Sunday, August 7 – 10:00 am
The Emperor Really Does Have No Clothes!
Rev. Krista Taves
We are in a time when distortions of truth have become weapons in the pursuit of power. In this era of sound bites, clickbait, and 24-hour news cycles, can the truth still set us free?
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At Eliot Chapel:
- Everyone over two years of age who enters the building is required to wear a surgical mask, KN95 mask, or N95 mask – cloth masks provide too little protection. If you forget, we will have masks available for you to wear. Masks must cover nose and mouth.
- We ask everyone to be mindful of social distancing and to spread throughout the sanctuary.
- If you are able to secure home COVID tests, please test before you come to service.
- If you are feeling unwell in any way, please stay home and join us online.
- As always, vaccination for all those eligible is required to attend in person. If you are eligible for a booster, please get one.
We will livestream our service on Sunday. Find it at eliotchapel.org. After the stream, a recording will be available 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 under the worship & music tab.
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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 August, we're sharing our offering with Kirkwood Area Every Child Promise (KAEChP).
The Promise: Every child and family are prepared for success as they enter kindergarten. What does that mean? Families must be connected to the basic resources necessary to have stability and hope. Children must have access to the life and learning experiences that give context and meaning to new knowledge. To facilitate that, KAEChP offers:
- Preschool scholarships and connection to quality early childhood experiences
- Information and assistance navigating resources in order to meet the basic needs of the children and families we serve
- Access to Promise Place, a clothing and supply closet where families get assistance with items to support the basic needs of their children ages 0-6
- Coordination with resources such as Kirk Care, Parents as Teachers, Kirkwood Public Library, and Kirkwood School District in order to provide holistic support for families.
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.
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By Mail: Please write “KAEChP” 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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Religious Education & Youth Group
Children in kindergarten and older should attend the 10:00 am worship service with their family.
The nursery & preschool activity space in Room 003 is open during the service for our youngest UUs who need freedom of movement (nursery & preschool-aged children aged 5 and younger). The nursery and preschool room will be open each Sunday in August and is staffed by Tim Bubb, LaTosha Crayton, and Anna Beck.
Eliot Summer Adventure #3: Forest Park Nature Playscape on August 21
Sign-ups are now open for Eliot Summer Adventure #3, a series of informal opportunities for families and children to gather and experience fellowship and connection during the summer months. HUGE thanks to Susan van Alstyne for initiating and hosting these gatherings.
Gathering #3 is at the Forest Park Nature Playscape on Sunday, August 21 from 11:30-1:30. The gathering location is the plaza in front of the year-round restroom just to the west of the Playscape entrance, not far from the World's Fair Pavilion. Recommended parking is along Concourse Drive near the World’s Fair Pavilion. Find a detailed map of the playscape area online.
Children & Youth Registration Is Open
Registration for the 2022-23 Religious Education & Youth Program is now open. Children and youth planning to participate in Eliot activities in 2022-23 need to be officially registered. Having up-to-date information enables us to more effectively plan programs, keep you informed about church events and activities throughout the year, and, most importantly, helps keep children and youth safe while under the supervision of staff and lay leaders.
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Zoom Coffee Hour
Zoom Coffee Hour takes place at 12:30 pm on Sunday. You are invited to "walk down the hall" and come to our Zoom Coffee Hour! We'll take a few minutes to say hello and let people settle in, then we'll say a few words of welcome and briefly review the service that day. We typically really enjoy the wisdom story and discuss how that story reflects on the theme of the sermon. Then we'll create break-out rooms of 5-6 people for conversation and sharing. We love making new friends and the small groups are great for that! In approximately 45 minutes, everyone will return to the big group and we'll say our goodbyes for the week. We usually end shortly after 1:30 pm, but those who wish to can stay a few minutes longer. Please watch your email for "Eliot on Zoom" on Sunday morning which will include a link to join the Zoom Coffee Hour. 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 – 12:30 pm via Zoom
Young Adult Group – 12:45 pm in the Triplett Room
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Monday, August 8
Environmental Justice Team – 7:00 pm in the Susan Frederick-Gray Room
Tuesday, August 9
Vigil for Hope & Healing – 5:00 pm in front of Eliot
Wednesday, August 10
Creative Spirituality Covenant Group – 7:00 pm in the Susan Frederick-Gray Room
Friday, August 12
Friday Freethinkers – 10:00 am in Room 001
Saturday, August 13
Richard Barrett Rice Memorial – 2:00 pm in the Sanctuary
Contact your group leader if you need login information for your meeting.
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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 Christie Lee to set up your group. |
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Please Remember
Congratulations to Ellen and Kenny Wottrich on the birth of
their beautiful baby girl, Leah, on July 24, 2022.
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Who Celebrated a 30th Anniversary?
We at Eliot Chapel did! On June 16, 2022, Eliot Chapel was recognized by Room at the Inn for serving the homeless community for 30 years! Yes, 30 years ago, a group of committed churches worked with the Sisters of Divine Providence in Bridgeton, Missouri to create an emergency shelter for homeless people from St. Louis County.
During these 30 years, Eliot Chapel served as one of those 60 congregations on the first, second, third and if there was a fifth Thursday of EVERY month. No other congregation served that often. A most conservative calculation has us serving 1,120 nights as hosts to the homeless.
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Eliot recently received an award for our support and work with Room for the past 30 years.
Then, as we say so often, Covid came.
The shelter had to “shelter in place,” and they’ve done so, brilliantly! The world has changed a lot in 30 years. Thankfully, the community at large is much more aware of homelessness, and the emphasis is not to get a family “home ready” as it was in the past, but the tenet of success is “Housing First.”
What can Eliot do? Since the start of Covid, Eliot has used a month’s split collection to fund Room at the Inn for one night per month ($150). Room at the Inn is most grateful for this, and we will continue. Residents of St. Louis County can advocate to their County Council member. A variety of volunteer opportunities still exist. And later this month, Room will be raising money for operations and improvements through a golf tournament.
Room at the Inn will continue to evolve. While we will no longer be hosting, Eliot can support them as they move into this next phase knowing that we are helping homeless individuals get into a safe and secure place to call home.
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Covenant Group Offers Annual Animal Blessing
The Earth-Based Spirituality Covenant Group would like to invite you to join us via Zoom on Tuesday, August 16 at 7:00 pm to participate in our annual animal blessing. We bless all pets past and present whether the pet is with you in person, in a picture, or in your heart. If interested in participating, please contact Lynn Murphy by August 15 through frontoffice@eliotchapel.org. She will send you the information.
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Eliot Chapel Board of Trustees Meeting
The Eliot Board of Trustees will meet at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, August 16. Visitors are welcome to attend. If you wish to attend, please contact Claire Wyneken at boardchair@eliotchapel.org.
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Meacham Park Back-to-School Rally
Eliot Chapel is collecting new backpacks, pencils, scissors, markers, and other school supplies for Meacham Park Neighborhood Improvement Association's (MNIA)
Backpack Giveaway. You may place your donations in the box outside Adams Hall until August 14.
Then sign up to join in the fun of carnival games, bubbles and balloons, and more at our booth at the Back-to-School Rally in Meacham Park Memorial Park on Saturday, August 20 from 12:00-3:00 pm. (Please note corrected hours.) See the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board between the Sanctuary and Adams Hall or sign up online.
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UU Wellspring Groups Forming Now
“Wellspring has strengthened my understanding of and connection to the UU tradition. It has been wonderful to make deep connections with people who, like me, are travelling on a spiritual path.”
– Cathy Converse
Gain a sense of personal purpose and meaning from UU Wellspring’s unique combination of spiritual practices, spiritual companionship, readings, and heart-opening sessions while deepening connections to other Eliot members and Unitarian Universalism. Groups meet twice a month for ten months and are forming now.
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BA.5 Has Arrived
At-home antigen testing is one of the best tools available right now to stop transmission. Eight free antigen tests can be ordered through the USPS site here.
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NEW FISCAL/PLEDGE YEAR BEGAN JULY 1, 2022
Your Online Pledge Payments Need Your Attention
July 1, 2022 was the first day of the new Eliot Chapel Fiscal/Pledge Year of 2022-2023. Because we have just ended one fiscal/pledge year and started a new one, there are several things pledgers who pay via online giving – even sustaining members and friends – need to do now.
To see a visual showing how to set up a pledge payment online, check out our Giving Made Easy brochure on the Eliot Chapel website. Thank you for your support of Eliot Chapel!
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Reminder: Staying Up to Date
In an email letter to members and friends, Rev. Barbara outlined "How We Do Church Now" as Eliot Chapel suspended face-to-face meetings. As a guiding document, it was always open to changes as we found out what worked and what didn't in our response to this extraordinary situation. You can find this document on our website now. We will keep it updated as things change. We'll also try to let you know here of any changes.
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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.
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COVID Support Team
Our COVID team is here for you. If you are quarantining and need support having groceries and prescriptions picked up, please email pastoralcare@eliotchapel.org with your contact information.
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Join us for
Vigil for Hope & Healing
Tuesday, August 9
at 5:00 pm in front of Eliot Chapel
Note that masks are optional
for outdoor activities.
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ADULT EDUCATION OFFERING
Starting Point
with Rev. Krista Taves and Amy Stark
This 4-part series offers those considering Unitarian Universalism and Eliot Chapel the opportunity to experience UUism in action. 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. We will meet on Zoom for the first three sessions; the fourth session will be in person at Eliot Chapel. Longtime members and friends seeking a small group experience are also welcome. We will have winter and spring sessions as well.
Session 1, Sunday, September 11, 2:00 - 3:45 pm on Zoom: Your Journey – Sharing Our Stories and Spiritual Roadmaps
Session 2, Monday, September 19, 6:00 - 7:45 pm on Zoom: The Unitarian Universalist Journey and the Journey of Our Congregation
Session 3, Monday, October 17, 6:00 - 7:45 pm on Zoom: Our Journey Together – The Three Paths of Unitarian Universalism Part 1
Session 4, Sunday, November 6, noon - 1:45 in person: The Three Paths, Part 2 and Finding Your Journey Group
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The FUN TEAM brings you...
Eliot Chapel Book Swap for All Ages
Sunday, September 25
Immediately after service in Adams Hall
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!
How it will work:
- Bring 1-2 (used) books per person of any genre that you really loved, 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 like 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 Eliot on your way out.
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Sunday, August 14 – 10:00 am
“Stuck in the Middle” – Trina Priese and Todd Stark
It seems that many of us feel stuck these days; stuck at home, stuck in our jobs, stuck with our families for what sometimes seems like an eternity.
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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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