Sunday, August 21 – 10:00 am
“The Power and Promise of UU Community”
The Rev. Doug Wadkins
As we embark on our journey through these next couple of years, some essential components of our shared understanding help us make our way. We begin with community. This topic is critical as we seek to rediscover what it means to be part of the Eliot community after so many months of the pandemic, as we struggle to understand this tumultuous world that confounds us all, and as so many are longing for connection. A community like Eliot Unitarian Chapel offers much that is needed now and also asks important things from each of us. Let’s explore together the power and promise of this community in this dynamic time.
The Rev. Dr. Douglas E. Wadkins currently specializes in transition ministry, is an Accredited Interim Minister (AIM), and is excited to be serving this congregation. Rev. Doug finds transition ministry especially meaningful because it emphasizes exploring the essential components of a congregation’s community and sense of purpose. It is a time of trying new things and discovering new facets of congregational life that are fulfilling and energizing.
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At Eliot Chapel:
- Everyone over two years of age who enters the building is required to wear a surgical mask, KN95 mask, or N95 mask – cloth masks provide too little protection. If you forget, we will have masks available for you to wear. Masks must cover nose and mouth.
- We ask everyone to be mindful of social distancing and to spread throughout the sanctuary.
- If you are able to secure home COVID tests, please test before you come to service.
- If you are feeling unwell in any way, please stay home and join us online.
- As always, vaccination for all those eligible is required to attend in person. If you are eligible for a booster, please get one.
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 August, we're sharing our offering with Kirkwood Area Every Child Promise (KAEChP).
The Promise: Every child and family are prepared for success as they enter kindergarten. What does that mean? Families must be connected to the basic resources necessary to have stability and hope. Children must have access to the life and learning experiences that give context and meaning to new knowledge. To facilitate that, KAEChP offers:
- Preschool scholarships and connection to quality early childhood experiences
- Information and assistance navigating resources in order to meet the basic needs of the children and families we serve
- Access to Promise Place, a clothing and supply closet where families get assistance with items to support the basic needs of their children ages 0-6
- Coordination with resources such as Kirk Care, Parents as Teachers, Kirkwood Public Library, and Kirkwood School District in order to provide holistic support for families.
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 “KAEChP” 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
Children in kindergarten and older should attend the 10:00 am worship service with their family.
The nursery & preschool activity space in Room 003 is open during the service for our youngest UUs who need freedom of movement (nursery & preschool-aged children aged 5 and younger). The nursery and preschool room will be open each Sunday in August and is staffed by Tim Bubb, LaTosha Crayton, and Anna Beck.
Eliot Summer Adventure #3: Forest Park Nature Playscape on August 21
Sign-ups are now open for Eliot Summer Adventure #3, a series of informal opportunities for families and children to gather and experience fellowship and connection during the summer months. HUGE thanks to Susan van Alstyne for initiating and hosting these gatherings.
Gathering #3 is at the Forest Park Nature Playscape on Sunday, August 21 from 11:30-1:30. The gathering location is the plaza in front of the year-round restroom just to the west of the Playscape entrance, not far from the World's Fair Pavilion. Recommended parking is along Concourse Drive near the World’s Fair Pavilion. Find a detailed map of the playscape area online.
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.
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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
Eliot Summer Adventure – 11:30 am off-site
Coffee Hour – 12:30 pm via Zoom
Young Adult Group – 12:45 pm in the Triplett Room
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Tuesday, August 23
Vigil for Hope & Healing – 5:00 pm in front of Eliot
Immigration Justice Team – 7:00 pm via Zoom
Friday, August 26
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
Please keep David Cox and his family in your thoughts and prayers. His father Kenneth Cox passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 14, 2022.
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Meacham Park Back-to-School Rally
It's not too late to join in the fun of carnival games, bubbles and balloons, and more at our booth at the Back-to-School Rally in Meacham Park Memorial Park on Saturday, August 20 from 12:00-3:00 pm. Volunteer now: sign up online.
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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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NEW FISCAL/PLEDGE YEAR BEGAN JULY 1, 2022
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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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.
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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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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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Join us for
Vigil for Hope & Healing
Tuesday, August 23
at 5:00 pm in front of Eliot Chapel
Note that masks are optional
for outdoor activities.
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Immigration Justice
Need a social outlet? Come to the August Immigration Justice Meeting! Eliot Chapel's next Immigration Justice Meeting is Tuesday August 23 at 7:00 pm on Zoom. We always begin with a check-in, and we find plenty of opportunities to laugh and interact. But our favorite part of the meeting is, well, the work! Come to hear the success of the immigrants we have walked beside, the ways you can help whether a one-time action or recurring interaction. Come to hear the latest news and legal issues surrounding immigration. Come to bring your ideas of how we can enlighten, motivate and encourage volunteers. Just come! You will be glad you did. See the Eliot on Zoom email on Sunday morning to connect.
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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. We will have winter and spring sessions as well.
Session 1, Sunday, September 11, 2:00 - 3:45 pm on Zoom: Your Journey – Sharing Our Stories and Spiritual Roadmaps
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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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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Sunday, August 28 – 10:00 am
“Gnothi Sauton” – The Rev. Doug Wadkins
A second crucial component of the transition period is about discernment. This exploration focuses on how we understand ourselves as individuals and as a community. It is much trickier than it sounds, to honestly know yourself, because it requires perspective and balance. Fortunately, we can draw from wisdom, old and new, as we revisit the lifelong pathway to Know Thyself.
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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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