The worship theme for October is Courage.

Sunday, October 15, 2017 - 9:30 and 11:00 am 
"Church Work in the Diaspora" - Rev. Koppándi-Benczédi Zoltán 
We are excited to host Rev. Zoli, one of our Unitarian ministers from Transylvania. He led a vigil for the group of Eliot "pilgrims" who visited Transylvania last year, and we were captivated by his warmth and passion for our faith. His service will explore the spiritual discipline of planting churches and building community. He will also share with us some of daily life for our Hungarian Unitarian siblings living in Romania today.  Featured musicians: Children's Chalice Choir, Flo Reaves, violin; Chamber Singers & Dr. David Nalesnik, piano.

Rev. Koppándi Zoltán serves communities of Hungarian Unitarians in Southwest Romania and in Deva, the "Mecca" of Unitarians, where UUs make pilgrimages every year to celebrate and honor the founder of our Unitarian Faith, Bishop Dávid Ferenc - or Francis David. 

 
Sharing the Offering
In October we will share our offering with Immigrant & Refugee Women's Program.

Since 1995, IRWP has worked to increase the independence and reduce the isolation of immigrants and refugees by teaching them basic English and practical living skills in the security of their own homes. In 2016, IRWP volunteers worked with 211 students from 42 countries.
Through the power of language and the support of friendship, immigrants and refugees gain self-confidence and the ability to communicate in emergency and medical situations, with their children's teachers, in the workplace, and to prepare for citizenship. They are also helped to develop financial literacy and to connect with other agencies for assistance with a variety of family needs.
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Religious Education
At 9:30, children in kindergarten and older attend the first 15 minutes of the worship service. Preschool children (ages 3-5) and nursery children (2 and younger) go directly to their class.

At 11:00, children who are age 4 (by Aug. 1, 2017) through 6th grade attend the first 15 minutes of the worship service. Children 3 and younger and youth in 7th-12th grade go directly to their class.

Note: The Junior High Youth Group (grades 7-8) is on a field trip this morning at Faith Church - Earth City.


Sunday at a Glance:
Chamber Singers meet at 8:30 am in the Music Room.
Eliot Choir meets at 9:00 am in the Music Room.
Children's Chalice Choir meets at 9:00 am in the Jr. High Room.
New Member Book Signing is at 10:30 am and 12:00 pm in the Triplett Room.
The Eliot Yarn Goddesses meet at 12:00 pm in the Jr. High Room.
Partner Church Potluck Lunch with Rev. Zoli is at 12:30 pm in Adams Hall.
Madrigal Rehearsal is at 12:00 pm in Rooms 001/002.
Friends of Music Concert is at 3:00 pm in the Sanctuary.
Murphy Covenant Group meets at 7:00 pm in the Jr. High Room.
Eliot Meditation Group meets at 7:00 pm in Adams Hall.

Church News


SUPPLEMENTAL CANVASS
Answer the Call of Love

16 years ago, I was visiting the UU Church of Arlington, Virginia, my internship church. He was sitting one person over from me in the pew. Handsomest man I had ever seen. He was also remarkably present throughout the service, laughing at the jokes, intently listening, closing his eyes during the music. I joke that I was first drawn to him for his worship skills. A voice in my head said, You had BETTER go talk to him. I was nervous. You know when something is going to change your life. It could have ended up in any number of ways. But I did it - I made a beeline for him in the coffee hour. You could definitely call that answering the call of love. 

I did something similar four and a half years ago, when you called me to be your minister. That too was a call of love, and it changed my life. 

I'm happy I said yes - both times.

Eliot Chapel is being so bold as to issue a call of love ourselves. As you may know, last spring we came up short in our pledge campaign. $88,000 short. Making cuts that deep would do a lot of painful damage to our community. We realized that Eliot is at a crossroads. That in this moment, we could go forwards or backwards. How we all answer this call will change our lives as a community. 

I told this to the board, and we decided to go for it - we decided to come back and ask you for more money. I believe in us - I believe we've got this. 

Sometime in the next few weeks, you will get a call from someone at Eliot. It could be a phone call, a text, or an e-mail. It could be an invitation to meet at someone's home, or for coffee, or just to talk over the phone. It could simply be a letter. We're trying all kinds of ways to reach out to people. What we are asking you to do is increase the generous pledge that you made last year. That's the call. 

I am asking you to answer that call with an open mind and heart. Robert and I have. We talked about it, and decided we could add $900 to our yearly pledge. It's a stretch for us. And a privilege for us to make a contribution that will make a difference. Is that the kind of gift you could give? Could you give more? Whatever you can do, please know that your gift is important. 

As always, I thank you for all you do for our community. Your generosity is amazing. 





Greeters Needed
We are looking for additional volunteers that can join our current pool of greeters here at Eliot. These fine people  pass out hymnals and orders of service each week, and take up the offering during the service. The work is easy - your total commitment is to arrive just 15 minutes before a service you'd be attending. In addition to Sunday Services, greeters are also needed for Memorial Services. Interested? Please contact our coordinator Bob Coulter at [email protected] and he will be happy to talk with you more about this great opportunity.


All Read Groups
Last chance to sign up for fall sessions! Groups start soon!
There are two choices for the fall session All Read Groups:

For those beginning their journey, the book Waking Up White by Debbie Irving is suggested. For those who have participated in other All Read sessions, the SJA committee has selected William Barber's The Third Reconstruction as the "advanced" All Read Book. Facilitators will meet with their groups four times between now and mid-December. Some groups are starting as early as October 18!  Download a signup form for All Read from the Eliot Chapel website and sign up today!


Signups Are Open for LTP Workshop Series

Living the Pledge to End Racism in St. Louis (LTP) has announced a workshop series. It will run Sundays and one Wednesday:

Sundays: October 29 Wednesday: November 8
12:15 - 2:45 pm November 5 6:30 - 9:00 pm

November 12


November 19


December 3

Wednesday's session, the SPEAK UP Workshop, will be open to those not participating in the whole series. Participants must commit to signing up for the whole series.

For more information about the initiative, contact [email protected].
Paging Indiana Jones!
Do you love history? How about Eliot history? Can you see yourself with a fedora and whip? You might need them to tackle the mounds of historic documents we have! We've discovered a need for a team of archival historians to sort, evaluate, and possibly digitize decades worth of accumulated Eliot Chapel artifacts. You are sure to find some treasures! Contact [email protected] if you're ready for the adventure!


KirkCare Needs Your Help!
KirkCare is the food pantry serving those living in the Kirkwood School District
attendance area. There is always a need for hearty, meal-based food like stew, chili, canned chicken, fruit, peanut butter, canned pasta and cereal. If you buy an item or two on your regular grocery trip, you can drop them off in the small cart outside Adams Hall. 

Want to do more? You can volunteer for KirkCare! Currently, people are needed to
deliver food to those in need in and near Kirkwood. This involves filling a couple of
bags of groceries from the pantry at Webster Hills United Methodist and taking the
food to families. Training is provided for this job and you can work around your
schedule and availability. E-mail [email protected] for more information.


Sanctuary is Here!
Sanctuary seekers need your help. More than 25,000 undocumented immigrants live in St. Louis in constant fear. Several have chosen to seek sanctuary within churches rather than allow ICE to tear their family apart. Please contact [email protected] with questions and any assistance you can offer. Many needs will be ongoing. 


Support ECNS!
For every reusable, red "Giving" bag sold during the month of October at the Kirkwood Schnucks location (10233 Manchester Road), Eliot Chapel Nursery School will receive a $1 donation from Schnucks.

Eliot Chapel Nursery School invites all friends and alumni to a western-theme trivia night on Friday, November 10 at Kirkwood Community Center. All proceeds support the Durbin/Schoenecker Fund. Access the registration form online and return it to the ECNS office. Deadline for entry is Wednesday, October 25.

Reminder: New Office Hours
Our front office will be open 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on weekdays and 9:00 am to 1:00 pm on Sundays. You can contact the front office by phone at 314-821-0911 or by email at [email protected].
Monday, October 16:
A Course in Miracles - 7:00 pm in Adams Hall
Rick Mace Covenant Group - 7:00 pm offsite
Environmental Justice Group Meeting - 7:00 pm in Room 005
Democracy and Government Team - 7:00 pm in the Jr. High Room
UU Christian Group - 7:30 pm in the Triplett Room

Tuesday, October 17:
Women's Alliance - 9:30 am in Adams Hall
PCA Team - 1:30 pm in the Jr. High Room
Vigil for Hope & Healing - 6:00 pm outside Eliot
Avant Covenant Group - 7:00 pm in Room 006
Earth-based Covenant Group - 7:00 pm in the Jr. High Room
Reutter Covenant Group - 7:00 pm offsite
Attitudinal Healing - 7:00 pm in Room 005

Wednesday, October 18:
Larson Covenant Group - 7:15 pm in Room 006
Women's Chorale - 7:30 pm in the Music Room

Thursday, October 19:
Eliot Yarn Goddesses - 1:00 pm in the Jr. High Room
Grief Group Meeting - 3:00 pm in the Sanctuary
Room at the Inn - 5:30 pm in Adams Hall and Rooms 001-006
Madrigal Rehearsal - 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary
Meihaus All Read Group - 7:00 pm in the Triplett Room
Peace and Tolerance Covenant Group - 7:00 pm in the Jr. High Room
Rock All Read Group - 7:00 pm in the Bergfried Room

Friday, October 20:
Friday Freethinkers - 10:00 am in Adams Hall

Saturday, October 21:
RE Sr. High Youth Group Campout - All day through Sunday at Bergfried

Eliot hosts "Reverend Zoli" for Potluck and Discussion

Eliot Chapel will celebrate the legacy milestone of the Edict of Torda, the first official recognition of Unitarianism and one of the world's first statements of religious tolerance, at two special Sunday services on  October 15. Special guest minister Rev. Koppándi-Benczédi Zoltán of the Unitarian Church in Deva, Romania, will preach on "Church Work in the Diaspora" at 9:30 and 11:00 am. His hometown of Deva is where the founder of Unitarianism, Francis David, died in prison after King John Sigismund's successor rolled back some of the religious freedom guaranteed by the Edict of Torda. Some may remember 'Rev. Zoli' as he often accompanies UUPCC pilgrimage groups to the Citadel in Deva, followed by a visit to his church. 

After second service, the Partner Church Committee is hosting a 12:30 pm American potluck and an informal talk with Reverend Zoli. Please sign up via email at [email protected]. Please note, the email link given in last week's email was incorrect. If your RSVP bounced, take time to reply again. Thank you.


Are You Ready for Eliot Membership?
We invite you to come to the Triplett Room immediately after either service on Sunday, October 15 at 10:30 am and 12:00 noon. You will hear more about membership and get your questions answered. There will also be an opportunity to sign the membership book. If you need help finding the Triplett Room, stop by the Guest Center off Adams Hall and they will point you in the right direction.


   





Democracy and Government Team Meeting
Monday, October 16th
7:30-9:00 pm in the Junior High Room
Have you ever found yourself thinking, "I don't think our elected officials are even trying
to represent John Q. Public!" or "Democracy in the United States seems to be walking wounded!" If so, come join us for the next meeting of the Democracy and Government Team. Bring your ideas about what actions you'd like to get involved in, and what organizations we could potentially team up with! RSVP to [email protected].


The Environmental Justice Team will meet at Eliot on Monday, October 16 at 7:00 pm in room 005.




Come be part of
Vigil for Hope and Healing #153 
Tuesday, October 17 at 6:00 pm
outside Eliot.





Fillmore Park Season Winds Down
Come join us as Eliot Chapel volunteers spend an hour or so in our "adopted" Fillmore Park, 410 S. Fillmore, Kirkwood, a pocket park in a racially diverse neighborhood about half a mile south of Eliot. We weed, pick up any trash, and will be on the lookout for fallen leaves. Bring a rake, a broom and a favorite weed digger. Final dates for our Fillmore Park season are this Thursday, October 19; and Saturday, October 28, both at 9:00 am. There's still time to join us, even for a last hurrah! To sign up or learn more, email Claire Robertson at [email protected].


Grief Group Meetings
Please know that our grief group continues to meet on alternating Thursday afternoons in the Sanctuary and everyone is welcome. Our next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 19 from 3:00 - 5:00 pm in the Sanctuary.


Bergfried Day Trip - Peak Fall Color!
Saturday, October 28
Meet at Eliot's parking lot at 9:00 am to caravan/carpool or come out on your own. A Bergfried team member will be there to show you the cottage, lead you on a hike or two, and provide a bit of Bergfried history. Bring sturdy shoes and provisions for the day. All are welcome and those new to Bergfried are especially encouraged. RSVP at [email protected].

We hope to see you at Bergfried in October! 


Kirkwood Human Rights Commission
Abilities Symposium
October 28, 9:30 am to 2:30 pm
Eliot Chapel will host the Kirkwood Human Rights Commission for this symposium which presents the findings of a survey conducted in 2015/2016 that aimed to determine the needs of Kirkwood citizens who are faced with physical and/or cognitive challenges. Organizations will also be present whose missions involve addressing those needs, in order to help the public understand how individuals can help make Kirkwood more accessible. This event is free and open to the public. A continental breakfast and light lunch will be served. 

 
JOIN YOUR ELIOT FRIENDS FOR
Saturday, November 4
5:00 to 7:30 pm in Adams Hall

Please join us as the Board hosts a fun evening of family, friends, food, and good conversation for all ages! Sign up with a Board member in Adams Hall on Sunday or on a bulletin board between the Sanctuary and Adams Hall. 







Sunday, October 22 - 9:30 and 11:00 am
"The Courage Of These Times, Part II" - Rev. Barbara H. Gadon
We continue our exploration of living with integrity and an open heart in difficult times. Rev. Barbara explores more of the wisdom of Bryan Stevenson, an Alabama attorney for death row prisoners and founder of the Equal Justice Initiative: staying hopeful and doing uncomfortable things.
Featured musicians: "No Strings Attached" Winds, Eliot Choir.
The ourEliot team promotes and enables healthy communications as promised to one another through the Congregational Covenant. If you have a compliment, suggestion, or concern that is important to communicate to a responsible party, look for an on-duty member of the team in Adams Hall wearing an ourEliot badge or contact them via email at  [email protected] .

Eliot Unitarian Chapel | Kirkwood, MO | 314.821.0911
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