Sunday, December 12 – 9:00 & 11:00 am
“Joy Reclaims” – Rev. Krista Taves
What do we assume about joy? How have we been taught to express joy? Let’s unpack our assumptions so we can reclaim that joy that is closer than we ever imagined.
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Masks are required at the service for anyone over two years of age. Masks should cover both nose and mouth.
We have reservations available this week. Reservations for the week's services open after 3:00 pm on Monday. A separate email with reservation links goes out through our email list. Reservations will be made through SignUpGenius:
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We will be recording one of our services on Sunday. When it is available, you will find it at eliotchapel.org where it will remain all week. You can also find it directly on our YouTube channel.
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Sharing the Offering
In December we will be sharing our Sunday collections with Room at the Inn. Sponsored by the Sisters of Divine Providence, Room at the Inn provides emergency shelter and a stabilizing support system to women and families in need in St. Louis County, using a collaborative, interfaith effort of congregations and organizations throughout the St. Louis region. Eliot Chapel has supported Room at the Inn for almost 30 years. Learn more at roomstl.org.
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Here’s how you can give:
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Online: Click here. Make sure “Shared Plate” is your chosen fund.
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By Mail: Please write “RATI” in the memo line of your check and mail it to Eliot Unitarian Chapel, 100 South Taylor Ave., Kirkwood, MO 63122.
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By Text: Text "Eliot SharedPlate $(enter the amount)" to 73256. A link in the reply text will take you to our secure database webpage where you can complete your transaction. Please note, "SharedPlate" must be entered as one word to reach that preferred option.
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Religious Education & Youth Group
The winter Religious Education program for children continues this Sunday, December 12. Note the following activities are available at the 9:00 service only.
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The nursery & preschool activity space will be OPEN during the 9:00 am service for our youngest UUs who need freedom of movement.
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Children in grades K-7 should attend the first portion of the worship service with their family before departing for Religious Education (RE). RE will take place in Adams Hall and potentially outdoors (weather permitting) from 9:15-10:00. This week’s session is titled Back to UU–Part 2: Love & Principles.
REMINDER: We do not have any activities or childcare available during the 11:00 service at this time. The 11:00 service is for fully-vaccinated individuals aged 12+.
Youth Group is on winter break for end-of-semester finals preparation and the holidays. Activities for youth in grades 8-12 resume on January 9, 2022.
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Zoom Coffee Hour
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 at a Glance
Sunday Worship – 9:00 am in the Sanctuary
Children's Religious Education – 9:15 am in Adams Hall
Sunday Worship – 11:00 am in the Sanctuary
Coffee Hour – 12:00 pm via Zoom
Young Adult Group – 12:30 pm on Discord
Starting Point – 2:00 pm via Zoom
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Monday, December 13
What Moves Us – 7:00 pm via Zoom
Tuesday, December 14
Vigil for Hope & Healing – 4:00 pm in front of Eliot (note new time)
Immigration Justice Team – 7:00 pm via Zoom
Contact your group leader if you need login information for your meeting.
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Reminder: Getting Involved with Groups
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. |
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Please Remember
We are very sad to share that on Wednesday, December 8, 2021, Rev. Barbara’s remaining brother, Jeff Hoag, passed away after a brief illness. Rev. Barbara was able to return to her family to be with him. His memorial will be held Tuesday December 14. Please hold Rev. Barbara and Robert in your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
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Family Christmas Pageant Service Coming!
We are excited to share that a new, modified Family Christmas Pageant Service is coming on Thursday evening, December 23 at 6:00 pm in the Sanctuary. We anticipate this service will run approximately 30 minutes.
The service is based on a no-rehearsal worship script used by other UU professionals and congregations. To maintain social distancing, the audience participation pieces will take place from people’s seats. Children and youth wishing to wear a costume should arrive at 5:30 and select their outfit in Adams Hall (costumes are definitely not required). There will be an opportunity for children and families to gather, in costume, on the chancel at the conclusion of the service for a photo opportunity.
No advance preparation is needed or required, except to reserve a pod in the sanctuary for your family. Click here to reserve a sanctuary pod for this service (first-come, first-served).
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Gift Giving Tree,
December 2021
Youth In Action STL is once again sponsoring gift outreach to local children and youth in need of gifts this holiday season. There are many ways to participate in this holiday outreach.
Here’s how the Gift Giving Tree works in 2021.
For individuals wishing to donate gift items:
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- Beginning December 5 following the 11:00 am service, the Gift Tree will be set up inside by the doors to Adams Hall at the back of the building.
- Select an ornament(s) from the tree, which will indicate the age and gender of a local child.
- Purchase a gift for the child and return the gift, wrapped or unwrapped, along with the ornament and place the gift under the tree OR in the gift box outside the building. Youth In Action will pick up the gifts for distribution. We recommend gifts in the $5-$10 range. Below are some examples of possible gifts:
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- NEW stuffed animals
- NEW children’s puzzles
- Children’s books (NEW is best)
- NEW crayons or other art supplies and coloring books
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- Gift Items can be dropped off through Sunday, December 19. We will ALSO have a Gift Box set up outside the back door so gifts can be dropped off during the week.
If you wish to provide a gift card, these can be dropped off in the LOCKED BLACK DROPBOX by the glass doors near Adams Hall through Sunday, December 12. Target and Walmart are good options for gift cards. Please place it in an envelope and note the envelope for “Gift Tree.”
If you wish to make a monetary donation, you have three options, all available through Sunday, December 12:
- Make an online payment via Realm;
- Text Eliot to 73256. For text and online donations, select “Gift Giving Tree” from the drop down menu under “Fund”; or
- Mail a check payable to Eliot Chapel, with “Gift Giving Tree” written in the memo to: 100 S. Taylor Avenue, Kirkwood, MO 63122.
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December 2021: Spotlight on Stewardship!
Your donations are critical to sustaining our Eliot. During the pandemic, your dollars have been a critical lifeline for the Chapel, allowing us to support our staff and to continue outreach to members. Thank you for this support – your donations have allowed us to sustain Eliot during the spring and summer and to reopen to in-person services during the fall.
As we celebrate the reopening, we wanted to take time to spotlight some of the improvements and investments that your generous donations have made possible during 2021-2022. Many of these investments were focused on making needed repairs and updates to the chapel and building to be ready for our return to in-person services. We have also highlighted areas where the staff have worked to find substantial efficiencies and savings to help make your dollars go further and sustain our congregation.
Focus areas included:
Finding cost-savings & efficiencies:
- Staff applied for and obtained two PPP loans to support Eliot.
- Negotiated new trash and recycling contract—at 70% of previous contract.
- Negotiated new copy machine contract—at lower cost per month than previous contract and with more services.
- Refinanced Eliot’s mortgages (Chapel and adjacent property) into one mortgage with reduced interest rate to generate savings of approximately $20,000 per year.
- Obtained long-term real estate tax exemption for lot adjacent to Eliot following demolition.
Making critical repairs:
- Repairs to the tower and kitchen to remediate the fire damage from 2019.
- Repairs to restroom damaged by roof leaks; repainting and upgrades to restrooms.
- Upgrades to Sanctuary electrical panel, bringing all electrical panels up to code.
- Chair lift and elevator updates to meet certifications and regulations.
Improvements for safety:
- Installation of iWave air purification systems on our HVAC systems (9) that reduce certain bacteria and viruses (including SARS-CoV-2 [Covid-19] at a rate of 99.4%) in the coil and living space.
- Hand sanitizing stands throughout building & outside restrooms, nursery, and kitchen.
- Elevator cellular system with 24-hour monitoring.
Enhancing security:
- Installation of outdoor security cameras with videotape back-up.
- Update to keyless/security door entry system.
Environmentally friendly energy efficiency:
- Installation of energy-efficient furnace/AC for tower.
- Cool and Energy Star ratings on the RE wing.
Fire safety needs:
- Upgraded flooring in second floor tower, replacing carpet.
- Fire escape ladders for lower level rooms in tower.
- Small fire extinguishers for every room.
Preparations for “How we do church now and in the future”:
- Improved phone system allows staff to better receive messages, track calls, and respond to these, using the Church’s number, not their personal phone number.
- Necessary staff computer updates and upgrades to accommodate remote securities and accounting supervisions.
- Hired IT technical service that monitors staff computers, upgrades, addresses problems, provides IT counsel and options for software, new systems and security.
- Purchased electric piano, tent, and other items necessary for outdoor services.
- Repairs to the storage room beside the sound booth to create more storage space for the Audio/Visual equipment and a workspace for Eliot’s AV technician.
- Purchased and installed ChurchPix, an all-in-one video production solution that enables any church to easily stream its worship services online.
- Purchased new laptop and other peripherals for livestreaming.
- Repaired and upgraded electrical and Wi-Fi needs in the Sanctuary for livestreaming purposes.
- Hired a part-time AV technician, Nicholas Rousseau, who videotaped the outdoor and indoor worship services and will livestream future services.
- New nursery furnishings and equipment, to provide a larger nursery in Room 003 in the lower level for social distancing.
Your generosity is a critical lifeline for Eliot Chapel. We thank you for your support that sustains our mission. If you are not sure that you have made your pledge or that your donations are up to date, you can check your giving status on Realm. Need help? There are instructions on Eliot’s website under the “Giving” tab: “Give To Eliot Chapel,” or call (314-821-0911) or email frontoffice@eliotchapel.org.
In Gratitude,
The Stewardship Team
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Covenant Groups
Are you seeking an additional way to connect to others within the Eliot community? Consider joining a covenant group where you will meet new people, share ideas and feel heard within the confines of a sacred space. Most covenant groups meet once a month and provide an opportunity for members to continue on their own spiritual journey through discussions and service.
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- Lynn Murphy: meets the third Thursday of the month at 7:00 pm. Theme: Peace & Tolerance
- Janet Solecki & Flint Boettcher: meets the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7:15 pm.
- Bonnie Kwentus: meets the 1st Monday of the month at 10:00 am.
- Lynn Murphy: meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm. Theme: Earth-Based Spirituality
- Joanne Prats: meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm. Theme: Soul Matters curriculum
- Mary Ann Mace: meets the 1st Thursday of the month at 6:30 pm.
- Roz Marx: meets the 1st Sunday of the month at 12:50 pm. Theme: Positive Psychology
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Safety at Bergfried
For your safety, we ask that you refrain from visiting Bergfried during the upcoming deer hunting season. The main hunting window is Friday, December 3 through Sunday, December 12. We do expect hunters on the property during this interval. Outside those dates, we recommend wearing bright color (blaze orange recommended) from now to the end of December as an extra precaution.
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Eliot Celebrates Staff Anniversaries
Please join us in celebrating our staff:
- Ed Nieman celebrates his 22nd year as Sunday Custodian on December 12.
- Scott Stewart celebrates his 13th anniversary as Director of Religious Education on December 16.
Thank you! We appreciate all you do to enrich our Eliot community!
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An Education Opportunity from First Unitarian in St. Louis:
ARREST 2 – St. Louis Region
The Outreach and Social Action cluster invites you to join the St. Louis Edition of the Anti-Racist Religious Education and Solidarity Training (ARREST). You do not need to have participated in last year’s ARREST, and you do not have to commit to come to every session (though we hope you will want to!). This program will be offered on Zoom. We have an exciting program planned (see below) and hope you can attend!
Anti-Racist Religious Education and Solidarity Training (ARREST) St. Louis Edition
This new series continues the mission of Toward Justice’s anti-racist education by focusing on the racial history of the St. Louis region. In the program, which will occur monthly and will be hosted by a variety of experts, we will learn about and discuss some of the historical and cultural events that have occurred in the region. We will also have an opportunity to connect to the history of First Unitarian Church of St. Louis through those times, as we believe that anti-racism can also be thought of as a spiritual practice. We will conclude the program with a field trip to visit some of the places we have discussed during the program.
Discussion Sessions
Session 1 (January 13th, 2022 - 7:30 - 9:15pm): Pre-History to the Civil War
Session 2 (February 10th, 2022 - 7:30 - 9:15pm): Early to mid-20th Century
Session 3 (March 10th, 2022 - 7:30 - 9:15pm): Second half of 20th Century
Session 4 (April 14th, 2022 - 7:30 - 9:15pm): The present
Session 5 (April 16th, 2022 - time tbd): Field Trip!
There is no class fee, but donations to help defray costs are welcome. To make a donation send a check to the church with ARREST 2 in the memo or use the online payment system.
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COVID Support Team
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.
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Reminder: Staying Up to Date
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.
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ADULT EDUCATION OFFERING
Starting Point
with Rev. Krista Taves and Amy Stark
Sunday, December 12
2:00–3:30 pm on Zoom
This series offers those considering Unitarian Universalism as a spiritual path the opportunity to experience UUism through a small group experience. You will learn about our faith tradition, explore your own spiritual journey, and connect with others who are also seeking a spiritual home or faith. Longtime members and friends seeking a small group experience are also welcome.
Session 3:
Our Journey Together – The Three Paths of Unitarian Universalism Part 1
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Then plan to join Session 4: The Three Paths Part 2 and Finding Your Journey Group on Sunday, December 19.
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WHAT MOVES US:
Engaging Our Unitarian Universalist Theology
with Rev. Krista Taves
Monday, December 13
7:00 - 8:30 pm on Zoom
When we say
- "I always love that song,"
- "I cry whenever we..."
- "I feel safe here,"
- "My heart is stronger," or
- "I'm ready for what comes next,"
we know what moves us as Unitarian Universalists: personal experience. These comments and so many others demonstrate that our religious and spiritual feelings and practices are changing and transforming us through direct personal experience as a major source of our Unitarian Universalist faith. In fact, it is our first source: "Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to an openness to the forces that create and sustain life." Yet, we often stumble when trying to explain our Unitarian Universalist theology of personal experience to ourselves and to others. We falter when we try to explain how our Unitarian Universalist faith heals, saves, liberates, holds, and moves us to ethical action and compassion.
"What Moves Us" peels back the theological language we use to affirm our faith experiences with one another and in the wider world. We will focus on a different UU theologian in every session, and through their story and the meaning they made of it, reflect on our direct experiences as the source of our faith. What Moves Us creates an adult faith journey for those who are new to this faith tradition and those who have long been Unitarian Universalists. Eight sessions, one each month, will take place on Zoom. You are welcome to register for the class after the first session as each session stands on its own.
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Upcoming Session Dates – 2nd Monday of the month, 7:00 to 8:30 pm
January 10, February 14,
March 14, April 11, & May 9
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Vigil for Hope & Healing
Tuesday, December 14
4:00 – 5:00 pm in front of Eliot Chapel
Please note new time. 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.
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Immigration Justice Team Zoom Meeting
Tuesday, December 14 at 7:00 pm
Plan now to attend the last Immigration Justice Team meeting of 2021. As we bid our second consecutive "annus horribilis" adios, the Eliot IJ Team will meet to create volunteer lists for the three projects we have selected for 2022: immigrant family support, legislative advocacy, and partnership with Welcome Neighbor STL. Each project needs many hands for success, and won't it feel good to do something to make the American dream available to all of us? Plus a bonus: our education moment will be a short tutorial on how an idea (like in-state tuition for DACA recipients!) becomes a law in Missouri. So please come! Bring your ideas, your enthusiasm, and your talents to our meeting, and let's hit the ground running (and educated) in 2022! Zoom meeting details will be in Sunday's "Eliot on Zoom" email or contact the team at immigration@eliotchapel.org. See you there! |
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Sunday, December 19 – 9:00 & 11:00 am
“Solstice: Paths to Joy” – Rev. Krista Taves
Join us for a solstice celebration!
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ourEliot 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, please email ourEliot@eliotchapel.org. |
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