The worship theme for December is
Awe.
Sunday, December 8 – 9:30 and 11:00 am
“Home for the Holidays” – Rev. Helen Carroll
Christmas is a time when you get homesick – even when you're home.
– Carol Nelson
Remember the closing scenes from The Wizard of Oz? Dorothy is clicking her ruby slippers, eyes closed, saying fervently, “There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home.” Even so, home and holidays are often challenging experiences.
Featured Musicians: Jennifer Stewart & Liz Sale, flute duo; Chamber Singers
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Sharing the Offering
Sponsored by the Sisters of Divine Providence, Room at the Inn provides emergency shelter and a stabilizing support system to women and families in need in St. Louis County, using a collaborative, interfaith effort of congregations and organizations throughout the St. Louis region. The program, which involves more than 60 churches in the St. Louis area, provides shelter for up to 20 persons per week. Most of the guests are single women and women with children.
During the day, the shelter in Bridgeton, Missouri, helps adults find work and housing and provides daycare for young children, transportation to school for older children, and personal counseling. Each evening, the guests are divided between two of the churches, which provide an evening meal and sleeping quarters.
Eliot has been participating in this program since 1992. Every Thursday, except the fourth Thursday of the month, Eliot drivers pick up our guests at the shelter and bring them to Eliot where our cooks serve a delicious home-cooked meal. Two Eliot hosts spend the night and provide a light breakfast Friday morning. Our drivers then return the guests to the shelters. Eliot launderers pick up the sheets and towels and wash them. Please give generously to support RATI.
Religious Education
At 9:30, children in kindergarten and older should attend the first 15 minutes of the worship service. Preschool children (ages 3-5) and nursery children (2 and younger) go directly to their class.
At 11:00, children who are age 5 through 6th grade attend the first 15 minutes of the worship service. Nursery children (age 4 and younger) and youth in 7th-12th grade go directly to their respective groups.
Sunday at a Glance
Chamber Singers – 8:30 am in the Music Room
Holiday Bazaar – 9:00 am in Adams Hall
Children’s Chalice Choir – 10:35 am in the Music Room
YEA! Young Eliot Adults – 12:30 pm in the Frederick-Gray Room
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Music Search Survey
Music is an important part of our worship services. It can speak to the soul deeply and powerfully, creating a time of beauty and reflection. In order to make the best decision in selecting our new music director, it is important for the search team to hear from the congregation. Please take a few minutes to
give your input to their survey. Thank you.
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Celebrate the Winter Solstice
The Earth-Based Spirituality Covenant Group will celebrate the Winter Solstice on Tuesday, December 17, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm in the Susan Frederick-Gray Room. You are invited to join in as we honor the solstice with ritual and song, no drumming. You are welcome to bring a snack to share. Come celebrate the beauty of the coming darkness. Flameless candles will be provided. Contact Lynn Murphy (see directory) with any questions.
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Christmas Eve
Celebrate with Eliot Chapel on Christmas Eve. We will have services at 4:00, 5:30, and 8:00 pm. 4:00 and 5:30 pm are traditional Christmas Eve services for all ages. 8:00 pm is a quieter, more reflective service.
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A Thank You
We've received a thank you from the St. Louis Area Diaper Bank. Your contributions made such a difference in the lives of many local families. Thank you!
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Parking Spot Raffle
Tickets are on sale in Adams Hall each Sunday in December for January's spot for just $10! It’s only going to get colder – take a chance on a close spot! Thanks to all for your support.
Sign up Now for Spirit In Practice
As we enter a busy holiday season, don't forget to take time for yourself. Our continuing Spirit in Practice series provides you an opportunity to grow in your own spiritual maturity.
- Tuesday, December 10: Communal Practices – This session will encourage participants to reflect upon experiences of communal worship as well as suggest ways to enhance its meaning. We will also discover ways in which lay leadership – serving with others in the church – might be experienced as a spiritual practice.
- Wednesday, December 18: Spiritual Partnerships – We will explore deepening one’s spiritual practice by working with a “spiritual friend.” We will reflect on experiencing the sacred and sharing insights on spiritual needs. Participants will have the opportunity to experience spiritual reflection, sharing, and deep listening. Participants will leave with suggestions and resources on how to find a spiritual companion.
It is not necessary to have attended previous sessions as each stands on its own. We do recommend that you sign up for sessions you expect to attend, so that the session leaders can plan accordingly. Look for signup sheets on the bulletin board or
sign up online now.
Save the Date
UU the Vote will launch on
January 12, 2020. Watch for Eliot Chapel’s Social Justice in Action team to reach out with many opportunities for you to get involved in the 2020 election! In the meantime, check out
UU the VOTE from the UUA.
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Please be aware:
Care of Your Minister After Lung Transplant
I am now taking medications to suppress my immune system to avoid rejecting my brand-new lungs. This makes me very vulnerable to viruses, especially in crowds of people. Here are some precautions I will need to take and need your help with. Instead of doing the receiving line and the coffee hour, I will remain on the chancel near the pulpit after worship. If you would like to talk with me, please come up, but please also keep some distance. If you are sick, even with a tiny cold, I ask you to stay home from church if I am preaching that day. If you have come to church and find yourself coughing, sneezing, etc., please sit in the back. As I've said earlier, I need to avoid shaking hands with and hugging people. This is wisdom I have received from people who have been transplanted years ago, and are thriving today. Thank you for your continued care of me.
– Rev. Barbara
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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 cancel 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 the cancellation or late start for Sunday and RE services, group meetings, and office closings. Decisions to cancel Sunday 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.
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Monday, December 9
A Course in Miracles – 7:00 pm in Room 001
Mace Covenant Group – 7:00 pm off-site
Nominating Committee Meeting – 7:00 pm in the DuBois Library
Tuesday, December 10
Ruger All Read – 1:00 pm in the Frederick-Gray Room
Vigil for Hope & Healing – 5:00 pm outside Eliot
Board Meeting – 7:00 pm in Adams Hall
Eliot Choir – 7:00 pm in the Music Room
Spirit in Practice – 7:00 pm in Rooms 001/002
Wednesday, December 11
Eliot Eats! – 4:00 to 8:00 pm at Jason’s Deli
Stauber All Read – 6:00 pm in the Frederick-Gray Room
Meneely Covenant Group – 7:00 pm in the Bergfried Room
Women's Chorale – 7:00 pm in the Music Room
Thursday, December 12
Room at the Inn – 5:30 pm in Adams Hall and Rooms 001-006
Humanist Covenant Group – 7:00 pm in the Frederick-Gray Room
Friday, December 13
Friday Freethinkers – 10:00 am in Adams Hall
Knitting Group – 1:00 pm in the DuBois Library
Saturday, December 14
Stark Covenant Group – 11:00 am in the Frederick-Gray Room
Christmas Pageant Service & Reception – 4:00 pm in the Sanctuary and Adams Hall
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Caroling
You are invited to join Eliot carolers who will meet at Eliot on
Saturday, December 7 at 12:30 pm to carpool to the DeGreeff Hospice House on the Mercy South campus. If you’re interested,
contact Jan Chamberlin. We plan to return to Eliot around 2:00.
HO HO HO...Holiday Bazaar
Eliot Chapel's Holiday Bazaar is this
Sunday, December 8! Come to Adams Hall after both services to find unique gift items and support worthy causes. As a shopper, you will be dealing with each vendor directly so bring your checkbook and/or cash; there will not be a single checkout for all purchases. Happy shopping!
Share Your Holiday Spirit this Season!
Eliot Chapel is once again sponsoring the Gift Giving Tree as part of Youth In Action's outreach to area children and youth. The tree will go up in Adams Hall this
Sunday, December 8 after the 11:00 am service. Select an ornament from the tree and buy a small, age-appropriate gift for the child or youth whose age and gender is noted there. Return the gift to Eliot Chapel (wrapped or unwrapped) along with the ornament attached to the outside of the gift no later than Sunday, December 22 at 12:00 pm. Youth In Action picks up the gifts and distributes them to area organizations which serve children and youth in need. A special thank you to the Junior High Youth (7th & 8th grade) for setting up the tree this year. Questions? Contact Scott Stewart at
scott@eliotchapel.org.
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Join us for
Vigil for Hope and Healing #264
Tuesday, December 10
at 5:00 pm outside Eliot.
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Eliot Eats! at Jason's Deli
Come out on
Wednesday, December 11 for our December Eliot Eats! event at
Jason's Deli in Kirkwood. We'll be at 1253 South Kirkwood Rd. from 4:00 to 8:00 pm that day. Jason’s Deli knows that all good things start with wholesome ingredients – you won’t find artificial trans fats, MSG, high-fructose corn syrup, or artificial colors and dyes in their delicious sandwiches or crisp salads!
RSVP now for another fun night out with Eliot Chapel – the restaurant has requested that we do this so if you plan to join us, please sign up. You can still drop in even if you haven't planned on it. YEA! (Young Eliot Adults) has been planning Eliot Eats! events and has done a great job of providing a variety of cuisines and price points. Please join us whenever you can and don't forget to
mention Eliot Chapel when you order! Eliot Chapel will get 15% of your purchase.
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Bergfried Day Trip
Our last day trip of 2019 will be
Saturday, December 14. Come out on your own or meet at Eliot’s parking lot at 9:00 am to carpool/caravan. A Bergfried team member will offer a guided hike or two but feel free to come out and do your own thing or do nothing at all. Bring sturdy shoes and provisions for the day. Please RSVP to
bergfriedinfo@eliotchapel.org by December 12 so we know to expect you.
Christmas Pageant & Holiday Reception
Eliot members and friends of all ages are invited to join Eliot children and youth for the annual youth-led Christmas Pageant Service on
Saturday, December 14 at 4:00 pm. Following the production, you are invited to gather for a holiday dessert reception in Adams Hall. People are asked to bring a dessert item to share with others (peanut-free and tree-nut free, please). Hot chocolate is provided.
Shop for a Good Cause
Shop at Plowsharing Crafts in University City at 6271 Delmar the week of
December 15 to 21 and you will earn 15% back for Eliot Chapel when you
mention our name!
Plowsharing Crafts provides meaningful income to skilled artisans around the world! They stock beautiful handmade clothing, jewelry, and many toys and gifts. Hours are Sunday, 12:00 to 5:00 pm, Monday to Wednesday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Thursday to Saturday, 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. Learn more at
plowsharing.org.
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Click on the links below to learn about the events listed and to sign up.
See the newsletter
for more details.
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Social Justice in Action December Assembly
Tuesday, December 17
7:00 pm in Adams Hall
Hear from Ken Denson from Eliot Chapel about The Green New Deal, a bill which has passed the U.S. House but is stalled in the Senate. We look forward to seeing you there. This will replace the Environmental Justice meeting scheduled for December 16.
8-Week Attitudinal Healing Group
Tuesdays, January 14 to March 10
10:00 am to noon
Ready to start the New Year with a new attitude? Learn about the 12 principles of Attitudinal Healing and their application in daily living. This spiritual curriculum has been taught at Eliot since 2011. It is based on the book Teach Only Love by Dr. Gerald (Jerry) Jampolsky, author of the bestseller Love Is Letting Go of Fear. (No meeting will be held on February 25.) Participants will learn how to heal relationships and bring peace and harmony to every aspect of their lives. Forgiveness is the cornerstone of the curriculum. The group is open to any member or friend of Eliot Chapel. It is limited to 10 participants. There is a $50 registration fee. Reserve your spot by contacting Carole Glauser at
attitudinalhealing@eliotchapel.org.
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Sunday, December 15 – 9:30 & 11:00 am
“Wait and Wonder” – Rev. Helen Carroll
Everyone has their time and kind of waiting.
– Elizabeth Gaskell
Albert Einstein once said, “There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle, the other is as though everything is a miracle.” And so for a few brief weeks at the end of the year we live as though everything could be a miracle.
Featured Musicians: The Tri-Tones vocal trio; Women’s Chorale; Chalice Chimes Handbells; Gail Hintz, piano.
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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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