Sunday, September 18 – 10:00 am
“Belonging Ourselves Out of Loneliness”
Rev. Krista Taves
It is often said that humans in the world’s rich countries are getting lonelier and lonelier. There is a deep and sometimes desperate yearning for authentic connection and community. And yet, we often get in our own way because belonging means changing how we see ourselves and what gives us a sense of worth and meaning.
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At Eliot Chapel, we follow CDC guidelines regarding COVID-19. Currently, we are at the yellow or medium level in St. Louis County, so we will:
- Encourage each person to make their own decisions about masking, and if you are at high risk for severe illness, talk with your healthcare provider about whether you need to wear a mask and take other precautions.
- Stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccines.
- Stay home from church events and get tested if you have symptoms.
- Resume coffee hour.
See the article below for details on the new COVID-19 policy.
We will livestream our 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.
If you're worshipping with us on livestream, you can always find a digital order of service, including lyrics to the hymns, on our website under the worship & music tab.
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Sharing the Offering
Every Sunday, Eliot Chapel shares half of the offertory with an organization in the community whose work reflects our shared values. This is one way that we care for our community and our neighbors. In September, we will be sharing our Sunday collections with SouthSide Early Childhood Center, an organization that Eliot Chapel has long supported.
In 1886, 15 courageous Unitarian women took a stand for the most impoverished children in St. Louis. These women founded a "day nursery" with a mission "to prevent pauperism by assisting breadwinners with young children on their hands, to earn an honest living." South Side Day Nursery, as it was known then, welcomed children of every race, ethnicity, and income level.
Over the decades SouthSide has grown, and its mission has expanded. Today the mission is to nurture, educate and inspire children and families in a diverse and inclusive environment, promoting healthy development and a strong foundation for success. Their vision is that children develop a lifelong love of learning, flourish within a supportive family environment and contribute positively to their communities. We all know the value of early childhood education. SouthSide is doing an outstanding job of providing it for children who really need it. Their work gives children coming from difficult situations a great chance for success. Learn more at www.southside-ecc.org.
Let us be good neighbors. Let us be a generous people. You can give in one of three ways:
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Through our Shared Plate program, Eliot Chapel donated $900
to The MICA Project in June and $900 in July to the St. Louis Diaper Bank.
During our July 3 General Assembly service, we collected a donation of $200
for East County Community Rising.
The generosity of Eliot Chapel changes our community and our world for the better. Thank you!
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Religious Education & Youth Group
The 2022-23 Religious Education and Youth Program continues this Sunday, September 18 during the 10:00 service. Children in kindergarten through 6th grade should attend the first 15 minutes of the worship service with their family. Preschool aged children and younger and youth in grades 7-12 may go directly to their respective groups.
Specific plans for each age group are shared with registered families via email each week. To learn more about this fall’s RE program, please contact Scott Stewart at scott@eliotchapel.org.
Children & Youth Registration Is Open
Registration for the 2022-23 Religious Education & Youth Program is now open. Children and youth planning to participate in Eliot activities in 2022-23 need to be officially registered. Having up-to-date information enables us to more effectively plan programs, keep you informed about church events and activities throughout the year, and, most importantly, helps keep children and youth safe while under the supervision of staff and lay leaders.
Children’s Choir Returns September 18
Children’s Choir is returning this Sunday! Rehearsals begin in the music room on September 18 following the 10:00 am worship service, with the choir initially participating in the worship service on October 16. Children’s Choir is designed primarily for children and youth in 2nd grade and older. If your child(ren) or youth are interested in this opportunity, or you wish to be added to the choir communication list for more information and updates as plans develop, please contact Scott Stewart at scott@eliotchapel.org.
Our Whole Lives (OWL): 5th & 6th Grade Parent/Caregiver Session
Parents and caregivers of 5th and 6th grade children who are participating in this fall’s Our Whole Lives program are invited to gather from 11:15-11:40 in the youth room for a short information session with the program facilitators. This is an opportunity to meet the program leaders, view the material, and ask any questions about Our Whole Lives for 5th and 6th grade.
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Zoom Coffee Hour
Zoom Coffee Hour takes place at 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 – 10:00 am in the Sanctuary
Youth Program – 10:00 am in the Youth Room
Religious Education – 10:15 am (after TFAA) in RE wing
In Person Coffee Hour – 11:00 am in Adams Hall
5th/6th Grade OWL Information Session – 11:15 am in the Senior High Room
Children's Choir Rehearsal – 11:15 am in the Music Room
Covenant Group Development Team – 11:30 am in the DuBois Library
Lemon Covenant Group – 11:30 am in the Frederick-Gray Room
Social Justice Assembly – 11:30 am in Adams Hall
Coffee Hour – 12:30 pm via Zoom
Young Adult Group – 12:45 pm on Discord
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Monday, September 19
Starting Point: An Introduction to UU – 6:00 pm via Zoom
Tuesday, September 20
Women’s Alliance – 9:30 am in Adams Hall and on Zoom
Vigil for Hope & Healing – 5:00 pm in front of Eliot
Earth-Based Covenant Group – 7:00 pm via Zoom
Thursday, September 22
Wellspring – 9:30 am in the Frederick-Gray Room
Lynn Murphy Covenant Group – 7:00 pm in The Meadow
Friday, September 23
Friday Freethinkers – 10:00 am in Room 001
Contact your group leader if you need login information for your meeting.
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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
Rev. David Keyes, who served this congregation as interim minister 2010-2012, passed away on Tuesday, September 13, 2022, surrounded by his family. He touched countless lives through his decades of service in the Unitarian Universalist ministry. May he rest in peace.
Please keep Charlotte and Richard Parsons in your thoughts and prayers. Charlotte had open heart surgery at Missouri Baptist Medical Center on Thursday, September 15, 2022.
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New COVID-19 Policy
Several of you asked about the new COVID policy and vaccinations. We expect that those attending events at Eliot Unitarian Chapel will be vaccinated, and the specific level of vaccination is determined in consultation with their medical provider.
Dr. Kathy Brunts, member of the COVID policy task force, adds, "Studies repeatedly show that vaccinated people are less likely to test positive or have serious illness or death. Also, studies show vaccinated people are less likely to transmit disease. So staying up to date on vaccines protects yourself and others around you."
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Membership
Considering becoming a member? The membership book will be available for signing after the service on Sunday, October 16. Please let a greeter know or email membership@eliotchapel.org.
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Covenant Groups
Covenant groups have been a vital part of Eliot since 2003. They are considered "small group ministry" and were created to bring people together who want to build close relationships, engage in spiritual exploration, and assist in personal development. There are several covenant groups with openings if you would like to join one at this time.
Please stop by Adams Hall on September 25 after the Sunday service to learn more about Covenant Groups. We'll have signup sheets of groups with openings. Several covenant group facilitators will be on hand to answer your questions.
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Join Eliot's Recycling Team!
The Eliot Recycling Team is looking for some help! This committee is responsible for taking the recycling from Eliot to the Kirkwood Recycling Depository at 350 S. Taylor Avenue each week. Sign up for a week that works for you and plan to grab the recycling after service and drop it off. Thanks for being part of the team!
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Eliot Gardens Need You!
Eliot Chapel has a lot of gardens on the grounds and a lot of invasive plants that need removal. Fall is a great time to work on the grounds, with pleasant temperatures and friendly coworkers. We’ll be working on the grounds most Thursdays and the second and fourth Saturdays, beginning at 10. Work as long as you like. Bring your own tools. All ages welcome.
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Coffee Team
Our new COVID policy opens the door to resume coffee hour provided St. Louis County is ranked medium or low risk by the CDC. Coffee Hour will resume regularly when we have two coordinators and volunteers. Hosting coffee hour is a simple task and a great way to serve and connect. Please help your community resurrect this time honored tradition! Email hospitality@eliotchapel.org or sign up online now!
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Auditions for Madrigal: September 25
Our annual festival of theater, music, and merriment is back on this year! As always, there will be an original play, written and staged by members and friends of Eliot Chapel, interwoven with music from the Greenleaf Singers and our local recorder society. Auditions for parts in the play, open to anyone high school age and up, will be held in the Sanctuary on Sunday, September 25 at 12:00 pm. If you have any questions, please contact madrigal@eliotchapel.org.
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Firebug Volunteers Needed
Our forest and meadow stewardship work involves the occasional prescribed burn, and we anticipate a meadow restoration burn in September. These activities require a team of volunteers who can help out on relatively short notice as weather conditions largely dictate ideal burn conditions. If you would like your name added to the volunteer contact pool, contact Shawn Cummings via bergfriedinfo@eliotchapel.org.
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Eliot Merchandise
Show your support for Eliot with a t-shirt!
Adult shirts are $20 each and kids' are $10 each. Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit the church. Order at the Board table in Adams Hall after service on Sundays in September.
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You may order online by emailing Kalen Ponche-Ciszewski at recycling@eliotchapel.org with your size and the number of shirts you would like. Sizes XXS to 4XL available for adults. Sizes XS-XL in kids sizes available. Please plan to pay for your shirts at the time of ordering. You may pay by cash or check in person or through Eliot's giving portal in person or with your email order. |
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Event Promotion
If your group needs flyers or signup sheets for their event, please contact communications specialist Debby Lovell at news@eliotchapel.org. Send details by Tuesday morning before the Sunday you’d like it to be on the bulletin board. If you create your own flyer, please send it to news@eliotchapel.org for approval and posting.
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In March and April, Eliot Chapel raised funds for Ukraine through the Hungarian Unitarian Church's Providence Aid Association for Ukrainian Assistance. We recently received an update on the efforts of that group. Please see the report on our website.
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Seeking Part-Time Facilities Assistant
Do you know a young adult seeking a second dependable part-time job or an early retiree seeking to work a few hours every week? The days and hours can be flexible to accommodate one’s primary or other part-time job schedule, or a retiree’s desire for a part-time position, as long as Eliot’s needs are met.
This position works closely with the Director of Finance and Operations (DFO) to assist with the cleaning, maintenance, and security of the church grounds and buildings. The additional Sexton duties of the set-up and cleanup of worship services, meetings, and other church events can be incorporated into this position for the right individual. The Sexton and the Facilities Assistant position each are approximately 10 hours per week.
For further information about this position and a complete job description, email your resume or interest in the position to: churchsextonposition@gmail.com.
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Your Online Pledge Payments Need Your Attention
July 1, 2022 was the first day of the new Eliot Chapel Fiscal/Pledge Year of 2022-2023. Because we have just ended one fiscal/pledge year and started a new one, there are several things pledgers who pay via online giving – even sustaining members and friends – need to do now.
To see a visual showing how to set up a pledge payment online, check out our Giving Made Easy brochure on the Eliot Chapel website. Thank you for your support of Eliot Chapel!
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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@eliotchapel.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.
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Eliot Chapel Sunday Forum
Come one, come all! Beginning on Sunday, September 18 at 11:30 am, you are invited to save democracy! Our Fifth Principle, “the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large,” compels us to act. Join us to learn what UU the Vote is doing and to decide what we here at Eliot can do, and what you can do as an individual.
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ADULT EDUCATION OFFERING
Starting Point
with Rev. Krista Taves and Amy Stark
This 4-part 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. We will meet on Zoom for the first three sessions; the fourth session will be in person at Eliot Chapel. Longtime members and friends seeking a small group experience are also welcome. You do not need to attend every session of the series this fall. We will have winter and spring sessions as well.
Session 2, Monday, September 19, 6:00 - 7:45 pm on Zoom: The Unitarian Universalist Journey and the Journey of Our Congregation
Session 3, Monday, October 17, 6:00 - 7:45 pm on Zoom: Our Journey Together – The Three Paths of Unitarian Universalism Part 1
Session 4, Sunday, November 6, noon - 1:45 in person: The Three Paths, Part 2 and Finding Your Journey Group
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Women’s Alliance
Women’s Alliance will meet Tuesday, September 20, at 9:30 am for a “hybrid meeting,” to take place in Adams Hall and on Zoom concurrently. We’ll have a brief period of conversation followed by a talk by one of our own members, Mary Nistler. She will present a program on her experiences living for several months in Kathmandu. She lived in a Bough community and experienced a major earthquake. What a wonderful opportunity to hear her story. Beth Rossow will coordinate. Everyone is welcome. For more information, contact womensalliance@eliotchapel.org.
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Join us for
Vigil for Hope & Healing
Tuesday, September 20
at 5:00 pm in front of Eliot Chapel
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Bergfried
Saturday, September 24 – Guided Day Trip: Come out on your own or meet at Eliot’s parking lot at 9:00 am to carpool/caravan. Your Bergfried guide will offer a guided hike or two but feel free to come out and do your own thing, or do nothing at all. Bring sturdy shoes and your provisions for the day. Please RSVP to bergfriedinfo@eliotchapel.org so we know to expect you.
October 7-9 – Bergfried Fall Campout: Mark your calendars now for our annual fall campout, open to all members and friends.
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The FUN TEAM brings you...
Eliot Chapel Book Swap for All Ages
Sunday, September 25
Immediately after service in Adams Hall
Eager to delight another Eliot community member by sharing a favorite read and simultaneously discover a new page-turning treasure for yourself? Participate in the upcoming book swap!
How it will work:
- Bring 1-2 (used) books per person of any genre that you really loved, and that you are willing to part with.
- Before the service, drop the book with our worker bees who will be located next to the greeters outside of the sanctuary.
- After the service, peruse the tables for a new-to-you book to take home and swing by our make-your-own-bookmark crafting table to keep your place in style!
- Remember this is a book swap, not a book dump, so please only give books in good condition. No magazines/sticker books/activity books. No media like DVDs/CDs.
- Participants are encouraged, but not required, to write down their name, what they liked about the book, or the type of reader it might appeal to, on a small index card/post-it note to stick inside the front cover of the book.
- Leave a goodwill offering for Eliot on your way out.
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Intruder Training
Thursday, October 20
6:30 to 8:00 pm
For many of us our church building is a sanctuary, our safe place. But we live in an insecure time and we are called to be ready if the sanctity of our religious home were ever violated. It saves lives. All are invited to attend the Intruder Alert Training class being offered by Officer Gary Baldridge from the Kirkwood Police Department. Register ahead to let us know you'll be there!
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Sunday, September 25 – 10:00 am
“Finding Home in Belonging to It All”
Rev. Dr. Douglas Wadkins
As we conclude this month’s theme of Belonging, this service will explore some of our journey through this theme and the ways that Belonging might call us to something larger in our future.
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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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