Sunday, February 25 – 9:45 & 11:15 am

“Creating Sanctuary” – George Grimm-Howell  

Guest UU minister George Grimm-Howell will reflect on the powerful role our liberal faith has in creating sanctuary and safety for those who society has othered.

About our guest speaker: George Grimm-Howell, a Unitarian Universalist minister, is a graduate of the United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities in St. Paul, Minnesota, and a current member of the First Unitarian Church of St. Louis. George has served congregations in Columbia and Jefferson City, Missouri, with a particular focus on socially conscious art and themes of relationship and inclusion. He will be ordained in St. Louis this June.

Religious Education & Youth Group

The 2023-2024 Religious Education and Youth Program continues this Sunday, February 25.

In This Week at Eliot

This Week's Events & Meetings

Congregational News

Helping Each Other

The Week Ahead

Down the Road

Next Week's Service

ourEliot

Sunday, February 25 

Nursery – opens at 9:30 am

Worship Service – 9:45 am in the Sanctuary

Coffee Hour – 10:45 am in Adams Hall, after first service

Geek Squad Meeting – 10:45 am in the DuBois Library

Worship Service – 11:15 am in the Sanctuary

Starting Point – 11:15 am in Room 006

Coffee Hour – 12:15 pm in Adams Hall, after second service

Petition Training – 12:30 pm in the Sanctuary

Positive Psychology Covenant Group – 12:45 pm in the Susan Frederick-Gray Room

Women's Weekend Planning – 12:45 pm in Room 001

Asylum 101 Workshop – 1:00 pm in Adams Hall

Coffee, Conversation, and Connections – 1:00 pm via Zoom

Tuesday, February 27 

Vigil for Hope & Healing – 4:00 pm on the front lawn

Online Cottage Meeting – 6:00 & 7:00 pm via Zoom

Immigration Justice Team – 7:00 pm via Zoom

Wednesday, February 28 

Choir Visit with Rev. Krista – 6:00 pm in the Music Room

Friday, March 1 

Friday Freethinkers – 10:00 am in Room 001

6th & 7th Grade Field Trip – 5:45 pm off-site

Planning a meeting or event? Check the calendar and then start with our new Meeting Space Reservation Form! 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 Debby Lovell to set up your group.

Ministerial Vote: Sunday, March 3, 2024

What an exciting time to be a part of Eliot Chapel! A ministerial vote is a historical moment in any congregation. We want to let you know all of the ways you can participate in this communal process.

READ MORE

Conversations with Rev. Krista

There are just a few more chances to meet with Rev. Krista before the vote on March 3! You can find the full schedule of meetings and events on our website. Please plan to attend at least one! Contact the Search Committee at searchteam@eliotchapel.org if you have questions or trouble signing up.

On Tuesday, February 27, there will be two Zoom cottage meetings open to all at 6:00 and 7:00 pm. You'll find a link in Sunday's "Eliot on Zoom" email, or watch your email that day for direct links to each meeting. On Wednesday, February 28, Rev. Krista will meet with choir members in the Music Room at 6:00 pm.

Make sure you get to talk with Rev. Krista and ask any questions you may have before the vote on March 3. We look forward to seeing you at one of the events!

The Right to Read: Rescheduled

A film in the Racial Justice Series presented by Eliot Unitarian Chapel and Women’s Voices Raised for Social Justice

Friday, March 29 at 7:00 pm in Adams Hall at Eliot Chapel

We have rescheduled The Right to Read to Friday, March 29. This important film shares stories of an activist, a teacher and two American families who fight to provide our youngest generation with the most foundational indicator of life-long success: the ability to read. When a child doesn’t learn to read, their chances of incarceration, homelessness, and high school dropout increase. This film tackles the fundamental social justice issue of why children aren’t learning to read once they get to school and what we can do about it.

A New Vacuum: Thank You!

We greatly appreciate the anonymous member who noticed a need and acted upon it. The vacuum cleaner in Adams Hall has been struggling for a while so we’re grateful for the donation of a new one that will “make Ed's effort to take care of us and the building more efficient." Thank you! 

Have you signed up for a Community Connections event? Did you know you can sign up for TWO events this year? The first event is just over a week away – Crafty Fun for Adults on March 2! The final event is a HyperTile Party on April 12. In between, there are games, music, hikes, foodie events, just friendly socializing, and more! Check out the list and sign up now!

Eliot's Got Talent!

Tune your ukulele, brush up your Shakespeare, or get out those juggling balls — Eliot is having a talent show on Saturday, April 6. Watch for members of the FUN! Team and their talent show name tags in Adams Hall during coffee hour or email talentshow@eliotchapel.org to sign up for a performance or just to let us know you're coming to watch and join in the meal.

READ MORE

Live Life in Color Trivia Night

Do you have your tickets? Get them here now for this fun event on April 27 at the Crestwood Community Center! And have you thought about what you could contribute to that evening's auction? A special treasure, a handmade item, or a cool experience are just a few ideas! Email trivia@eliotchapel.org and let us know!

READ MORE

We Care for Each Other

The Pastoral Care Team is comprised of supportive, caring individuals who will actively listen and spend time with you as you share issues that are causing you concern, pain, or anxiety. The people on the team have been UUA trained and are under the supervision of Rev. Krista. If you have a pastoral care need, please email pastoralcare@eliotchapel.org. 

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.

At Eliot Chapel, we care for our earth and our building! One way you can express this is by joining the Eliot Recycling Team! This committee is responsible for taking the recycling from Eliot to the Kirkwood Recycling Depository at 350 S. Taylor Avenue each week. Sign up for a week that works for you and plan to grab the recycling after service to drop it off. Thanks for being part of the team!

Providing receptions after a Celebration of Life is another way we care for each other at Eliot Chapel. The Reception Team sets up, serves, and cleans up after these receptions. If you can be available once in a while to help, please email receptions@eliotchapel.org. Your efforts will be appreciated!

Welcome to the Eliot Chapel Volunteer Village!

What village? The village it takes to raise a church! We all want our beloved church to thrive and grow. To do so, we need many villagers who will share the work. Maybe you prefer the geese analogy suggested at the worship service on Ingathering Sunday: “Sharing leadership, taking care of the fallen, and honking from behind.” Regardless, it is imperative that everyone steps up to bring Eliot Chapel forward and there are so many ways to participate. Sign up here to be part of it; then grab a gold volunteer sticker for your name tag if you already volunteer or if you sign up now!

Starting Point

An Introduction to

the Unitarian Universalist Journey

This four-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. Amy Stark will facilitate the series which will take place during second service in Room 006 on Sundays in February from 11:15 am to 12:45 pm. Childcare will be available. 

Sunday, February 25 

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

St. Louis Area UU Classes Offered This Spring

So You Think You Can Preach! 

Offered by Rev. Krista Taves

Monday, April 1, 8, 29, & May 6 | 6:30 - 8:30 pm at Eliot and online

If you've ever wondered what it would be like to stand at the pulpit offering a message, this is your chance. You will learn basic worship theory, sermon writing strategies, and how to craft a thematically unified worship service. You will end the series with a service ready to offer your congregation! You must attend all 4 sessions. Class Limit of 14. Register here.

See all available classes on our website.

TRAINING SESSION

Gathering Signatures to Put Abortion on the Ballot

We will offer training to those who would like to help the Eliot Chapel team collect signatures in order to get abortion on the ballot.

The next training event will be Sunday, February 25 at 12:30 pm in the Sanctuary. After the training, you will receive the supplies you will need to gather signatures. Once trained, you decide where you want to gather signatures, and from whom. Even if you only gather 3 signatures from your family and friends, that will help! 

Join us for

Vigil for Hope & Healing

Tuesday, February 27

at 4:00 pm in front of Eliot Chapel.

Immigration Justice Team Meeting

The news is overwhelming, and it can be difficult to find a place to take a stand. Here’s an easy way to start: Attend the next Immigration Justice Team meeting on Zoom, Tuesday, February 27 at 7:00 pm.

READ MORE

Meet a Heroine – All Read, March 6 & March 10

The Men's Advance – May 2 - 5

Women's Weekend – May 17 - 19

Click on the title to see full information about these events.

Sunday, March 3 – 9:45 & 11:15 am

“We Are Enough” – Rev. Krista Taves  

In a society where we are trained to seek perfection and celebrate excess, sometimes enough is the greatest gift in the world.