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Inside This Issue

Darkness
- Rev. Bonnie Vegiard, Program Minister

I know the long nights of December can be difficult for us. Just driving home after work now is done in complete darkness. With the drizzle and sleet that often go with it, early evening can be a tense time. Many folks are deeply affected by the lack of sunlight, and find themselves battling gloom or anxiety. One reason to celebrate holidays in December is to take our minds off all that night.

I have a different take, however. I feel that the long nights are a time of regeneration. Nature is telling us that we are supposed to rest and dream. There is something mystical about the still hours of the night. We are invited in to the stillness. The Winter Solstice has always been considered a time of power and mystery.

I picture myself sitting quietly, alone, surrounded by candles and listening to music. I particularly like the Wyndym Hill Winter Solstice series. I think of myself ebbing into the darkness, resting my body, opening my mind to creativity and new life. I hear songs of hope and joy and feel their possibilities within me.

Of course, none of this ever happens. We rebel against nature's invitation with lights and television and activity. After the evening routine, I can barely stay awake past my children's bedtime. There will certainly be no lit candles and quiet music before bedtime! And there's a Board meeting on the night of the Winter Solstice.

Yet, even picturing the darkness, peace, and rest gives me a brief moment of its promise. Putting the music on connects me briefly with the unrealized possibilities. When I have a chance, I'll let the darkness in. I'll come home and light the candles after the Board meeting. I know my mind will buzz rather than renew, but the dream will still be there. The dream always persists against intrusive reality.

I believe those moments of dreaming are vital, even dreaming about rest, peace, hope, creativity that seems ever distant. I am not bitter about the lack of consistency of these qualities in my life. Sometimes I may be disappointed that I can not seem to make more room for sacred moments to break through. But still I have the dream that they will. And, most often, the dream is enough. Darkness is for dreaming.

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 services on Sundays, 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.

Welcome, New Members
-- Claire Robertson, Membership Chair

We welcome to membership in Eliot Chapel: Ellen and Kevin Cowell, and David Rabenau, who signed the membership book on Nov. 21. We're delighted to have you with us!

Welcome!
- Elitta DeArmond, October 24, 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.

I have been giving time and money to Eliot Chapel for a little over two years because it seems that I have landed where I belong. After looking around for a place of community and friendship, where I could explore faith from whatever view that I desired, I found Eliot Chapel. Experiences abound at Eliot. Pick and choose what interest you!

Two years ago I worked in the kitchen at Eliot for the annual Madrigal Dinner, right here in the sanctuary and POOF, the following year, I was promoted to Queen Jane Seymore for the same annual event - scullery maid to queen in just one year! Becoming involved, meeting old and new friends through circle suppers, covenant groups, coffee hour, and many more choices helped me become a part of what I am here for.

I have found this late in life, after being raised Southern Baptist and converting to Catholicism. Then just being a heathen on the lookout! Please do not think I am cutting down any of my past because I am not. The experiences of religion, negative or positive, have helped me become strong in what I feel today.

I wish I had searched years ago and found this when I was busy raising my three best friends. They are grown now and are searching for answers themselves. My devout Baptist mother once asked me about being a Unitarian. "Elitta, do you believe in God?" I answered her with, "Mom, I am not afraid to die." This seemed to satisfy her.

One has to look until the shoe fits, so to speak. I feel I have plenty of room at Eliot to wiggle my toes. Albert Schweitzer said, "There is no higher religion than human service. To work for the common good is the greatest creed." That's how I feel.

Welcome to Eliot Chapel. I hope you find the congregation friendly and accepting. Whether you are here for only today or decide, or have decided, to make Eliot Chapel a more permanent part of your life, "Welcome, we are glad that you are here!"

Got Coffee??
-- Boyd Jones, For the Board of Trustees

If not, you can get it, caffeinated or unleaded, right here at Eliot Chapel, and here's why you should:

• Eliot purchases Fair Trade association-supplied coffees from a locally-owned coffee shop, the Hartford Coffee Company in South St. Louis. By buying your coffee at Eliot, you are not only supporting a small local business enterprise, you are ensuring that the workers who grow the coffee we rely on get a fair price for their products. Fact: While retail prices for Starbucks, Gevalia, and other corporate designer labels continue to rise, the prices paid to growers have actually decreased in the last couple of years. Fair Trade guarantees a per-pound price that may be as much as five times the current prices growers are paid.
• Because certified Fair Trade distributors like the Hartford Coffee Company buy directly through the association instead of through a retailer like Starbucks, they can offer the coffee to consumers at a highly competitive price. In fact, Eliot Chapel can realize significant per-pound profit while charging up to $3.00 per pound less than you will pay for top quality coffees elsewhere
• The coffee you buy at Eliot comes from only top-choice beans imported from Central and South America, and it is roasted right here in the kitchen at the Hartford Coffee Company, scant days before you buy it. You are guaranteed the freshest beans or ground, roasted to perfection. You will NOT find better coffee anywhere in the St. Louis area.

So, buying coffee at Eliot is a triple-win situation. You get great coffee at a reasonable price ($10.00 per pound), Eliot Chapel gets a financial boost, and best of all, you are ensuring that the growers who supply the coffee earn a livable income. Think about it, and look for the table in Adams Hall after either service.

The Partner Church Committee Thanks You

At the Thanksgiving Bread Service the Eliot congregation donated a record $3,421.19 to provide bread for over 100 elderly people from our Partner Church, St. Martin, in the Transylvanian region of Romania. These people can no longer work their fields and live on a meager government pension of a few dollars per month. They are so grateful for our help in providing bread each week of the year. Bless you all for your generosity!

Christmas Bazaar
-- Judy Evans

The Partner Church Committee continues its sale of craft items from Transylvania after both services on Sun., Dec. 12. There will be a variety of items, such as placemats, wall hangings, baby booties, book marks, dish towels and lots more. New this year are hand-carved wooden chalices that can be worn as pendants or used as Christmas tree ornaments. (The proceeds from the sale of the chalices will go towards helping to pay connection fees for a new computer in the village that we helped fund.) Most of these craft items were hand-made by people who live in our Partner Church village of Nyaradszenmarton. One-half of the money collected goes directly to the crafters. The other half goes to their Women's Alliance, who use the money to support elderly villagers, to pay for celebrations/get togethers, travel, etc. Please stop by the craft table and help to support our Partner Church.

I'll See You ...

Join Rev. Daniel Ó Connell and other Eliot card sharks for an evening of poker the third Thursday of each month. The next game will be Thu., Dec. 16 at 7:00 in Adams Hall. If you plan to join the game, please call the office or enter your name on the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board.

Welcoming Congregation

The Welcoming Congregation workshop series will continue Sun., Jan. 9 from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. in Adams hall, with "Gender Socialization and Homophobia." All are welcome. To learn more about the Welcoming Congregation program, visit Welcoming Congregation or watch for future newsletter articles.

Women's Conference

The Women & Religion Committee is a standing committee of the Central Midwest District of the Unitarian Universalist Association. They are sponsoring a conference in Springfield on Jan. 21, 22, and 23. Go to http://www.womenandreligion.org for further information.

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., Dec. 21 - - Christmas Party at Eliot at ll:30 a.m. Irmgard Voss, Chair.

Getting Eliot's Announcements?

A weekly email announcement of what's going on at Eliot Chapel is usually sent out on Thursday. If you have e-mail and are not receiving these announcements, but would like to, please so indicate by emailing with a request to be added to the weekly announcement recipient list. Be in the know!

YUUth Artists

If you were unable to attend one of the art workshops held this fall, but would still like to submit artwork to be displayed in the Eliot YUUth Art Show, you can turn in your masterpiece(s) through Sun., Dec. 12. Organizer Sara Luckow encourages all K-12 youth, especially those in the junior and senior high classes, to show their talents. You may give your finished work to Eliot RE Director Joan Casey, or contact Sara, to make arrangements for submission.

Youth Programs
--Susan Maginn, Youth Director,

The Senior Youth hosted a lock-in Nov.19. There were 14 youth and three adults. A great time was had by all. We planned the topics for our Sunday services in the upcoming months. The youth conducted a beautiful candlelight bread service. And of course, no lock-in would be complete without corny movies and pizza and great conversation until the wee hours.

The Junior Youth group had a social gathering at the Bergers' house in November. It was well attended and lots of fun, as well. We are excited to announce that the Junior Youth group will have a lock-in on Jan. 14! We are encouraging the youth to bring friends to the lock-in. Permission forms can be requested by emailing me.

The Youth Coffeehouse will be on Feb. 5th. Do you sing, read poetry, play an instrument, act, or dance? If you are an old pro or are just developing your talents, we want you to be a part of this performing extravaganza! Children and youth of all ages are encouraged to perform. Sign up on the sheets outside the Senior Youth room (which is across from Joan's office) or on the sheets on the way to Adams Hall before Sun., Jan. 31. Any questions? Please email me.

Religious Education News
-- Joan Casey, RE Director,

The Giving Tree will be set up again Adams Hall from Dec.5 - Dec. 19. We will be helping make Christmas a little brighter for children associated with South Side Day Nursery. To participate in the fun, pluck an ornament or ornaments from the Giving Tree. Written on each ornament is a child's name, age, clothing size and gender. You should buy a gift (in the $20 - $30 range) for the child(ren) you select. Toys, books or clothes are all appreciated. Wrap the gift and return it under the tree using the ornament as the gift tag. Gifts must be put under the tree no later than Sun., Dec. 19; they will be delivered to South Side Day Nursery on Dec. 20. These children are counting on us! Thanks for participating. Contact with any questions.

Teachers are still needed for spring semester. Classes start on Feb. 6 and run until Jun. 12. Teachers work in teams of 3, which means that you lead teach a third of the time, assist a third of the time, and have one third of the Sundays off. Our crackerjack Teacher Support Committee will orient you at Teacher Orientation on Jan. 17 and then - what else - support you the rest of the time. Our Curriculum Committee has prepared curricula for you - grades Kindergarten - 5th grade will focus on world religions first and then finish the year with social justice issues. We have three more slots at 9:15 (2 for Intermediate and 1 for Pre-Kindergarten) and eleven at 10:45 (2 for Intermediate, 4 for K/1st grade, and 5 for 4th/5th grade). Please sign up today by calling or emailing.

Music Notes
-- Jan Chamberlin, Music Director,

Coming up:

Dec. 12	Christmas Pageant - the Chalice Choir will make their debut singing the prelude and interlude.
Dec. 19	Karen Gottschalk will sing the prelude and interlude. Choirs will sing O Yule Full of Gladness with Robin Kraujalis and Bob Howard accompanying on flutes.
Dec. 24	Christmas Eve - Eliot Handbells will perform at the 5:00 p.m. service; at 6:30 and 8:00 p.m. services the Freivogel String Quartet will play and the choirs will sing; and at the 10:00 p.m. service Pam Triplett (soprano) and Bob Herman (English horn) will be featured.

Looking Ahead to the New Year - January will be a big month for our choirs. On Sat., Jan. 22, the Music Committee is sponsoring "A Night at the Opera," a fund raiser for the Chapel. This will be a fun and classy event with guests as well as Eliot talent singing excerpts from their favorite operas. Then, Sun. Jan. 30 is Music Sunday, with special music for the whole service. This is a great time to join the choir!

Christmas Eve Services

This year Christmas Eve services will be at 5:00, 6:30, 8:00 and 10:00 p.m.

Rev. Bonnie Vegiard and Khleber Van Zandt will lead the 5:00 p.m. service. Rev. Dr. Daniel Ó Connell and Susan Maginn will lead the 6:30 and 8:00 p.m. services. Rev. Richard Haynes and Steven Bain will lead the 10:00 p.m. service. [Childcare is available at the first two services only.]

Holiday Office Hours

The office will be closed from Fri., Dec. 24 through Mon., Jan. 3. We will reopen at 8:00 a.m. on Tue., Jan. 4. Please note that the office will be closed on Mon., Jan. 3. This is a change from the announcement in the last newsletter.

Newsletter Holiday Schedule

Please note the following noon deadlines when sending articles:
Dec. 15 for issue dated Dec 25 - Jan. 14, 2005
Jan. 5 for issue dated Jan. 15 - Jan. 28

Holiday Deadline - Orders of Service

The deadline for order of service announcements for Sundays Dec. 19, Dec. 26 and Jan. 2 is noon on Wed., Dec. 15.

Pledge Payments

Operating Fund pledge statements for the second quarter (Sep. - Dec.) of Eliot's fiscal year have just been mailed. These will include all payments received through Sun., Nov. 28. Please review these statements now and, if you have any questions, contact the office with check numbers, amounts, and dates so that any discrepancies can be resolved before year-end.

In January, tax statements, listing all deductible contributions to Eliot during the 2004 calendar year, will be mailed.

The office will be closed between Christmas and New Year's - the last date for checks to be received in order to be posted and reflected on the Dec. 2004 statements is Thu., Dec. 30.

Help!

Please don't sit on the folding tables. They are not designed for that purpose, are getting old, and may collapse. Help us avoid potential injuries…please keep your hindquarters on the chairs.

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