Sunday, November 5 – 10:00 am

“Celebrating the Dead!” – Rev. Krista Taves  

One of the ways we honor our deceased loved ones is to celebrate them and be generous with each other. You are welcome to bring flowers or a picture for a loved one you would like to remember. We will be reading the names of deceased loved ones. For our online members and friends, please send in the names you would like read to ktaves@eliotchapel.org by Saturday at 5:00 pm.

A Message from Rev. Krista

Dear friends,

Have you noticed the good vibes at Eliot recently? There is a sense of optimism and hope, joy, and a renewed sense of commitment and purpose. Our Sunday services are full. We are averaging 5 guests a Sunday! Our Religious Education Program is filled with curious and growing minds and hearts. We have successfully hired a new Choir Director and Director of Congregational Administration (see below). We have a strong and visionary Board of Trustees, devoted leaders in every part of congregational life, and a Ministerial Search Team that has invited all of you to important conversations about the future of Eliot. 

So I’m coming to you now with two very specific needs, trusting that with the good will we are carrying, the need will be filled.   

There are two teams that need support, which means volunteers. Please keep an open mind and heart as you read about these teams. 

READ MORE

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. In November, we're sharing our offering with Kirk Care.

Kirk Care is a non-profit organization formed to help the needy living within the boundaries of the Kirkwood R-7 School District. A hometown ministry, Kirk Care collects funds and food donations from area churches, businesses, civic organizations, and individuals and distributes these resources to families in need. They provide food deliveries (maintained at their local pantry), assistance with utility bills, funding for school supplies to be given out by Kirkwood R-7 school counselors, and Christmas food and gift box distribution to client families. Learn more about Kirk Care at kirkcare.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 “Kirk Care” 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 2023-24 Religious Education and Youth Program continues this Sunday, November 5 during the 10:00 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. Religious Education (RE) classes and youth gatherings will begin at 10:15.

Reminder: The 6th & 7th grade group is on a field trip to College Church this Sunday. Gathering time is 9:30 in Adams Hall. 4th & 5th graders participating in Our Whole Lives (OWL) should go to Room 006 at 9:45.

Specific plans for each age group are shared with registered families via email each week. To learn more about this fall’s Religious Education (RE) 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!

We keep this tradition of hospitality alive by taking turns hosting. This is a simple task (instructions are available in a binder in the kitchen) and a great way to serve and connect. Claire Wyneken and Laura Tyrey (above) urge you to 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. We have some dates in October that need help!

Coffee, Conversation, and Connections

Find Coffee, Conversation, and Connections on Zoom at 12:30 pm every Sunday! 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

Sunday Worship – 10:00 am in the Sanctuary

Coffee Hour – 11:00 am in Adams Hall

Geek Squad Coaching – 11:00 am in the Garden Room area of Adams Hall

Focus Group for Caregivers of Children in Religious Education/Pre-K – 11:00 am

in the Youth Room

Lemon Covenant Group – 11:15 am in the Susan Frederick-Gray Room

Women's Weekend Planning – 11:30 am in Room 006

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

Madrigal Actors Rehearsal – 12:00 pm in the Sanctuary

Coffee, Conversation, and Connections – 12:30 pm via Zoom

In This Week at Eliot

This Week's Events & Meetings

Church News

Helping Each Other

The Week Ahead

Next Week's Service

ourEliot

Monday, November 6  

Kwentus Covenant Group – 10:00 am in the DuBois Library

Starting Point – 6:30 pm on Zoom

A Course in Miracles – 7:00 pm via Zoom

Tuesday, November 7 

Women’s Alliance – 9:45 am in Adams Hall

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

SJA Steering Committee – 7:00 pm in Adams Hall

Wednesday, November 8 

Madrigal Actors Rehearsal – 6:30 pm in the Sanctuary

Creative Spirituality Covenant Group – 7:00 pm in the Susan Frederick-Gray Room

Solecki/Boettcher Covenant Group – 7:00 pm in Adams Hall

Friday, November 10 

Friday Freethinkers – 10:00 am in Room 001

As we have new staff in the front office scheduling your events and meetings, it is more important than ever to make contact to get on the calendar and then to check your entry for accuracy!

Planning a meeting or event? Start with our Room & Event Request 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.

Introducing . . .

We have exciting news for you. We have successfully hired both a Director of Congregational Administration and a Choir Director this week! Nadia Maddex began serving as our Choir Director on Wednesday, November 1, and Brian Franklin will begin serving as our Director of Congregational Life on November 13. Please be sure to say hello and welcome them when you see them. Learn more about Nadia and Brian and the search process at the link:

READ MORE 

Change Your Clock

We fall back this weekend as Daylight Saving Time ends at 2:00 am on Sunday morning. Save confusion and change your clocks before you go to bed Saturday night! (It's also a good idea to use this as a reminder to change your smoke alarm batteries.) We'll see you Sunday morning at 10:00 for worship service!

Donations Sought

Furniture is needed for our new Pastoral Care Room. Room 103 in the office tower is being turned into a Pastoral Care Room. Ideally, we would like a couch, two armchairs, and a coffee table for this room. If you have furniture in good condition and would like to donate it, please contact frontoffice@eliotchapel.org. 

Quilts

As part of our preparation for the annual bread service, we invite you to share quilts for decoration in the Sanctuary. Baby quilts, quilted wall hangings, throws, and table runners are welcome, too. Quilts should be clearly marked with your name and be delivered to the church office no later than noon on Wednesday, November 15. If your quilt has a story, please feel welcome to print or type it on a small card, and affix the card to the front of your quilt so the story can be shared with members and friends. Questions? Contact Rebecca Schuder at quilts@eliotchapel.org.

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 and/or website for news of closings. Information will also be shared on Facebook and with the local media. All members, friends, and staff are urged to use discretion when making choices about traveling in times of hazardous weather conditions.

 It's only a few weeks until

Eliot Chapel Madrigal 2023

Don't let it pass you by!

With its beautiful music, silly comedy, and festive spirit, Madrigal continues to be a great way for you and your family/friends to begin the holiday season.



 Floor and Balcony seats are still available –Reserve yours today!

        November 30, December 1 & 2, 2023

Madrigal Invitation | Madrigal Reservation

Please join the Madrigal Village and volunteer for Madrigal 2023!  Have fun, meet people and help Eliot in one of its largest fundraisers of the year! See the volunteer opportunities here, then please call or email Karen Gottschalk directly (she's in the directory) or see her in Adams Hall after the Sunday service to sign up. Sir Eliot thanks you!

New Member Signing: November 12 

Are you considering joining Eliot Chapel as a member? The membership book will be available to sign after the service on the second Sunday of the month. Please contact welcome@eliotchapel.org at least a week in advance if you are interested in becoming a member.

We Care for Each Other

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!

Fall Foliage Excursion to Bergfried

If you've never been to the pine ridge that overlooks the confluence of the Gasconade and Missouri Rivers, then you have missed out on a beautiful site and a beautiful sight, and one of Eliot's most valuable assets! Come for a day trip on Saturday, November 4 to just hang out and enjoy the fresh air and camaraderie, or hike around to the quarry or the cypress grove. We'll meet at the Eliot parking lot at 9:00 am, carpool out there (90 min), do lunch – roast some weenies – relax, and then head back home whenever you and your ride want to. Sign up at Eliot coffee hour or email Bob Becker at bergfriedinfo@eliotchapel.org or text him (see directory) to sign up or if you have questions.

Dia de los Muertos

Missouri History Museum on November 4 and 5



The Dia de los Muertos celebration includes a wide variety of Latin American cultural traditions: music and dance performances, art displays, food and drink vendors, a procession through the park, activities for children, and more. See the full program at mohistory.org/dia-de-los-muertos.

The Immigration Justice Team is pleased to offer Eliot Chapel members a unique opportunity for a guided tour of the Dia de los Muertos altars (ofrendas) on Saturday, November 4 at 2:00 pm. Our guide, Maria Yaksic, is Bolivian and a board member of the St. Louis Hispanic Leaders. We will gather at the reception desk to start the tour. To alleviate parking issues, we can carpool from Eliot Chapel at 1:00 pm. Please email immigration@eliotchapel.org if you want a ride.

Come, participate, and learn more about Latin American cultural traditions!

Search Team Focus Group

This Sunday, November 5 at 11:00 am, we will hold our last in-person Focus Group for Caregivers of Children in Religious Education/Pre-K, in the Youth Room (next to the Music Room, across the hall from Scott's office). Childcare, coffee, donuts, and refreshments provided! You can sign up now or just show up. We will start right after the service and we will be done by noon.

The Eliot Geek Squad to the Rescue!!  

The Eliot Geek Squad is a group of Eliot friends who will help you figure out how to navigate Eliot’s website, edit your profile on EliotConnects (Realm), assist you in getting your photo onto the Eliot Directory, help you figure out how to sign up for events and classes, use QR Codes, and find solutions to your technology questions. We are setting up Geek Squad Coaches in the Garden Room area on the first and third Sundays after service in November and December – join us this Sunday, November 5 – to help you with your questions. It is helpful to have the devices you use (your phone, iPad, laptop computer) with you so you can practice with a Geek Squad coach. And get immediate help at geeksquad@eliotchapel.org. 

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. Amy Stark and Gail Rock will facilitate the series. Longtime members and friends seeking a small group experience are also welcome.

Monday, November 6, 6:30 pm on Zoom 

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

Monday, November 13, 6:30 pm in person at Eliot

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

Women's Alliance

Please join Women’s Alliance next Tuesday, November 7 at 9:45 am (new time)  in Adams Hall or on Zoom. After coffee and treats and a brief business meeting, Trish Williams will lead a discussion of the book How the Penguins Saved Veronica, by Hazel Prior.  We hope you can join us!

Join us for

Vigil for Hope & Healing

Tuesday, November 7

at 4:00 pm in front of Eliot Chapel.

Sunday, November 12 – 10:00 am

“Searching . . .” – The Eliot Chapel Search Team 

Our Search Team – Bob Boyd, Janis Cox, Tanya Hull, Carl Serbell, and Rob van Alstyne – will present a progress report on the search, including an early look at the Congregational Survey responses. We will look forward to the remaining steps in the search process, and we will offer personal reflections on serving on the Search Team and receiving your generous responses to the survey and in focus groups.