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.
Featured musicians: Eliot Chapel Choir; David Nalesnik, piano.
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Large-print orders of service and hearing assistance devices are available from the greeters on Sunday. We livestream our service; 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. St. Louis County is in 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. Everyone over two years of age is required to wear a surgical mask, KN95 mask, or N95 mask. We have masks available. Masks must cover nose and mouth.
- 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.
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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 2022-23 Religious Education and Youth Program resumes this Sunday, January 8 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 youth in 7th-12th grade may go directly to their respective groups.
- 7th-9th grade youth who are participating in the Our Whole Lives (OWL) program should go directly to Room 006 at 9:30. OWL is from 9:30-11:30.
Specific plans for each age group are shared with registered families via email each week. To learn more about the 2022-23 RE program, please contact Scott Stewart at scott@eliotchapel.org.
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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
OWL Program – 9:30 am in Room 006
Sunday Worship – 10:00 am in the Sanctuary
In-Person Social Hour – 11:00 am in Adams Hall
Covenant Group Development – 11:30 am in the Susan Frederick-Gray Room
Women's Weekend – 11:30 am in Room 001
Young Adult Group – 11:45 am in the Triplett Room
Online Coffee Hour – 12:30 pm via Zoom
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Monday, January 9
Environmental Justice Team – 7:00 pm in the Susan Frederick-Gray Room
A Course in Miracles – 7:00 pm via Zoom
Tuesday, January 10
Vigil for Hope & Healing – 4:00 pm in front of Eliot Chapel
Wednesday, January 11
Creative Spirituality Covenant Group – 7:00 pm in the Susan Frederick-Gray Room
Friday, January 13
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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Gift Giving Tree Acknowledgement
A HUGE thank you to Eliot members and friends of all ages for your overwhelming support of the 2022 Gift Giving Tree. Numerous gift items were collected and another $300 was donated in financial contributions which was used by Youth In Action to purchase additional gifts and gift cards for area children and youth in need.
Youth In Action collected, wrapped, and distributed many gifts this December with Eliot’s contributions being a HUGE part of their outreach efforts. Thank you for your generosity, caring hearts, and support for gift outreach to area children and youth.
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Eliot Needs YOU!
The Canvass Committee is looking for 25 people to host a “Giving Gathering” for 10 or more people between March 5 and April 15. The event can be anything you can dream up: a family movie night in Adams Hall, a hike, a potluck, a coffee, a knitting circle, wine at five? This is a chance to reconnect with Eliot friends (old and new) outside of church and to sign our pledge cards.
If you are willing to be a host, contact Sue Blandford or Mary Quinn at givinggatherings@eliotchapel.org or sign up in Adams Hall after church any Sunday in January.
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Eliot Needs YOU!
The Canvass Committee is looking for 25 people to host a “Giving Gathering” for 10 or more people between March 5 and April 15. The event can be anything you can dream up: a family movie night in Adams Hall, a hike, a potluck, a coffee, a knitting circle, wine at five? This is a chance to reconnect with Eliot friends (old and new) outside of church and to sign our pledge cards.
If you are willing to be a host, contact Sue Blandford or Mary Quinn at givinggatherings@eliotchapel.org or sign up in Adams Hall after church any Sunday in January.
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Bergfried Winter Warm-Up
Celebrate Bergfried and winter a bit closer to home this month! The Bergfried Team sponsors our annual Winter Warm-Up Potluck Dinner on Saturday, January 28 in Adams Hall. Bring a favorite dish to share and enjoy some camaraderie. We’ll offer a fire circle featuring Eliot musicians (bring your instruments!) and a slideshow of recent Bergfried events. Nature crafts for all ages will be offered. Sign-up sheets are on the Eliot bulletin board or contact bergfriedinfo@eliotchapel.org. Please let us know if you are bringing a main dish, side or dessert. Doors open at 5:30 pm, dinner at 6:00.
Even in the deep midwinter there is plenty to see and do at Bergfried. Consider going out on your own just for the day or make arrangements to stay the night by reserving the heated cottage for just $35/night. Contact bergfriedreservations@eliotchapel.org for reservations .
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A Ukraine Update
Last spring, Eliot Chapel collected donations for the Providence Organization of the Hungarian Unitarian Church (Gondviselés Segélyszervezet) to help with refugee work around the invasion of Ukraine. That organization recently sent continuing gratitude and a year-end update. Volunteers there dedicated their Christmas holidays to delivering a shipment from János Zsigmond Unitarian College in Romania to aid organizations and schools in Odesa in southern Ukraine, including generators, solar headlights, candles, vitamins and medicines, folding beds, clothes, and footwear. You can see a video of the delivery on YouTube and a photo essay on a local media website.
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Ministerial Search
The congregation is being invited to nominate people who would be good candidates for the search team. Here is the link where you can share your submission:
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Your input is vital to the search process – please send us your nominations today! We will close responses on Monday, January 9. Thank you! |
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Eliot's COVID Measures
St. Louis County's transmission levels for COVID-19 remain in the high category.
When St. Louis County is at a Red Level or High Level, we will:
- Wear a mask indoors in public. Everyone over two years of age is required to wear a surgical mask, KN95 mask, or N95 mask. We have masks available. Masks must cover nose and mouth.
- 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.
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. Sunday's Coffee Hour will be a Social Hour until the levels drop.
If you test positive after attending an event at Eliot, please let the Front Office know.
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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 the button.
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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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Join us for
Vigil for Hope & Healing
Tuesday, January 10
at 4:00 pm in front of Eliot Chapel.
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Sunday, January 15 – 10:00 am
“Courage and Our Center” – The Rev. Doug Wadkins
This MLK weekend, we invite you to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and explore the ways that great examples of courage may also speak to our own ways to be more courageous. How we understand our core centering and our relationship in the interdependent web are all places that impact how we act in the world and what will be our legacy with how we have lived.
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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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