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Inside This Issue

Bread Sunday Is Coming!
November 21
- Rev. Dr. Daniel Ó Connell, Lead Minister

If you're new to Eliot, Bread Sunday is a long standing tradition dating way back to the 20th century. It's an intergenerational service, which means all ages attend (although we will have child care.) It involves celebrating Thanksgiving. People (like you) bring bread and share it with the congregation. Often the bread reflects the person's ethnic background or has some other association with thanksgiving or the holidays and extended family. Some folks dress up in clothes or costumes that reflect the bread's origin. We sing a special bread hymn, and we actually eat bread and drink cider, right in the sanctuary! It is a great service to bring a friend to because it is so unusual and at the same time it captures some of the essence that is Eliot Chapel.

It's debatable whether Bread Sunday or Christmas Eve is more important in Eliot's calendar. But what's clear is as these services have become more popular, crowding has presented challenges. On the one hand, we don't want to change anything about these traditional services. On the other, we have very real problems of overcrowding and providing adequate access for our less mobile folk.

Last year we added a third service for Bread Sunday. The 1:00 p.m. service time turned out to be too late to really draw enough people to relieve the over-crowding at the first two services.

This year's small changes are another experiment. I would appreciate your comments and suggestions for improvement. We will keep trying until we get it right.

Change #1 - Service times: 9:15, 10:15, and 11:30.
We hope this makes the third service more appealing, but it won't leave much time between services. Parking may be difficult. Please allow extra time, and try to leave the church parking lots for those who might have difficulty walking. It should be pointed out that the 3rd service won't have the time constraints the first two have, and typically the middle service is the most heavily attended. If you want easy parking, the third service is for you.

Change #2 - Bringing Bread:
If you would like to bring bread to share at one of the services, please decide in advance which service you will attend, and call the office at (314) 821-0911 no later than Monday, Nov. 15, to reserve a spot.

People have been good in years past about limiting the time they speak. Last year at the first service we had 21 speak on average for half a minute each.

What's most important about the Bread Communion Service is that we share who we are and the bread we bring: we speak aloud, we sing, we pray, we are blessed. See you Sunday!

Welcome!
- Nancy Rubin, October 3, 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 Nancy Rubin, and I've been pledging my time and resources "officially" to Eliot Chapel for about 7 years now. I am a member of one of several 3-generation families at Eliot. My father, David Macdonald, has been a life-long Unitarian and long-time Eliot member. (He's the one who wears his Scottish kilt on Bread Sunday.) My mother, on the other hand, grew up as a "PK" or "Preacher's Kid" in the Lutheran church. I know my Mom's family considered her to be somewhat of a black sheep for marrying a Unitarian. My oldest sister always identified with the struggle of the child described in the Irish Rover's song, "The Orange and the Green", whose parents were Protestant and Catholic. As young children, we alternated - one year of Sunday school at Eliot, the next at the Missouri Synod Lutheran church. But with my Mom's father, two brothers, brother-in-law, uncles, and cousins all being ministers, the Lutheran church carried more weight. My siblings and I were all confirmed as Lutherans when we reached our teens. I give credit to the Lutheran church for my eventual return to Eliot. In 1972 there was a major ideological schism which took place here in St. Louis at Concordia Seminary. When my Mom chose to switch to a different branch of the Lutheran church, our small town congregation announced the "excommunication" of our family - which I learned about from friends at school. On a more positive note, the west coast University Lutheran church I attended, which was affectionately nicknamed "Luni-U", reminded me a lot of Eliot Chapel with its focus on social justice issues and its openness to diversity.

As an adult, Eliot Chapel appealed to me as a place to challenge myself to learn and grow spiritually, and where I could have a community to rely upon in difficult times, whether they arise for my family or for society in general. I appreciate and benefit from the many capable leaders, articulate speakers, and gifted musicians who call Eliot home. I look forward to getting to know folks throughout the year at some of my family's favorite events including the Secret Pal party, Chili & Games Night, Youth Coffee House, Women's Weekend, and now, a newly formed, Covenant Group.

Welcome to this vibrant community.

Let's Hear It for Gary!
- Bill and Joan Clarke

Gary Miller has stepped up and volunteered to be Driver Co-coordinator with Jim Robinson for Room at the Inn. We thank Gary for seeing the need and giving of his time to help Eliot continue to provide this program for those in need. Gary will be working with Jim Robinson who has been volunteering as a Driver Co-coordinator for the last few years.

Next time you see Gary or Jim thank them for their commitment and even volunteer to help them as drivers for RATI. And, thanks again to Erv Steinberg for 12 years of service.

Our Sympathy

To Donna and Gordon Lewis on the death of Donna's sister, Diane Davis.

To Leo Pierce, on the death of his son, Leo, Jr.

A Course in Miracles

Every Monday night, from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m., a study group which focuses on the metaphysical text known as A Course in Miracles, meets in the lower level of Eliot Chapel. The "Course" is a spiritually enlightening book, which focuses on key concepts such as forgiveness, letting go of ego, and man's true reality as a spiritual being. 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.

Unplugging the Christmas Machine

Cathy Yost, an environmentalist who is also interested in human justice issues, will focus on the idea of moving from consumerism to relationships at Christmas and also discuss ideas for alternative ways of Christmas giving. This program will be on Nov.13 in the Eagle Room (Room 001) from 9:15 - 10:15 a.m. and is sponsored by the Social Action Committee.

YUUth Art Workshops
- Ellen Luckow

Openings still exist for the final two K-12 Youth Art Workshops, scheduled for Sat., Nov. 20, and Sun., Dec. 5, from 1-3 p.m. at Eliot. High school senior Sara Luckow is conducting these workshops as part of her Girl Scout Gold Award project to organize a youth art exhibit at Eliot Chapel in early 2005. If your youngster wants to participate, you may obtain a form from Joan Casey, Religious Education Director, or contact Sara Luckow. Young artists who are unable to attend a workshop but want to contribute an original work of art may do so by dropping off their creations in Joan's office.

Third Annual 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.

Madrigal Dinner
December 2, 3 and 4

Invitations have been extended to the Madrigal Dinner and we hope many lords and ladies will be in attendance. Rehearsals and preparations for the feast are well under way. Please consider volunteering for several hours for a night or two. A sign up board is set up in Adams Hall. Many hands are needed 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 is attending, volunteering or both!

1st Nite for Music
-- Jan Chamberlin, Music Director,

Save the date -- Thu., Dec. 9, from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.! The Eliot Chapel Music Committee invites you, your neighbors, and friends to '1st Nite for Music,' a fundraiser at Plowsharing Crafts, 6271 Delmar, in the University City Loop. Browse for handcrafted items, many one-of-a-kind, while selecting unique gifts for Christmas or any other occasion. Join in caroling and refreshments provided by the members of Eliot's choirs and Music Committee. Our music program will receive up to 20% of total sales made that evening at the store. Plowsharing Crafts offers toys, jewelry, pottery, textiles, clothing, and art objects made by third world craftspeople. Your purchases will benefit both Eliot Chapel music program and the maker of the wares. If you can't attend "1st Nite for Music" you may shop ahead, put your purchase on layaway, and instruct the store to credit Eliot Chapel for the sale. It's not too soon to think about Christmas shopping! Look for our posters and flyers.

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.

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

Tue., Nov. 23 - St. Louis Art Museum Period Furniture Tour with museum docent. Meet at church at 10:30 a.m. Lunch at museum, tour at 1:00 p.m.. Dorothy Brenner, Coordinator.

ELIOT CHAPEL "50/50" FUNDRAISER

Please see complete rules on the bulletin boards or at the ticket sales table.

Take a chance on a big reward at great odds, and help Eliot Chapel at the same time!

• 150 tickets will be offered for sale at $100 each. Tickets will be sold on a first come, first served basis, for cash or check only.
• Tickets may be purchased in Adams Hall after two services on Sundays, Nov. 21, Dec. 5, Dec. 12, and Dec. 19, 2004 as long as unsold tickets are available.
• Four (4) winning tickets will be drawn on Sun., Dec. 19. It is not necessary to be present to win.
• One half (50%) of the amount collected for ticket sales will accrue to Eliot Chapel's Operating Budget, and one half (50%) will be distributed among the winners. If all tickets are sold, the amount to be collected will be $15,000 and the winners, in total, will receive 50% or $7,500. The $7,500 will be distributed as:

• If fewer than 150 tickets are sold, 50% of proceeds collected will be paid to Eliot Chapel's Operating Budget and 50% will be distributed proportionally to the winners.
• Proceeds will be paid by check to the winners approximately one week later than drawing date, and only after receipt of the winner's social security number.

News from Eliot's Partner Church Committee
- Sue Blandford

Our native Hungarian member, Robert Kokenyesi, visited St. Martin and stayed with Rev. Sandor Varga and his wife Edit in September. Robert delivered money raised by our committee (with your support) to fund three projects:

1. A computer and printer with internet and e-mail capabilities ($1,000);
2. An outdoor toilet, built by church members ($600 for materials);
3. A kitchen/serving area, also built by church members ($750 for materials).

In August, St. Martin Church hosted 400 students at a youth conference. These enhancements were used extensively during the conference. You can see photos on the Partner Church Bulletin Board.

We will again have a special collection at our annual Bread Service to provide a loaf of bread each week of the year for about 110 elderly people of the village, who live on meager government pensions.

Lastly, Clint and Sue Blandford are planning travel to Romania in June of 2005. They would love to have some Eliot members join them. You could combine this trip with a visit to other parts of Europe such as Prague, Austria etc. More details will follow in January.

Religious Education News
-- Joan Casey, RE Director,

Parents, just a reminder of how important it is to always sign out your children at the end of the morning, especially when one parent is picking up without the other parent's knowledge. It's also important to be sure at least one of the teachers is aware that you've gotten your child. Some of the classes are large and just waving at the teacher is not enough. We really need to have you sign out so that teachers can be clear who has picked up each child. We appreciate your cooperation.

The Secret Pals party was a smashing success - we had a record 68 pairs of pals participate this year. Special thanks to the people who made the party possible: David Snetsinger for not only reprising his stellar magic act this year, but also for finding and inviting Al the Juggler, a marvelous addition to the party; the party room helpers - Jeff and Zoë Matthews, Matthew Armstrong, Robin Horning, Vivian Antoine, Jordan Berger, Lisa Beck, Karen Schinsky, Bill George and Amy Kruger; the 68 adults who chose their pals; and finally, Anne Meneely of the Special Events Committee, who brought a lot of new ideas and enthusiasm, not to mention plain old elbow grease, to the party.

In other news, children in grades 2 - 6 are asked to submit their Thanksgiving essays no later than Nov. 14 to be read at the Bread Service on Nov. 21. Essays may be given to their teachers or to Joan Casey, or they may be emailed to Joan. Please indicate which service you will be attending: the 9:15, 10:15, or 11:30 a.m. service. We need someone to read his/her essay at each service.

We distributed Christmas Pageant forms during Family Worship on Nov.7. On Dec.12, we will present the Christmas Pageant at both the 9:15 and the 10:45 a.m. services, so be sure to mark that on your calendar. Children from pre-kindergarten through Junior High are encouraged to participate. We would like lots of our youth to participate, so be sure to get the permission forms in by Nov. 28.

Guest at Your Table boxes were also distributed during Family Worship. Children should return their boxes to Children's Chapel on Dec. 19. If you didn't receive either of these, please talk to Joan Casey.

Music Notes
-- Jan Chamberlin, Music Director,

Singers Needed
This year's fall activities have put a strain on our choirs. Now that the elections and baseball are over and we are preparing for holidays, we are hopeful that new singers will join us and old singers will return. Providing music for worship is a valuable and satisfying way to volunteer at Eliot Chapel. It is an accessible way for us to experience artistic expression. But just like voting, you might think choir can continue without you. In reality, EVERY VOICE COUNTS! We do not hold auditions. Teenagers are welcome. They can sing at the 9:15 service and still go to class. We have fun, we grow musically, and we make meaningful music. If you have questions about what we are planning or you want to sing in either choir, please contact me.

Music Workshops, Sat. Nov. 20
Sponsored by St. Louis Area UU Council. Everyone is welcome! Come learn some new things and have some fun! Hear about the new hymnal supplement, play some drums, meet some UUs from Illinois, and other parts of Missouri. For more details see a brochure or contact Gail Rock.

Eliot Coffee House, Sat. Nov. 20, 8:00 p.m.
This is the first of two adult coffee houses this year. It's the finale to the SLAUUC music workshop that day, so we're hoping for a bigger crowd and some guest performers. We already have some debuts scheduled! Come, hear jazz of Holly and Kathleen Mead, folk music by Kathie Price and Rich Heuermann, and original songs by Dale Benz, the Director of Operations at the Sheldon Concert Hall! Inner Voices will be singing, and who knows what else will surprise us! Coffee, brownies, and popcorn are the usual fare. $5 donation at the door. Half price to students, senior citizens and starving artists! Sign up in the hallway to help. Bring your friends. Come in from the cold. Be there or be square!

Coming up:

Nov. 14	Prelude sung by the Greenleaf Singers, 9:15 choir sings A Song of Seasons by Wylder, 10:45 choir sings songs of Islam.
Nov. 21	Nov. 21 - Bread Sunday - Crazy Quilt plays at all three services. At the 9:15 service, Eliot Handbells play the interlude. At the 10:45 and 11:30 services, the choirs will sing the interlude.
Nov. 28	Flo Reaves and Sue Goldford play 3 movements of Schubert's Sonatina in D major. The choirs will not sing in services, but the Chorale will rehearse anyway.

More Parking Available!

We've been advised by the Kirkwood Library that, because they will no longer be open on Sundays, people attending Sunday services at Eliot may use their parking lot on Taylor about ½ block north of Eliot. Just ignore the sign that says, "Library Parking Only, Including Sundays."

Pledge Payments

When you are making a pledge payment and have both a 2004-2005 pledge and a 3-year Stewardship pledge, please indicate, on the check, how you would like the funds applied, or use one of the pledge envelopes that has a space on the flap to indicate how the funds should be divided. If there are no instructions, we have to guess what your intentions are. Thanks for your help!

Thanksgiving Office Hours

The office will be closed on Thu., Nov. 25 and Fri., Nov. 26 for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Newsletter Deadlines

The newsletter will be published 3 more times before the end of the year. So if you have holiday events that need to be publicized, be sure to get the information to . Deadlines are as follows:

Nov. 17	for issue dated Nov. 27 - Dec. 10
Dec. 1	for issue dated Dec. 11 - Dec. 23
Dec. 15	for issue dated Dec 25 - Jan. 14, 2005
Jan. 5	for issue dated Jan. 15 - Jan. 28

THE NEXT NEWSLETTER DEADLINE IS
Noon on Wednesday, November 17, 2004
For the issue dated November 27 to December 10, 2004

Please email articles to:

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