Sunday, April 17 – 9:15 & 11:00 am
“Rise Up Singing” – Rev. Barbara H. Gadon
Many Unitarian Universalists struggle with the Easter story, with its supernatural events and antisemitic tellings. What metaphor and meaning are there to find? Join us for an inclusive celebration including iconography, John Dominic Crossan, and our own Universalist heritage.
Featured musicians: David Nalesnik, piano; Bill Coalson, horn; Carl Serbell, trumpet; Adam Kosberg, bass trombone & bass; Eliot Chapel Choir.
|
|
Masks are required at the services for anyone over two years of age. Masks should cover both nose and mouth. We strongly recommend an N95 or KN95 mask. We will have masks available if you have forgotten yours.
We no longer require reservations for Sunday service.
We will livestream our 9:15 service on Sunday. Find it at eliotchapel.org. After the stream, a recording will be available all week. You can also find it directly on our YouTube channel.
|
|
Our Sunday Offering
Your offerings this Sunday go to the Minister's Discretionary Fund to assist our ministers in responding to requests for emergency aid throughout the year.
You can give in one of three ways:
|
|
-
Online: Click here. Make sure “Minister's Discretionary Fund” is your chosen fund.
-
By Mail: Please write “Minister's Discretionary Fund” in the memo line of your check and mail it to Eliot Unitarian Chapel, 100 South Taylor Ave., Kirkwood, MO 63122.
-
By Text: Text "Eliot $(enter the amount) MDF" to 73256. A link in the reply text will take you to our secure database webpage where you can complete your transaction.
|
|
Religious Education & Youth Group
Children’s Religious Education (Birth-7th grade)
The Religious Education (RE) program for children continues in person this Sunday, April 17.
-
The nursery & preschool activity space will be open during the 9:15 and 11:00 am services for our youngest UUs who need freedom of movement (nursery & preschool-aged children aged 5 and younger). NOTE: The nursery & preschool room will close at 11:15 if no children are present at that time.
-
Reminder: All children age two (2) and older are expected to wear a mask at all times.
-
During the 9:15 service only: Children in grades K-7 should attend the first portion of the worship service with their family before departing for Religious Education (RE). RE is hosted by Christie Lee and Rob and Susan van Alstyne. Sunday’s session is titled “Exploring Easter – Awakening.”
Playground is OPEN following the 9:15 service
We are excited to share that the playground is now open for fellowship for young children and their families during social hour following the 9:15 worship service (weather permitting). Parents & caregivers should accompany their children at all times while on the playground and familiarize themselves with the Family Playground Guidelines. NOTE: Masks are now OPTIONAL during outdoor play and activities.
Family Field Trip: Earth Day at the Lake
Eliot children and families are invited to gather at the Blue Heron Shelter in Simpson Park for the next Family Field Trip on Sunday, April 24 beginning at 10:30 (activities begin at 10:45).
Earth Day at the Lake activities are from 10:45-12:00 and include a story, gathering activity, and will feature an Earth Day hike & scavenger hunt on the wheelchair and stroller accessible trail by the lake. Simpson Lake is approximately 10 minutes from Eliot Chapel.
Families are invited to bring their own picnic to enjoy in the shelter from 12:00-1:00. Popsicles will be provided. The shelter is located near a playground and restroom facilities and is reserved all day so families may stay for fellowship for as long as desired.
Youth Group (grades 8-12)
Youth Group is not meeting on April 17. Youth activities resume at 10:45 on Sunday, April 24.
|
|
Zoom Coffee Hour
Zoom Coffee Hour takes place at a new time: 12:30 pm on Sunday. You are invited to "walk down the hall" and come to our Zoom Coffee Hour! We'll take a few minutes to say hello and let people settle in, then we'll say a few words of welcome and briefly review the service that day. We typically really enjoy the wisdom story and discuss how that story reflects on the theme of the sermon. Then we'll create break-out rooms of 5-6 people for conversation and sharing. We love making new friends and the small groups are great for that! In approximately 45 minutes, everyone will return to the big group and we'll say our goodbyes for the week. We usually end shortly after 1:30 pm, but those who wish to can stay a few minutes longer. Please watch your email for "Eliot on Zoom" on Sunday morning which will include a link to join the Zoom Coffee Hour. If you're not on our mailing list, sign up here. We look forward to seeing you!
Sunday at a Glance
Sunday Worship – 9:15 am in the Sanctuary
Children's Religious Education – 9:15 am in Adams Hall (after first portion of service)
Sunday Worship – 11:00 am in the Sanctuary
Coffee Hour – 12:30 pm via Zoom (note new time)
Young Adult Group – 12:45 pm in the Triplett Room
|
|
Tuesday, April 19
Women's Alliance – 9:30 am in Adams Hall and via Zoom
Vigil for Hope & Healing – 5:00 pm in front of Eliot
Earth-Based Covenant Group – 7:00 pm in the Susan Frederick-Gray Room
Thursday, April 21
Murphy Covenant Group – 7:00 pm in the Susan Frederick-Gray Room
Friday, April 22
Friday Freethinkers – 10:00 am in Room 001
Contact your group leader if you need login information for your meeting.
|
|
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.
|
|
Annual Congregational Meeting Notice
The 2021 Eliot Unitarian Chapel Annual Congregational Meeting will be held Sunday, May 15, 2022, at 12:30 pm.
The Nominating Committee is pleased to share that Carole Glauser is our nominee to join the Board and Steve Mennerick is our nominee to serve on the Nominating Committee.
|
|
Welcome New Members!
Our Annual New Member Recognition Ceremony will be held Sunday, May 15 in both services. If you are considering membership, please connect with Rev. Krista, either by email ktaves@eliotchapel.org or leave a voicemail at 314-821-0911 ex. 104.
|
|
|
Bill Anderson
New member Bill Anderson signed the book on Sunday. "After spending 35 years working in university fundraising, I’m happily retired. Mary Ann and I have two daughters and two grandchildren. We are gardeners, ancestry researchers, readers, and political junkies. Mary Ann is from Texas and I grew up in New York. We came to St. Louis to work for Washington University in 1986 and it has become our home."
|
|
|
Pat Reed
Pat moved here from Atlanta, where she lived for 35 years, to be close to her daughter, son-in-law, and two granddaughters after her husband died two years ago. She's originally from Dartmouth, Massachusetts, an hour south of Boston. She plays tennis and loves to dance and be outdoors.
|
|
MidAmerica Regional Assembly
Register now for the virtual MidAmerica Regional Assembly scheduled for Saturday, April 30, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm CT! Registration for Regional Assembly ends on Monday, April 25 at midnight. Learn more about Regional Assembly 2022 here and contact Camille at dfo@eliotchapel.org for info on being a delegate.
|
|
We Care for Each Other
The Eliot Ride Team provides rides to church and to medical appointments for Eliot members and friends who cannot drive themselves. If you need a ride, email ineedaride@eliothchapel.org with your name, your address, where you need to go, and the date and time needed. We will be in touch to make arrangements.
The Eliot Meal Train provides meals to Eliot members and friends who need some love and care. For example, we will provide meals for those who have recently lost a loved one or are recovering from medical care. If you would like to request meals or offer to provide meals, please email mealtrain@eliotchapel.org with your contact information and someone will be in touch with you.
|
|
Grief Group to Transition
Beginning Thursday, April 14, the Grief Group will transition to in-person and online. We are also transforming it into the Transitions Support Group and will be open to all persons experiencing a transition in their lives and wanting a supportive community. The group meets every other Thursday from 3:00 to 4:30 pm. If you would like to attend virtually, contact ktaves@eliotchapel.org to receive the Zoom information.
|
|
Covenant Groups
As we get back into the swing of things at Eliot, you might be wondering how you can connect with others on a regular basis. One way is to join a Covenant Group.
Covenant groups are small groups of up to 10 people who generally meet monthly, either in person or via Zoom. The groups follow a set format and include readings, discussions, and check-in time. Covenant groups allow you to get to know new people and form meaningful bonds. They are led by a facilitator who sets a topic for each meeting. The time spent, usually 1½ hours, is structured and includes a chalice lighting, readings, sharing time, and time for quiet reflection.
There are openings at this time in six different Covenant Groups. You will find additional information about Covenant Groups on the Eliot website. For more information about joining a specific group, email covenantgroups@eliotchapel.org.
The following groups have openings at this time.
-
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
-
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
|
|
Ministerial Search
Keep abreast of what's happening with ministerial transition at Eliot Chapel. In early January, Rev. Barbara announced that she would retire at the end of this church year. Find the latest news here in This Week at Eliot but if you need to catch up, check out the Ministerial Transition page on our website. We will host all major announcements and current news there.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
UU Scholarship Available
The Women’s Alliance of First Unitarian Church of St. Louis has announced its scholarship competition for the academic year 2022-2023. The scholarship will be given to a woman who is 21 years or older, responsible financially for continuing her education, a member or active friend of a Unitarian Universalist church or fellowship in the region and a registered student. The award of $3,000 will be made on the basis of scholarship, character and need. Get all the details on First Unitarian's website.
|
|
Women’s Alliance
Women’s Alliance will meet on Tuesday, April 19, at 9:30 am in Adams Hall and on Zoom. Please join us for this long-awaited opportunity to gather together in person. This will also be our first attempt at launching a hybrid meeting, allowing members who can’t make it to Eliot to join us via Zoom. We’ll have a period of conversation followed by a talk by Rev. Krista Taves. She’ll discuss the role of Unitarians in various time periods that are mentioned in Walter Johnson's book, Broken Heart of America. Beth Rossow will coordinate. Anyone and everyone are invited to join us. For more information, contact womensalliance@eliotchapel.org.
|
|
Vigil for Hope & Healing
Tuesday, April 19
5:00 pm in front of Eliot Chapel
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.
|
|
Earth Day at Bergfried
April 22-23
Join us at Bergfried for an Earth Day Celebration! Camp overnight on Friday or come for the day on Saturday.
We strongly encourage carpooling. Carpool drivers should meet at Eliot Chapel by 9 am and plan to leave for Bergfried by 9:15. Or you can make arrangements to meet elsewhere for those who live closer to I-70.
Festivities will start by 11:00 – all activities are optional and may include music, ephemeral art, hiking, mushroom hunting, etc. Our last scheduled event will be at 4:00 so that carpoolers can return home by 6:00.
What to bring: food for lunch, water, insect repellent, dress for the weather.
We will not have access to the cabin, so do not expect indoor plumbing. The outhouses are clean and spacious.
When approaching the property, pull to the top of the hill in order to see oncoming traffic before turning into the driveway. Drive through the gate and on to the top of the meadow. Park on the grass.
Please let us know you're planning to join us by emailing us at environmentjustice@eliotchapel.org and we're happy to answer any questions. Please forward this notice to others!
Thank you to Ahmed Eldarrat for the beautiful poster design for this event!
|
|
ADULT EDUCATION OFFERING
Starting Point
with Rev. Krista Taves and Amy Stark
Sunday, April 24
2:00-3:30 pm on Zoom
This series offers those considering Unitarian Universalism and Eliot Chapel the opportunity to experience UUism in action. 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.
The series concludes on April 24 with Session 4: The Three Paths Part 2 and Finding Your Journey Group. You are welcome to join us for this session as each one stands on its own.
|
|
Men's Advance
April 29 – May 1
The Men’s Advance brings together Eliot members and friends who identify as male at the Bergfried property in Gasconade, Missouri (search Google maps for "Bergfried South Property"). At this event, we welcome all humans who identify at the male end of the gender spectrum. Newcomers are especially encouraged to come out to enjoy hiking, camping, camaraderie, a Saturday night feast, and lots of super-secret men's stuff (which looks suspiciously like doing nothing). Ten dollars buys your ticket to the feast (kids 12 and under, $5). All other meals are on your own. Most choose to camp in tents or trailers; spaces in the cottage (with running water and electricity) are available by reservation with priority given to those with medical needs or physical limitations. Eight beds are also available in the rustic bunkhouses. Local Gasconade County Health Department and CDC guidelines will be adhered to at the time of the event. Food service will be conducted by vaccinated, masked, and gloved volunteers.
|
|
WHAT MOVES US:
Engaging Our Unitarian Universalist Theology
with Rev. Krista Taves
Monday, May 17
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. One session 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.
|
|
Sunday, May 1 – 9:15 & 11:00 am
“This Moment Now”
Rev. Barbara H. Gadon, Scott Stewart, and Eliot Youth
After two years’ deprivation, we are finally getting to bless our youngest ones as they take their places among us, and bless our youth as they leave for their first adventures after childhood. Reflections by Eliot youth and our Director of Religious Education, Scott Stewart, on the wisdom found in these moments.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
Connect with Eliot Chapel
|
|
|
|
|
|
|