Sunday, January 28 – 9:45 & 11:15 am

“Immigration Justice, Eliot Style” –

Eliot Chapel's Immigration Justice Team 

Come learn how the immigrant experience shapes and informs our work while hearing directly from an immigrant herself and a community-based partner. This is your opportunity to learn about one of the social justice teams and what we are about!

Featured musicians: Bob Chamberlin, organ; Mel Priese, songleader; David Nalesnik, piano; Pam Triplett, soprano; Jan Chamberlin, tubano drum.

• Large-print orders of service and hearing assistance devices are available from the greeters on Sunday.
• Should you or your child need more freedom of movement, you can view the service on monitors in Adams Hall. 
• We livestream services; find the video 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. 

Sharing the Offering

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. This week, we’re sharing our offering with the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee.

The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, UUSC, is a human rights organization grounded in the UU values of upholding the dignity and worth of all people. They support people facing humanitarian crisis and displacement from their homes due to natural disasters, political disasters, genocide, severe climate change impacts and more. They work globally through partner organizations utilizing the experience and leadership of the people most impacted by injustice. You can learn more about their work at uusc.org. UUSC is a membership based organization funded by people like us. Thank you for your generous gift and commitment to human rights. Find out more at www.uusc.org.

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

• Online: Click here. Make sure “Shared Plate” is your chosen fund.
• By Mail: Please write “UUSC” in the memo line of your check and mail it to Eliot Unitarian Chapel, 100 South Taylor Ave., Kirkwood, MO 63122. 
• 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.

Religious Education & Youth Group

The 2023-2024 Religious Education and Youth Program continues this Sunday, January 28.

Religious Education (RE) for children and youth in 7th grade and younger is held during the 9:45 service. Children and youth aged four and older should attend the first 15 minutes of the worship service with their family. The nursery opens at 9:30 for children aged three and younger and those who need freedom of movement. RE classes will begin at 10:00.

The nursery will remain open during the 11:15 service for children aged five and younger who need freedom of movement.

6th & 7th grade youth are on a field trip this Sunday to All Saints Orthodox Church. Participating youth should gather in Adams Hall at 8:40.

Youth Group activities for youth in grades 8-12 will be held during the 11:15 service from January 7-March 10. Youth should attend the first 15 minutes of the worship service before gathering as a group at 11:30.

Specific plans for each age group are shared with registered families via email each week. To learn more about this year’s Religious Education program, please contact Scott Stewart at scott@eliotchapel.org.

Coffee Hour

Coffee Hour is an important tradition of fellowship at Eliot Chapel, taking place in Adams Hall immediately after the worship service on Sunday. It's a time to catch up with fellow members and friends and to greet newcomers. Please join us!

As we transition from one to two services, we really need to increase the number of coffee volunteers. We need at least one (two makes the chore easier) for each service. This is a simple task (instructions are available in a binder in the kitchen) and a great way to serve and connect. You can complete the set-up portion of coffee hour and still attend church. You can leave a little early from the service to be in the kitchen when the service is over. The service is broadcast on the large TV in Adams Hall, so you can even see the end of the service. There are many open slots in the new year. Perhaps a covenant group might consider volunteering for a Sunday – this would be a great service project for you. 

Check the SignUpGenius for coffee hour volunteers and sign up to host Coffee Hour on a Sunday morning after the service! If you need help using SignUpGenius, please contact Rebecca Schuder at hospitality@eliotchapel.org and she will help you get signed up.

Coffee, Conversation, and Connections

Find Coffee, Conversation, and Connections on Zoom at 1:00 pm every Sunday! (Note the new time due to our move to two services.) You are invited to join us online for conversation after the service! We'll take a few minutes to say hello and let people settle in, then we'll go around the room to check in and welcome newcomers. Look for "Eliot on Zoom" in your email on Sunday morning; it will include a link to join us for Coffee, Conversation, and Connections. If you're not on our mailing list, sign up here. We look forward to seeing you!

Sunday at a Glance

6th & 7th Grade Field Trip – 8:45 am off-site

Worship Service – 9:45 am in the Sanctuary

Coffee Hour – 10:45 am in Adams Hall

Worship Service – 11:15 am in the Sanctuary

Coffee Hour – 12:15 pm in Adams Hall

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

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

In This Week at Eliot

This Week's Events & Meetings

Please Remember

Church News

Helping Each Other

The Week Ahead

Down the Road

Next Week's Service

ourEliot

Tuesday, January 30 

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

Conversation with Rev. Krista after the Vigil – 5:00 pm in Adams Hall

Thursday, February 1 

Wellspring – 9:30 am in the Susan Frederick-Gray Room

Shifting from Role to Soul – 10:30 am in Room 001

Transitions Support Group – 7:00 pm in the DuBois Library

Friday, February 2

Friday Freethinkers – 10:00 am in Room 001

Saturday, February 3

Board Winter Retreat – 9:00 am in the Susan Frederick-Gray Room 

Planning a meeting or event? 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.

Please Remember

An exhibition of Charles Fremont’s artwork will open on Friday night, January 25 in the Bonsack Gallery at the John Burroughs School in Ladue (755 S Price Rd, St. Louis, MO 63124) with a reception from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Charles was a long time member of Eliot Chapel who recently returned after a period of absence. We are blessed to have reconnected with him in the last months of his life. His obituary is here.

The Celebration of Life for Charles Fremont led by Rev. Krista Taves will take place on Saturday, February 10 at 2:00 pm at the John Burroughs School followed by an exhibition of Charles' artwork in the school's Bonsack Gallery. His work will be on display through March 26.

Projection Screen Installation in Sanctuary

We have exciting news to share: plans are underway to install a retractable projection screen above the chancel in the Sanctuary. The primary aim behind this installation is to encourage a more interactive experience during services, including:



• A platform for off-site guest speakers
• Participation with our online congregants
• Scrolling announcements and hymn lyrics
• Multicast worship services with other congregations

The team working on the installation is Chris Ciszewski, Ken Denson, Jim Lyon, Carl Serbell, and Brian Franklin. One of the foremost objectives of the team is to install the projection screen in a way that will have minimal impact on the aesthetic of the space in the Sanctuary (see images above of screen down and retracted). The team recently consulted with Rev. Scott Sammler-Michael from the UU congregation located in Montclair, New Jersey. Rev. Scott has extensive experience in AV system installations in churches.

The goal is to have the installation completed by early April to coincide with a multicast worship service featuring all UU congregations in the greater St. Louis area. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact Brian at admin@eliotchapel.org. Stay tuned for further updates from the team!

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.

Create Your Own Theology

Offered by Rev. Claudia Hall, Minister of the Metro East Unitarian Universalist Congregation | Monday, March 18 and 25 | 6-7:30 pm | on Zoom

Using material from "A House for Hope: The Promise of Progressive Religion for the Twenty-first Century" by Revs. John Buehrens and Rebecca Parker, this class will help you walk through what you believe, why you believe it, and how all the parts of your beliefs come together to create a system of values and meaning for your life. 

Email Rev. Claudia at dr.claudia.hall@gmail.com for the Zoom link.

Love @ The Center

Offered by Rev. Kim Mason, First Unitarian Church of St. Louis

Wednesday, February 7 & 21, March 6 & 20 | 6:30-8:00 pm | online and in-person

Article II of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) Bylaws, Principles and Purposes, is the foundation for all the work of our UUA and its member congregations and covenanted communities. Most remember Article II as our 7 Principles and 6 Sources, which articulate our denominational agreements and name our spiritual and religious foundations. UUA Bylaws require that we revise Article II on a regular schedule. The 2023 proposed revision of Article II is a radical re-visioning that invites us into dialogue with one another about the values of our shared faith community.

We are in a one year discernment period, after which delegates to General Assembly 2024 will vote to accept or reject the proposed Article II revision. Want to learn more? Interested in being a 2024 GA delegate? Wrestling with how this will shape the future of our faith communities? Join Rev. Kim for a four-session small group exploration of the proposed Article II.

This four-session program engages you in the Purposes, Values and Covenant, Inspiration, Inclusion and Freedom of belief of the proposed Article II which will be voted on at General Assembly 2024. Sessions are 90-minutes, every other Wednesday, February 7 & 21, March 6 & 20, online AND in-person, 6:30-8:00 pm. This is a covenant-based program that requires participants attend all four sessions. The Zoom link for the sessions will be emailed the week before Session 1. 

Register online.

Conversations with Rev. Krista

When the Search Committee announced the recommendation of Rev. Krista Taves as our new settled Lead Minister, we told you what the next step would be: many opportunities for you to meet with Rev. Krista for questions and conversation before the vote to extend a call at the congregational meeting on March 3. 

You can now find the full schedule of meetings and events on our website. Please plan to attend at least one! We're offering some targeted meetings for groups within the church who might have common questions as well as general meetings for all. Some events require an RSVP. You can sign up on SignUpGenius. Contact the Search Committee at searchteam@eliotchapel.org if you have questions or trouble signing up.

This week, plan to join Rev. Krista at 5:00 pm in Adams Hall after our longstanding vigil in support of Black Lives on Tuesday, January 30 to talk over hot chocolate.

We look forward to seeing you at one of these events!

Special Ministerial Vote March 3! Check Your Membership

Stop by Adams Hall after service this week to check for your name on the membership rolls. Only registered members are able to vote on whether to call Rev. Krista Taves as our settled minister. The vote will be held at 12:45 pm on Sunday, March 3 in Eliot's Sanctuary. You can participate in the vote in person, by proxy, or by registering in advance to attend via Zoom. Details will be forthcoming about how to vote by proxy or online. 

If you would like to become a member, please reach out to Rev. Krista or the Welcome Team at welcome@eliotchapel.org before February 5 to begin the joining process. 

SAVE THE DATE

The Right to Read

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

Friday, February 16 at 7:00 pm in Adams Hall at Eliot Chapel

The Right to Read 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 powerful 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.

Sign Up Here!

Stand Up for Reproductive Rights

Eliot Chapel is joining Missourians for Constitutional Freedom to end Missouri’s cruel total abortion ban and take back our rights! The deadline to submit signatures is May 5. At least 171,592 valid signatures are needed, including at least 8% of voters in six of the eight congressional districts. In order to accomplish this task, we need your help to collect signatures. 

Sign up in Adams Hall after the service on Sunday, or email the Social Justice in Action at socialjustice@eliotchapel.org to volunteer with us! 

This is about who makes personal decisions for yourself and your family — you or the government. We should trust patients and their doctors to decide what's right for their unique situation, not politicians. 

Meet a Heroine. Meet a Powerful Financier.

Meet an Undocumented Immigrant.

Many books tell moving stories of the horrors of entering the United States without documentation, and we grow in love and understanding when we read them. But that’s only half of the story. To fully empathize with our newly arrived neighbors, we need to see their lives after arrival, wearing the unseen badge of “undocumented.”

The Eliot Immigration Justice Team invites you to join us in an All Read of My (Underground) American Dream: My Ture Story as an Undocumented Immigrant Who Became a Wall Street Executive by J­ulissa Arce. This brave memoir reveals the physical, financial, and emotional costs of Arce’s stunning secret, which she kept from even her closest friends, while climbing to the most glittering version of the American Dream. She was an honors student, vice president of Goldman-Sachs with a six-figure salary – and undocumented. Join us to discuss the book on Wednesday, March 6 at 7:00 pm or Sunday, March 11 at 1:00 pm in Room 006. Sign up this Sunday in Adams Hall during Coffee Hour or email immigration@eliotchapel.org using the subject line “All Read 2024.”

Child Dedication Ceremony: Sunday, May 5 at 9:45 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 celebrate this ritual on Sunday, May 5 during the 9:45 am service.

Families where one or both parents or caregivers are actively participating as members of Eliot Chapel are invited to consider participation and to talk with Rev. Krista Taves about the meaning of the ceremony. Membership at Eliot is strongly encouraged prior to participation.

For more information about the ceremony, Eliot membership, or to set up a meeting with Rev. Krista, please send an email to Scott Stewart at scott@eliotchapel.org no later than April 1.

Eliot's Chalice Choir Is Recruiting!

All children and youth are welcome!

Dates for the first performance:

Rehearsals: January 28 – 9:15-9:45 am

Performance: February 4 – Prelude for Worship

Dates for the second performance:

Rehearsals: February 25, March 3 – 9:15-9:45am

Performance: March 10 – Prelude for Worship

Other Details

• Children need to be able to read the lyrics OR have the commitment of someone who can help them memorize the words to the songs.
• Indicate interest to Nancy Spargo & Melinda Monroe at chalicechoir@eliotchapel.org by February 11, 2024.

AN INVITATION

Open Mic Night at Emerson

Emerson Unitarian Universalist Chapel will be hosting an Open Mic Night on Friday, February 16. Bring poetry to read, music to play or sing, or any talent you’d like to share, G rated, of course. We will begin arriving at 6:30 and start at 7:00 pm. We’ll end around 9:00 pm. Please let PJ Pyrchla know in advance if you are interested in participating in the program at ppyrchla@gmail.com, or you can show up and get in the queue. Also, feel free to show up and just be part of the audience. This will be “coffee house” style, so bring a snack or beverage to share if you’d like and we’ll put the coffee and tea on. Bring your friends too! All ages are welcome. Emerson is located at 122 N. Fifth Street, St. Charles, MO 63301.

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 001 on Sundays in February from 11:15 am to 12:45 pm. Childcare will be available. 

Sunday, February 4 

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

Sunday, February 11 

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

Sunday, February 18 

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

Sunday, February 25 

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

Eliot Needs You!

Were you one of the lucky Eliot members who attended a Giving Gathering last year during the 2023-2024 canvass campaign? If you were, you know how much fun it was to spend time with other Eliot members in different, casual settings.

The Stewardship Team is reviving and revamping these social gatherings to focus on building “Community Connections.” We are looking for 25 people to host an event for ten or more people during the spring canvass, March 3 to April 12. The event can be anything you can dream up: a family movie night in Adams Hall, a hike, a potluck, a coffee date, a knitting circle, wine at five, game night or . . . how will you connect? We’d like to offer events for many different groups: families with children, teens, working folks, and retirees.  

If you are willing to be a host, contact Sue Blandford or Mary Quinn at communityconnections@eliotchapel.org, or sign up in Adams Hall after both services any Sunday in January.  

Join us for

Vigil for Hope & Healing

Tuesday, January 30

at 4:00 pm in front of Eliot Chapel.

Join Rev. Krista in Adams Hall after the vigil for conversation over hot chocolate at 5:00.

Transitions Support Group

The Transitions Support Group is for anyone who is experiencing a significant life transition, such as death of a loved one, transitioning relationships, children leaving home, having children, getting married, transitioning gender, changes in career/employment to name a few. This is a place to share your story and give and receive support for the journey we are on. The meetings are facilitated by Carl Serbell and Lou Salvin. Meetings are on the first and third Thursdays of the month, 7:00 to 8:30 pm in the DuBois Library. Please email transitions@eliotchapel.org if you want to learn more or receive the reminder emails. The next meeting is February 1. 

SAVE THE DATE

Live Life in Color

The Eliot Chapel Trivia Night Team has announced plans for another evening of great fun and trivia on Saturday, April 27 at the Crestwood Community Center. Doors will open at 6:15 pm, and trivia starts at 7:00 pm. The theme will be "Live Life in Color." Stay turned for more details!

SAVE THE DATE

The Men's Advance

The Men’s Advance, May 2-5, 2024, 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 rustic bunkhouses. To sign up for the weekend, to reserve a cottage or bunkhouse space, or for any information contact mensadvance@eliotchapel.org.

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.

Sunday, February 4 – 9:45 & 11:15 am

“Our Justice Journeys”

Rev. Krista Taves, Matthew Husky, Ro Kelly, and Yvonne Serbell  

Everyone has a justice journey, meaning that we all have markers in our lives when we became aware of injustice, began to ask questions about injustice, an injustice changed something inside us, and we did something about it. Three members of our congregation will share their justice journeys.