Sunday, November 12 – 10:00 am

“Progress and Reflections on the Search”

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. 

Featured musicians: Jennifer Stewart, flute; David Nalesnik, piano.

Religious Education & Youth Group

The 2023-24 Religious Education and Youth Program continues this Sunday, November 12 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: 4th & 5th grade youth participating in the Our Whole Lives (OWL) class should go directly 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.

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

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

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

Starting Point – 1:00 pm in the Susan Frederick-Gray Room

In This Week at Eliot

This Week's Events & Meetings

Church News

Helping Each Other

The Week Ahead

Next Week's Service

Shared Plate

ourEliot

Monday, November 13 

Church offices are closed today in observance of Veterans Day. 

Environmental Justice Team – 7:00 pm in Adams Hall

A Course in Miracles – 7:00 pm via Zoom

Tuesday, November 14

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

MCU Membership Meeting – 6:00 pm in Rooms 001-006

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

Wednesday, November 15 

Madrigal Actors Rehearsal – 6:30 pm in the Sanctuary

Wellspring – 7:00 pm on Zoom

Nominating Committee – 7:00 pm on Zoom

Thursday, November 16

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

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

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

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

Friday, November 17 

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.

What is the Unitarian Universalist Bread Service?

Unitarian Universalists have a very special tradition that takes place in most of our congregations on the Sunday before Thanksgiving called Bread Communion, Bread Sunday, or Bread Service, depending on the congregation. We invite everyone to bring bread or baking that has special meaning for you. It could come from your ethnic or racial background, a special recipe, a family tradition, or even a bread or baking that you and/or your family really enjoy. It could be home baking, it could be from your favorite bakery, and if that’s Schnucks or Dierbergs, great!  

Eliot Chapel also has a particular spin on our service, introduced by Minister Emeritus Rev. John Robinson, of wearing clothing that is from your tradition or ethnicity. Some people do, some don’t. It’s completely up to you.  

During the service, we invite you to bring your food forward and say just a few words about why it’s special for you. You leave your baking at the front and then after the service, we enjoy what everyone brought during Coffee Hour.  

You do not need to be a member to participate. It could be your first Sunday if you’ve been wanting to check us out. Our table is always open and we will be happy to welcome you.  

If you are joining us online and want to participate, please send us what you would have read in the service if you were here, maximum 40 words, to ktaves@eliotchapel.org with “Bread Sunday” in the subject line. 

It is also a very full service. Plan to come early to get a seat in the sanctuary. The service is livestreamed in Adams Hall where we will have overflow seating. 

Eliot's Chalice Choir Is Recruiting!

All children and youth are welcome!

Dates for the first performance:

Rehearsals: January 14, 21, 28 – 9:15-9:45 am

Performance: February 4, 2024 – Prelude for Worship

Dates for the second performance:

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

Performance: March 10, 2024 – 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.

What Is Eliot Chapel Madrigal, Did You Say?

1. It's a festive and fun-filled evening in the Sanctuary, magically transformed into the Grete Hall of Eliot Castle and welcoming you as Royal Guests of Queen Elizabeth I of Tudor England – AND
2. It's a silly comedy written and performed by the Not-Ready-for-Reformation Players (Eliot Members and Friends) – AND
3. It's a concert of beautiful Renaissance and Christmas music sung by the 16 voices of the Greenleaf Singers (originally founded by an Eliot Member 46 years ago and included numerous Eliot Members over the years) – AND
4. It's MORE beautiful Renaissance and Christmas music performed by the Recorders of the St. Louis Madrigal Consort (includes two Eliot Members) – AND
5. It's a GREAT way for you and your family/friends to begin the holiday season – AND
6. Last, but certainly not least, IT'S A FUNDRAISER with ALL proceeds going directly to Eliot Chapel.

PLEASE SUPPORT your beloved Eliot Chapel (not to mention your fellow Eliot Members) by attending this year's Madrigal on November 30, December 1, and December 2.

Floor and Balcony seats are still available; reserve yours today! See the links below or the table in Adams Hall following the service. THANK YOU!

Madrigal Invitation | Madrigal Reservation

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.

Safety at Bergfried

For your safety, we ask that you refrain from visiting Bergfried during the upcoming deer hunting seasons. The main hunting window is Saturday, November 11 through Tuesday, November 21 but there are smaller seasons until the end of the year. We do expect hunters on the property during those intervals. Outside those dates, we recommend wearing a bright color (blaze orange recommended) from now to January 2 as an extra precaution.

Dia de los Muertos Field Trip

Dia de los Muertos is a lively celebration, a time when it is believed that the spirits of the deceased return to visit the living. The traditions are rooted in the customs of the indigenous people of Latin America and are influenced by Spanish culture. Thirteen members and friends of Eliot visited the Dia de los Muertos festival at the Missouri History Museum last Saturday. We had a unique opportunity to learn more about the traditions related to the altars (ofrendas) from our guide, Maria Yaksic, who grew up in Bolivia.

The ofrendas include the four elements: water, wind, earth and fire, and they typically have three levels representing heaven, earth and the underworld. Water in a pitcher allows the spirits to quench their thirst. Papel picado represents the wind. Earth is represented by food, especially by bread. Candles, and many times marigolds, are often arranged to help the spirits find their way. 

Typically the ofrendas are dedicated to family members or close friends. Maria's ofrenda (pictured) was for La Pachamama, Mother Earth, to highlight the changes that climate change has caused in the Andes region. In Bolivia, the water level in the famous Lake Titicaca has decreased dramatically, threatening the survival of floating islands built and inhabited by the indigenous people for thousands of years.

Traditional dances, Latin music and food, and make-and-take crafts were among the other things our group enjoyed at the festival. 

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. 

Help Needed

Help is needed for an Eliot friend's family; our friend and DACA recipient, Areli Reyes, seeks our help for her grandfather. He recently moved to St. Louis after receiving an immigration visa. He has limited mobility, so Areli has asked our help in acquiring some medical equipment to keep him safe.  

Areli has requested:

• gently used wheelchair
• toilet safety chair
• adjustable overbed table
• shower chair
• twin or full size bed (ideally with wheels, but not essential  
• gently used clothing for the winter (medium size but small on pants)

Please email immigration@eliotchapel.org if you can provide any of these items.

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!

The Eliot Geek Squad to the Rescue – Once Again!  

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 – but they're adding this Sunday, November 12 to their schedule 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 facilitate the series. Longtime members and friends seeking a small group experience are also welcome.

Sunday, November 12, 1:00 pm in the Susan Frederick-Gray Room*

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

*Note the new time and date for this in-person session

Church Offices Closed in Observance of Veterans Day

The Eliot Chapel offices will be closed on Monday, November 13 in observance of the Veterans Day Holiday. The offices will re-open on Tuesday at 10:00 am.

Join us for

Vigil for Hope & Healing

Tuesday, November 14

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 Thursday, November 16. 

Sunday, November 19 – 10:00 am

“Bread Sunday” – Rev. Krista Taves 

Unitarian Universalists have a very special tradition that takes place in most of our congregations on the Sunday before Thanksgiving called Bread Communion, Bread Sunday or Bread Service, depending on the congregation. We invite everyone to bring bread or baking that has special meaning for you. It could come from your ethnic or racial background, a special recipe, a family tradition, or even a bread or baking that you and/or your family really enjoy. It could be home baking, it could be from your favorite bakery and if that’s Schnucks or Dierbiergs, great! You do not need to be a member to participate. It could be your first Sunday if you’ve been wanting to check us out. Our table is always open and we will be happy to welcome you.  

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.