The worship theme for April is
Wholeness
.
Sunday, April 21 – 9:30 and 11:00 am
“Easter Sunday Service” – Rev. Terry Davis
In the Christian tradition, Easter is a time to revisit the story of the empty tomb and to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and the triumph of life over death. As Unitarian Universalists, this day perhaps offers us an opportunity to ask ourselves, “In what ways are we living as persons entombed? How might we break free in thought and spirit and live a new life?”
Featured Musicians: Eliot Choir and Children’s Chalice Choir
|
|
Sharing the Offering
In April, we will share our offering with
The Open Space Council
. As stewards of nature, the organization has worked since 1965 to maintain the integrity of land and waterways for practical purposes, recreation and their natural beauty, to be enjoyed now and for generations to come. Through environmental and community-building events such as Operation Clean Stream and Operation Wild Lands, The Open Space Council seeks to raise awareness about the importance of land and water conservation and the value of clean water.
Throughout its history, the organization has played an integral role in:
- Restoring and supporting a clean and healthy Meramec River.
- Helping establish Castlewood State Park, Forest 44 Conservation Area, and Bee Tree Park in St. Louis County.
- Restoring more than three thousand acres of land and almost 500 miles of river.
- Permanently conserving an urban organic farm, which EarthDance Farms now owns & operates.
- Helping to thwart efforts to dam the Meramec River.
Religious Education
At
9:30
and
11:00
, children in Kindergarten and older begin the morning in the sanctuary for the first 15 minutes of the worship service. Following the Time for All Ages, children will go to Room 001 downstairs for an Easter craft and movie.
Childcare and Easter activities for preschool children are offered in Room 107 at
9:30
and in the Nursery at
11:00
.
The Nursery is open from 9:00-12:15 for infants and toddlers, and at 11:00 for preschool-age children.
The 5th-6th Grade Class, Our Whole Lives program (7th and 8th grade), and Senior High Youth Group are not in session today.
Sunday at a Glance
Living the Pledge Accountability – 12:30 pm in the Frederick-Gray Room
Eliot Meditation Group – 7:00 pm in the DuBois Library
|
|
Are You Procrastinating? Now is the Time to Act!
Thank you to all who have submitted pledge cards during our 4-week canvass. So far, we have collected $535,620 in pledges, but we have not heard from about 195 members/friends. We NEED your help!
Please return your 2019-2020 pledge cards ASAP. Camille Novak, our director of finance and operations, must submit a budget to the board by May 6 for approval to present to the congregation on May 10 and at the congregational meeting on May 19.
The budget that supports all-things-Eliot revolves around receiving your pledge card. We develop the budget based on
pledges received.
Without your pledge we can’t prepare an accurate budget, and Eliot programming depends on what we receive in pledges. For example:
- The Choir Director cannot plan next year's events until she knows her budget.
- The Religious Education team cannot plan next year's RE programming until they know how much money they will have in their budget.
- Yearly budgets for Social Justice, Pastoral Care, Covenant Groups, Worship, Welcoming New Members, Christmas, Adult Spirituality, RATI, the Board and Stewardship and more, all depend upon receiving your pledge cards.
Are these programs important to you and your family? If so, submit your pledge card today, or pick one up from the Eliot office ASAP. Canvassers will be contacting those who have not pledged beginning Friday, April 26.
Thank you so much for your support of Eliot Chapel!
It’s Spring!
Are you thinning your garden? Eliot wants your plants! If you would like to donate your plants instead of dropping them on the compost heap, please
contact the front office. Together, we’ll determine if Eliot has space for them on the grounds. After approval, our gardeners can transplant them or you may if you’d like.
|
|
Recital and Art Exhibition
Eliot young adult Mel Priese invites you to her Senior Cello Recital and Art Exhibition on
Saturday, April 20. The performance will begin at 3:00 pm in the Sanctuary with a reception/gallery following immediately in Adams Hall.
|
|
A message from Trish and Bruce Williams
Thank you to our "beloved community" of Eliot Chapel for all the kindness and care you gave us both over the past two months. May every member and friend feel the love and blessings in our midst. This is what makes us all the Eliot Chapel Community.
|
|
Seder Dinner Sign-Ups
Take the opportunity this Sunday to sign up for Eliot Chapel’s Seder Dinner at the table in Adams Hall after both services. This dinner on Saturday, April 27 commemorates the story of the Exodus–we’ll be guided through the dinner using the Haggadah, centuries old in tradition and used over millennia by Jewish families around the world. Bring your family to eat matzos, sing songs, and celebrate freedom throughout the world and throughout the ages! We are still gathering volunteers for this event.
RSVP to Gail Rock at
sederdinner@eliotchapel.org
no later than April 23.
We must have an accurate count for matzos, wine, and more!
Online Giving Made Easy
Did you know that
iGive.com makes it simple to earn donations for Eliot Chapel while you do your normal online shopping at over 2,000 stores? Eliot has already earned almost $600 through this passive giving program. And now until May 10, Eliot gets a $3 bonus donation when new shoppers sign up for the program! If you shop online, please
take a look at the program today.
Coffee Thanks!
Many thanks to Roz Marks Covenant Group for providing coffee service in July. If you or your group would like to cover a coffee service,
contact the front office.
If there are no volunteers over the summer, there will be no coffee.
Sign up today!
Summer Musicians Needed!
What kind of music is meaningful to YOU? If you can contribute some live music, solo or in a group, please
contact Jan Chamberlin.
|
|
Monday, April 22
SJA Phone-A-Thon – 5:00 pm in Adams Hall
A Course in Miracles – 7:00 pm in Room 001
Tuesday, April 23
Women's Alliance Book Selection – 9:30 am in Adams Hall
Vigil for Hope & Healing – 5:00 pm outside Eliot
Immigration Team Meeting – 7:00 pm in Room 006
Wednesday, April 24
Women's Chorale – 7:30 pm in the Music Room
Thursday, April 25
Living The Pledge Accountability – 7:00 pm in the Frederick-Gray Room
Friday, April 26
Friday Freethinkers – 10:00 am in Adams Hall
Saturday, April 27
Speak Up! Workshop – 9:00 am in Rooms 001/002
Seder Dinner – 6:00 pm in Adams Hall
|
|
Protect the Voice of the People!
Tell the Missouri Legislature Hands Off Amendment 1! Make calls with Eliot and MCU (Metropolitan Congregations United) on Monday, April 22 in Adams Hall from 5:00 to 8:30 pm. We’ll be phoning Amendment 1 supporters who live in districts with legislators who are pushing to change Amendment 1. Ame
ndment 1 passed the statewide vote with 62% voting YES. Amendment 1 makes legislative records subject to the Sunshine Law, changes how Missouri's political maps are drawn, and restricts lobbyist activities and gifts.
Women's Alliance
Women’s Alliance will hold their selection process for next year’s book discussions on Tuesday, April 23. Coffee and conversation begin at 9:30 am in Adams Hall. All Eliot women are welcome to participate.
|
|
|
|
Join us for
Vigil for Hope and Healing #231
Tuesday, April 23
at 5:00 pm outside Eliot.
|
|
|
Immigration Justice Meeting
Don’t miss the Immigration Justice Meeting on Tuesday, April 23 at 7:00 pm in Room 006! We'll discuss how to organize and structure our latest Sanctuary possibility: sponsorship for asylum seekers who are in detention pending hearing. Email immigration@eliotchapel.org with any questions or for more info.
Speak Up! Workshop
Saturday, April 27
9:00 am to noon
Designed by the Southern Poverty Law Center, this workshop helps us recognize everyday bigotry and gives us the tools – and the courage – to speak up when we encounter it. Over the last three years, many Eliot members and friends have taken this workshop and have found it very helpful. Registration is full for this workshop, but keep an eye out for future opportunities.
Passover Seder
Saturday, April 27
Doors open in Adams Hall at 5:30 pm, Dinner at 6:00 pm
Eliot Chapel's Seder Dinner commemorates the story of the Exodus and the liberation of the Jewish people from slavery under the oppression of the Egyptians. We will be guided through the dinner using the Haggadah, centuries old in tradition and used over millennia by Jewish families around the world. Bring the family and join us as we eat matzos, sing songs, and celebrate freedom throughout the world and throughout the ages. Music provided by Dr. Flo Reaves on violin and Bob Chamberlin on piano. Seder service led by Gail Rock. Sign up on the bulletin board or email
sederdinner@eliotchapel.org no later than April 23 if you plan to attend. Matzo and wine/juice provided. Suggested donation $5 per person, children under 12 free. Please note, we adhere to strict dietary requirements: NO pork or pork products, shellfish, or leavening in bread or dessert.
|
|
Click on the links below to learn more about the events listed and sign-up information, or
check the newsletter
for more details.
|
|
|
Transylvanian Craft Sale
Sunday, April 28
Adams Hall
The Partner Church Committee will be selling craft items made by the women in our partner village of Nyárádszentmárton (in Transylvania) after both services. The money from the sales goes directly to the women, who then use some of the money to benefit the Unitarian church in the village.
Introduction to Spirit in Practice
Wednesday, May 1
Tuesday, May 14
7:00 pm in Rooms 001/002
Develop your own spiritual practice in Eliot's Adult Spirituality offering. The series, based on the UUA's Spirit in Action curriculum, will expose participants to spiritual practices across many spheres of life, including personal, communal, body, mind, soul, and social justice areas. Each session is a stand-alone experience, affording you maximum flexibility to attend based on your interest and availability. The next workshops are:
Wednesday, May 1: Justice Practices – Inspiration to Act Compassionately
Tuesday, May 14: Body Practices – Everyday Spirituality
The Men’s Advance
May 3-5 at Bergfried
The Men’s Advance brings together Eliot members and friends of the male persuasion. At this event we welcome all humans who identify at the male end of the gender spectrum. Newcomers are especially encouraged to come out to enjoy hiking, camping, camaraderie, a Saturday night feast, and lots of super-secret men's stuff (which looks suspiciously like doing nothing). Just $10 buys your ticket to the feast (kids 12 and under $5). All other meals are on your own. Most choose to camp in tents or trailers; spaces in the cottage (with running water and electricity) are available by reservation with priority given to those with medical needs or physical limitations. Eight beds are also available in the rustic bunkhouses. To sign up for the weekend, to reserve a cottage or bunkhouse space, or for any information contact
mensadvance@eliotchapel.org.
A sign-up sheet is also posted on the bulletin board.
"Bridge Over Troubled Times"
Saturday, May 4
9:00 am – 12:30 pm in Adams Hall
Attend a Special Saturday Workshop from Attitudinal Healing-St. Louis. Come cross the bridge with Attitudinal Healing facilitators Corinne Esneault, Carole Glauser, and Julie Morreale as they share proven spiritual practices which lead to peace and joy, especially during troubling times. All three are practitioners of
A Course in Miracles,
The
12 Principles of Attitudinal Healing
and
Choose Again Six-Step Process to Freedom
. Come to learn and come to share what practices you apply in times of trouble to regain your inner peace. The workshop is free and open to members and friends. A donation is appreciated to support the cost of refreshments, handouts, and a sharing with Eliot Chapel. Register online at
www.ahstlouis.org
or on the sign-up sheet on the Eliot Chapel bulletin board by May 1. Questions? Email
attitudinalhealing@eliotchapel.org.
Kevin So Concert
Saturday, May 4
Doors open at 5:30, Music at 7:15 in the Sanctuary
Eliot Chapel will celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with a solo acoustic concert by Kevin So, a Chinese American musician who has built a loyal fan base around the world. Prior to the concert, we’ll show a short ten-minute video,
The Model Minority Myth,
in Adams Hall. There will be a panel discussion and Q&A session. Light refreshments will be served.
Hear Kevin So’s range of songs in this
behind-the-scenes trailer
for his upcoming album
S.O.U.L.
These events are free but tickets are required.
Get your tickets here.
(Eliot folks may alternately sign up on the bulletin board.)
Social Justice Assembly
Tuesday, May 7
7:00 pm in Adams Hall
What Does ‘Intersectionality’ Mean to You? The Midwest Regional Assembly of the UUA, held in St. Louis in April, adopted the word as the theme of the assembly but apologized when called out for not referencing the work of civil rights scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw. What does Crenshaw’s work tell us about the inherent worth and dignity of every person? Come join a viewing of her TED Talk and discussion of the controversy at the Social Justice Assembly on Tuesday, May 7 at 7:00 pm in Adams Hall.
“Better Friendship, Better Marriage”
Saturday, May 11
7:00-8:30 pm in Adams Hall
Richard B. Boswell, LCSW, family and marriage therapist, will speak on “Better Friendship, Better Marriage – The Importance of Friendship in Marriage” at Eliot Chapel on Saturday, May 11 at 7:00 pm for this Better Marriages–Gateway Chapter Educational Program. Suggested reading is
Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work
by John Gottman. There will be an opportunity to dialogue. There is no charge for the event but please RSVP by May 4 to Chris Luzecky at
bettermarriagesforum@gmail.com.
Doors open at 6:30 for socializing and light snacks.
Annual Bergfried Memorial Day Weekend Camp-Out
May 24-27
Save The Date! Along with all of the traditional activities and fellowship enjoyed over this weekend, we are adding some organized afternoon activities and an evening program for a portion of the Lewis and Clark Commemorative Bonfire on Saturday. S
ee the upcoming May newsletter for all the details!
|
|
Sunday, April 28 – 9:30 and 11:00 am
“The Alchemy of Faith – Spiritual Wholeness in a Time of Change”
Rev. Sarah Lammert
Rev. Lammert will explore three practices for spiritual wholeness in a challenging time to help us all stay engaged: staying curious, having beginner’s mind, and looking at everyday self care as everyday spiritual practice.
Featured Musicians: "Young at Harp" trio & Chamber Singers
About our Guest Speaker: The Rev. Sarah Lammert grew up in Clayton and has long roots in St. Louis on both sides of her family. She now lives in Boston where she serves the UUA as the Co-Director for Ministries and Faith Development. Sarah received an honorary Doctorate in Sacred Theology from Starr King School for the Ministry in 2018. She is the mother of 2 young adult women.
|
|
The ourEliot team 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, look for an on-duty member of the team in Adams Hall wearing an ourEliot badge or contact them via email at
ourEliot@eliotchapel.org
.
|
|
|
Connect with Eliot Chapel
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
