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Inside This Issue

Saying "Hi!"
- Rev. Bonnie Vegiard, Program Minister

As I race around Eliot's halls or wind my way through coffee hour on a Sunday, I get lots of "Hi's" and "Good morning's" from all of you. Now that I've been here a couple of years, I do know many, many folks by name. It's really nice to have a sense of who you are, and to have you say "hi!"

There is still the complication, however, of my visual disability. While I know your names when I have a chance to stop and get a good look at you, most of the time I don't get that good a look. I can often only recognize people when they are quite close -- not more than 2 or 3 feet away, and even then some of the details that distinguish you from someone else of your general height and shape sometimes don't come through clearly to me.

My particular visual disability is one that leaves me with a lot of vision in terms of getting around -- I can walk around without aid, I know the building well enough not to trip over steps. In fact, I have normal peripheral vision. It's my central vision that has been affected by Macular Degeneration. So while I look like I have more or less normal vision, the reality is that I can't see details, such as print or faces, very well at all. Most people don't even notice until I preach, and they may or may not notice how closely I have to look at my notes, or how large those notes are.

I'm having the most difficult time in children's chapel. The kids generally know about my vision, as I've had a chance to explain it to them on multiple occasions. However, because I have lots of peripheral vision, I tend to look at people with that side vision. That means when I'm talking to the kids, I look over their shoulders instead of right at them. I can't help this. I never know where my eyes are pointed! It has been confusing for the kids, even when they know about my vision.

So, if you say "hi" to me on Sundays, I may or may not have any idea of who you are. If you don't say anything, I'll likely just pass on by, knowing that someone is standing there, but not know that its you! I apologize for the seeming rudeness of this.

All in all, I do appreciate your greetings on Sunday or whenever you may happen to see me. I like having so many folks who know me and whom I know as well. And I'm very comfortable talking about my disability, if you have any questions.

So, for all the people I've passed by without greeting, I'm sending you a big
"HI!"

Commitment
- Larry Ross, Stewardship Committee Chair

Our strength as a congregation grows as our commitment to our goals and to one another increases. Each of us may have a different reason for being at Eliot, as we are diverse in our beliefs. The glue that binds us together, however, is our principles and purpose. Our commitment to the programs we offer is made possible by your generous support. Our values and commitment make Eliot strong.

Could You Use Some Extra Cash?

We'll be selling 150 raffle tickets at $100 each (total $15,000) and giving away half; the other half goes to Eliot's operating budget. You can't beat those odds, and your raffle ticket purchase helps Eliot Chapel. Sales start Nov. 21 after services. The drawing will be Dec. 19. Watch for details on Eliot's upcoming "50/50 raffle" in the next newsletter.

Welcome!
- Michael Getty, October 10, 2004

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.

My name is Michael Getty, and my husband Brian and I became members of Eliot Chapel in July. We were called to Eliot last spring by the passionate embrace of equality for gay and lesbian couples undertaken by Reverend Daniel O'Connell and, then, intern minister Susan Maginn.

When we arrived, we found Eliot to be a place deeply committed to supporting the difficult work of staking out a religious center in our lives, in the face of a rising tide of intolerance in our country. We found in Eliot Chapel a refuge, a place of earnest spiritual work, and a community that strengthens our faith in the goodness of people around us.

For myself, I found in Eliot Chapel something I never expected and didn't even know I was looking for: a place where I can't run from my feelings, a place whose ministry cuts through the distractions and excuses I build up around the part of me that grieves for the injustices of the world, and aches for a connection to something powerful and transcendent.

If you're a visitor or are returning to Eliot after being away, we hope you'll stay and chat and learn about the deep well of spiritual resources you will find here. And if you carry a blue visitor's mug, there's a good chance we'll chat you up and tell you all about them ourselves.

Thanks, Erv!!
- Bill and Joan Clarke

The time has come again to thank one of the founders of the Eliot Room At The Inn program for his years of dedication and commitment. Erv Steinberg has asked to be relieved of his duties as a Driver Coordinator. For over 12 years, Erv has arranged for the Eliot volunteers to pick up our RATI guests from the Bridgeton day site on Thursday evening and then return them to the day site on Friday morning.

Erv has worked out a system to make sure that the RATI driving coordinator's job goes smoothly. Early in the week he contacts a couple of drivers from the list of about 20 volunteers and confirms that they will be able to drive. Then on Thursday afternoon he talks with the Bridgeton people to find out our number of guests to be sure he has the right number of drivers. Then he calls Jane Larson, the Cook Coordinator, and gives her the number of guests so she can arrange for the right amount of food.

Erv has been tireless in seeing that Eliot drivers have lived up to their commitment, and he has volunteered to drive more times than we could count in those 12 years. His organization and reliability will be missed. But don't fear; he has volunteered to continue driving once a month.

Next time you see Erv at Eliot be sure to stop him and thank him for the last 12 years of helping us help others.

Now we must look to another Eliot member to step into Erv's shoes as Driver Coordinator. For the last few years Jim Robinson has co-coordinated with Erv every other month. Erv has set up a system and identified volunteer help, we just need a person to make the calls and coordinate activities every other month. We must find a replacement before December 1st.

Room at the Inn needs you to continue to help our guests. Please check your volunteer commitments and call us to help in this effort.

Don't Miss Your Chance!

If you've been thinking about doing a Welcome, there are only two dates open:
Nov. 7 and Dec. 26 (one service at 10:00 a.m., Khleber VanZandt leading)

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

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.

Friends of Music Concert

Friends of Music continues its 2004-2005 season on Nov. 7 at 3:00 p.m. at Eliot Chapel. The first half of the program will have music with a Japanese flavor for violin and harp and for violin and piano. After intermission the program will conclude with Johannes Brahms' powerful and dramatic Trio in C minor, Op. 100.

For further information contact Kathi or Jeff Kurtzman at .

ADHD and the Family

In an event co-sponsored by the Family Support committee and the Adult E & E group, 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.

Turning Off the Christmas Machine

Cathy Yost, an environmentalist and Director of New Members and Lay Ministry at the First Presbyterian Church in Kirkwood, will focus on the idea of moving from consumerism to relationships and discuss ideas for alternatives for Christmas giving. Her environmental concerns include overpopulation/consumption, voluntary simplicity, and the relationship between a healthier earth and healthier humans. This program, the second in a series on environmental issues sponsored by the Social Action Committee, will be on Nov. 14 in the Room 001 from 9:15 - 10:15 a.m.

Welcoming Congregation Workshop

The Welcoming Congregation Forum held its second in a series of workshops designed to provide an introspective and interactive educational journey into the issues surrounding the lives of bisexual, gay, lesbian, and/or transgender people. On Oct. 12, participants examined how, when, and in what context they first learned about people of their own or other sexual orientation, or gender identification. The workshops provide a safe environment for the exchange of ideas, feelings and knowledge. Self-discovery and introspection is an important component of the workshop series.

Please join us in the journey of exploration at the next workshop titled "The Common Elements of Oppression," on Sun., Nov. 14, in Adams Hall from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. To request child-care, please contact Lynn Murphy by Sun., Oct. 31. The planning meetings for the Welcoming Congregation Forum are held the second Thursday of the month from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. in Adams Hall and are open to all.

Attention YUUth Artists
- Ellen Luckow

As part of her Senior Girl Scout Gold Award project to organize a youth art show for Eliot, Sara Luckow is holding art workshops for children and teens enrolled in the RE program. The final two workshops will be held on Sat., Nov. 20 and Sun., Dec. 5. You may register your youngsters by signing up in Adams Hall (near the donut table); obtaining a form from Joan Casey, Religious Education Director; or contact Sara. If your child is unable to attend a workshop but would still like to submit a piece of artwork, please contact Sara. 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, poster paints or watercolors, glue, paintbrushes, colored cardboard, and matting.

SLAUUC Day of Music

Eliot Chapel will host the SLAUUC Day of Music on Nov. 20. Dr. Leon Burke, Chair of the UUA Hymnbook Commission and our Choir Director, will be the keynote speaker. This will be a day of fellowship, food, and music for singers, musicians, and UUs who appreciate music. Registration forms will be available soon. The schedule includes meditation, worship, keynote speaker, lunch, and workshops. Anyone interested in presenting a topic for a workshop can still contact Gail Rock, SLAUUC President at .

Coffeehouse

Eliot has had 16 years of successful coffee houses. Our next coffee house will be on Nov. 20 at 8:00 p.m. This year, we are inviting the other SLAUUC congregations to participate. Here's your chance to "WOW" not only Eliot, but also other UUs from the St. Louis area. So dust off your tap shoes, tune up your guitar, or gather up your group and plan your act. We also need volunteers to set-up, provide snacks, and clean up. Contact Jan Chamberlin at if you would like to be a part of the coffee house. Jan must be contacted by Nov. 6 if you are planning to perform. Childcare will be provided.

Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving dinner will again be served in Adams Hall on Thanksgiving Day, Thu., Nov. 25. All are invited to participate by bringing a dish (if you can) and your favorite game. Last year's event was very well attended and a great time was had by all. We will be setting up and playing games at 4:00 p.m. Dinner will be served at 5:00 p.m. A sign-up sheet will be available outside Adams Hall the beginning of Nov., or you can contact Mike and Vivian Antoine.

The Madrigal is Coming!

Mark the dates: Dec. 2, 3, & 4 for Madrigal 2004. The Greenleaf Singers and the Players have been rehearsing and preparations for the feast have begun. Please consider volunteering for several hours one night. A sign up board is set up in Adams Hall. It takes a village to raise funds for the chapel. For more information on volunteering, contact Denise Maue Dreyfus. For those interested in helping with ongoing planning for the event, there will be a Madrigal committee meeting Nov. 14; please contact Lydia Hopkins for more information.

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

Tues., Nov. 16 - 1904 World's Fair St. Louis - video. Dorothy Brenner, Coordinator.

Nursery School

Eliot Chapel Nursery School is now taking registration requests for fall of 2005.

Eliot Chapel Nursery School, founded in 1963 by Eliot Chapel Women's Alliance, is a non-sectarian, not-for-profit nursery school for 2-1/2 through 5 year olds. Their goal is to provide a safe, supporting, and nurturing environment in which children may develop physically, socially, emotionally, and intellectually.

The curriculum is hands-on and experientially based. The staff is charged with recognizing and valuing individual differences and the importance of using developmentally appropriate practices in the classroom.

For more information, call Sally Schoenecker at (314) 821-0982 during school hours.

Religious Education News
-- Joan Casey, RE Director,

The Secret Pals table will be in Adams Hall for the last time on Oct. 31 for any pals who would like a final communication. We hope that everyone had a great time at the party, with special thanks to David Snetsinger for entertaining us again this year with his magic act.

Once we take down the table, our attention will turn to Thanksgiving and the Christmas Pageant. For Thanksgiving, we'll be passing out essay forms. We always have a few students (1st grade and up) read their essays about what they're thankful for and why at the Bread Service on Nov. 21 at 9:15, 10:15 and 11:15 [11:30] a.m. Look for these forms on Oct. 31. In order to be considered for the Bread Service, essays must be turned in by Nov. 14, either in person, or by mail or email.

Christmas Pageant information and registrations will be distributed at the Family Worship on Nov. 7. The Pageant will be on Dec. 12 at both services and will follow the same format as last year. Students 5th grade and up get speaking parts and must be able to perform at both services. Younger children will perform at either the 9:15 or 10:45 a.m. service. Rehearsal for the pageant is on Dec. 11, at various times, depending on roles. Lisa Wilhelms will again be our Pageant Director and Nancy Collis will be our Music Director.

Our Holiday Party will be on Sat., Dec. 11 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. The party runs concurrently with the pageant rehearsal. Children who are in the pageant will have time to participate at the party, and all children, whether in the pageant or not, are invited to attend. We hope that lots of you will be able to attend and have fun making crafts, playing the dreidl game, and snacking.

As you can see, we have several extracurricular activities coming up. We also have a couple of special Sunday mornings coming up. On Nov. 7, we will have another Family Worship in Adams Hall, during both services, for children Pre-kindergarten through 5th grade. Parents who do not want to attend Family Worship may leave their children in the following classrooms:
At 9:15: kids aged Pre-K through 1st grade in Room 105; 2nd through 5th grade in Room 005
At 10:45: kids aged Pre-K through 1st grade in Room 106; 2nd through 5th grade in Room 005

On November 14, we'll have a special Sunday for children Kindergarten through 5th grade when we focus on Ramadan. Plans are still being made, but all children K - 5th should come straight to Children's Chapel that morning. We'll have chapel together and then have special activities in the lower level RE wing. Further information will be available soon.

Questions? Don't hesitate to contact me for more information.

Music Notes
-- Jan Chamberlin, Music Director,

Time To Get Ready For A Coffee House!
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. Information on the Coffee House is on Page 4 [here] . Hopefully we will have audience, volunteers and performers from Rolla, Jeff City, Columbia, Alton, Carbondale, Ellisville and St. Louis. We would like to make home hospitality available for the out-of-towners. Some of these folks may opt to stay over to experience our Bread Sunday the next day. So, this is a call for volunteers. What are you willing to do? Set up, bring snacks, make coffee, perform, be a techie, house a guest? You may sign up in the hallway at Eliot, or contact Jan Chamberlin or Sarah Reutter.

We Can Hear It Now! For anyone who would like some assistance hearing the services, we now have a Personal PA system from the Williams Sound Company! We have four receivers that work like transistor radios. They can be checked out from a greeter/usher or a sound technician before the service. Thanks to the engineering expertise of Cleon Yohe and David Crowley, the new antenna provides interference-free reception. Three cheers for Cleon and Dave! We'll do our best to keep earpieces sanitized, but some may choose to their own earphone to plug in.

Coming up:

Oct. 31	Both choirs sing Do You Hear the People Sing? from Les Miserables.
Nov. 7	Prelude by Pam Triplett. Both choirs sing Banquet Fugue by John Rutter.

Calendars

The Eliot Chapel Library Committee thanks everyone for supporting our calendar sale on Oct. 17 and 24. You may pick up the calendars you ordered on Sun., Oct. 30 in the Du Bois Library after both services. Please bring your yellow copy; if you haven't paid, we'd appreciate your payment at that time.

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