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Inside This Issue

Fighting for the Right to Die
- Rev. Bonnie Vegiard, Program Minister .

I know many of us were appalled by the recent publicity over the dying and death of Terri Schiavo. Every time I heard it mentioned on the news, I felt a deep sense of sadness for the pain of that family. Her spouse, who should have been unequivocally considered the authority in the decision to remove life support, instead had his decisions denied and his grief displayed before the nation for weeks. I am truly sorry for the pain of Terry's parents as well on the loss of their daughter. But the situation showed us very clearly how sometimes our own pain seems so overwhelming that we inflict great pain on others in an attempt to avoid our own.

The medical establishment has for decades been aimed at preserving life at all costs. This was not always the case. In former centuries, death was much more accepted as natural. We've been through a brief time of believing we can fend off death almost indefinitely. I think the tide is turning again, to allow the realization that many people would rather be allowed to die peacefully than preserve life at all costs. Health care is extremely complex, however. It is essential that we prepare ourselves and our families as much as we possible can for whatever the uncertain future might bring. There are no guarantees that our wishes will be followed to the letter, no matter how clear we are. But when clear instructions and preferences are available, the option to choose death with dignity is much more possible now than it was ten or fifteen years ago.

Please consider filling out a living will, and giving it to everyone you can think of: spouses, parents, children, a relative who is a health care proxy, and a copy to Eliot Chapel. All we can do is support someone who is your proxy if the need should arise, but if we know what your directives are, we can do that much more effectively. We have copies of living wills that you may wish to consult.

Ultimately, my sadness for Terri Schiavo's family is for the pain and trauma that the publicity added to what was already an extremely painful situation. I am afraid for them that the publicity and emotions may easily have caused deep emotional scars that might not ever have a chance to heal. I have no idea what their emotional supports may be. I can only pray that they address the scars that are inevitable in the circumstances, and that the rest of us try to take precautions against such pain for our loved ones, whatever the future brings.

General Assembly
- Rev. Dr. Daniel Ó Connell, Lead Minister

Now is the time to register for this year's General Assembly in Fort Worth, TX. It runs from June 23 - 27, a Thursday night through Monday night. It would be great to get some lay leaders to go. This is especially true since GA will be in St. Louis next year (2006) and it would be good for folks to get a sneak peak. I have forms available and info can be found at www.uua.org/ga.

Welcome, New Members
- Claire Robertson, Membership Chair

We welcome to membership in Eliot Chapel: Lee Brower, Georganne Coe, Chris Dumas, and Martin Taveras, all of whom signed the membership book on April 3. So happy to have you with us!

Welcome!
- Hilary Babcock, March 6, 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 Hilary Babcock, and I first came to Eliot Chapel about four years ago, looking for a community with other voices to reinforce our family's values for our children: Jackson and Hannah. My husband Andy is a staunch atheist and he was a little concerned when I announced my plans to find us a church. He was only mildly reassured by my mother's comment that, "You don't even have to believe in God to be a Unitarian." I brought home a little red card that I got in Visitors' Corner that listed the 7 principles of Unitarian Universalism and I read them to him one evening at home: Inherent worth and dignity; justice, equity and compassion; acceptance of others; democratic processes; world community with peace for all; interdependent web. Well, he admitted, most of those were pretty hard to argue with. I came to Eliot by myself for a few months and then, liking what I heard and the people I met, I signed the kids up for RE and became a pledging member of Eliot Chapel. Andy even comes with us now and doesn't mind it too much…or so he says.

I am now serving on the Religious Education committee as chair of the curriculum sub-committee and I helped with the re-structuring of RE into the pillars model we have been using this year. Under this model, the topics covered each week in RE classrooms are the same for all the K- 5th graders, though the individual lessons are geared for each age group. I really enjoyed working with the committee members and with Joan Casey, our RE Director, and Rev. Bonnie to craft this curriculum; I hope you and your children have enjoyed it this year. I became involved in RE because teaching the kids these core values was one of my main reasons for coming to Eliot. In my New "U" class, three years ago, one of the jokes went like this: a Unitarian is an agnostic, with kids. While that may have been true for me when I first started coming to Eliot, today I'm proud to say "I am a Unitarian", and I'm proud to hear my kids say it too.

Spring "50/50" Fundraiser

It's back! The rules are basically the same, but to try for greater participation, we'll be offering more tickets at half the price. We are counting on this fundraiser for this year's operating budget. Take a chance on a big reward at great odds, and help Eliot Chapel at the same time!

And if you are opposed to gambling or opposed to gambling in church, buy a ticket in Eliot's name (instead of your own.) Your ticket purchase then will be tax-deductible, and, if your ticket is a winner, Eliot Chapel will receive your entire prize.

200 tickets will be offered for sale at $50 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 both services on Sundays, Apr. 24, May 1, and May 8, 2005, as long as unsold tickets are available, but in no event after May 8, 2005. Four (4) winning tickets will be drawn on Sun., May 8. You need not 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 $10,000 and the winners, in total, will receive 50% or $5,000. The $5,000 will be distributed as:

If fewer than 200 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.

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

Strategic Planning Task Force Update
- The Board of Trustees

This is the second in a series of articles on Eliot Unitarian Chapel's Strategic Plan. This article focuses on the first two of the six Strategic Goals we have derived from our congregation's expression of their vision for the church.

The Strategic Goals and Objectives detailed in the plan will provide the direction for resource utilization and congregational involvement. Yet to be developed are Tactics to be used for realization of each Objective. Tactics will be the measurable steps, many with specific time lines for completion. Work on many of the Strategic Goals and Objectives is already underway.

The Strategic Plan is not intended to be a dramatic change in Eliot Chapel. It is intended to provide focus and direction for both new and existing actions to ensure that we fulfill our Mission: "Eliot Chapel, a Unitarian Universalist community, gathers to foster free religious thought, nurture spiritual growth, and act for social justice. "

• Strategic Goal #1: We will develop a stewardship culture, as evidenced by the congregation's active participation in the nurturing and maintaining of Eliot Unitarian Chapel.
  Objective: Develop a stewardship plan that will attain sustainable financial stability, as measured by the actual budget deficit or surplus.
  Objective: Raise congregational fiscal awareness by revising the yearly budget process to include more communication and education about Eliot Chapel's expenses and income.
  Objective: Increase the level of volunteered hours by the congregation in the core areas of fund-raising, education, social action, spiritual life, administration and care for the physical plant by including target activities in the stewardship plan.
• Strategic Goal #2: We will establish a liberal religious presence in the community through social action, special events, and public relations.
  Objective: Support the efforts of the Social Action Council and its related committees in pursuit of their activities.
  Objective: Develop a public relations plan aimed at creating a simple message and options for delivering and promoting the message in order to develop a visible, positive, and identifiable reputation in the community.
  Objective: Participate in community activities under the Eliot banner.
  Objective: Partner with other local congregations by participating in special events and/or social action activities.
  Objective: In preparation for the UUA General Assembly meeting in St. Louis in 2006, develop an informational packet that can be shared with other non-UU congregations to promote the awareness of the UUA and Eliot Unitarian Chapel.

The draft of Strategic Goals and associated objectives is available in hard copy in the Library and on the Eliot Chapel website in the member/friend area [password required for both links]. Please take the time to become familiar with the Strategic Plan and give feedback to the committee.

A member of the Strategic Planning Task Force will be available after each service on April 24, May 1, and May 8 to answer any questions you may have. You also may contact a member of the task force directly at any time.

Boyd Jones
Jan Erdman
Jim Lyon
Mary Quinn

Thanks, RATI Volunteers
- Bill & Joan Clarke, RATI Coordinators

This week we would like to thank all those who do laundry for Room at the Inn. These people pick up a basket of used sheets and towels, launder them, and return them to the church by the next week. Most of us never see them, but our program would not work without them. We extend a big Thank You to Stephanie Ackerman, Lois Brunngraber, Bob Coulter, June Crowther, Barb Crowley, Linda Cummings, Mary Lou Durbin, Laura Griesedieck, Ronnie Henderson, Michael Hennon, Tammy Hershey, Carol Hoff, Jerry and Pat Krull, Frances LaPlante, Margaret Lashley, Ann Lemon, Betty Marlowe, Karrie Michael, Glenna Powell, Rhoda Robin, Stephanie Scherman, Lorraine Stern, Sue Stivers, Lee Streett, Joan Tieman, Irmegard Voss, Jeanne Wilke, and Barb Yusen.

Our biggest need right now is for cooks for May and June. If this is something you and your family can do, please consult the signup sheets on the bulletin board to find a Thursday evening that works for you.

We are also looking for a coordinator for the hosts. If you are interested, please call us.

Be a Philanthropist!

Have you ever dreamt of giving money to small deserving organizations to aid them in their work? Here's your chance to be a philanthropist! Just complete the application, available in Visitors' Corner or request one from the office at (314) 821-0911, to nominate an organization that could benefit greatly from a small grant. The committee encourages diversity among nominations and favors small non-profits who may not have other funding avenues. Return the application to Joy Gorden, in the office, by Sun., May 1.

Secondly, we need 5-7 social action enthusiasts to join the Outreach Committee. Each year the Outreach Committee reviews applications for grants and decides which deserving organizations receive funds. The committee usually has two to three meetings in May to review applications, verify information, and distribute funds. Contact Linda Polcyn or Lori Allen for information.

May's Meal-A-Month
- Alicia Boelhauf

Providing a Meal-A-Month can be a small act that produces big results. For many St. Louis families, a visit to the food pantry at Hosea House, in south city, can be the difference between getting through a temporary crisis, and facing the experience of homelessness. The following recipe costs about $4.00:

Tomato-Alfredo Spaghetti
1 box whole-wheat spaghetti
1 small can of diced tomatoes
1 packet of dry alfredo sauce (found in pasta sauce isle)

Share your table's bounty and sponsor a family through Meal-A-Month!

Spring Work Party

This year's Spring Work Party will be on Sat., May 14 beginning at 8:00 a.m. Mark your calendars and plan to attend. The volunteers will be doing basic indoor and outdoor clean-up and fix-up chores around Eliot. Please contact Joy at (314) 821-0911.

Bible Study

The "Skeptics Study the Bible" class met for five weeks in March, and we had such a great time, we're going to continue! Our Eliot Bible Study group will meet approximately once a month as long as interest sustains it. Our next meeting will be Mon., Apr. 25, at 7:00 p.m. in Adams Hall. All are welcome. We will be studying the Gospel of Mary Magdalene, and other places where Mary Magdalene is mentioned, both inside and outside of Bible literature. Contact Rev. Bonnie Vegiard with questions: .

Adult E&E: A Return Performance

The last Adult E & E program for the church year will be a lecture-recital of Beethoven's Trio in B-flat Major for Clarinet, Cello and Piano, Opus 11. The musicians are Peter Chow, clarinet; Beverly Fields, cello; and Jeffrey Kurtzman, piano. A year ago, this group performed a Brahms concerto for an AE&E program and the response was so positive that we immediately arranged to have them return. You'll want to be sure to hear them this year!

The lecture-recital will place this work among Beethoven's other compositions of his early years in Vienna, describe how the piece is constructed, and include a complete performance of the trio.

Please join us on Sun., May 1, at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary for this enjoyable program.

Everyday Courage

Everyday Courage, Courage Every Day is a support and coping-strategies group for people dealing with terminal or serious chronic illnesses. We meet the first Wednesday of each month, with some open sharing time followed by a discussion topic. The next meeting is May 4, at 7:00 p.m. in the Library.

For more information, please contact Rev. Bonnie Vegiard or Tim Gardner.

Welcoming Workshop
- Lynn Murphy

The Welcoming Congregation Forum invites you to attend our last workshop for the 2004 - 2005 church year. The topic will be "Contributions of Gays and Lesbians." It will be held in Adams Hall on May 15 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Please join our presentation and discussion on this topic. Refreshments will be served. For further information, please contact Lynn Murphy.

As this first year of our efforts comes to a close, we want to thank those who have attended our workshops and our movies. We greatly appreciate your support of our efforts to be a more welcoming congregation. Hope to see you at our workshop on May 15.

We extend to everyone our wishes for a good summer. See you in the fall.

You're Invited
- The Art 4 U Committee

There will be a reception honoring the artists who participated in hanging their work in Adams Hall this year. Please join us after the second service in Adams Hall on May 15. Refreshments will be served.

Memorial Concert

On Mon., May 16 at 7:30 [8:00] p.m., there will be a free concert in loving memory of Mary Mottl. It will take place at Christ Church Cathedral at 1210 Locust St. in downtown St. Louis; all are welcome.

Violin virtuoso and veteran at the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Darwyn Apple will present pieces by Vitali, Strauss, Schubert, Brahms, and Franck. He will be accompanied by pianists Barbara Liberman, Peter Henderson, Pat Partridge, Robert Ray, and Alla Voskoboynikova.

Music lovers will recall that Mary Mottl frequently accompanied Darwyn. All of the fabulous musicians in this program want to pay tribute to the memory of their colleague and dear friend, Mary Mottl, a longtime member of Eliot Chapel.

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., Apr. 26 - Lunch at Ladies of Lucerne Tearoom. Leave Eliot at 10:15 a.m. Coordinator, Janie Fowler.

Tue., May 3 - Salt by Mark Kurlansky. Leader, Julie Triplett.

Fair Trade Coffee and More!!
- Beth Rossow

Please remember to buy your coffee at the Eliot Marketplace. We sell Fair Trade coffee after each service at $10 for a pound of Eliot's Special Blend (regular or decaf, whole beans or ground). With Fair Trade, coffee growers and their communities are assured of a fair wage. Also available are special order coffees and teas. Stop by our table in Adams Hall and order your favorite coffee and tea and learn more about Fair Trade.

Summer Fun

Registration begins Mar. 1 for Eliot Chapel Nursery School's Summer Play Program. There are three sessions: Session A runs from Jun. 14 - 23, Session B runs from Jun. 28 - Jul. 7, and Session C is from Jul. 12 - 21. The Play Program is Tues, Wed., and Thu. mornings from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Tuition is $118.00 for each session. One-half the tuition is due at registration; the balance is due by May 24.

The children enjoy a happy, relaxed morning with emphasis on art activities, water play, outdoor fun, and nature awareness. The program is staffed with regular nursery school personnel and several junior helpers.

For further information, contact Sally Schoenecker or Anne Marie Schweiss at (314) 821-0982.

Graduating Youth

Our graduation service will be on Jun. 13. One aspect of the service will be to acknowledge all graduating seniors that are affiliated with Eliot Chapel. If you know a graduating youth who would like to be included in this service, please contact Susan Maginn at . Thanks!

Committee Chairs

Please send your committee report for the Annual Meeting by Mon., May 2 to or put it in the newsletter mailbox in the copy room. If you have any questions please call Nancy at (314) 821-0911. Copies of last year's package are in the Library for your reference.

RE News
-- Joan Casey, RE Director,

We all want a strong, vibrant Religious Education program at Eliot Chapel, because that vitality enriches us all. But did you know that it takes over 100 people each year to teach our Eliot Chapel children through 6th grade? Our families alone can't meet this need. We need all kinds of people - empty nesters, non-parents, singles - anyone who wants to make a difference and serve our church family. I'd also like to remind families with children that we are a cooperative program and therefore request that parents teach a minimum of four semesters per child during their years at Eliot Chapel. Even if your children have reached junior and senior high or beyond, if you haven't taught in a few years, please consider signing up for 2005-2006.

Teacher Recruitment runs through April 24. We hope you're enjoying our wonderful REcruitment songs penned by Jim Hunstein. Please stop by the recruitment table to talk to one of our RE Council members to learn more about teaching and to make a commitment to teach next year. Or call me at Eliot Chapel (314) 821-0911 to find the right spot for you in our RE program. Thank you!

Also, during the entire month of April, we will be recruiting for 2005-2006 teachers. We would like to fill all our slots for the entire year from September through June, so stop by our recruitment table in Adams Hall any time between April 3 and April 24 to sign up for your dream class. You may also contact Joan Casey directly by calling the office at (314) 821-0911.

See you at the recruitment table!

Music Notes
-- Jan Chamberlin, Music Director,

Friends Of Music Concert
Sun., Apr. 24, 2005 at 3:00 p.m. in the sanctuary.
This is the final program in the 2004/2005 season and will feature arias by Vogt, Bach, Berlioz, and Rossini for soprano, English horn, and piano performed by Pamela Triplett, Robert Herman, and Matthew Chapman; Beethoven's Trio for clarinet, cello, and piano, Op. 11, played by Peter Chow, Beverly Field, and Jeffrey Kurtzman; Mozart's Serenade in c minor, K. 388 and Stravinsky's Octet for Winds, performed by members of the St. Louis Wind Symphony. For further information, contact the Kurtzmans at jgkurtzm@wustl.edu.

Coming up:

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