Sunday, March 6 – 9:15 & 11:00 am in the Sanctuary
"Renewing Faith In One Another" – Rev. Barbara H. Gadon
As some of us come back together in person, we are going to relearn what it means to be a community. What have we learned about ourselves as a church during this pandemic? How do we continue to include those not ready to meet in person? What does it mean to have faith in each other? And what will you do now to renew that faith?
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Masks are required at the service for anyone over two years of age. Masks should cover both nose and mouth. We strongly recommend an N95 or KN95 mask. We will have masks available if you have forgotten yours.
We have reservations available this week. Reservations for the week's services open after 3:00 pm on Monday. A separate email with reservation links goes out through our email list. Reservations will be made through SignUpGenius:
We will be recording one of our services on Sunday. When it is available, you will find it at eliotchapel.org where it will remain all week. You can also find it directly on our YouTube channel.
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Sharing the Offering
In March, we are sharing our offering with Missouri Coalition for the Environment. Since their founding in 1969, Missouri Coalition for the Environment has continued to be Missouri's independent, citizen's environmental organization for clean water, air, energy and a healthy environment. MCE has several areas of work. Food and Farm supports local farmers who use environmentally responsible practices. The Water Program works to reduce flooding and pollution and to protect Missouri rivers. The Missouri Legislature program advocates for the environment via a lobbyist, lobby days, and alerts about upcoming votes. The Radioactive Contamination program works with Just Moms on the issues surrounding the Westlake Landfill and Coldwater Creek contamination. And the Public Parks and Lands program and Climate Change program work through all of the above in order to improve Missouri's environment.
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Here’s how you can give:
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Online: Click here. Make sure “Shared Plate” is your chosen fund.
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By Mail: Please write “MCE” 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’s Religious Education (Birth-7th grade)
The Religious Education (RE) program for children resumes in-person this Sunday, March 6.
- The nursery & preschool activity space will be open during the 9:15 and 11:00 am service for our youngest UUs who need freedom of movement (nursery & preschool-aged children aged 5 and younger).
- During the 9:15 service only: Children in grades K-7 should attend the first portion of the worship service with their family before departing for Religious Education (RE). RE will take place in Adams Hall. Children are invited to join Christie Lee, Amy Carre, and Susan van Alstyne for “Renewing Our Faith-Part 4: Faith & Promises.”
Youth Group (grades 8-12)
In-person youth group resumes this Sunday, March 6. Youth are encouraged to arrive at 10:45 for informal fellowship in the youth room. Activities begin at 11:00 am. This week’s activities include an exploration of “Leading with Joy.” Activities should conclude around 12:00.
The updated Youth Group FAQs have more details about the youth program this month.
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Zoom Coffee Hour
Zoom Coffee Hour takes place from 12:00 pm to 1:00 on Sunday. You are invited to “walk down the hall” and come to our Zoom Coffee Hour! We’ll take about 10 minutes or so to gather and let people settle in. We'll say a few words of welcome and then create break-out rooms – random groupings of 5 or 6 people. Everyone will likely make a new friend at Eliot from this exercise! You’ll have the chance to introduce yourself and then share your answers to a few questions, like “How has this week been for you?” and “What feelings has it brought up for you?” Each person has about 5 minutes to speak; you are welcome to pass if you like. In half an hour, everyone will return to the big group and we’ll say our goodbyes for the week. Please watch your email for "Eliot on Zoom" which will include a link to join the Zoom Coffee Hour. If you're not on our mailing list, sign up here.
Sunday at a Glance
Sunday Worship – 9:15 am in the Sanctuary
Children's Religious Education – 9:15 am in Adams Hall (after first portion of service)
Small Group Listening Sessions – 10:15 am at Eliot & on Zoom
Youth Group – 10:45 am in the youth room
Sunday Worship – 11:00 am in the Sanctuary
Small Group Listening Sessions – 12:00 pm at Eliot & on Zoom
Coffee Hour – 12:00 pm via Zoom
Young Adult Group – 12:30 pm on Discord
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Tuesday, March 8
Vigil for Hope & Healing – 5:00 pm in front of Eliot
Contact your group leader if you need login information for your meeting.
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Reminder: Getting Involved with Groups
Many groups at Eliot are meeting despite the distance between us all. Check with your group leader or get involved with a new group! Find contact information in our Getting Involved booklet.
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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Reopening for Worship
Dear Eliot Family:
It is with great joy that I tell you about this coming Sunday, as we reopen our building for worship again. We are doing so based on falling infection rates and the greater confidence shown by the CDC for people to gather in public.
9:15 Worship and Religious Education
11:00 Worship and Youth Group
We will retain some of our own guidelines to help protect the vulnerable people among us, and have added in a few changes.
The Same:
- We require masking and vaccination with the most current booster to enter our building, except for children under 5.
- Children of all ages are welcome at the 9:15 service. Fully vaccinated children over 5 are welcome at the 11:00 service.
- Please reserve a seat for yourself and/or your family.
- We ask people to social distance as much as possible, and to be considerate of people who wish to have more space around them.
- We will continue Zoom coffee hour, where you can socialize online and drink as much coffee as your heart desires!
New Things:
- The early service starting time will be 9:15.
- People from different households may now sit in the same pods if they wish.
- We are starting the “coffee-free coffee hour” in Adams Hall following services. This will allow us to keep our masks on at all times. Please be patient as we work out the details of setting up tables for various groups.
In Faith,
Rev. Barbara
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Small Group Listening Sessions
Sunday, March 6 at 10:15 am and 12:00 pm
Your Board of Trustees is facilitating listening sessions to hear your hopes, dreams, and needs as we re-enter our building – and as we enter a time of transition for Eliot Chapel. Staff and Board members will be present at each meeting as listeners. We are aiming for transparent and open communication to shape our future, to understand and engage in the ministerial transition, and to steward and support our community. Child care is available at the 10:15 sessions.
Three Groups!
Pick one of these three areas of church life and join the conversation:
- Religious Education (for All Ages) – Children’s Library/Nursery
- Worship/Music – Adams Hall
- Community-Building – Susan Frederick-Gray Room
Small group listening sessions are also on Zoom. Please join the zoom coffee hour March 6 and join the discussion!
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Eliot Exchange
Do you have items at home that you’d like to give away or sell for a reasonable price? Are there things you need that someone might be willing to sell or give you? Would you like recommendations from people you trust when hiring a professional? Look to the new Eliot Exchange for help.
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The Eliot Exchange is a community-based forum for sharing items, services, and suggestions among Eliot Chapel members and friends. Similar to Kirkwood Swap and Sell, Facebook Marketplace, and Buy Nothing St. Louis, the Eliot Exchange provides a place to list items for sale and services offered. It is also a place where you can post something you need or request help from fellow members and friends. Designed to be a safe place to buy, sell, swap, barter or discuss among friends, the Exchange is open to Eliot members and friends only. It is a way for church neighbors to help one another.
If you are interested in joining this new group, please read the guidelines then contact Mary or Kathy at eliotexchange@eliotchapel.org to register. By signing up for the Eliot Exchange, you are indicating that you have read the rules and will abide by them to keep our forum safe, friendly, and viable.
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Child Dedication Ceremony
Sunday, May 1 at 9:15 am
A much-loved ritual in Unitarian Universalist congregations is the welcoming and dedication of infants and young children as part of a Sunday worship service. We are currently planning to include this ritual on Sunday, May 1 during the 9:15 in-person worship service.
Families where one or both parents are actively participating as members of Eliot Chapel are invited to meet with Rev. Barbara Gadon to discuss the meaning of the ceremony and the possibility of having your baby or young children included.
For more information about the ceremony, Eliot membership, or to set up a meeting with Rev. Barbara, please send an email to scott@eliotchapel.org no later than April 1.
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Get Your Nametag on Sunday!
Don't forget to pick up your nametag on Sunday! You'll find it in the hallway across from the bathrooms, outside the south transept. If you're a registered guest, check for your tag in green. Depending on when you registered, we may have one for you, too!
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Covenant Groups
"There are no strangers here; only friends you haven't yet met."
William Butler Yeats
Covenant groups were created to bring together people with a similar desire to meet others, engage in meaningful conversations and reap the rewards of personal growth. It's been especially difficult to feel connected during this lengthy time when we cannot gather on Sundays.
Covenant groups have been regularly meeting over the last two years and have greatly benefited those who want to form and maintain deep friendships. Currently, there are openings in six Covenant Groups. You will find additional information about Covenant Groups on the Eliot website.
For more information about joining a group, email covenantgroups@eliotchapel.org. The following groups have openings at this time.
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Lynn Murphy: meets the third Thursday of the month at 7:00 pm. Theme: Peace & Tolerance
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Janet Solecki & Flint Boettcher: meets the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7:15 pm.
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Bonnie Kwentus: meets the 1st Monday of the month at 10:00 am.
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Lynn Murphy: meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm. Theme: Earth-Based Spirituality
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Mary Ann Mace: meets the 1st Thursday of the month at 6:30 pm.
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Roz Marx: meets the 1st Sunday of the month at 12:50 pm. Theme: Positive Psychology
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To Err Is Human
Despite what some staff believed, we have learned Camille is human. Some of you have noticed the wrong pledge amount for the current pledge year printed on the pledge card you received in your 2022-2023 Canvass packet. It's actually the pledge amount for 2020-2021, last year's pledge.
This was our error and we apologize. Please look for your correct current pledge amount for 2021-2022 in your Realm profile or contact Christie at frontoffice@eliotchapel.org or Camille at admin@eliotchapel.org. They will gladly respond with your current pledge amount.
Thank you for your support of Eliot Chapel.
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Reminder: 2021 Contribution Statements
2021 Contribution Statements were emailed via Realm the week of February 7 to those who have given contributions of $250 or more to Eliot Chapel between January 1 and December 31, 2021. You will receive an email with a link taking you directly to your 2021 Contribution Statement.
If you contributed less than $250 last year and would like a Contribution Statement, you may email Camille Novak at admin@eliotchapel.org and request a statement, or print your own statement in your Realm profile.
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Print your own statement: access your Realm profile.
Find your Contribution Statement on the right side of your profile. Click the blue 2021 Contribution Statement button, type a title or comment of your choosing in the next window, click "Print" and a statement will appear. You may then download the statement and print according to your computer's normal printing directions.
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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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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.
All staff are working from home. The building and grounds are closed for general use. A staff person is checking on the building and grounds periodically throughout the week for any facilities or maintenance issues. If you need assistance or have any questions, please email the appropriate staff person.
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Vigil for Hope & Healing
Tuesday, March 8
5:00 pm in front of Eliot Chapel
All are welcome; wearing a mask is required as is maintaining the 6-foot social distancing guideline. Please remember that the building is not open so there are no available restrooms.
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WHAT MOVES US:
Engaging Our Unitarian Universalist Theology
with Rev. Krista Taves
Second Monday of the Month
7:00 - 8:30 pm on Zoom
When we say
- "I always love that song,"
- "I cry whenever we..."
- "I feel safe here,"
- "My heart is stronger," or
- "I'm ready for what comes next,"
we know what moves us as Unitarian Universalists: personal experience. These comments and so many others demonstrate that our religious and spiritual feelings and practices are changing and transforming us through direct personal experience as a major source of our Unitarian Universalist faith. In fact, it is our first source: "Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to an openness to the forces that create and sustain life." Yet, we often stumble when trying to explain our Unitarian Universalist theology of personal experience to ourselves and to others. We falter when we try to explain how our Unitarian Universalist faith heals, saves, liberates, holds, and moves us to ethical action and compassion.
"What Moves Us" peels back the theological language we use to affirm our faith experiences with one another and in the wider world. We will focus on a different UU theologian in every session, and through their story and the meaning they made of it, reflect on our direct experiences as the source of our faith. What Moves Us creates an adult faith journey for those who are new to this faith tradition and those who have long been Unitarian Universalists. One session each month will take place on Zoom. You are welcome to register for the class after the first session as each session stands on its own.
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Upcoming Session Dates – 2nd Monday of the month, 7:00 to 8:30 pm
March 14, April 11 & May 9
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ADULT EDUCATION OFFERING
Starting Point
with Rev. Krista Taves and Amy Stark
4 Sundays:
March 20, April 3, 10, & 24
2-3:30 pm on Zoom
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. 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
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Sunday, March 13 – 9:15 & 11:00 am in the Sanctuary
"Renewing Faith in Women: Are YOU a Feminist?"
Rev. Barbara H. Gadon
Can you be a feminist if you're trans, a person of color, or male? What exactly is a feminist, and why do we need feminism anyway, if we have women in positions of authority like Vice President, CEO and Lead Minister?
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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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