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Inside This Issue

Social Action at Eliot Chapel
- Rev. Dr. Daniel Ó Connell, Lead Minister

Who leads social action at Eliot? Somebody last year made the comment that they thought the ministers had a social action agenda they were "pushing" and pointed to the Welcoming Congregation efforts and the voter registration table.

Just before the presidential election, two esteemed, long-time members at Eliot approached me and asked if they could set up a table in the fellowship hall for voter registration. They wouldn't wear partisan clothing or buttons, but would encourage people to sign up and vote.

I was flattered they asked me. I figured they asked me as a way of letting me know their intentions. It didn't occur to me to ask, "Has this ever been done at Eliot? If not, why not?" Even so, I couldn't imagine saying, "No." Because what kind of minister would I be to try and do that? Voting is part of democracy.

I was surprised to be confronted on this issue by another long-time member of Eliot, whose politics were very different than the two who had set up the voter registration. It was his opinion that it was already too easy to vote, that there was a long history of voter fraud in St Louis county, and that this would politicize Eliot Chapel. People would now start wearing buttons, displaying bumper stickers, and say things aloud (assuming everyone agreed with them.) Our diversity would be gone because the political minority would have their nose rubbed in it all the time, so to speak. That long time member eventually left Eliot over this and because of a perception that Eliot was changing politically.

Did the Lead Minister instigate political change? I hadn't thought of it that way. My job is to say "yes" to people whenever it makes sense. When a group of women approached me wanting to set up a study group on reproductive choice issues, I said, "Yes." They asked what would happen if other folks complained. I said, our aim is to encourage education and dialogue, not squash it.

When asked if I supported the Welcoming Congregation program (which aims to help a congregation become more welcoming to gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans-gender folk), I said, "Yes." I encouraged our intern, at the time, to see if others in the congregation were also interested in this program. That group got off the ground and has been presenting programs for a couple of years now.

I know that some folks at Eliot are not supportive of the Welcoming Congregation program for a variety of reasons. But they have felt good enough about their place in Eliot to let their opinions be known without feeling put upon. We all have different thresholds and tolerances when it comes to social justice work - particularly if it's a social justice action we might not agree with.

I hope that being in a more exploratory mood towards social action will encourage all of us to consider where we stand on various issues, and to try and live out our faith. I suppose I have been at Eliot Chapel long enough now not to make assumptions about the sameness of our views. And I appreciate diversity because it makes me work harder on thinking through my own positions.

On occasion the ministers do take stands or make pronouncements in public or in the newspapers. But the real social justice is discussed and performed by the laity - that is, by people like you!

What Does Social Justice Mean For Eliot Chapel?
- David Roundy

As most of you have read in this newsletter, Eliot Chapel will hold a Town Hall Meeting on Mar. 20 after the second service. While the Town Hall Meeting is open to a range of topics, and time will be available for comments, questions and discussion on other topics, the Board of Trustees has accepted a recommendation from the Constructive Engagement Team to frame this upcoming Town Hall Meeting around the topic of "acting for social justice," one of the key components of our Mission Statement. Attendees are encouraged to consider ahead of time how they wish to see their Eliot community carry out this commitment, and what, if any, limitations they want to place upon our social justice actions. While we don't intend to vote on a particular course of action at the meeting, we do wish to sound out our membership, and begin to set our rudder for this mission statement objective. Please join us for this important discussion. (See Rev. Dr. Daniel Ó Connell's Oct. 17, 2004 sermon, on politics and social action at Eliot Chapel on the web site.)

The Eliot Express: Moving Forward Together
- Larry Ross, Chair of the Stewardship Committee

The canvass theme this year is the Eliot Express. The campaign is about our time, talent, and treasure. As stewards of Eliot, it is our responsibility to support our liberal religious tradition and provide a place of refuge against intolerance, injustice, and ignorance.

Making a commitment to Eliot is personal and reflective. The question usually asked at canvass time is, "How much should I give?" I might answer, "How much of a day can you afford to support?" It costs $1,400 to open the door each day, for the programming we all enjoy.

Although Canvass Sunday is Apr. 10, it might be a good time to reflect on your treasure and, when the time comes, open your door to a canvasser with a welcoming heart. Thank you for listening.

Welcome!
- Jan Erdman, February 20, 2005

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 Jan Erdman and my husband and I have been members of Eliot for about 5 years.

When a Jewish girl from the Chicago suburbs marries a Lutheran boy from a central Illinois farm, life is not boring! Back in those days we couldn't find anyone from either of our faiths to marry us without one of us converting, so we compromised and found a Unitarian minister on the University of Illinois campus to perform the ceremony.

He was a great guy, who really helped us with our families, but he was short and chubby and looked like he drove a beer truck. I don't think either of our parents thought we were REALLY married. Who would have guessed that, more than 25 years later, we would actually join a Unitarian church?

We raised our kids, who are now in college and grad school, celebrating the Jewish holidays and a sort of Famous Barr Christmas; and they have managed to evolved into what appear to be decent human beings. I think life would have been easier if we'd chosen some sort of spiritual community to help us and guide us along the way. But, we are here now and have found a pretty good fit for ourselves.

My husband has musical gifts so the choir is a joy for him. We both are members of covenant groups (separate ones, of course!) and I currently serve on the Eliot Board of Trustees.

Eliot's greatest gift to me has been the opportunity for new friendships with bright, caring, delightful, and energetic people. New friends at this stage of life are a dividend that I treasure.

Bill and I choose to give of our time and money to the Chapel because we think that it is our job as members. With its many programs, turning the key here every week is expensive, I know. But what is inside the door at Eliot is worth every penny.

Three Meals for Under $3!
- Alicia Boelhauf

Think you can't make a difference on mere pocket change? Think again! You can provide a meal-a-month to help support St. Louis families in need. The next time you visit the grocery store, think of the real faces of Hosea House that are going hungry right now: working families who just can't make ends meet, single parents who are struggling to support themselves and their children, grandmothers who are raising their grandchildren on fixed incomes. A nutritious meal for 4-6 can be had for about $3:

• A warm breakfast: a canister of oatmeal and a package of brown sugar
• Chili: a 28 oz. can of crushed tomatoes, two cans kidney beans, a can of corn, and a packet of chili seasoning
• Southwest salad: a 28 oz. can of diced tomatoes, two cans of black beans, a bag of rice, a packet of taco seasoning

Hiking Group

There will be a hike at Hawn State Park on Sat. Mar. 12. Meet at Eliot parking lot at 9:00 a.m. so we can carpool. Bring a lunch and water and dress for the weather. The hike is about 6 miles long.

The next hike will be on Apr.16 to Little Grand Canyon in Illinois, about 2 hours from St. Louis.

For further information, contact Sue Blandford.

Welcoming Congregation Workshop

The Welcoming Congregation invites everyone to attend a workshop on "Religion and Homosexuality" on Sun., Mar. 13 at 6:00 p.m. in Adams Hall. As usual, we will provide refreshments and a provocative discussion. Please join us!

Adult Education & Enrichment: Nine Steps to Becoming a Peacemaker

Sunday, March 13 at 7:00 p.m. Learn to shine your light and become a voice for truth and justice in the world! Dr. Laurel Clark, an ordained minister affiliated with the School of Metaphysics, will present nine universal principals that will help you to become a positive influence and healing presence, whether at home, in the work place, or in the public arena. This program is based on the lives of eight Nobel Peace Laureates, including Jimmy Carter, Mother Teresa, Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., Albert Schweitzer, and their mentor, Mahatma Gandhi.

Eliot Bridge Game

The next open bridge game at Eliot will be Sat., Mar. 19 at 7:00 p.m. Because of the late notice, the deadline for reserving your space has been extended until Thursday before the Saturday game. Please contact Sue Webster by Thu., Mar. 17 at 9:00 p.m. if you plan to play. Singles and couples are welcome. We will be downstairs for this game.

Future games are scheduled for Apr. 23, May 28, and Jun. 25. Mark your calendar.

Men's Advance

Men's Advance Weekend at Bergfried is Apr. 29, 30 and May 1. Plan to attend the annual organizational meeting of the Sensitive New Age Guys which will be on Sat., Apr. 2, from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. in Adams Hall. The Men's Advance Weekend Planning Pizza Workshop is an annual men only social event, basically a party and an excuse to get out of the house to avoid winter cabin fever. At this essentially social event and Texas Hold 'em tournament, we will plan this year's Men's Advance. In preparation, you should watch a few episodes of Red Green on PBS and memorize the prayer. Volunteers are needed for a variety of jobs: ordering the pig, meal preparation, keeping the fires burning, activity leaders, and, most importantly, making the grocery run, which includes getting about 100 pounds of charcoal. As always, the actual workshop activities and participants are kept secret since it is a guy thing, and Sensitive New Age Guys like to think they have secrets worth keeping. A description of the event is on the website along with a locator map for Bergfried.

For this once a year planning meeting, we gather at 6:00 p.m. to determine how much and what kind of pizza to order so arrive on time. The social hour will feature beverages that you have brought yourself. Be prepared to contribute and have a good time with other New Age Guys, as sensitive as you are. Defending the Caveman is in town again this year and it might mean a field trip.

Women's Weekend

Apr. 22 - 24 at Camp Wyman in Eureka. On-line registration is available at Women's Weekend 2005 or use the form included with the paper edition of this newsletter.

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., Mar. 15 - Colleen Valley from Yoga Doc. Wear comfortable clothing; bring a mat, if you have one. Coordinator, Janie Fowler.

Tues., Mar. 22 - Talk on Social Security by Myrna Fichtenbaum of OWL. Coordinator, Janie Fowler

The Eliot Express...... is coming soon

Religious Education News
-- Joan Casey, RE Director,

Canned Foods Needed: The RE Department needs canned foods for our second annual Easter Day canned food hunt. Donations (please, no glass) may be dropped off in Joan Casey's office by March 20. The cans will be donated to a local food pantry after the Easter service. Thank you!

Music Notes
-- Jan Chamberlin, Music Director,

Mick Byrd in Free Concert Mar. 12, 7:00 p.m.: Mick is an award-winning songwriter and accomplished guitarist who is also a high school coach from Vienna, MO. He and his friends will play some original songs that convey the meanings of our UU principles. Young people of all ages are invited for this enjoyable evening. His recordings will be available at the concert. Sponsored by the Music Committee.

Coffee House Mar. 19, 8:00 p.m.: Where do you go to feel the beat? To sway your head and tap your feet? To the Eliot Coffee House! Come hear music, poetry, see old friends, make some new, consume some snacks, and generally have a good time! This is a general fund-raiser for the Chapel sponsored by the Music Committee. Admission is $5 at the door, $2.50 for students, senior citizens and starving artists. Be there or be square!

Coming up:

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