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Inside This Issue

Church & State
-- Rev. Dr. Daniel Ó Connell, Lead Minister

My colleague in Hobart, Indiana, Rev. Roger Brewin has a reminder in his church newsletter about the proper role of the church in electoral politics. I'd like to share some of that with you in this column.

This primary season has seen a few "vote for" buttons sported at services, and some informal pitches during coffee hour on behalf of a couple of candidates. Several of our members have worked, mostly locally, for campaigns. I have shared with those who asked (hardly anybody does) who I was voting for in the primaries, and I have made some personal financial donations to a particular political party, and to various political causes I believe in.

Here's a political opinion of mine: I believe that the Kirkwood April ballot issue regarding the method for charging for trash pick up is pretty clear. From a financial standpoint, it will be cheaper to continue with the current method and accept the price increase - unless you are perhaps in a single person household and don't generate much trash.

Is it "legal" or appropriate for a minister or church to take a political stand like this?

As a tax-exempt organization (we don't pay local taxes on our property or your pledges, and other financial support is tax deductible), we cannot as an organization, endorse or otherwise support one candidate for office over others. The same prohibition is not as strict for ballot issues.

Church members are free to individually express their support or opposition to candidates, and may do so in an organized manner at church, provided that the same opportunity is not denied to the supporters of other candidates. Likewise, candidates or their representatives may speak at church functions, if the same opportunity is open to their opponents.

Ministers may endorse candidates and may explain from the pulpit why they have done so, but should not do so in a manner that equates to instructing members how to vote (not that you'd follow such instructions, anyway!). Ministers and church organizations may urge voter registration, participating in campaigns, and voting itself.

Eliot Chapel truly does have a diversity of political opinion - from socialist to semi-libertarian, and, everything in between. It is fine and good for us each to do our political homework, to wear our heart (and mind) on our sleeve or lapel, as long as we respect the opinions of others, and with the confident knowledge that civic involvement has always been a hallmark of our religion.

Reinventing Lent
-- Susan Maginn, Intern Minister

Even though I was raised in a Catholic family, we were never "Catholic enough" to observe Lent. It is just in recent years that I have been curious about the 40 days of Lent and how could it be of value to non-Christian UUs like myself. Sure, we could just give something up for a few weeks, but I think the whole point of Lent is to cultivate reverence and mindfulness in our lives. Giving up certain foods might cultivate reverence, but we could explicitly cultivate reverence with a new spiritual discipline.

The core of my spiritual life is meditation. At certain points this meditation has been a cornerstone - happening at the same time every day. But in the past year that cornerstone has been replaced by life with a new baby, so I just meditate whenever I can. Sometimes that means I could go a week, which does not feel good. So I am taking this time of Lent to see if I can meditate every day, and it is working! It is not always the same time everyday, but at some point in the day I do manage to sit and breathe and reflect on all that I am grateful for.

Many of us consider the time of Lent to be a time where we give up something. But what if we considered that Lent could be a time to add to our spiritual lives, to celebrate that which we revere. The time of Lent is a time of introspection that is completed with the renewing promise of spring. I invite you to engage in this season by adopting a spiritual practice that could bring you into the spirit of Lent, into a deeper sense of reverence and introspection.

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

Over the last several newsletters, I have had a lot to say about this year's pledge campaign, but have not yet explained how it will be carried out. So here are the details.

Sun., Mar. 21 will be Pledge Sunday. We will all have a chance to make our pledges at either Sunday service. On Sun., Mar. 28, there will be another chance to pledge. Between Mar. 29 and Apr. 15 (I think something else important happens on April 15, but I'm not remembering what it is) everyone who has not yet pledged will be contacted either in person or by phone. We will wrap up the pledge campaign and announce the results on Sun., Apr. 18.

Remember the goal for the pledge campaign is $445,000, a 10% increase over current pledges, and a stretch for us. But as I said before, this campaign will be successful if each of us makes a pledge based upon our capability and how much we value Eliot Chapel.

Welcome, New Members
-- -- Claire Robertson, People Committee Chair

We welcome to membership Catherine and Andy Burgess, who signed the membership book on Dec.14; Debbie Bast, who signed on Jan. 2; and Lisa and Tom Hollander, who signed on Jan. 4. We're delighted that you've joined Eliot Chapel!

Our Sympathy

To Judy Glasscock on the death of her sister.

Cameron Youth Orchestra Collection
-- Social Action Committee

Thanks to all of you who contributed to the special collection on Human Justice Sunday. We raised $1,315 in support of their continued musical training and performance.

Answers Revealed

On Sunday, Feb. 29, Leap Day, those attending services were challenged to a pop quiz in which they were to come up with things they could do in the next four years that would have an impact on their life, their family, or the world. Here is a sampling of the answers:

Your Life
Learn to play the piano. Stop procrastinating! Become a volunteer in a way that will help a child. Live the Golden Rule as my personal mantra. Get some sleep! Meditate regularly. Practice more music! Retire. Be punctual. Pay attention to the now: who I am with, what I am about to do. Spend more time painting. Accept the inevitable: aging. Climb Mt. Washington. Find a new job - and a nice boss. Run three miles, again. Become comfortable with not knowing all - or any - of the answers. Peace with my sister. Learn sign language. Finish my degree. Write an apology to someone I've hurt in the past. Learn to tap dance. Become good friends with at least one person who lives near me.

Your Family
Organize and document my family's photos and history. Lose weight so when I play with my kids my knees won't creak or give out! Help the younger grandchildren become good, liberal thinkers. Get a raise. Teach my children values. Save enough money to buy a piano. Have a child with my new wife. Keep a positive outlook. Get the children involved in volunteer work. A paradox: be there, but stay out of their way. Welcome my aging parents into my home. Mend my relationship with my daughter.

The World
Encourage others to live their dreams. Recycle more. Vote Democratic. Think globally; act locally. Get involved with a litter pick-up crew. Volunteer more. Help raise money for orphanages in China. Put George Bush into retirement. Take the high road more often. Model a life that exemplifies the Golden Rule. Become a more active voice in the preservation of the world's resources. Contribute more to worthwhile charities. Learn to articulate my UU faith. Do daily random acts of kindness. Smile more. Return to volunteer counseling for people affected by AIDS/HIV. Purchase two hybrid cars to replace our combustion engine cars. Elect a Republican President, congressman, senator, and MO governor. I just moved - involve myself in the history and preservation of my new community. Finally sign up to teach RE. Give foster care to puppies in the Support Dogs program. Volunteer outside my comfort zone.

Eliot Chapel Community Garden

Attention green (& non-green) thumbs! Spring is here and it is time to think of planting! Due to last year's bountiful success, we plan to expand from just veggies to include flowers and herbs. If you have an interest in gardening, here is your chance to help feed and beautify Eliot and the community. We will have a planning meeting Mar.14, 12:00 noon at Eliot in the Children's Chapel. Bring your ideas. If you have any questions, please contact Tracey Howe-Koch.

Performers and Crew Needed

Eliot's Coffee House returns on Mar. 20 at 8:00 p.m. If you are a performer, now is the time to sign up to perform. We also need help to convert the sanctuary to the Coffee House and to clean up afterwards. Sign up sheets for both performers and crew are on the Bulletin Board in Adams Hall. Questions? Contact Dave Snetsinger or Kathy Laufersweiler.

Work Party

Please save Sat. morning, Mar. 27, beginning at 8:30 a.m. for Eliot's spring work party. Skilled and unskilled labor is needed for indoor and outdoor projects. We will be tackling only small projects this spring. So don't worry about your chain saw, backhoe, or scaffold-scaling skills. It's a fun time and a good chance to get to know others whom you might not meet during your usual activities.

Our Thanks to Judy
-- Bill Clarke

Next time you see Judy Evans, Program Coordinator for Eliot Chapel's Room At The Inn program for the last 11 years, stop her and thank her for all she did for those in the community that needed our help. Judy has tirelessly given of her time and energy to make the program at Eliot Chapel one of the most successful in St. Louis.

Yes, Judy had many dedicated volunteers help her over the years, many also devoting substantial parts of their lives to helping others. But Judy has been the ultimate leader and 11 years ago was responsible for leading the Eliot Chapel Board and members into establishing one of our largest and longest volunteer efforts. Having served on the Board at the time Judy introduced Eliot to the program, I can remember the vision, thoughtfulness and dedication she projected as she convinced us to participate.

We all owe Judy a big thank you for giving us the opportunity to participate in such a worthwhile program. Joan and I will work hard to fill the shoes she has left for us to walk in and truly admire all she has done.

Finally, in the words of Judy - "Volunteer, volunteer, volunteer!!" We can always use more help. Please sign up on the bulletin boards next to Adams Hall for RATI hosting, cooking, laundering, and driving and follow in Judy's footsteps of caring and helping others.

Raising a UU Child

We will be discussing how to talk to your children about Easter, and other holidays, with a UU perspective. There will be an informal panel of parents with older children sharing how they have dealt with the topic, both at home, and with friends and family. Our next meeting will be Sun., Mar. 14, 7.00 p.m. at Hilary Babcock's house. See you there!

See You At the Coffee House

It's time for another sip of great entertainment at Eliot's Coffee House on Mar. 20 at 8:00 p.m. Traditionally this evening presents a fine potpourri of instrumentalists, singers, dancers, comedians, and other entertainers. Bring you own drinks if you like, but some drinks and snacks will be available. Cost is only $5 for a night you will enjoy.

Questions? Contact Dave Snetsinger or Kathy Laufersweiler.

Sacred Choices Discussion

"Protestants and Family Values", the next chapter in our Sacred Choices discussion will be on Mar. 21 at 7:00 pm in room 006. Rev. Barbara Willock, a Presbyterian minister, will meet with us and help in our understanding of Protestant views on the issue. 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.

Future dates for Sacred Choices discussions are April 18, when we will discuss "The Wisdom of Islam," and May 16, when the discussion will feature "Lessons from Native Religions."

It's Magic Time

The Spring Parade of Magic is at Reim Theater in the Kirkwood Community Center, on Mar. 27 at 1:30 p.m. The FUN Committee has discount tickets available. Children's tickets are $4 and adults' are $6. Get your family together with other Eliot families and enjoy a fine family show featuring six top St. Louis professional magicians. Can't make that first show? There is a second at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets will be available in Adams Hall after services on Mar. 14 and 21, or by contacting Dave Snetsinger.

Seder Dinner
-- Larry Ross for the Seder Dinner Committee

The festival of Passover is celebrated by the Seder (Say'der) Dinner that is on Apr. 4 at 5:30 p.m. in Adams Hall. Join us to celebrate the escape from slavery and the Exodus. This will be told by reading the Haggadah, an ancient blueprint for the dinner. Hebrew scholars tell us that there were 3,000 Haggadahs written in various languages since the eighth century. Historically, Passover began as a celebration of the liberation of the Jews from slavery, but it has become symbolic for people everywhere to move towards freedom. Please sign up on the bulletin board. We look forward to seeing you then. Shalom havayreem (Peace friends.)

Branches of Unitarian Universalism

Have you taken the "Roots of UUism" course and want to know what's next? Here is it!

What is the free-church tradition and how does Unitarian Universalism fit in? How does the notion of freedom affect your own theology? Our religious perspective often seems on the cutting edge or even in the margins, but the appreciation of free religion has been practiced for centuries. Readings will be assigned for each session (including the first) so you must register in advance.

Join Rev. Bonnie Vegiard and Susan Maginn for six workshops that will explore the difference between orthodox and liberal religion, the concepts of the free pulpit and the free pew, separation of church and state, and the idea of "covenant."

We will meet Wed., Apr. 7, 14, (skip the 21), 28 and May 5, 12, and 19 at 7:00 p.m. Please register with Rev. Bonnie Vegiard by calling (314) 821-0911 or email .

Mark Your Calendar for FUN Events

Sat., Apr. 10, 6:00 p.m. - Mystery Dinner

Sun., Jun. 20 - Annual Picnic and Softball

Date TBA - Summer Float Trip

Sun., Sep. 12, 12:30 p.m. - Road Rally and Picnic in Forest Park

SLAUUC To Sponsor Teach-In/Service Project On Lead

On Sat., Apr. 17, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p. m., the St. Louis Area Unitarian Universalist Council will sponsor a teach-in and service project at Unitarian-founded South Side Day Nursery, 2930 Iowa, in South St. Louis, on the subject of "Getting the Lead Out - The Terrible Toll of Lead Poisoning and What Can Be Done About It."

Participants from the local St. Louis UU Churches will learn about lead via speaker and video in the morning, and in the afternoon do painting (no scraping) and landscaping to address the problem. Safety of the participants will be uppermost. Lunch will be provided by SLAUUC. Eliot Chapel's Social Action Committee endorses this event.

The area around the Nursery, near Jefferson and Gravois, has one of the highest concentrations of environmental lead in the city. High levels of lead in unborn children and those under 6 years old have been responsible for behavior problems, learning disabilities, loss of I.Q. and many physiological problems. Lead-based paint is found not only in pre-1978 housing stock in the inner city, but in suburban areas as well, so the day's program may be relevant to your own home.

This event is an opportunity for meaningful service by families with teenagers (not young children), individuals, or anyone who would enjoy meeting, learning and working with fellow Unitarians from our congregations.

To indicate that you will participate and need lunch, sign up at the table in Adams Hall on Sundays or contact Claire Robertson.

Women's Weekend

Women's Weekend 2004 will be held Apr. 23, 24 and 25 at the Kiwanis Camp Wyman in Eureka, MO. Women's Weekend is a great time to relax, participate in exciting workshops, meet new people, and more. We would love to have you join us; we're confident you'll have a wonderful time!

A registration flyer was distributed with the print edition of this newsletter, or may be picked up in Visitors' Corner in Adams Hall. Registrations are due on April 4.

If you have any questions, please contact Tamara Johnston.

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., Mar. 16 - Patsy Madden and Linda McAffrey, officers of the UU Women's Federation, will speak on the restructuring of the Women's Alliance nationwide. Janie Fowler, Coordinator. There will also be a vote on the 2004-2005 budget.

Tues., Mar. 23 - Kick up your heels! Line dancing with LaVerne Meier. Lorraine Stern, Coordinator.

Timely Tips on Water Conservation

Two fliers, "Help Keep Drinking Water Clean" and "Water Conservation at Home" are available in Visitors' Corner. They are being distributed by the Environmental Task Force of Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice from Chicago and your local Social Action Committee.

Would You Like to Travel to Transylvania?

The UU Partner Church Council organizes trips with other UUs around the country. If you are interested in touring Romania and spending a day or two in our Partner Church village, check on the PC bulletin board for details or contact Sue or Clint Blandford. You can also visit the website at www.uua.org/uupcc.

Religious Education News
-- Joan Casey, RE Director, , and the RE Committee

Spring appears to be right around the corner and the playground is looking mighty inviting again. Parents, please remember that no children, of any age, should be left unattended on the playground. The RE Committee would also like parents to be aware of our Unattended Children Policy, which states:

All children must be supervised by an adult while at Eliot Chapel. Children must be supervised at all times in one of the following manners:

• Participate in a Religious Education class
• Under the direct supervision of their parents
• Under the direct supervision of an adult selected by their parent

Children are not allowed to wander the halls or play on the playground without supervision. This policy was instituted for the safety of our children and to minimize unnecessary disruptions to our RE program.

Looking ahead, our last Family Worship of the year will be held in Adams Hall on Mar. 21 during regular services. For further information about Family Worships and other RE events, please pick up a March copy of REjuvenation!, our RE newsletter. REjuvenation! is passed out in class on the last Sunday of every month and is available outside my office the rest of the month. An abbreviated version can be found on-line as well.

Music Notes
-- Jan Chamberlin, Music Director,

Coming up:

Mar. 14	The Youth Orchestra will play in both services as part of Youth Sunday.
Mar. 21	Preludes will be sung by Inner Voices. Both choirs will sing Swinging with the Saints.

Are Your Meetings Secret?

Seriously, we assume that committees and groups would like to increase, not decrease, participation in their events. This is a friendly reminder that the newsletter goes to over 500 households and is posted on the web site. Order of service announcements are seen by about 300 people. The newsletter, therefore, should be the primary means of announcing Eliot events.

So, please include in your event planning an assignment to send a newsletter article to . Upcoming newsletter deadlines are published on the back page of each printed newsletter and at the bottom of the newsletter page on the web site.

Scrip for Spring

Do you know where your checkbook is? Does it have checks in it? If so, it needs a spring outing. Bring your checkbook to church on Sunday to buy Schnucks, Dierberg's, or Shop N Save scrip. This is an important fundraiser for Eliot, and participation costs you nothing.

Pledge Statements

Pledge statements covering payments received through Sun., Feb. 29, were mailed recently. If you believe you have a balance owing and you did not receive a statement, please notify the office. If you believe a check that you sent is not reflected on your statement, please provide the check number, amount, date issued, and, if known, when the check cleared your bank.

This statement, covering the third quarter of Eliot's fiscal year (July 2003 - June 2004) is being mailed early in preparation for the annual canvass.

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