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Inside This Issue

A Membership Coordinator?
-- Rev. Dr. Daniel Ó Connell, Lead Minister

At some point, we are all newcomers to Eliot Chapel. How do we get "assimilated?" As churches get bigger, the journey from newcomer to old-timer can get harder to navigate.

One consistent message the Program Council has heard over the last year is the difficulty in recruiting volunteers. The nominating committee and board are always looking for people who might want to take a leadership position within Eliot in order to live our mission (worship, education, fellowship, service.) The problem is that those who have been around for a while tend to know each other, not the newer folks. This sets up a typical church problem: leadership gets to be limited to a small group of people who know each other. Newcomers can find it hard to "break-in" to leadership, and old-timers can feel like they're getting burned out.

Another part of membership coordination is getting members assimilated. Our religious education staff says we lose a percentage of families somewhere between year one and year two of their journey with Eliot. Why is that? We don't know.

A third part of the leadership journey is providing satisfying programming for those folks at Eliot who have been around a long time. Most of them have already participated in "New U" and have been in one committee and program or another over the years - what programming can we specifically develop for them?

At a church Eliot's size, there is no single staff person whose main job is to pay attention to the individual spiritual journeys of our members and friends.

For all these reasons, many churches have a Membership Coordinator on staff. That person is usually part-time, well acquainted with Unitarian Universalism and with the idiosyncrasies of their church, and works with Membership and Nominating Committees, along with ministers and staff, on retention of current members and friends.

We estimate a quarter time position to cost about $7,000 per year. We are considering applying for a UU chalice lighter grant to get this position started for Fall 2004, but we'd also like you to consider increasing your pledge to help fund a vision of Eliot Chapel that includes a membership coordinator.

We have a few other things on our "shopping list" for your consideration in advance of the canvass, including increasing resources for our music and worship program, remediation of certain staff salaries, and augmentation of the internship fund, but those items are the subject of future columns.

In the meantime, thank you for all your gifts that make Eliot Chapel possible.

Exciting Things Brewing
-- Susan Maginn, Intern Minister

The Welcoming Congregation committee is thrilled to announce that we have 275 surveys! We are so delightfully overwhelmed by the amount that we are still tabulating. The results will be on the bulletin board (outside Adams Hall) by March.

Thank you to everyone who completed a survey. A special thank you to those who contacted the committee directly - many articulated their support, others expressed their concerns about the mission of the committee. A common question was: "Why are we doing this survey?" The survey was distributed to discover how comfortable our membership is with gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. By knowing this, we will be able to plan events that will educate us and increase our sensitivity.

For example, the committee is hosting a speaker from PROMO to discuss "Same Sex Unions/Legal Status in Missouri" on Thu., Feb. 26 at 7:00 p.m. PROMO is a grassroots membership organization that fights for the privacy rights of all Missourians and focuses most of their efforts on the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

Meacham Park Housing Ministry is organizing workdays on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of April, May and June. We will be landscaping, rehabbing for our low-income neighbors. All skill levels are welcome. If you are interested in joining this worthy effort, please contact Lee Streett.

2004-05 Pledge Campaign
-- Gary Gray, Pledge Campaign Chair

In preparing for this year's pledge campaign, I have been looking over results and materials from the last several campaigns. I want to share some of my initial impressions.

First, our pledges represent about 85% of Eliot Chapel's annual revenues. Over the last five years our annual pledge total has not increased significantly. Total pledges were $400,350 in 1998 and $404,890 in 2003 with some of the years between below these levels.

Second, as the table below shows some of our members and friends (406 pledging units) are able and willing to be very generous in their support.

Third, during last year's campaign, each of us was asked to consider a minimum pledge of $1,200 per year. Of course not everyone has the financial ability to pledge at this level and each of us is only expected to pledge at a level that reflects our ability. However, as the table above shows almost one half of our members and friends were able and willing to pledge $1,200 or more.

Over the next several weeks I will be working with the Board of Trustees and staff to set a goal for this year's pledge campaign. More to come in future newsletters.

Board Briefs
Steven Bain for the Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees is trying something new this year. Each of us is on one of two task forces, one for strategic planning and the other for governance questions. We meet in these task forces separately from our regular Board meetings. Each of our task forces also has members from the congregation.

The Strategic Planning group is working on a process by which we can articulate a vision for Eliot Chapel and then identify goals and actions we can take to realize that vision. In more concrete terms, we are about to burst at the seams through our growth as a congregation, and we need to decide how we meet this challenge. The task force is creating the outline that the Chapel will use to reach decisions. Next church year the congregation will begin that decision-making process.

The Governance group is reviewing Board policies and our church bylaws with an eye to the fact that we set up our system when Eliot was a small to medium church, and now it's a large one. We will present changes to the congregation in early May, for a congregational vote at the May annual meeting.

Finally, one of our members has taken on the huge task of running the Auction scheduled for February 14. Buzz is that the event will be great fun, and there will be many exciting (and surprising) items to bid on. If this is your first chance to attend an Eliot auction, don't miss it.

Searching For Driving Coordinator

Erv Steinberg has been the Driving Coordinator for Room at the Inn since Eliot became involved with the program and now he would like to "retire." For the last few months, Jim Robinson has shared it with Erv. What we need now is for someone to share the job with Jim on an alternating month basis.

The main function of the job is to make sure there are enough drivers to pick up our guests on Thu. afternoon and return them on Fri. morning. While there are many Eliot people who have volunteered to do the actual driving, the Coordinator organizes and schedules them.

Please contact Erv Steinberg or Jim Robinson for more information or to volunteer.

Madrigal Restoration Project
Lydia Hopkins

I am looking for help in restoring four Madrigal banners with paper rubbings done by the Williamses years ago. I have the plan - I need some helpers. If you're interested, please call.

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, play an instrument, do a back flip, or do imitations? Can your cat hum Moon River? We can't wait to hear 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.

Book Fair Accepting Donations Through Feb. 29

Thank you to everyone who has donated items for the Book Fair. If you want or need a receipt for taxes, please leave your name along with the books or stop by at the DuBois Library on Sundays.

Women's Alliance and the Library Committee will accept donations through Sun. Feb. 29. LP records will be accepted Mar. 10 and 11 only. Donated items should be in saleable condition (no mildew or paperbacks with missing covers.) Please, no magazines, periodicals, or outdated textbooks. Items may be left in the DuBois Library any time the building is open. Thank you.

Room At The Inn Volunteers
-- Judy Evans

In appreciation of the many hours that our RATI volunteers devote to the homeless shelter program, we wish to thank those who made the month of January a success. Without all your wonderful help, our Eliot "Inn" would not be possible.

Hosts - Tim Nicholson, Jan Baldenweck, Gary and Pat Gray, Scott Marshall, and David Roundy.
Cooks - Joan Shaffer and Al Nakanishi, Ann Marshall, Sally Groenier, Margaret Gustafson, and Jane Larson.
Drivers - Jim Robinson, Kent Coffel, Bill Erdman, Erv Steinberg, Nancy Hershey, Ann Petlin, and Jean Ann Funk.
Launderers - Barbara Hartmann, June Crowther, Elmer McNulty, Ann Lemon, Stephanie Ackerman, Carol Hoff, Kathie Price, and Ronnie Henderson.

Please continue to volunteer by using the sign up calendar sheets on the bulletin board outside Adams Hall. If you can spend the night at our "Inn", please sign up to Host; we really need more Host volunteers.

Finally, thanks to all who have so graciously helped me during my tenure as Program Coordinator for the past 11+ years. I now pass the torch to the able hands of Bill and Joan Clarke.

A Course In Miracles

Every Monday night at 7:00 p.m. a study group meets in the lower level of Eliot Chapel that focuses on the metaphysical text known as "A Course in Miracles." The course is based on a spiritually enlightening book that focuses on key concepts such as forgiveness, letting go of ego, and man's true reality as a spiritual being. The group meets for an hour and a half. Readings and reflections are the core of the meeting. It is open to everyone. Questions? Contact Corinne Esneault or check out the Course in Miracles website.

Circle Suppers

Stop by Adams Hall on Feb. 15 to sign up for Circle Suppers or contact Sally Groenier by Feb. 20, leaving your name, phone number, email address, whether or not you can host (and for how many), and if you prefer an adults-only group. Circle Supers are a great way for Eliot members and friends to get to know each other while enjoying a casual potluck dinner.

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

Tues., Feb. 24 - Trip to Lewis and Clark State Park Museum in St. Charles. Dottie Brenner, Coordinator. Meet at Eliot at 9:45 a.m. Lunch at Mother-in-Law Inn.

Book Sorting Party

The Library Committee and Women's Alliance have scheduled a Book Sorting and Pricing Party for Sat., Feb. 21, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Please try to come during this time. We have lots of books and need your help!

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.

Town Hall Meeting

Plan to attend the Town Hall meeting on Sun., Feb. 22 at 12:00 noon [Feb. 29 at 12:30pm] when the Strategic Planning Committee hosts a discussion of proposed revisions to the Eliot Mission Statement. [This meeting has been postponed from Feb 22 to Feb 29.]

Eliot Visits

For all people who have been matched with an Eliot member who cannot attend services due to illness or age, or to anyone who is interested in being a visitor, we are having an Eliot Visits planning and check-in meeting Sun., Feb 22 at 12:30 p.m. in the DuBois Library. Please come, let us know how your visitee is doing, and what support we can be providing. Call Rev. Bonnie Vegiard with questions: (314) 821-0911. (This meeting is set slightly later than the Strategic Planning Mission Statement discussion, so you may attend some of that discussion.) [The strategic planning meeting has been postponed from Feb 22 to Feb 29.]

Friends of Music Concert

The 2003/2004 Friends of Music Concerts season continues with a program on Sunday, Feb. 22 at 3:00 p.m. in the sanctuary and will be over at approximately 4:30 p.m. The first half of the concert will consist of: J.S. Bach, Partita no. 3 in E major, Leon Barrett, guitarist, and Antonin Dvorák, Sonatina in G major, Op. 100, Budimir Zvolanek, clarinet and Sue Goldford, piano. After intermission the program will feature diverse vocal works sung by The St. Louis Children's Chamber Choir, Tobin Sparfeld, Director.

The final concert in the 2003/2004 series will take place on Sun., Mar. 21.

Sacred Choices Discussion

The next chapter in our Sacred Choices discussion will be on Feb. 29 at 7:00 p.m. at Eliot Chapel. Rabbi Amy Bigman of Congregation Temple Israel will meet with us and help in our understanding of Jewish views on Judaism and family planning. Interested people who have not participated in previous discussions are welcome to come. Books are available. For more information, contact Jennifer Gaither Ganim or Helen McIntosh. The Sacred Choices discussion on The Wisdom of Islam has been postponed until April 18.

Women's Weekend

This year's Women's Weekend at Camp Wyman, in Eureka, will take place Apr. 23 - 25. We are seeking leaders for workshops to be held Saturday morning and afternoon. If you have a hobby or talent that you would like to share and would be willing to lead a workshop, please complete a Workshop Leader form, available in Visitors Corner. Contact Linda Cummings for further information.

Men's Advance

This year's Men's Advance will begin on Apr. 30, with a pig roast on May 1. The pre-Advance men's social evening will be Sat., Mar 27, beginning promptly at 6:00 p.m., Unitarian Time. This evening of male camaraderie prepares one for the more intense participation in the annual three-day event at Bergfried. We will socialize and order out for pizza, supplying our own beverages.

Religious Education News
-- Joan Casey, RE Director,

Second Semester (optimistically known as Spring Semester) began on Jan. 25. Dates to note are:

• Feb. 28, Sat. - 7:00 p.m. Youth Coffeehouse (all invited)
• Mar. 21, Sun - Family Worship in Adams Hall (runs concurrently with adult service)
• Apr. 4, Sat. - Seder dinner (all invited)
• Apr. 11, Sun. - Easter Intergenerational Services at 9:15 and 11:00 a.m., and 1:00 p.m. (Children K and up attend the adult service with parents. Nursery and childcare available for preschool and younger children.)
• May 9, Sun. - Mother's Day (Flower Communion) Intergenerational Services. (Children K and up attend the adult service with parents. Nursery and childcare available for preschool and younger children.)
• May 30, Sun. - Blessing of the Animals Intergenerational Service at 10:00 a.m. only. (Children K and up attend the adult service with parents. Nursery and childcare available for preschool and younger children.)
• Jun. 13, Sun. - Last Sunday of church year
• Jun. 20, Sun. - Summer services begin with Intergenerational Father's Day Service (Children K and up attend the adult service with parents. Nursery and childcare available for preschool and younger children.)

As always, children K - 5th grade attend the beginning of the adult service with their families on the first Sunday of each month (Mar. 7, Apr. 4, and May 2), with the exception of June. In June, children attend Children's Chapel on Jun. 6 and the beginning of the service on Jun. 13. All other Sundays, unless indicated above, children K - 5th grade begin their morning in Children's Chapel.

Music Notes
-- Jan Chamberlin, Music Director,

Coming up:

Feb. 15	Prelude - Faith Rockenstein sings I Will Survive Interlude - Jan Chamberlin sings If I Loved You Choir 9:15: Set Me As A Seal         10:45: Erés Tu.
Feb. 22	Prelude - Budimir Zvolanek plays Dvorak on clarinet Choirs: A Blessing by Porterfield.

Music Sunday has been postponed until Apr. 25.

Business Directory

We received very few entries for the proposed Eliot Business Directory. We will, therefore, not be publishing a business directory this year. Thank you, to those members and friends who sent their information; we'll try again next fall.

Financial Statements

The Dec. 31, 2003 financial statements are available in the Member/Friend area of the web site, www.eliotchapel.org/Members/memberIndex.htm

Office Closed

The office will be closed Mon., Feb. 16, in observance of Presidents' Day.

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