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Inside This Issue

About Our Mission Statement: Where Did It Come From?
-- Boyd Jones for the Board of Trustees

Surveys were conducted last spring before the end of the church year, soliciting suggestions and feedback regarding the key phrases and words that many felt should be included. A Town Hall meeting was held last Feb. 29, during which our proposed statement was unveiled and all comments offered were recorded. We also solicited feedback in multiple newsletter and website articles during this period. The resulting statement represents the thoughts and efforts of all who offered their input to the new Mission Statement, and we appreciate everyone's contributions.

Eliot Chapel, a Unitarian Universalist community, gathers to

Our goal was to capture the key phrases that drive the elucidation of our core vision and values in the days ahead, a process that is ongoing. We sought to emphasize our sense of community, a concept that is pervasive in virtually every aspect of our lives at Eliot Chapel. We sought to stress our purpose in fostering free religion and nurturing our Members' and Friends' spiritual growth, and to emphasize that we believe we must take a strong stand for social justice in our collective words, thoughts, and deeds. We sought to capture these concepts in a short, powerful statement that all can easily identify with, recall, and repeat.

We hope that you will trust us to continue to work to represent the interests and needs of all. Please rest assured that your feedback in the coming days regarding our shared vision and values will be sought - personally, directly, and thoroughly - as we identify, prioritize, and support the institutions within Eliot that are dear to us all.

Questions or concerns? Call me or write me at .

"When Children Are Safe and Loved ...
Everyone Is Safe and Loved."
-- Joan Casey, Religious Education Director

Imagine a world where everyone and every institution - from government to the entertainment industry, big business, and families - put the needs and safety of our children first.

I spent a lovely fall weekend at a workshop that focused on how to welcome children with special needs into our faith communities, and "when children are safe and loved, everyone is safe and loved" was a recurring theme. Interestingly, during the entire weekend the term "special needs" was never defined. After leafing through the reading material, however, it became clear to me that really, every child (and human being) has special needs. Heck, three of the sections listed in the book applied to me (and no, I'm not telling you which three.) It seems to me a congregation must embrace all its families with children if it's going to be responsive to children with special needs. But how can a congregation even begin to do that? It's very simple, really.

During coffee hour, if you see a young mother wrestling a toddler while balancing her cup of coffee, maybe you could step over and lend a hand. Strike up a conversation with a spiky-haired youth. Introduce yourself to a father holding a blue cup. If you see a small child alone in the hallway, stop to locate her parents. Offer to teach second semester when we ask even though you don't have any children in the program. Sign up to be a Secret Pal next year (and thanks to the several non-parents who did just that this year.) For when our children are safe and loved, we'll truly be a welcoming congregation.

To Eliot ....

Thank you so much for all your cards, letters, and conversations in the hall. My mother's memorial service in Stockton, CA on October 3rd was well attended and beautifully done. Bonnie and I are glad we were able to attend, and we appreciate the community ministers, staff, and lay leaders filling in for us on our recent trip. Truly, we feel "ministered to" by you all.

Thanks,
-- Daniel

Welcome, New Members!
-- Claire Robertson, Membership Committee Chair

We welcome to membership in Eliot Chapel: Robin Kraujalis, Charlotte Seigneur, and Janis and David Cox who signed the membership book on Oct. 3.

We're delighted that you have joined Eliot Chapel and we look forward to having you with us.

Board Notes
-- Pat Krull, for the Board of Trustees

The Board meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend. Board Minutes and Quarterly Financial Statements are available on the Members/Friends area of the Eliot Chapel website.

In addition to financial and Board committee reports, key issues at our September meeting included the following:

Jim Lyon of the Bergfried Committee updated the Board on his meeting with a Conservation Department forester regarding the harvesting of trees on the Bergfried property. The harvest is a component of the Bergfried Committee's 10-year forestry plan. The goals of the harvest are: the long-term health of the property, aesthetic values, and profit - but profit only after the long-term health of the property and aesthetic values are assured. The Board agreed to sign the Timber Sale Assistance Agreement from the Conservation Department and to give the Bergfried Committee authority to move forward with the Forestry Division.

The Governance Committee presented the drafts of the Stewardship Council and Community Life Council policies. Discussion centered on the Community Life Council, as proposed, being too all-encompassing, and some thoughts on other directions the committee could take. The Governance Committee will incorporate the Board's suggestions in their next draft.

The Strategic Planning Committee reported they have the new Mission Statement banner ready, but would publicize the new statement again before hanging the banner. Discussion centered on the process of decision making on particular issues by committee rather than by Chapel member vote.

Larry Ross reported on the Jerry King fundraising seminar that he and several other Chapel members attended. The principles learned during the seminar will be applied to this year's canvass.

The nominating committee is still trying to find a Treasurer candidate for the Board as decided in the May congregational meeting.

Join Us For Dessert

Everyone who cares about Eliot Chapel deserves the opportunity to contribute to the thoughts and efforts that will define our future. The Strategic Planning Task Force of the Board of Trustees is sponsoring a week of in-home gatherings to be held in early November. You will be invited to a home nearby to share coffee, dessert, and camaraderie, and you will have the chance to offer your vision and hopes for Eliot Chapel's future.

Hosts/facilitators are now being recruited; you will be contacted by a host in your area soon. Haul out those visionary thinking caps and be prepared!

Welcome!
-- Ted Lau, November 17, 2002

Each Sunday, a member of the Eliot community delivers the Sunday Morning Welcome. They share a personal story about how they came to be at Eliot Chapel, or what is meaningful here for them, or how they are living their faith.

I've been a member of Eliot Chapel since 1990. I confess that I find being a Unitarian Universalist difficult, because it's so full of tensions. (Does anyone else feel perplexed? Your perplexity is welcome here.) For example, one homeless guest at Room At the Inn, comparing us to other churches where she'd stayed, said "I like it here; you don't have to listen to a sermon to get fed." But on another such evening, just as we were all sitting down to dinner, there was an awkward silence from us hosts - relieved finally when one of our guests led the saying of grace. I'm proud about our stand against religious coercion, but I'm dismayed I find it so hard to lead the most humble of religious acts.

Being a UU is full of tensions: One of our previous ministers believed we should not use symbols to represent our denomination, because this could be a barrier to entry for non-members. I like symbols such as the flaming chalice (once I've come to appreciate its history) - but I understand the conflicting roles symbols can play.

Being a UU is full of tensions: This faith tradition asks questions of me but offers no easy answers. This tradition exposes me to opposing perspectives, equally passionate in their appeal. Being a UU calls me to hold these questions open, and to embrace the tensions, sacred and irresolvable. Being a UU calls me to live these questions and tensions in community.

But when I tire of these tensions, as I inevitably do, and want to abandon this difficult faith tradition, God sometimes comes to me and says "HA"!

Come Fill the Market Cart
-- Don Sery

With the lazy, hazy days of summer now behind, the needs at Hosea House are even greater.

We'd like each family to consider a monthly food donation, in the $10-$l2 range, for the cart in Adams Hall. The needs continue to be: canned fruit, vegetables, and pasta, as well as meats; hygiene items; and baby food and supplies. They also need adult and children's winter coats.

Eliot Members and Friends have been donating to Hosea House for the past 10 years. Let's keep up our generous giving; the folks there really appreciate and welcome our participation.

Eliot Needs You!
-- Donna Coble

Do you have a flair for figures? Are you nimble with numbers? Your congregation needs YOU to submit your name as a candidate for Treasurer! At our Annual Meeting this past May, the treasurer position was not filled and we (the 2004-05 Nominating Committee) have been searching for a good candidate ever since.

Some background: The Finance Committee, working in concert with Eliot's executive team and the Board of Trustees, has long provided excellent financial oversight. As in the past, the Treasurer works with these groups to develop budgets and other financial plans and serves as the link to the Board. Though it is an important position, it certainly has ample staff support. In other words, this is not a "job" that requires hands-on work - it requires analysis expertise and good judgment. So, can you contribute a few hours each month to Eliot Chapel?

If you'd like to learn more about this volunteer opportunity, please contact Donna Coble, Nominating Committee chair, or email: .

Eliot Chapel Tours To Start
Docents Needed

Tours of Eliot Chapel are being initiated to help acquaint new and prospective members, as well as guests, with the layout of the buildings so they can find the various activity locations. The tours will also point out Eliot Chapel's distinctive architecture, its Unitarian history, and the people and their activities that take place in it and make Eliot Chapel the unique and interesting place that it is.

Docents are being sought to lead approximately twenty-minute tours after the 9:15 and the 10:45 a.m. services and other times as needed. Individual tour schedules will be flexible to meet the docents' availability.

A suggested tour guide, in written, audio and videotape format, a tour handout, and other excellent background material about Eliot Chapel will be available. This will provide the docents the needed material to successfully lead tours with a minimum research on their part.

Come to an informational meeting for potential docents on Oct. 22 at 7:00 p.m. in Adams Hall. You will probably find out some things about Eliot Chapel that you didn't know. And as a docent, you will also be providing a service to the interesting people you will meet on tours.

Come check it out personally and bring an Eliot friend or your spouse to this meeting to join as a fellow docent. Hey, wine and cheese is being served. Where can you find a better deal then this?

Can't make it then but want to be involved or have questions? Contact Dave Snetsinger or Claire Robinson.

Don't Miss Your Chance!

If you've been thinking about doing a Welcome, there are only a few dates open: October 24, November 7, and December 12 (Christmas Pageant).

Sign up sheets are on the bulletin board between the sanctuary and Adams Hall.

Can You Drive For RATI?
-- Joan Clarke

Room At The Inn is an emergency shelter program where participants spend their days working with social service agencies to find work, homes, and further their education and spend their nights at various churches throughout St. Louis County. Eliot Chapel provides shelter every Thursday night except the fourth Thursday of the month. Part of the volunteer effort is transporting our guests from the day site near St. Charles Rock Road and I-270 to and from Eliot. Drivers pick up guests at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday and bring them to Eliot, and then at 6:30 a.m. on Friday pick them up at Eliot and drive them to the day site. Volunteers can drive either Thursday, or Friday, or both. The trip takes about half an hour, and gives you time to get to know the guests. Drivers hear their appreciation of Eliot's efforts and learn to appreciate our guests' efforts to improve their lives. If you can devote an hour or so to participate in this program, contact Erv Steinberg or Jim Robinson or add your name to the sign up sheet on the bulletin board.

St. Louis Area UU Council (SLAUUC)

SLAUUC provides support and activities for UUs within the St. Louis area. Each church should have two voting directors on the council. We need all of you to participate! All are welcome as we plan events for the 2004-2005 year. The 2006 General Assembly is here in St. Louis. Now is the time for our Council to revitalize to make the event strong and show why St. Louis area is known as part of the great SHOW ME State.

Our next meeting is Oct. 16 at Eliot from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Other upcoming events: Get involved with planning of the Music Celebration on November 20th. Please contact Gail Rock at for further information.

YUUth Artists K-12 Wanted!

Does your child like to draw or paint? Does your youngster or teen want to see her/his work in an art show? If you answered yes, then you'll want to register your K-12 youth for an Eliot YUUth Art Show workshop!

High school senior Sara Luckow, daughter of members Ellen and Verne Luckow, is organizing a youth art show for Eliot Unitarian Chapel, sponsored by the Social Action Committee, as part of her Senior Girl Scout Gold Award (like the Boy Scouts' Eagle). She is offering four fall weekend workshops to be held at Eliot for children and teens enrolled in Eliot's Religious Education program. Workshops will be in the lower level of the RE wing from 1 - 3 p.m. on:

• Sat., Oct 16
• Sat., Oct 30
• Sat., Nov. 20
• Sun., Dec. 5

To register for a workshop, obtain a form from Joan Casey, Religious Education Director, or contact Sara. Each child may attend only one session. Snacks will be provided. Original artwork will be displayed at Eliot in early 2005.

Sara also would appreciate in-kind donations for the workshops and the exhibit from Eliot Members and Friends. Donations may be dropped off in the special box located in Joan's office. Suggestions: leftover art paper; washable art supplies (such as markers, crayons, colored pencils, poster paints, or water colors), glue; brushes; fabric or yarn scraps; scissors; old magazines; and cardboard.

Upcoming Interfaith Project
-- Leslie A. Garvin, MSW, Faith Beyond Walls

On Sun., Oct. 17 from 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. volunteers of all ages are needed to help clean the grounds and plant trees and flowers at Fairgrounds Park (corner of Natural Bridge and Fair).

Refreshments provided. Email Beth Damsgaard-Rodriguez to register.

Jazz Concert

The Social Action Committee and Olive Chapel A.M.E. Church will co-sponsor a benefit to raise funds to assist in the effort to restore Quinette Cemetery. This site, on Big Bend in Kirkwood, was a slave burial ground and is on the National Historic Register. The concert will feature the 17 member Jazz Edge Orchestra and female vocalist at Eliot on Sun., Oct. 17 at 4:00 p.m.

Tickets are $15.00. Students are admitted free. For more information, contact George Davis.

Adult E & E

On Oct. 17, at 7:00 p.m., in the Sanctuary, Adult E & E presents Dale Lankford and John Gamache speaking on "SilverHaired Legislature." Will the Baby Boomers and a rapid increase in the average life span break the bank? This is just one of the issues that compels the SilverHaired Legislature, an organization first begun in Missouri, which studies issues of importance to seniors, writes and tests bills, and promotes them to Missouri State Legislators. Mr. Lankford is a senator representing the St. Louis County District of the SilverHaired Legislature, and Mr. Gamache is the Director of Planning and Development for the Mid-East Missouri Area of the Agency on Aging.

UU Parenting

Do you have questions about raising your child (0-18) within a UU perspective? We are a group of parents helping each other answer the difficult questions our children may ask. Our next meeting will feature a member of the Welcoming Committee providing suggestions on how to talk to our children about Eliot becoming a Welcoming Congregation. It will be Sun., Oct. 17, 7:00 p.m., at the home of Hilary Babcock. Please contact Hilary or Tracey Howe-Koch if you have any questions. See you there!

Calendar Sale

Once again the Library Committee will be offering calendars for sale Oct. 17 and 24 after each service. The calendars for sale are a selection of 2005 calendars from a well-known bookstore. The difference is that you pay no sales tax and 25% goes to your (DuBois and Barbara Nutt) EUC Libraries.

EE - I - EE - I - O!
-- Claire Robertson, Membership Committee Chair

The Membership Committee's "down on the farm" Newcomers' Semi-Potluck Dinner, for new members, New U alums and new friends of the past two years, will take place on Sun., Oct. 17, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in Adams Hall (childcare provided). If we inadvertently missed you with an invitation and you'd like to share the food and fun, please contact Claire Robertson at immediately for details and reservations. Dinners with other themes are planned for Nov. 21, Feb. 20 and Mar. 20.

Environmental Issues

Rick Mace will speak on earth systems and how they maintain life on Oct. 24. His presentation will introduce a miniseries on environmental issues that the Social Action Committee is planning for this church year. We will meet in Room 001 (The Eagle Room) from 9:15 - 10:15 a.m.

Future sessions will include speakers with suggestions for what we can do to be environmentally friendly. Some speakers will be presenting updates on critical issues. The information from the updates may motivate us to be stronger advocates for the environment.

Bulb Sale
-- Lori Allen, 6th Grade RE

Every year the 6th graders at Eliot learn how to put their UU principles to work in daily life through social action. This year, our 6th grade GATE program's social action will include helping the environment. On Oct. 24, after both services, we will have a "Fall Bulb Sale." We will be selling compact fluorescent lights for just $1.50 each - limit 3 per person. Regularly $4.00 or more, these bulbs fit into standard fixtures, but use much less wattage and have a much longer life than regular bulbs. Each 6th grader and GATE partner will be purchasing the bulbs and donating the bulbs for the sale. Proceeds from the sale will be donated by the 6th graders to Sustainable St. Louis.

The Jasper Quartet at Eliot

The Jasper Quartet will perform works of Beethoven and Bach at Eliot on Thu., Oct. 21, at 7:30 p.m. The string quartet, based at the Oberlin Conservatory in Ohio, includes Eliot member J Freivogel plus Evan Few, Sam Quintal and Rachel Henderson. They have appeared at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. and at the Aspen Music Festival. All are welcome and admission is free.

Bergfried Timber Sale

If you would like to learn more about the upcoming timber sale at Bergfried, please come to an informational meeting immediately after the second service on Oct. 24 in Room 001. A representative of the Bergfried Committee will be on hand to answer your questions and listen to your concerns. A forester from the Missouri Dept. of Conservation will handle the selective harvest.

New "U" - Your Questions Answered

Your questions about Unitarian Universalism and the meaning of Eliot Chapel for you will be answered in this introductory class. Ministers, lay members, and you will share thoughts and information. Your questions are an important part of the experience. New "U" is particularly interesting and helpful to those who may seek more involvement and membership in Eliot Chapel.

The first New "U" class is offered on Sat., Nov. 6 from 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (Please note that the Oct. 2 class, announced earlier, was cancelled.) Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Please register in Visitors' Corner or through the office at (314) 821-0911. Childcare may be available if requested two weeks in advance.

This class will also be offered on Jan. 22, and Mar. 5.

ADHD and the Family

In an event co-sponsored by the Family Support committee and Adult E & E, Eliot Member Dr. Anthony Castro will give a talk on ADHD and its effect on families on Sun., Nov. 7 at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. Childcare may be provided if requested prior to Oct. 22.

The Madrigal is coming!

Mark the dates: Dec. 2, 3, & 4 for Madrigal 2004. Please consider volunteering for a couple of hours one night. It takes a village to raise funds for the chapel. The Greenleaf Singers have been rehearsing and the Players are being cast. For those interested in planning the event, there will be two committee meetings at noon on Sun., Oct 17 and Nov 14. For more information contact: Lydia Hopkins. Thank you for your support, whether it be attending or volunteering.

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. in Adams Hall, unless otherwise noted.

Tue., Oct. 19 - Pro Vote. Leader - John Hickey. Coordinator - Jinny Gender

Tues., Oct. 26 - Wagon tour of Shaw Nature Reserve - wildflower viewing. Leader - Lisa Nansteel. Coordinator - Janie Fowler.

Tue., Nov. 2 - Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks. Leader - Ronnie Henderson.

Scrip For The Holidays

If you just don't know what gift to buy for that friendly service worker or helpful employee, or if you need a stocking-stuffer for a hungry college student, consider a … tasteful …gift of scrip. Eliot receives 5% of the face value of each certificate you buy; your gift recipient receives 100% in purchases at Schnucks, Dierberg's, Shop N Save, or Whole Foods.

Note: Typically, we don't order many of the $25 cards, as there is less demand. If you have a big family to buy for and will need many $25 cards, please call the office (with plenty of advance notice) and we'll be happy to accommodate you.

Scrip: Always useful; easy to wrap!

Religious Education News
-- Joan Casey, RE Director,

I hope that all of the Secret Pals, adults and children alike, are having fun receiving and sending gifts and messages this month. I want to remind you that our party is on Fri., Oct. 29, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. It's important that everyone arrive on time for the party, because all of the activities are done in pairs. We don't want anyone to be disappointed!

And fall teachers - don't forget the Teacher Planning Coffee, sponsored by the Teacher Support Committee, on Sun., Oct. 17 from 8:30 - 9:00 a.m. for 9:15 teachers and from 10:00 - 10:30 a.m. for 10:45 teachers. We will meet in Room 001 (lower RE level) and childcare will be in Room 002. This is a great opportunity for teams to get together and plan the rest of the semester, to ask questions about policies and procedures, to brainstorm solutions to class problems, or just to have a cup of coffee and a doughnut. We hope to see all of our teachers there.

Music Notes
-- Jan Chamberlin, Music Director,

Volunteers Needed: From time to time, we need a flute player or other instrumentalists to play with the choirs or for preludes. Sopranos are needed for Chamber Choir and the Chorale. The Children's Chalice Choir has 12 girls singing every Sunday between services, but there's room for more! The folk/bluegrass group that plays on Bread Sunday, Crazy Quilt, is in need of both a mandolin and a fiddle player. Inner Voices, the women's a cappella group will audition interested singers. And, we can still train some more to be sound techies. For any of these opportunities, please contact me.

Coming up:

Oct. 17	Prelude by Inner Voices. Choirs: 9:15 Like a Mighty Stream by Moses Hogan, 10:45 I Am But A Small Voice by Batnag, arr. Roger Whitaker.
Oct. 24	Prelude by Leon Burke on the organ. Choirs: 9:15 Herbstlied (Autumn Song) by Schumann, 10:45 River In Judea arr. Leavitt.

Spring Forward, Fall Back

Daylight Savings Time ends on Sat., Oct. 30. Before you turn in for the night, remember to turn your clocks back one hour.

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