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Inside This Issue

A Personal Note
- Rev. Bonnie Vegiard, Program Minister

Thanks to all who have offered sympathies and support due to my father's illness. I have made no general announcement, yet many of you have found out that my father was diagnosed in mid-October with esophageal cancer that has spread to his bone. He will be receiving both radiation and chemotherapy, but clearly we cannot hope for a cure from this cancer.

Fortunately, my parents live just two hours away. (I've never been so grateful that I was able to move back to Missouri three years ago!) He wants to spend time with his nine grandchildren (ages 0-9 yrs), and all those kids will help keep him active. This will likely be a long road, but at least we're fairly sure he is not in danger of imminent death. I will be planning to travel to see him as frequently as I can, and sometimes on weekends when I can take my daughters. That may mean I'll be absent from Eliot on Sundays from time to time.

My father is an inspiration to me in openness, faith, patience, and love. I truly wish we could all be so blessed. Neither my father nor I believe that being a good person means bad things won't happen. We live the life we are given, and our community of support can mean the difference between making it through with gratitude and falling in to bitterness. Thank you again for all your concern, prayers, and caring.

Eliot Chapel - International Institute
Social Justice Partnership
- Jennifer DeBusk, Intern Minister

Think globally, act locally! Eliot Chapel is forging a social justice partnership with the International Institute of St. Louis to serve immigrants and refugees. This is an exciting cross-cultural opportunity for us as Unitarian Universalists to live out our spiritually diverse faith in the larger international community. On Oct. 27 a group of Eliot members gathered for a planning meeting to discuss volunteer opportunities for this partnership. The results from this meeting are broken down in the following categories:

Group participation: Be part of a group that will organize and distribute items from the Institute's donation room. This will be an ongoing project held once a month on Saturdays. It is a great opportunity for those who want to make a difference but who have limited flexibility schedule-wise.

Individual opportunities:

• Visit newly arrived families several times a week for one month.
• After-school tutoring of middle and high school youth (1-2 days a week)
• Literacy tutoring for adults (1-2 evenings a week)
• Help with preparing paperwork for tax returns (no experience required)

Cross-cultural social events: We would love to organize social events between Eliot members and the Institute's immigrants and refugees. This kinds of personal interaction creates meaningful connections that lead to greater cross-cultural understanding.

The next partnership meeting will be held on Thu., Nov.18 at 7:00 p.m. in Adams Hall. We will discuss the possibility of collaborating with another church and/or organization to sustain the energy level and numbers of volunteers for the donation room project.

Come be a part of a great social justice cause and a fun community outreach opportunity! Please contact me with your chosen project interest and availability, and whether you will be able to attend the meeting on Nov. 18. I look forward to working with you!

Welcome!

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. Here is a portion of Sarah Reutter's from October 23, 2005:

My husband Larry, and I have been members of Eliot Chapel for about 18 years. Eliot has been a warm and welcoming place from the beginning - one we've enjoyed attending year after year. Each service is unique; I have found satisfaction in knowing I will leave here with more than when I arrived. One of my favorite services at Eliot is the Thanksgiving Bread Service. If you haven't attended one, I highly recommend it.

The opportunities for becoming involved here are endless and varied: from teaching religious education to performing in the Madrigal Dinner (Where else can one be a bag lady one year and the Queen of England the next?) and many things in between. I have had many meaningful experiences here at Eliot. I wish you the same -- enjoy!

The Meaning of Membership
- Rich Vaughn for the Membership Committe

A former prominent politician became very introspective in his final days of life and said, among other things, "Mostly I am sorry for the way I thought about other people. Like a good general, I had treated everyone who wasn't with me as against me." While that's not an unusual human attitude, it reminds us that our bond in a UU community includes our mutual respect of one another, even when we genuinely disagree. It is challenging to creatively find ways to handle opposing views without retreating to "us vs. them." Our strength lies not in creedal (dogmatic) agreement, but in ideas, such as seeing the inherent worth and dignity in every person -- even if we must stretch to do so. It's the Meaning of Membership.

Our Sympathy ...

To Trish and Bruce Williams on the death of Trish's mother.

To Brian Mills on the death of his wife, Karen.

Eliot Chapel Challenge

Helping needy families through the Circle of Concern is the goal of the Eliot Chapel Challenge taken on by Julie Triplett. Bracelets are on sale for $2.00 with all of the proceeds going to the Circle. It is possible to do this because generous donations paid for the bracelets. Some covenant groups, the Women's Alliance, and many others are helping with this project. The goal is to raise $2,000 for the Circle of Concern. Please help!

A Call to Madrigal Arms!

The Madrigal Dinner draws nigh. Many hands are needed to make this celebration a success. Please consider volunteering for several hours one or two evenings. A sign up board is set up in Adams Hall - just look for the knight in armor. For more information on volunteering, contact: Denise Maue Dreyfus.

Adopt a Family

The Social Action Committee is initiating an Adopt a Family Program for evacuees from Hurricane Katrina. We will shortly be linked with a family through St. Patrick's Center which is coordinating the effort for the St. Louis region. Persons interested in supporting our effort in any way should contact Paul Dribin.

This effort will not require a major financial contribution from our congregation but will put us in the role of friends and support for the families.

Special Collection on Bread Sunday
- Sue Blandford for the Partner Church Committee

A special collection will again be taken during this year's Bread Service to help feed about 100 elderly members of Eliot's partner church in the Transylvanian region of Romania. They subsist on extremely meager government pensions. For 50 cents the church board of St. Martin can purchase a three-pound loaf of bread from a village baker that helps to feed one parishioner for a week. Last year we collected enough money to provide bread for these hungry elderly for a full year! With the August flooding and loss of gardens and livestock, the need is even greater and the bread more expensive.

Our hope is that connecting our annual Bread Service with the bread needs of fellow Unitarians will provide a unique opportunity to add deeper meaning to our annual Thanksgiving service.

Thank You, from our Partner Church

When floods ravaged the village where our partner church, St. Martin's, is located, the Partner Church Committee organized a collection to provide relief. Below is a portion of the translation of Sandor's (the minister at St. Martin's) most recent email:

To Our Friends at Eliot Chapel:

I was speechless while reading your last email. I was surprised how fast Sue has organized the collection, and then there was the generous giving which exceeded all our hopes. We especially want to thank the contributions by Sue and Clint, and by Elisa and Steve. In the name of my church, and in the name of the Transylvanian people I want to thank all the generous donors at Eliot. This is a true display of brotherhood.

The $500 for the carvings (sold by the Partner Church Committee) was also great news. Biro Janos, who has been unemployed on and off, cried when I told him about it. He said that this must be God's great will.

Dear Sue and other committee members, I am asking for God's blessing of your unselfish work. We would love to return the favor by showing you our warm hospitality any time.

God bless you all, Sandor

Buy Scrip and WIN!

Don't forget to buy your Thanksgiving dinner with scrip. And while you're at it, buy a less fortunate family's dinner by placing a scrip card in the Hosea House collection cart.

Thanksgiving Scrip Special!!!!
For every $50 of scrip you buy during the month of November, you'll receive one raffle ticket. On December 4th we'll draw for the following prizes:

1st prize - $100 scrip card of your choice
2nd prize - 2 lbs. of Eliot blend coffee
3rd prize - a dozen Oreo truffles, handmade by Pat Krull, nationally acclaimed chocolatier

Join The Celebration!
- Lydia Hopkins

The Madrigal Dinner celebrates 30 years. Champagne and tea cookies will be served after both services on Sun., Nov. 13. The Singers Greenleaf - both present and former members - will serenade us with madrigals (after second service.) For the past 29 years, the proceeds from this festive event have supported operating and building funds for Eliot Chapel and provided a stage for many talented members. Lords and Ladies, knights and nobles, serfs and rabble, join us in Adams Hall on Nov. 13. Be sure to stop by the Knight and volunteer a small amount of your time for this year's feast. Thank you.

Coffee and Conversations:
Job Transitions

Join Michael Hennon, an experienced career coach, to talk about the struggles and opportunities of job transitions on Sun., Nov. 19, from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Coffee and Conversations are open forums for sharing ideas and thoughts among members and friends of Eliot.

Thanksgiving Dinner

Can you smell that turkey? Yes, it's almost time for our annual Thanksgiving feast in Adams Hall on Nov. 24 at 4:00 p.m. Our goal this year will be to make sure everyone at Eliot who would like to join us for dinner is able to do so. This means that when you sign up outside of Adams Hall please indicate whether you need a ride or would be able to provide a ride to someone who would like to come but would otherwise not be able to for lack of a ride.

Last year we had lots of fun with games, good food and general good will. Bring your favorite game and a dish (if you can, not required) and join us for a Thanksgiving celebration.

Contact Vivian or Mike Antoine with any questions.

Bridge, Anyone?
- Sue Webster

This month's bridge game is Nov. 26 in Adams Hall at 7:00 p.m. Contact Sue Webster right away to make your reservation. Couples and singles welcome.

The Madrigal is Coming!
December 1st, 2nd, and 3rd

Ticket sales have begun and Saturday dinner seats on the floor are already sold out. Attending the Madrigal Dinner is the best way to celebrate the season. Don't miss a wonderful new play performed by the Not-Ready-For-Reformation Players, new madrigals and songs by the outstanding Singers Greenleaf, and of course period music played in period costume by the St. Louis Recorder Society. Details at Madrigal Dinner. For more information and reservations, contact Gary Gray at or pick up an invitation in Visitors' Corner and mail your check in today.

Balcony Tickets: $18 on Thursday, $20 on Friday and Saturday.
Dinner Tickets: $35 on Thursday, $50 on Friday.

Noble Lords and Ladies - you deserve this special evening!

Shop for Music

The Eliot Chapel Music Committee is pleased to announce the second annual First Nite for Music fundraiser, on Thu., Dec. 8 from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Plowingsharing Crafts, 6271 Delmar, in the University City Loop. Come shop in a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere for unique handcrafted gifts from 45 countries. Choose from toys, men's and women's jewelry, pottery, music, and more. All purchases benefit the Eliot Chapel Music Program which will receive up to 20% of the total sales for the evening. There will be live music and songs played and sung by Eliot musicians.

Mark your calendar now and invite your friends. For further information, contact Jerry Messer or Mary Taylor. Parking is available on a number of free municipal parking lots.

Holiday Party
- Lynn Murphy for The Welcoming Congregation Forum

Merry Christmas! Yes, soon it will be that time again and the Welcoming Congregation Forum wants to "welcome you" to our first ever Christmas party in Adams Hall on Fri., Dec. 16 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. It will be an inclusive and family-friendly event. Games and holiday films for children will be provided. Refreshments will be provided. All you need to provide is yourself. Hope to see you there!

Women's Alliance

We meet on the first, third, and fourth Tuesdays of the month from 9:30 to 11:45 a.m. in Adams Hall, unless otherwise noted.
Tue., Nov. 15 "Heart-Healthy Cooking and Nutrition". Speaker - Justa DeWitt, MS, RD, LD. Coordinator - Barbara Crowley
Tue., Nov. 22 "Backstage at the Rep." Meet at Eliot at 9:30 a.m. to carpool, or meet in the lobby at Repertory Theater, 130 Edgar Rd., at 10:00 a.m. For lunch, contact Irmgard Voss.

Spooky ghosts and pretty princesses, whacky pirates and Raggedy Ann - we had them all and more at our fun filled Secret Pals party this year. Thanks to the 57 wonderful adults who took the time to make a special friend during the month of October. Also thanks to the people who staffed the party: Rudy Anderson, Rich Wagner, Don Drissell, and Spencer Anderson-Procter in the Candy Walk room; Catherine Burgess and Hannah Meneely in the Snack room; Rachel and Ellen Spann in the Halloween Bingo room; Jean Pollard, Nancy Spargo, and Ashley Spargo in the Craft room; and Amy Kruger and Chris Dumas in the Skeleton relay room. Finally, we'd like to thank Anne Meneely of the RE Special Events Committee, for all her hard work to help make it such a great evening.

Now that Halloween is over, it's time to look at the upcoming winter holidays. For the Nov. 20 Thanksgiving Bread Service, we are asking children in grades 1st - 6th to submit Thanksgiving essays by Nov. 13. Someone will read his/her essay at each service. Essays may be given to their teachers or to Joan Casey. They may also be emailed to Joan. Please note which of the three services you plan to attend (9:15, 10:15, or 11:15 a.m.)

Finally, Christmas Pageant forms were distributed during Family Worship on Nov. 6. On Dec. 11, 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 want lots of you to participate, so be sure to get your permission forms in by Nov. 27. We also distributed Guest At Your Table boxes during Family Worship. Children should return their boxes to Children's Chapel on Dec. 18.

Please see me if you have any questions about any of the upcoming events.

Music Notes
-- Jan Chamberlin, Music Director,

The audition deadline is fast approaching for the UU Children's Choir that will sing at General Assembly in June. Children currently in 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th grade are eligible to turn in a taped audition by Nov. 30. A guest musician will work with the children in a summer music camp atmosphere before they perform for the convention. If you have questions please contact Leon Burke at .

Friends of Music will present a concert of classical music at 3:00 p.m. on Sun., Nov.13. Featured performers will include soprano Karen Gottschalk, oboist Bob Herman, violinist Alison Thompson, and cellist James Nacy.

On Sat., Nov. 19 at 8:00 p.m., the sanctuary will be transformed into a bohemian setting when our annual Coffee House variety show returns. Don't miss the fun! $5 admission gets you in. Bring some popcorn or brownies to share! Sponsored by the Music Committee.

Coming up:
Nov. 13 - Preludes and Postludes will be sung by the Greenleaf Singers. The 9:15 choir sings Autumn Hymn and the 10:45 choir sings Hush, Somebody's Callin' My Name.
Nov. 20 - Bread Sunday - at the 9:15, 10:15 and 11:15 a.m. services, choirs will sing Lord of Feasting and of Hunger [Let Us Break Bread Together].

Hey, Get A Room!

This is a reminder that any use of the building by any individual or group must be scheduled through the office. This includes people who have keys to the building and/or meetings during office hours or on Sunday. In the event of an emergency, we need to know who is in the building and where. We also want to avoid conflicts when a group that has reserved a room shows up and finds someone else in it. Recently, events "at Eliot" have been publicized to the outside world without the office being told about them.

Room request forms are in the box on church office door.

Got a Hat?

Current estimates suggest that heating bills will increase between 50% and 60% this winter. For Eliot, that will mean an additional expense of $6,100 - 7,200. Yes, additional. There is no $6,000 cushion built into the budget, and we are committed to avoiding deficit spending. Please help us to keep heating costs down. Common sense will help with much of his: don't hold or prop doors open to the outside, or from the foyer to Adams Hall; if you turn on the heat using three-hour override, put it back on the program when you leave.

Bread Sunday is Coming!

If you're new to Eliot, Bread Sunday is a long standing tradition celebrating Thanksgiving. It's an inter-generational service, (although we will have child care.)

People 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.

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 (314) 821-0911 no later than Monday, Nov. 14, to reserve a spot.

Thanksgiving Office Hours

The office will be closed on Thu., Nov. 24 and Fri., Nov. 25 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 news@eliotchapel.org. Deadlines are at noon:

Nov. 16 for issue dated Nov. 26- Dec. 9
Nov. 30 for issue dated Dec. 10 - Dec. 23
Dec. 15 for issue dated Dec 24 - Jan. 13, 2006
Jan. 4 for issue dated Jan. 14 - Jan. 27

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Upcoming Services

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13 - 9:15 & 10:45 A.M.

Beauty in a Spot of Danger
Rev. Nicole Kirk, Minister of East Shore Unitarian Universalist Church in Kirtland, Ohio.

Gratitude is easy in times of plenty, if we remember to be grateful. In times when circumstances and pressures threaten our spirit and very being, gratitude takes on a different shape. It is hard to find beauty in a spot of danger, or is it?

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20 - Three services: 9:15, 10:15 & 11:15 A.M.

Bread Sunday
Rev. Dr. Daniel Ó Connell, Rev. Bonnie Vegiard and Jennifer DeBusk, Intern Minister

Our annual intergenerational Eliot Thanksgiving.

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27 - 9:15 & 10:45 A.M.

Behind the Culture Clash in Churches
Rev. Dick Haynes Eliot Community Minister

Unitarians have long known that theological disagreements often mask conflicting political values and goals. Nationalism and social welfare have been two of the most important ideas in modern history.

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THE NEXT NEWSLETTER DEADLINE IS
Noon on Wednesday, November 162, 2005
For the issue dated November 26 to December 9, 2005

Please email articles to:

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