Friday, December 23 – 6:00 pm 
"Family Pageant" – Rev. Krista Taves 
Celebrate the season with children, families, and other Eliot friends of all ages, and explore the meanings of this story which connect with Unitarian Universalism. We anticipate the “no rehearsal-no mistakes” service will run about thirty minutes.  
Featured musician: David Nalesnik, piano.
Saturday, December 24 – 4:30 & 8:00 pm
"Christmas Eve: Starlight and Candles"
The Rev. Doug Wadkins
A perennial favorite of the season, we will offer two services on Christmas Eve this year. The first service will focus more on a family-friendly gathering, and the second will be more contemplative. Both services end with candlelight and singing. Because we have yet to determine how many people will attend this year, please sign up for the service you prefer.  
Featured musicians: Eliot Chalice Chimes – Beth Curtiss, Bill Curtiss, Megan Demsky, Lynn Murphy, Ellie Nahm, Jennifer Nahm, Peyton Woldridge, Sarah Woldridge; Jennifer Stewart, flute; Phyllis MacLaren, violin; Carl Serbell, trumpet; Bill Coalson, horn; Brandon Snyder, trombone; Eliot Chapel Choir; David Nalesnik, piano. 
Sunday, December 25 – 10:00 am
"Christmas Day Potluck Brunch and Reflective Service"
The Rev. Doug Wadkins
Join the Rev. Doug Wadkins on Christmas Morning for a time of connection, fun, and reflection. It is not a typical Sunday morning, but rather a potluck brunch and then a short, reflective service to end our time together.

10:00 – 11:00 Brunch and clean up in Adams Hall

11:00 – 11:20 Reflective Service in Sanctuary

Please join us for a brunch potluck. Bring a dish to share and, if possible, your table setting. If not, you are welcome to use Eliot’s. Everyone else has the day off, so we will do our setup and clean up. Then we will adjourn to the Sanctuary for a brief closing holiday worship. Please RSVP so that we can set up enough tables and be ready to welcome you warmly on Christmas morning!
We will livestream our Christmas Eve services; find them at eliotchapel.org. 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. 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.

You may access the policy document on Eliot Chapel's website to read more of the details. Watch a video introduction of the policy with Rev. Doug and Rev. Krista.
The Offering
Our offerings on Christmas Eve go to the Minister's Discretionary Fund to assist our ministers in responding to requests for emergency aid over the coming year. 

If you would like to donate to the fund, you may do so online by clicking to access our online giving form and choosing "Minister's Discretionary Fund" from the drop-down menu. You may also mail a check to the office (Eliot Unitarian Chapel, 100 South Taylor Ave., Kirkwood, MO 63122); please indicate "Minister's Discretionary Fund" in memo line of your check. Or text "Eliot $(amount)" to 73256 and you will receive a link to our secure database webpage where you can complete your transaction.
Religious Education & Youth Group
The Religious Education (RE) program is closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Children of all ages may attend the worship service with their family. The nursery is closed on December 25 and January 1 so the staff may spend the holidays with their families. Activities for children and youth will resume on Sunday, January 8.
Zoom Coffee Hour
There will be no Zoom Coffee Hour on Christmas Day.


Sunday at a Glance
Christmas Brunch – 10:00 am in Adams Hall
Reflective Service – 11:00 am in the Sanctuary
Monday, December 26
Church offices will be closed this week.
A Course in Miracles – 7:00 pm via Zoom

Tuesday, December 27 
Vigil for Hope & Healing – 4:00 pm in front of Eliot Chapel

Friday, December 30
Friday Freethinkers – 10:00 am in Room 001
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.
Pastoral Care over the Holidays
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.
Office Hours
Church offices will be closed between Christmas and New Year's Day. They will reopen on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at 10:00 am.
Weather Policy Reminder
While Eliot Chapel strives to be open and available, there are times when it is unsafe to do so. In inclement or extreme weather, the decision may be made to close the church and alter activities. Check the Chapel’s voicemail, the website, Facebook, local media (KMOV, KSDK, KDNL, Fox2, and STLToday/Post-Dispatch), and also in Realm for information regarding Sunday service and Religious Education, group meetings, and office closings. Decisions regarding worship services will be made the day before. All members, friends, and staff are urged to use discretion when making choices about traveling in times of hazardous weather conditions.
A Message from Rev. Sandor Kiss
Sue Blandford shared a message she received from Rev. Sandor Kiss, minister at Eliot’s partner church, St. Martin, in Romania’s Transylvania region.

On behalf of our community I want to thank you and the whole congregation for all the support you have sent us this year, may God bless your generosity and give you all joy and happiness in your life.

We all wish you, the Partner Church team and the whole congregation a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

With love and blessings,
Sándor
New Members
Patrice Crotty

I started attending several years ago with my wife Claire Wyneken. There are so many wonderful, beautiful people and values I share. I am looking forward to partnering together to grow communities of justice, equity, and compassion.
Richard Parsons

In second grade I concluded that the Universe Does Not Care. This evolved into skepticism about any claim of having certain knowledge.
In 1968 I earned Masters Degree in Mathematics, and also got married.
For most of my working life I was a Computer Programmer for the Missouri Department of Mental Health. First in St. Louis and later in Jefferson City. While in Jefferson City I joined the UU Fellowship there.
Some time after I retired, our daughter in St. Louis gave us a grandson. So we moved back to St. Louis to be closer to family.
Welcome, Patrice and Richard!
Be Royally Entertained!
Noble Lords & Ladies, Queen Elizabeth I requests the Honor of your Presence at the 45th Annual Eliot Chapel Renaissance Madrigal and Christmas Rout!
For the first time in its long history, Eliot Chapel is extending an additional opportunity to take part in the merriment of our Madrigal! A specially prepared video of this year's Madrigal will be available on Eliot's YouTube channel from now until January 1. With a suggested donation of $25* that will support Eliot Unitarian Chapel's General Operating Funds, you will receive a link to the video for unlimited viewing for you and your family. Enjoy it today, on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, New Year's Day, and any day in between!

To participate, simply access the giving form here and make your donation. Once you have submitted your donation, you will receive a message with the URL link to the video.  

Please save the link from this page! We are unable to mail the link to you. 

Copy the URL link from the giving form thank you page and save it. (You could email it to yourself, paste it into your browser and bookmark it, or paste it into a text file.) Then, enjoy the 45th Annual Eliot Chapel Renaissance Madrigal until New Year’s Day!

You may also text "ELIOT MADRIGAL $25" to 73256 to give using your mobile device. This number will never send unsolicited texts to you. To cancel further messages, text STOP. If you need assistance with text giving, text HELP. Standard text message and data rates may apply. 

We wish that Ye May Merrie Merrie Be in this Goode Season of Christmas and that Ye Prithee Journey with us in Spirit and Fancy to "Renaissance England in the Grete Hall of Eliot Castle."

*We appreciate a donation of any amount to view this wonderful annual event!  
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:
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!
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.
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.
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

Registration information coming soon!

Join us for
Vigil for Hope & Healing
Tuesday, December 27
at 4:00 pm in front of Eliot Chapel
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!
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. 
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.