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Inside This Issue

Our Immigrants
-- Rev. Dr. Daniel Ó Connell, Lead Minister

The California legislature will soon be grappling with the issues of immigrants again. This time it will be on whether or not to give driver's licenses to California's portion of the 7 million illegal immigrants in this country. Because so many illegal immigrants drive without a license or insurance, some say this makes our roads more dangerous.

We have so many immigrants because the "land of the free" is enticing, and because various people want to hire workers at a compensation rate that regular citizens won't put up with. Because it is economically so attractive for the immigrants and those who employ them, and because people want to avoid taxes and benefits, there has been little political or law enforcement activity to change anything. Unfortunately, this leads to a permanent underclass and retards technological innovation. Even political conservatives are calling this "voodoo economics." (See The National Review.)

I don't know what will happen in California, but I do know that for a long time, most Unitarian Universalists were immigrants into Unitarian Universalism - that is, they came from another religious tradition they either wholly or partially rejected or moved away from. Nowadays, more people come from no religious tradition, or at least don't have as much religious wounding as used to be the case.

In fact, we have many people at Eliot who hold "dual citizenship" you might say; that is, they are both Jewish and Unitarian ("Jewnitarian") or they are a UU who sits zazen and reads up on Buddhist ideas. Our immigrants come from either another religious tradition or from the secular culture, and our immigrants teach the natives. That is, our immigrants (parents) teach the natives (our UU kids). So for us, teaching "world religions" is the easy part; it's the teaching Unitarian Universalism that's difficult. Imagine you just learned Spanish (as an English-speaking person) and now you're teaching it to young children who are getting Spanish as their first language. Their fluency is dependent on yours.

Rev. Bonnie and Susan Maginn, our intern, are teaching some classes this spring that will help your "fluency" in Unitarian Universalism. Rev. Bonnie is leading a "Branches" class, a continuation of her "Roots" class, which offers serious reading and history. Susan Maginn is leading the Articulating Your Faith class that is a more basic approach to explaining our religion. Being able to clearly speak your beliefs is a great comfort.

What Unites Us?
-- Susan Maginn, Intern Minister

We UUs often think that we are special because we have our own personal theology. Well, you might be surprised that we have more in common than you think. The personal differences get magnified in a UU setting, but what we aren't seeing is that when we are out of our UU home and sitting at the table of the larger religious world, we UUs look pretty similar.

A few days ago I was listening to Rebecca Parker who is president of Starr-King School for the Ministry. She uses the metaphor of a house to describe our UU theology. The foundation is our understanding of the human relationship to God/Ultimate Reality, the walls are how we view the purpose of the church, the roof is our view of salvation, the door is our view of where we are going, the windows are how we relate to our "neighbors," the wind surrounding the house is how we understand spirit. All of these elements are informed by how our movement has evolved. We need only to look at our heritage to see that we have a very particular house. She urges us to know our house, that the only way to maintain our house is to know what it is made of and how old the materials are. When we have this knowledge we are able to know our place at the table of the larger religious world.

Some of you may not think the larger religious world concerns you, but have you ever struggled to explain UUism to someone who has never heard of it? I think we all have. This is the moment that the larger religious world comes to us whether we want it or not. I invite you to join me in exploring these issues in a class called Articulating Your Faith. We will meet on Tuesdays Feb. 3, 10, 24 and Mar. 2.

2004-05 Pledge Campaign
-- Gary Gray

My wife, Patricia, and I first came to Eliot in the mid 1970s and signed the membership book shortly thereafter. We originally came seeking religious education for our children. We stayed for the same reasons many others have eloquently stated: Sunday services were thought provoking, the music was wonderful, there were programs for social action and community service where we could choose to participate, we were accepted as we were and as we believed, and we were free to grow spiritually in the way that was right for us. Eliot soon became our church home.

As we became more involved we realized that supporting Eliot financially, as well as with our time and energy, was very important. We wanted to be sure Eliot remained strong, had the resources to grow and improve the things we loved, and we wanted to insure that Eliot would be there for the benefit of future generations as Eliot has always been for us. This can only happen if Eliot is sound financially. Having our church in a strong financial position does not make any of the good things at Eliot happen, but in the long run it makes them all possible.

I have agreed to lead the pledge campaign for 2004-2005. It is time for all of us to begin thinking about our financial commitment to Eliot for the next church year.

Congratulations to…

Shawn and Anne Cummings, on the birth of their son, Jacob Alexander, born on Jan.10.

Madrigal Pictures
-- Lori Allen

I am looking for pictures of Sr. High youth who volunteered for the Madrigal Dinner to put on the youth website. Digital is preferable, but print is okay. The pictures will be returned after scanning or uploading. Please email Lori. Please include your address so they can be returned. Contact me with any questions. Thank you!

Attention Shutterbugs

The Bergfried Committee is seeking submissions of photographs for the 2005 Bergfried calendar. We are interested in depicting all four seasons. Please attach your name to each photo you submit; we will make every effort to return them. You can drop your pictures off at Eliot in the Bergfried Committee mailbox in the copy room. If you have any questions, please call Kate Magrath or Mark Nissen.

Eliot Youth Orchestra
-- Judy Lindquist

The rehearsal schedule is set for the Eliot Youth Orchestra. Practices will be Feb. 15, 22, and 29 from 12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m. (following church) in the Ram room. There will be a dress rehearsal in the sanctuary on Sun., Mar. 7, also from 12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m. We will be performing prelude and interlude at the services on Mar. 14.

This orchestra is open to all musicians in elementary, middle, and high school. The music will not be difficult. Senior high musicians, please consider participating as mentors for the younger students. Your help would be greatly appreciated!

Please let me know if you are interested in participating (so I can put the folders together) or if you have any questions.

Youth Coffee House

Calling all youth! The sixth annual Youth Coffee House will be held on Feb. 28, at 7:00 p.m. We are now taking sign-ups for youth acts to perform at the coffee house. Can you sing, dance, tell jokes, read a poem, do a back flip, or lip sync? Can your dog recite a Shakespearean sonnet? We can't wait to see him. Sign up on the RE or Senior High bulletin boards today! Deadline for sign-up is Feb. 20. Questions? Contact Scott Elliott, Youth Director at or (314) 821-0911.

RATI - New Program Coordinators!!
-- Judy Evans

Please join me and the Room At The Inn and Social Action Committees in welcoming the new RATI program coordinators, Bill and Joan Clarke. Bill and Joan are long time Eliot members who have served on the Board, many committees, and previously hosted many nights for our Room At The Inn homeless B&B. I'm sure they will prove to be excellent leaders for this important community outreach project.

Please help Bill and Joan by volunteering. Our greatest need right now is for Hosts. To sign up, just put your name on the calendar sheets on the bulletin board in the hallway next to Adams Hall.

It takes an average of 50 Eliot volunteer hours to run our "Inn" each week. The shelter receives funding based on volunteer hours from a grant. Thus, by volunteering you are also helping the shelter raise money to meet their budget. Thanks.

Women's Alliance

The Women's Alliance meets on the first, third, and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 9:30 to 11:45 a.m.

Tues., Feb. 3 - Book Discussion. The Emperor of Ocean Park by Stephen Carter. Leader, Mary Widmer.

Tues., Feb. 17 - Storyteller, Pat Baker. Janie Fowler, Coordinator.

30 Somethings

Come one, come all! 30 Somethings are having their monthly game day. If you are a few years younger than 30 or a few years older than 39, you're welcome to come and have some fun. Bring some food or a drink, and a game you can share. It will be held at Adam Bockhorst's house, 900 Bernice near Tilman Elementary School, on Sat., Feb. 7 at 2:00 p.m. Please let us know if you're coming. Email Sara Losee. Don't forget 30 Somethings will be attending the Maryland Heights Rec Center 80's Trivia Night on Fri., Feb. 27 at 7:00 p.m. The tickets are $12 dollars per person and include snacks and beverage. The deadline for reservations is Feb. 3.

Adult Education and Enrichment - Southeast Asia: Then and Now

Please join us for a fascinating free Adult Education and Enrichment program to be anchored by our own Clint Blandford, who has visited the area both in the 70s and recently. During his summer 2003 trip, Clint served as an election observer in Cambodia and has brought back interesting observations on development in that part of the world. We would like to invite others who have traveled in Southeast Asia to join Clint in this presentation. Anyone with interesting stories or mementos, who is so inclined, may contact Jane Larson, or just show up! Sun., Feb. 8 at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary at Eliot Chapel.

New "U"

New "U" sessions explain Unitarian Universalism and the meaning of Eliot Chapel for you. Ministers, laity, and class share thoughts and information; your questions create a part of the experience. New "U" is particularly interesting and helpful to those who may seek more involvement and membership in Eliot Chapel. Advance registration is required; if childcare is needed, please so indicate at least two weeks in advance.

Next New "U" classes:
Sun., Feb. 15, 22, 29, and Mar. 7 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Wed., Apr. 21, 28, May 5 and 7* from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

*Newcomer potluck dinner

Heart & Hand Auction

You are invited to celebrate Valentine's Day with your sweetheart at Eliot Chapel's Heart & Hand Auction. The evening will include both a silent auction and a live auction, as well as a special "Balloon Pop" raffle. Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will be served throughout the evening. The Jonathan Whiting Trio will perform live jazz music. The evening will be both elegant and exciting. Don't miss this opportunity to lend a helping hand to raise funds for Eliot Chapel. Tickets are on sale after services or via the auction web page.

Partner Church Trivia Night
-- Sue Blandford

The Partner Church Trivia FUNdraiser is Sat., Feb. 21. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and trivia starts at 7:00 p.m. Tickets will go on sale for $10 per person after both services on Feb. 1. You can organize a whole table of 8 people or just buy a single ticket and we will seat you with others. Last year we sold out so don't wait too long. The emphasis is on FUN. Proceeds benefit our partner church, St. Martin, in Transylvania. You can reserve a bottle or two of Bull's Blood Hungarian wine for Trivia Night and taste it when you buy your tickets.

Scrip News

Bruce Mackenzie has retired from managing the scrip sale program. Thanks to Bruce for many months of service - and some witty newsletter articles during his tenure. Pat Krull (ably assisted by Jerry) has taken on this role. Please stop by the scrip table on Sunday to congratulate (?) Pat on her new responsibilities - and bring your checkbook...

Dierberg's is switching to a gift card system, similar to Schnucks. The cards can be used multiple times, retaining a balance; this avoids the issue of change. Available denominations will be $25 and $100.

Finally, Valentine's Day is around the corner. If you're a last-minute shopper who always picks up the obligatory flowers and/or candy at the grocery store en route to visiting your loved one(s), don't procrastinate - buy Schnucks, Dierberg's, or Shop & Save scrip now to use for your purchases, and help Eliot Chapel as you ... Share the Love.

Religious Education News
-- Joan Casey, RE Director,

Plan to attend the Family Potluck on Fri., Feb. 6, beginning at 5:45 p.m. After dinner we'll have a social time for children while parents join in discussion with Rev. Bonnie Vegiard and some RE committee members. The evening should be over by 8:00 p.m. If your last name begins with A-G bring an entree; H-M bring a salad or veggies; N-R bring dessert; S-U bring an appetizer (or dessert); and V-Z bring juice or soda.

On Sun., Feb. 8, we will have our third Family Worship of the church year with Reverend Bonnie Vegiard in Adams Hall. It will run concurrently with both the adult services in the sanctuary. Families are encouraged to attend together, although parents who do not wish to come as a family may drop off their children with designated teachers. Children Pre-K and 1st grade should be dropped off in the Pre-K room and children 2nd through 5th grade should be dropped off in the 4th grade room. Of course, we hope most of you will come as a family.

We also would like to thank all of the dedicated First Semester teachers who have just completed their teaching and to welcome all of the incoming Second Semester teachers. We can't have the vibrant RE program we want without our marvelous volunteers. Thanks to all of you!

Music Notes
-- Jan Chamberlin, Music Director,

Coming up:

Feb. 1	Preludes will be played on piano by Holly Mead. 9:15 choir sings The Road Not Taken by Thompson. 10:45 choir sings Two Little Birds by Bob Marley.
Feb. 8	Feb. 8 - Susan Maginn will play recorded Hip Hop music. 9:15 choir will sing Healing Waters by Harding. 10:45 choir will sing This Little Light of Mine.

Free concert of folk-rock music presented by Ken Denson on Sat., Jan. 31 at 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. All are invited.

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