Sunday, January 1 – 10:00 am
“Won’t You Please Help Me?”
A service about getting on with Life in the new year, with Bob Boyd, Trina Priese, and music by Steve Jarrett.
Featured musician: David Nalesnik, piano.
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We livestream our service on Sunday; find it at eliotchapel.org. After the stream, a recording will be available there 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.
At Eliot Chapel, we follow CDC guidelines regarding COVID-19. This week, St. Louis County moved into the red or HIGH level which changes some of our practices. When St. Louis County is at a Red Level or High Level, we will:
- Wear a mask indoors in public.
- Stay up to date on COVID Vaccines.
- Get tested if you have symptoms.
- Refrain from serving food or drink at Eliot.
- Explore additional precautions for people at high risk for severe illness.
Read the email that went out today about the change of policy. You may access the policy document on Eliot Chapel's website to read more of the details.
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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 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.
Let us be good neighbors. Let us be a generous people. You can give in one of three ways:
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Online: Click here. Make sure “Shared Plate” is your chosen fund.
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By Mail: Please write “MPNIA” 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 Religious Education (RE) program is closed on New Year’s Day. Children of all ages may attend the worship service with their family. The nursery is closed on January 1 so the staff may spend the holidays with their families. Activities for children and youth will resume on Sunday, January 8.
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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 breakout 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
In-Person Coffee Hour – 11:00 am in Adams Hall
Lemon Covenant Group – 11:30 am in the Susan Frederick-Gray Room
Young Adult Group – 11:45 am in the Triplett Room
Online Coffee Hour – 12:30 pm via Zoom
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Monday, January 2
Church offices are closed today for the New Year's holiday.
Kwentus Covenant Group – 10:00 am in the DuBois Library
A Course in Miracles – 7:00 pm via Zoom
Tuesday, January 3
Women's Alliance – 9:30 am in Adams Hall
Vigil for Hope & Healing – 4:00 pm in front of Eliot Chapel
Avant Covenant Group – 6:45 pm in Room 001
Thursday, January 5
Wellspring – 9:30 am in the Susan Frederick-Gray Room
SJA Steering Committee – 7:00 pm via Zoom
Friday, January 6
Friday Freethinkers – 10:00 am in Room 001
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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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Pastoral Care over the Holiday
Both Rev. Doug and Rev. Krista will be with family over the holidays. UU Ministerial Candidate Dee Evans will be on call for pastoral care emergencies from December 25 through January 1 and can be reached by leaving a voicemail at 314-821-0911 ext. 104. For non-pastoral care emergencies, please email pastoralcare@eliotchapel.org and a Pastoral Care Associate will be in touch with you.
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Eliot's COVID Policy Changes
As it says above in Sunday at Eliot, St. Louis County's community and transmission levels for COVID-19 now are both in the high category. What does this mean for us? When this happens, it triggers a change in Eliot Chapel's COVID policy.
When St. Louis County is at a Red Level or High Level, we will:
- Wear a mask indoors in public.
- Stay up to date on COVID Vaccines.
- Get tested if you have symptoms.
- Refrain from serving food or drink at Eliot.
- Explore additional precautions for people at high risk for severe illness.
This policy has a few immediate impacts. When you are at Eliot, whether for a service, a meeting, or some other event, plan to wear a mask. If you forget yours or do not have one, we will have them available. We also will curtail coffee after service and restrict the serving of any food at Eliot activities until the COVID level drops.
We will continue to make our Sunday services available via livestream on our website and YouTube channel. In addition, groups who are meeting in person may consider using Eliot's Zoom services.
If you test positive after attending an event at Eliot, please let the Front Office know.
Please join us as we care for one another through this current COVID spike. We have been through so much these past few years but we have seen that we can and will move back to familiar Eliot community practices when possible.
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Lost and Found
Did you lose your hearing aid? One has been found at Eliot Chapel. If you are missing yours, please let us know! |
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Ministerial Search
Have you had the opportunity to view the video of Board Chair Claire Wyneken and Interim Minister Rev. Doug Wadkins discussing the next steps in the search process for a settled minister for Eliot Chapel? You can click above to watch it. The congregation is being invited to nominate people who would be good candidates for the search team. Here is the link to the survey where you can share your submission:
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Do you know someone who would fit the important role of representing Eliot Chapel in this search? In the video, Rev. Doug talks about the qualities that are important in a candidate for the committee:
- They work well with others.
- They're able to represent the congregation as a whole.
- They know, or are willing to learn, the history and culture of the congregation.
- They are, or have been, active in the congregation, and have shown a sense of responsibility in their participation.
- They can assess and communicate the health and self-awareness of the congregation to potential ministerial candidates.
- They are trusted.
Be sure to listen to Rev. Doug's full remarks on this and then take Claire's invitation to fill out the survey! Your input is vital to the search process!
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Eliot Recognizes Staff Anniversary
Please join us as we celebrate Tim Bubb’s sixth anniversary as a member of the Religious Education staff on January 1. His experience and commitment creates a meaningful and enriching experience for Eliot's youngest UUs and their families.
Thank you, Tim! We appreciate all you do to enrich our Eliot community!
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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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NEW DATES ANNOUNCED!
Starting Point
ADULT EDUCATION OFFERING
with Rev. Krista Taves and Amy Stark
This four-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. We will have a spring session as well. Session 1 begins on Sunday, January 15. Get details and register by clicking below.
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COMING IN JANUARY
The UU Crash Course Series
Just enough information to make you dangerous!
Offered by Rev. Krista Taves on Zoom
Wednesday, January 18, 7:00 – 8:15 pm
A Crash Course on American Unitarian, Universalist, and Unitarian Universalist History, 1800 – 1961
Wednesday, February 15, 7:00 – 8:15 pm
A Crash Course in Unitarian Universalist Theology
Wednesday, March 15, 7:00 – 8:15 pm
A Crash Course on Unitarian Universalism since 1945
Wednesday, April 12, 7:00 – 8:15 pm
A Crash Course on Unitarian, Universalist and Unitarian Universalist Statements of Identity and Principles through the years
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Women's Alliance
Please join Women’s Alliance for its hybrid meeting on Tuesday, January 3, at 9:30 am in Adams Hall and on Zoom. We’ll have conversation and a brief business meeting, then we'll discuss the book The Salt Path by Raynor Winn. The discussion leader will be Dianne Wagner. Please feel free to join us, whether you’ve read the book or not. For more information, contact womensalliance@eliotchapel.org.
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Join us for
Vigil for Hope & Healing
Tuesday, January 3
at 4:00 pm in front of Eliot Chapel
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Bergfried & Winter Warm-Up
Mark your calendar for the return of the annual Bergfried Winter Warm-Up in Adams Hall to be held Saturday, January 28 beginning at 6:00 pm. The Bergfried team will host a potluck gathering featuring a Bergfried-style music circle and a slide show of Bergfried then and now. More details to come in future weekly emails!
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Sunday, January 8 – 10:00 am
“The Pathway to Our Center”
The Rev. Doug Wadkins & Rev. Krista Taves
We begin a new year and a new theme with an especially appropriate topic: Finding Our Center. Join us for this introductory service as Rev Krista and Rev Doug explore how we make meaningful connections with this very relatable topic.
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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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Connect with Eliot Chapel |
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