kind of generosity can be.
Each FOAS member received a custom lapel pin as a small but meaningful token of appreciation, symbolizing their decision to support All Souls for generations to come.
We’re thrilled to share that 15 households have already confirmed their legacy commitment—an inspiring and organic start for this emerging group.
We’re deeply grateful to all who joined us for this special event, and to those who support All Souls in spirit. FOAS is growing, and this gathering marked the joyful first step in a lasting legacy.
– Richard Lynch on behalf of the Friends of All Souls Committee
Enjoy these photos from the Parish Picnic!
We look forward to our next gathering!
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.
10:30 AM, Sung Eucharist in the Nave. Join us via livestream here. Coffee hour after the service.
MONDAY
7:00 PM, Reading Between the Lines Bible Study, either in person in the Common Room or Click here to join by Zoom.
WEDNESDAY
9:00 AM, Eucharist in the Nave.
THURSDAY
7:00 PM, Stephen Minister Graduation in the Chapel
Learn with Us
ADULT FORMATION
The First Summer Reading Group Starts June 15th
Ruth Meyers and Bonnie Bishop will lead a discussion on Bishop Budde's book How We Learn to be Brave on June 15, 22, 29. The first discussion will cover the Introduction through chapter 3. The discussion on June 22nd will cover chapters 4 and 5. The final discussion will include chapters 6 and 7 as well as the epilogue. Join us in the Common Room at 9:15 am!
Jack Shoemaker will lead a discussion of Elaine Pagels Revelations: Visions, Prophecies, and Politics in the Book of Revelations and the group will also read the biblical book. on July 13, 20, 27
Jane Vandenburgh and Mark Richardson will lead a discussion of Patrick Bringley's book All the Beauty in the World: The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Me on August 3, 10 and 17
Gather with Us
Stephen Minister Graduation on June 12th
All are invited to attend a special graduation and commissioning service for our new Stephen Minister cohort. Join us on Thursday, June 12th at 7pm in the Chapel for a Eucharistic service celebrating these new ministers.
Organ Extravaganza is June 15th!
Join us after the 10:30 am worship service on June 15th for a mini-recital of organ music favorites and a by-request hymn sing-along. Learn fun facts about the history of organs, how organs work, our plans to expand our organ's capabilities and how you can become an All Souls' "Organ Donor"!
Big Sur Parish Camping Trip - July 18-20
Save the dates to join us in Big Sur for a fabulous intergenerational weekend full of food, fun, floating down the river, prayers, silence, retreat, and frisbee at the beach. We arrive on Friday evening and conclude on Sunday morning with a worship service held at the outdoor chapel on the campground. Join us!
Worship with Us
CHILDREN & FAMILY
Our Sunday School program has wrapped up for the year. We’ll pick up with weekly Godly Play during the 10:30 service beginning August 24th. Over the summer, we hope you will take advantage of the soft spaces at the back of the church and in the side chapel, where you’ll find snacks, books, and toys. Kids are also welcome to use the playground with adult supervision.
You are also invited to join our Parish Camping Trip in Big Sur, July 18th-20th. This is a very kid and family friendly event including swimming, games, campfires, outdoor church, and more. Sign-ups forthcoming!
To sign up for our Children and Family newsletter, please email Emily B.
YOUTH PROGRAM
Youth Group (for grades 6-12) happens on Sundays from 7-8:30pm. Generally, we alternate between an all-grades gathering, and a high school small group (~once a month).
Serve with Us
Interfaith Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage: Sunday, June 8th
Our longtime partners at Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity have extended an invitation to an interfaith pilgrimage to walk in public witness for the Palestinian Right of Return to their homes and families. The 22-mile walk begins in Alameda and is broken into five segments. You can join for the whole march, or just part. The Berkeley legs are in the afternoon, post-church. Find more information and register here.
Ways to help with the Israel-Hamas War, from Episcopal Relief & Development
Since the start of the current Israel-Hamas war, Episcopal Relief & Development has been supporting long-time partners in the Holy Land, including Al Ahli Hospital, a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, to provide emergency medical support in Gaza. Please pray for peace in the Holy Land and consider contributing to the Episcopal Relief & Development Middle East Fund to help meet the growing needs of all people in the region.
Stay informed about the Episcopal Relief & Development response at episcopalrelief.org.
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, e-mail Cathy G. (ogoshca@yahoo.com).
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, email Sarah (sarahoneto@gmail.com).
Open Door Dinner (ODD) will be making a warm jambalaya meal for anyone who is hungry this coming Sunday. Note: The ODD teams need a few people willing to drive meals to various locations in Berkeley. If you can help, please email Cathy G. (ogoshca@yahoo.com). If you are interested in joining the ODD team, email Jennifer A. (akiyama.jennifer@gmail.com).
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. With the colder weather, they are especially seeking donations of the following items:
General hygiene products (toothbrushes/toothpaste, deodorant, soap, etc.)
Clothes/cold weather gear
Bottled water
Please bring these donations to the red bin in the Narthex. Email Beth Christensen (beth.christensen) for donation and other direct volunteer opportunities with USMO.
Last but not least…
Council Chat is a regular, not monthly, attempt by the Council to be even more transparent about what our diocesan community of Christ is up to, one that welcomes everyone’s participation. Click here to read the full newsletter.
