Part of living intentionally involves being ready for what life brings us. We want to be ready not only to respond when challenges and difficulties happen, but also to receive the blessings as they arrive.

We're going LIVE! on Zoom. Eliot Chapel will worship fully online through the month of January in response to the current coronavirus surge. Here’s how it will work:

See you there!

In January we will be sharing our Sunday collections with the Meacham Park Neighborhood Improvement Association (MPNIA). Meacham Park is a predominantly African American community in Kirkwood. Even before Meacham Park was annexed to Kirkwood, an intentionally diverse group of Meacham Park and Kirkwood residents formed to advocate for Meacham Park and Eliot Chapel has long ensured that we have one of our members at the table so that we are always ready to lend a hand. Learn more about MPNIA at meachamparknia.org.

Here’s how you can give:

Eliot children and families are invited to gather from 9:15-9:45 am via Zoom for connection and community. This week’s session is hosted by Christie Lee and begins a four-session series on Zoom featuring the storytelling and songs of Lea Morris, who is collaborating with the UU Soul Matters program to share wisdom stories and music on a variety of spiritual themes from multiple religious traditions. This week’s featured story is “The Tiger & the Strawberry.” This story from the Zen Buddhist tradition explores finding joy even in challenging times. Activities include an “Emotions Wheel” in which children (and adults) have an opportunity to share about times they’ve experienced different feelings. Check out more about Lea Morris and her work here and here. Zoom links will be distributed to registered families by email no later than Friday, January 7.

Zoom Coffee Hour takes place from 12:00 pm to 1:00 on Sunday. You are invited to “walk down the hall” and come to our Zoom Coffee Hour! We’ll take about 10 minutes or so to gather and let people settle in. We'll say a few words of welcome and then create break-out rooms – random groupings of 5 or 6 people. Everyone will likely make a new friend at Eliot from this exercise! You’ll have the chance to introduce yourself and then share your answers to a few questions, like “How has this week been for you?” and “What feelings has it brought up for you?” Each person has about 5 minutes to speak; you are welcome to pass if you like. In half an hour, everyone will return to the big group and we’ll say our goodbyes for the week. Please watch your email for "Eliot on Zoom" which will include a link to join the Zoom Coffee Hour. If you're not on our mailing list, sign up here.

Sunday Worship – 10:00 am via Zoom

Coffee Hour – 12:00 pm via Zoom

Young Adult Group – 12:30 pm on Discord

Vigil for Hope & Healing – 4:00 pm in front of Eliot

Many groups at Eliot are meeting despite the distance between us all. Check with your group leader or get involved with a new group! Find contact information in our Getting Involved booklet.

Group leaders, have you set up an area for your group in Realm? You have a secure place to chat and share documents and photos. Contact Christie Lee to set up your group.

— Albert Schweitzer

 

Covenant Groups are small groups intentionally designed to help people feel supported, encouraged and heard. For nearly 20 years, Eliot has offered covenant groups as a part of small group ministry where members can feel connected to others through monthly meetings. During this disruption of normal life due to Covid, some people are feeling especially isolated. Covenant groups are a helpful resource to build friendships and engage in deep, meaningful conversations.  

The following is a list of groups with openings at this time. Email covenantgroups@eliotchapel.org for more information.  

Did you miss any services over the holidays, or would you like to see them again? You can find our past services linked on our website or on our YouTube channel. For our recent live services, check the description on the video's page for a link to take you directly to the start of the service!

Our COVID team is here for you. If you are quarantining and need support having groceries and prescriptions picked up, please email pastoralcare@eliotchapel.org with your contact information. 

In an email letter to members and friends, Rev. Barbara outlined "How We Do Church Now" as Eliot Chapel suspended face-to-face meetings. As a guiding document, it was always open to changes as we found out what worked and what didn't in our response to this extraordinary situation. You can find this document on our website now. We will keep it updated as things change. We'll also try to let you know here of any changes.

All staff are working from home. The building and grounds are closed for general use. A staff person is checking on the building and grounds periodically throughout the week for any facilities or maintenance issues. If you need assistance or have any questions, please email the appropriate staff person.

February 14, March 14, April 11 & May 9

All are welcome; wearing a mask is required as is maintaining the 6-foot social distancing guideline. Please remember that the building is not open so there are no available restrooms.