“The Vulnerability of Needing Each Other” – Rev. Krista Taves

As UUs, we know intellectually that we need each other. Emotionally, that can be harder. It’s often easier to offer help than to ask for it. And yet, we need to need each other.

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. Also, check out This Week's Music from our music director Adam Kosberg. You'll get insight into the music selections for this week's service and find the lyrics to the anthem.

At Eliot Chapel, we follow CDC guidelines regarding COVID-19. When St. Louis County is at a Yellow Level or Medium Level, we will:

Read the letter that went out about the review of our policy and the change in measures in response to a change in levels. You may access the policy document on Eliot Chapel's website for more of the details. 

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 March, we will share our offering with Seed St. Louis (formerly Gateway Greening). Since 1984, Seed St. Louis has provided communities with the tools, education, and empowerment to grow their own food. Learn more at seedstl.org.

Let us be good neighbors. Let us be a generous people. You can give in one of three ways:

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.

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 Worship – 10:00 am in the Sanctuary

Religious Education – 10:15 am (after Time for All Ages) in RE wing

In-Person Coffee Hour – 11:00 am in Adams Hall

Women’s Weekend Bake Sale – 11:00 am in Adams Hall

Young Adult Group – 11:45 am in the Triplett Room

Social Justice Assembly – 12:00 pm in Adams Hall

Online Coffee Hour – 12:30 pm via Zoom

A Course in Miracles – 7:00 pm via Zoom

Women’s Alliance – 9:30 am in Adams Hall & via Zoom

Vigil for Hope & Healing – 5:00 pm on the front lawn

EUC Board Meeting – 6:30 pm in Adams Hall

Earth-Based Covenant Group – 7:00 pm via Zoom

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.

As of March 11, we have received 45 pledges. Thank you!

Giving Gatherings: Sign-ups are closed now, but if you missed signing up, know that we chose a random event for you and added your name to the invitation list. Our goal was to make sure everyone gets an invitation to join in the fun. You, of course, have the option to go or not, please just remember to RSVP so the host knows how many people to expect and prepare for. Be reminded that the emphasis of these events is cordial gathering. You will not be forced into talking about pledging or hear a lecture about finances and money! Your pledge card will be there to sign – that’s it!

When/How to pledge: You have several options. You received a pledge card in the packet mailed to you. Sign it and turn it in to the office at Eliot or mail it back. You may prefer to pledge online. On Eliot’s website, go to the “Giving” tab and scroll down to select “Belonging 2023-2024” and you will find a way to pledge online. You can also reach online pledging by scanning the QR code (take a photo of it with your phone, then tap ‘open’) on the folded pamphlet in the canvass packet mailed to you. That QR code is titled “Pledge Now.” You can also wait until you attend a Giving Gathering and sign your sealed pledge card there. If you already pledged, simply write that on the card and return it to the host in your sealed envelope.

More information about the Canvass Campaign: Go to the “Belonging” tab under “Giving” on the Eliot Website. You will see a welcoming video from Mary Meihaus. You will also find each testimonial from selected members expressing what “Belonging” to Eliot means to them and why they think it is important to pledge. These will be added each week during the campaign. You can also find the details of Giving Gatherings and UU Palooza II – the celebratory church picnic planned for Sunday, April 16. You can also access all this information by scanning the QR codes (take a photo of it with your phone, then tap ‘open’) on the pamphlet mailed to you in your packet!

The Men’s Advance from April 21 to 23 (note – this is a few weeks earlier than traditionally scheduled) welcomes all Eliot members and friends 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). Ten dollars 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 new 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 in the corridor to Adams Hall.

Spring also promises great weather for individuals and families to visit and enjoy nature on their own. The Bergfried cottage, with air conditioning, electricity, full kitchen and bath, and running water, is available for rental ($35/night). Contact bergfriedreservations@eliotchapel.org whenever you are planning a trip on your own or to reserve the cottage.

Are you someone who can provide caring support to families in times of bereavement and joy? Are you looking for a way to make extra money? Eliot Chapel needs someone(s) to volunteer to handle memorials and weddings by coordinating the event at Eliot with the family or bridal party. This would be a paid-per-event non-employee opportunity. Please contact the frontoffice@eliotchapel.org if you are interested.

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.

A Crash Course on Unitarian, Universalist, and Unitarian Universalist Statements of Identity and Principles through the years

This 4-part series offers those considering Unitarian Universalism as a spiritual path the opportunity to experience UUism through a small group experience. 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. Longtime members and friends seeking a small group experience are also welcome.

Session 1: Your Journey – Sharing Our Stories and Spiritual Roadmaps

Session 2: The Unitarian Universalist Journey and the Journey of our Congregation

Session 3: Our Journey Together – The Three Paths of Unitarian Universalism Part 1

Session 4: The Three Paths Part 2 and Finding Your Journey Group

The Women's Weekend team will be selling cookies and muffins on Sunday, March 19, from 11:00 –11:45 am in Adams Hall. This sale benefits the Women's Weekend Scholarship Fund. Baked goods will be pre-packed. Cash only.

Please join us this Sunday at noon in Adams Hall to learn more about the UUA Social Justice Statements of Conscience and Statements of Immediate Witness. This month the topic is the 2019 Statement of Immediate Witness: Build the Green New Deal. You probably have not heard about the Green New Deal since 2019, when Congress was considering it but there has been renewed interest in it of late. Come to Adams Hall on Sunday and learn about the connection between Eliot Chapel, UU General Assembly and the Green New Deal.  

Please join Women’s Alliance for our hybrid meeting (in Adams Hall and on Zoom) Tuesday, March 21, when Eliot member Ellen Luckow will talk about her Greek and UU heritage. The program is coordinated by Beth Rossow. For more information, contact womensalliance@eliotchapel.org.

The Earth-Based Spirituality Covenant Group will be honoring the Spring Equinox Tuesday, March 21, at 7:00 pm via Zoom. You are welcome to join us. If you'd like to participate, please email Lynn Murphy via frontoffice@eliotchapel.org and she will send you the information.

Book Discussion in April: Javier Zamora's Solito

Gather your friends on National Superhero Day, April 28, for a night of fun at Crestwood Community Center for the 2023 Eliot Chapel Trivia Night: Celebrating Heroes! Doors open at 6:15 pm, trivia begins at 7:00 pm.

Early bird pricing is $200 per table of 8 ($25/per person) until March 31. After that, tables of 8 are $240 ($30 each). Trivia questions will cover a broad range of subjects. You'll have a chance to purchase mulligans, win gift baskets, bid on auction items, and play games between rounds. Cash prizes go to the top three trivia tables.

Come dressed as your favorite HERO, super or otherwise! Prizes for Best Dressed Table and Best Decorated Table! Bring your own food and drink. Popcorn, soda, and water provided. Register online now!

Can you help out on the night of the event or beforehand? Can you make a gift basket for the raffle? Do you have a service or a gift card or tickets you could offer for the auction? Send an email to trivia@eliotchapel.org or sign up in Adams Hall after the service on Sunday.

We end our exploration of the theme of Vulnerability by exploring the ways that a more embodied spirituality might be a meaningful and powerful practice for Unitarian Universalists and in our culture.