Sunday, February 11 – 9:45 & 11:15 am

“Getting Proximate” – Rev. Krista Taves  

Brian Stevenson, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, says that if we want to be part of the solution, we have to get in close to those who are suffering the most. We have to “get proximate."

Featured musicians: Flo Reaves, violin; David Nalesnik, piano.

Religious Education & Youth Group

The 2023-2024 Religious Education and Youth Program continues this Sunday, February 11.

In This Week at Eliot

This Week's Events & Meetings

Please Remember

Congregational News

Helping Each Other

The Week Ahead

Down the Road

Next Week's Service

ourEliot

Monday, February 12 

Welcome Team – 6:30 pm via Zoom

Environmental Justice Team – 7:00 pm in Adams Hall

Tuesday, February 13 

Questions & Conversations with Rev. Krista and Women's Alliance – 9:45 am

in Adams Hall and on Zoom

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

Wednesday, February 14 

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

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

Thursday, February 15 

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 16

Friday Freethinkers – 10:00 am in Room 001

Racial Justice Film Series – 6:30 pm in Adams Hall

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

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 in Ladue followed by an exhibition of Charles' artwork in the school's Bonsack Gallery. 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 memorial service will be in the Dining Room down the hall from the Bonsack Gallery. Enter through the main entrance doors at 755 S. Price Road, just north of Clayton Rd. Don't use the Clayton Rd. entrance — it's the athletic field entrance. There is plenty of parking space near the main building and there’s a level entrance from the parking lot at the far right end of the main building for accessibility.

Abortion Ballot Initiative

The petitions are here! Please stop by our table in Adams Hall on Sunday to sign the petition to get abortion on the ballot!

Over 60 members of Eliot Chapel have signed up to help us gather petitions to get abortion on the ballot next fall. If you would like to help us gather petitions, we will have a training session on Sunday, February 11, in the Sanctuary at 12:30 pm. The training will last about an hour. Once trained you will have complete control over how many signatures you want to get, where you gather them, and from whom. You may decide to just get a few members of your family or friends to sign, or you may decide to spend several days a week gathering signatures at public places. You decide!

All Eliot Women: Save the Date

Eliot Chapel's Women's Weekend

Mark May 17, 18, and 19 down for Eliot Chapel's Women's Weekend at Toddhall Retreat Center in Columbia, Illinois (25 minutes from Eliot). Choose to attend Saturday only, Friday evening through Saturday, or Friday evening through Sunday morning (with plenty of time to make it to Eliot for the service and annual congregational meeting). Registration will begin mid-March. Look for more information in the coming weeks!

Conversations with Rev. Krista

Take an opportunity to meet with Rev. Krista before the vote to extend a call for settled minister 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! 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, there are two cottage meetings on Sunday, February 11 at 11:00 and 12:30 in Room 001. There will be coffee & refreshments and a small group setting – you are invited! Krista will also meet with Women's Alliance on Tuesday, February 13 so if you're a member, don't miss it!

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

Special Ministerial Vote March 3

IMPORTANT: Check Your Membership Status

Stop by the bulletin board outside Adams Hall after service this week to check for your name on the membership rolls. Only members in good standing are able to vote on whether to call Rev. Krista Taves as our settled minister. Members in good standing have made a financial contribution of record in the past 12 months or received a waiver in case of financial hardship from the Lead 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 reactivate your membership, please contact Brian Franklin, Director of Administration, to make arrangements at admin@eliotchapel.org before February 12. If you need to request a waiver, email Rev. Krista at ktaves@eliotchapel.org before February 12. 

Time to Sign Up for a Community Connections Event!

Now’s your chance to expand your Eliot connections by meeting someone new or just hanging out with old friends at a relaxed fun event. Check out the options and pick the one that works best for you. Many generous Eliot members have come up with a selection of events that should appeal to everyone. All events take place March 3 to April 12 and many are family friendly. You will receive an email invitation/confirmation from your host a week or two before the gathering. 

Send questions to communityconnections@eliotchapel.org.

Note: the actual pledge card aspect of the canvass is being handled differently this year, so these events are strictly social!

We know you're planning your trivia strategy! Could you contribute to the event by donating goods or services we could auction? Ideas include baked goods-a-month, event tickets, private lessons, garden help, hosting a meal, handmade items, or whatever you specialize in! Please send an email to trivia@eliotchapel.org and let us know if you can help.

This Week at Eliot: A New Look

You may have noticed some changes as you opened this weekly email. A lot of the information you're used to seeing wasn't there, but it's easy to reach with a click.

Many people find our weekly newsletter hard to read. Depending on your device, it can be really difficult! Throughout, there is a plenty of repetitive information from week to week. It takes a lot of scrolling to get to the core of This Week at Eliot – what's actually happening this week at Eliot Chapel?!

Over the course of the next couple weeks, we'll be slimming down the email and redirecting you to our website for some of that information. It's still there if you need it! But we hope it makes the email newsletter more readable and gives us all better ways to communicate. You can send any feedback to news@eliotchapel.org.

Eliot's Chalice Choir Returns!

All children and youth are welcome!

Upcoming Dates:

Rehearsals: February 25, March 3, 9:00 – 9:30

Performance: March 10, 2024, Prelude for both Worship services

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.

Immigration: Asylum 101

Join the Immigration Justice Team on Sunday, February 25 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm for an educational workshop on Asylum presented by IFCLA (interfaith Committee on Latin America). You can join us either in person at Adams Hall or virtually via zoom. Register here.

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 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

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.

Women's Alliance

Rev. Krista is meeting with Women's Alliance on Tuesday, February 13 at 9:45 am in Adams Hall and on Zoom. Refreshments will be served. Don't miss this opportunity for conversation and questions!

Join us for

Vigil for Hope & Healing

Tuesday, February 13

at 4:00 pm in front of Eliot Chapel.

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 15. 

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.

Following the film there will be a discussion about the literacy landscape of St. Louis

and a Q & A with Lisa Greening. In 2020, Greening started the St. Louis Chapter of Turn the Page STL, the National Campaign for Grade Level Reading developed to improve third grade reading proficiency. In 2022, Turn the Page STL won the Pacesetter Community Award from the National Campaign for its collective impact work in the St. Louis community. For ten years, Greening was the executive director of Ready Readers, a St. Louis nonprofit dedicated to preparing preschool-age children from low-income communities to become readers. She has received several honors for her work in literacy including recognition by the State of Missouri for her dedication to improving the lives of Missouri children.

Sign Up Here!

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 True 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.”

Eliot’s Got Talent

Tune your ukulele, brush up your Shakespeare, or get out those juggling balls — Eliot is having a Talent Show! We’re looking for performers of all ages and abilities who want to share their talent with the congregation during our show on Saturday, April 6. If you have an act you’d like to perform for us, we’d love to see it! (David Nalesnik will be available to accompany you on piano if you wish.)

This family friendly event will mark the culmination of our Stewardship Campaign and will include a celebratory meal beforehand. All Eliot members and friends are welcome. Come join us as we gather in Adams Hall from 5:00 to 6:00 pm to share a light dinner before proceeding to the Sanctuary for our talent extravaganza, which will run from 6:00 to 7:30 pm.

Whether you are planning to perform or coming to eat and enjoy the show, please RSVP to talentshow@eliotchapel.org. Any questions regarding this special event may also be directed to talentshow@eliotchapel.org.

— Eliot FUN Team

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 18 – 9:45 & 11:15 am

“Choosing Love in Troubled Times” – Rev. Krista Taves