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Sunday, September 24 – 10:00 am
“Welcome: How We Take Care of Each Other”
Rev. Krista Taves and the Pastoral Care Team
Join Rev. Krista and the Pastoral Care Team to experience how we care for each other as a congregation in the moments where we need companionship and support. We’ll talk about when to reach out, how to ask for help, what pastoral care can offer you and your family, and how to let someone know if you are interested in being a pastoral care associate.
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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.
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Religious Education & Youth Group
The 2023-24 Religious Education and Youth Program continues this Sunday, September 24 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.
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.
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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. Please check the SignUpGenius for coffee hour volunteers to 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
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
Book Swap – 11:00 am in Adams Hall
Madrigal Cast Auditions – 11:30 am in the Sanctuary
Positive Psychology Covenant Group – 11:30 am in the Susan Frederick-Gray Room
Young Adult Group – 11:45 am in the Triplett Room
Coffee, Conversation, and Connections – 12:30 pm via Zoom
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In This Week at Eliot
This Week's Events & Meetings
Church News
Classes at Eliot Chapel
Helping Each Other
The Week Ahead
Next Week's Service
Down the Road
Sharing the Offering
ourEliot
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Monday, September 25
A Course in Miracles – 7:00 pm via Zoom
Tuesday, September 26
Women’s Alliance – 9:45 am off-site
Vigil for Hope & Healing – 5:00 pm on the front lawn
Immigration Justice Team Meeting – 7:00 pm in Adams Hall
Thursday, September 28
Covenant Group Facilitators – 7:00 pm in Adams Hall
Friday, September 29
Friday Freethinkers – 10:00 am in Room 001
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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.
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You Can Contact the Pastoral Care Team When . . .
This Sunday, we’re asking, how do we take care of each other? What do we do in the moments where we need companionship and support? Eliot’s Pastoral Care Team is available to you.
You can contact the Pastoral Care Team when . . .
- You or someone you know in the church is going into the hospital.
- A death of a family member or member of the church occurs.
- You are having a personal crisis and need to talk with someone.
- You are concerned about a member of the congregation and want the minister to check on that person.
- You need to be connected with community resources and don’t know who to call.
- You need to contact the minister about an emergency.
- You know about a home-bound member of the congregation who needs a visit.
- You need an occasional ride for a doctor’s appointment or someone to pick up medications at the pharmacy.
Contact the Pastoral Care Team at pastoralcare@eliotchapel.org.
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Winter Clothing and Toy Drive
Eliot Chapel is hosting a donation box through Sunday, September 24 in conjunction with Hands on Kirkwood. Bring your new and gently used items and place them in the box in Adams Hall.
- coats, gloves, scarves, hats
- boots, socks
- shirts, sweaters
- pants, jeans, suits, dresses
- bicycles, toys, diapers, children's books
- NEW pillows
Community members in need will be able to pick up much needed items on October 7 during Hands on Kirkwood. Have you joined the Eliot Chapel team for HOK, the one-day community service blitz around Kirkwood? Get the details below in "Down the Road."
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Welcome to the Eliot Chapel Volunteer Village!
“What village?” you ask. The village it takes to raise a church!
We all want our beloved church to continue 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. Sign up in Adams Hall on Sunday or online here. Grab a gold volunteer sticker for your name tag if you already volunteer or if you sign up now!
Mary Meihaus & Dotty Storer, volunteer coordinators
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Explore International Cuisine at Eliot!
How do Afghan vegetarian dumplings, Moroccan tagine chicken, and macaroons sound to you? Delicious, for sure! On Saturday, September 30 at 6:00 pm, Eliot's Immigration Justice Team invites you to a Welcome Neighbor STL Supper Club to enjoy this delicious meal and support immigrant and refugee families in St. Louis. Enjoy the food, great conversations, and catching up with friends – old and new. 90% of the proceeds go directly to the chefs to advance their journey to greater independence in their lives here in the USA. From cultural exchange to just plain fun, look forward to a great evening. See the full menu and reserve your place at the table or a takeout meal here: welcomeneighborstl.org/events/afghan-and-moroccan-dinner-at-eliot-unitarian-chapel. Sign up fast – these dinners typically sell out quickly! | |
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Eliot Chapel 2023 Congregational Survey
TAKE THE SURVEY TODAY
Help shape the future of Eliot Chapel by filling out our 2023 Congregational Survey. The total time to complete the survey is approximately fifteen to twenty minutes. Your responses will be very helpful in guiding the Search Team in the coming months by helping us gain more insight into the thoughts and needs of the congregation. Click here to fill out the survey and make your voice heard.
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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, October 16, 6:30 pm on Zoom
Session 1: Your Journey – Sharing Our Stories and Spiritual Roadmaps
Monday, October 23, 6:30 pm on Zoom
Session 2: The Unitarian Universalist Journey and the Journey of our Congregation
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
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Our Unitarian Universalist Agreement and Foundations
Introducing St. Louis Area Unitarian Universalist online classes! This year, the ministers from First Unitarian Church of Alton IL, First Unitarian Church of St. Louis, and Eliot Unitarian Chapel are offering online classes that are open to all UU congregations in the St. Louis area. Here is the first class, offered by Rev. Kim Mason of First St. Louis.
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 Mason 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 Thursday at 6:30 pm on September 28, October 12 and 26, and November 9, online AND in-person. This is a covenant-based program that requires participants attend all four sessions. In-person class will be held at the First Unitarian Church of St. Louis. The Zoom link for the sessions will be emailed the week before Session 1.
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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! | |
Eliot Chapel Book Swap for All Ages
Eager to delight another Eliot community member by sharing a favorite read and simultaneously discover a new page-turning treasure for yourself? Participate in the upcoming book swap!
Sunday, September 24
Immediately following the 10:00 am service
in Adams Hall
How it will work:
- Bring 1-2 (used) books per person of any genre that you really love and that you are willing to part with.
- Before the service, drop the book with our worker bees who will be located next to the greeters outside of the sanctuary.
- After the service, peruse the tables for a new-to-you book to take home and swing by our make-your-own-bookmark crafting table to keep your place in style!
- Remember this is a book swap, not a book dump, so please only give books in good condition. No magazines/sticker books/activity books. No media such as DVDs/CDs.
- Participants are encouraged, but not required, to write down their name, what they liked about the book, or the type of reader it might appeal to, on a small index card/post-it note to stick inside the front cover of the book.
- Leave a goodwill offering for the Fundraising Team on your way out.
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Be a Part of the 2023 Madrigal Cast!
Come to the Sanctuary on Sunday, September 24 at 11:30 am for auditions.
Can't make it at that time? Please email madrigal@eliotchapel.org before that date.
Huzzah!
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Join us for
Vigil for Hope & Healing
Tuesday, September 26
at 5:00 pm in front of Eliot Chapel.
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Sunday, October 1 – 10:00 am
“Sunday Service”
Rev. Krista Taves
Join us for worship in our Sanctuary and online.
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Bergfried Fall Campout
October 6 to 8
Mark your calendars now for our annual fall campout, open to all members and friends. You are welcome to come out for any part of the weekend whether you plan to camp or not. The days will be wide open for hiking, camping, relaxation, and connection. The weekend includes these optional events:
- Traditional bonfire and campfire, Saturday evening
- Worship Service, Sunday at 11:00 am: If you don’t choose to camp, this is a great time to come out and connect afterwards, Adams Hall-style.
- Sunday Potluck: Directly after the service, enjoy food and connection with the Eliot camping community. The Bergfried Team will provide hot dogs and chips. Campers and day trippers are encouraged to bring a dessert or side dish to share. Please let us know if you plan to attend by emailing bergfriedinfo@eliotchapel.org and let us know how many will be joining you so we may plan the potluck accordingly.
Most attendees 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 more rustic bunkhouses. To sign up for the weekend, to reserve a cottage or bunkhouse space, or for other information contact bergfriedinfo@eliotchapel.org.
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Hands on Kirkwood 2023 Needs Volunteers!
Eliot Chapel is once again participating in the Hands on Kirkwood one-day community service blitz. HOK collaborates with local churches, organizations, and individuals to assist with projects related to household and community needs.
Volunteers are needed to help with yard work, donation storing, gutter cleaning, bag pickup, car check, Father Dickson Cemetery clean-up, and trash and yard waste hauling. The event will be held on Saturday, October 7 between 9 am and 1 pm and will begin at Kirkwood Baptist Church. If you are interested in participating, go to HOK | Hands On Kirkwood (www.handsonkirkwood.org) to register and indicate which activities you would like to participate in. Please indicate that you are part of Eliot Chapel, and additionally, email socialjustice@eliotchapel.org so we know who will be volunteering. We'll have a table in Adams Hall on Sundays after the service to answer your questions, or you can email Janet Solecki or Liz Sale at HOK@eliotchapel.org. We look forward to seeing you there! | |
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Eliot's All Ages Game Night Potluck
Saturday, October 14, 6:00 – 9:00 pm in Adams Hall
The Fun
Come one, come all, to a night of games of all kinds sure to delight the inner and outer child! Bring a favorite game or two or three to the event, and be ready to make merry with Eliot members, old pals and soon-to-be-friends across the age spectrum. We'll have quick card games as well as in-depth strategy games, old classics and new challenges – something for everyone!
The Food
This event will be a potluck affair. Bring a dish to share, but be sure to label it with ingredients for those with food allergies. A food sign-up sheet will be on the bulletin board outside of Adams Hall.
For more information, please call Kathy Becker. You can find her mobile number in the directory.
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St. Louis Area TrUUnk or Treat!
Get on your costumes, decorate your vehicle, fill the trunk with PEANUT-FREE goodies, and head over to First Unitarian Church of St. Louis for our first ever ALL Congregation TrUUnk or Treat! See you on Saturday, October 21 from 4:30 to 6:00 pm at 5007 Waterman Blvd., St. Louis MO 63108.
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Eliot Life Quest
Used by many cultures and given shape in many ways, Vision Quest is a time of deep reflection, transformation, healing, and a method to experience authentic and profound encounters with Spirit. There are three core elements of a Vision Quest – Solitude, Fasting, and Nature. When these core elements are coupled with preparation and integration, dormant states of creativity and connections come to the surface creating possibilities for deep change and transformation in participants.
Eliot Life Quest brings a Vision Quest into the Eliot community. This spiritual offering will lead you through the preparation phase, support your journey during your solo, and help you start your path in consolidating what you have gained during this process. People in any life stage and with any personal/spiritual growth goal can find meaning in the powerful process of a Solo Fasting Quest.
Some transformative goals that people bring to Solo Fasting Quest are: stepping away from past trauma, solidifying sobriety, developing a deeper relationship with themselves, nature, and Spirit, marking transitions such as becoming a parent, moving to elder status, and for life events that typically do not have a culturally established way of being acknowledged such as releasing a dead name, loss of an affair, committing to a life without children . . . and more.
Come to the Life Quest Informational Meeting on Sunday, October 22 at 11:30 am in Room 001 to meet facilitator Lisa Dahlgren and hear more about this unique opportunity.
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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 September, we will be sharing our Sunday collections with SouthSide Early Childhood Center, an organization that Eliot Chapel has long supported.
In 1886, 15 courageous Unitarian women took a stand for the most impoverished children in St. Louis. These women founded a "day nursery" with a mission "to prevent pauperism by assisting breadwinners with young children on their hands, to earn an honest living." South Side Day Nursery, as it was known then, welcomed children of every race, ethnicity, and income level.
Over the decades SouthSide has grown, and its mission has expanded. Today the mission is to nurture, educate and inspire children and families in a diverse and inclusive environment, promoting healthy development and a strong foundation for success. Their vision is that children develop a lifelong love of learning, flourish within a supportive family environment and contribute positively to their communities. We all know the value of early childhood education. SouthSide is doing an outstanding job of providing it for children who really need it. Their work gives children coming from difficult situations a great chance for success. Learn more at www.southside-ecc.org.
Let us be good neighbors. Let us be a generous people. You can give in one of three ways:
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Online: Click here. Make sure “Shared Plate” is your chosen fund.
- By Mail: Please write “southside ECC” 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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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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