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Inside This Issue

Praying for Chicken
- Rev. Dr. Daniel Ó Connell, Lead Minister

There is are stories about Teresa of Ávila, the 16th century Spanish mystic, known for her strict observance of poverty and discipline. One story has her sitting in the kitchen with a roasted chicken; she's got it with both hands, and she's gnawing on it, just devouring this chicken.

One of the nuns comes in, shocked that she's doing this, behaving this way. Teresa says, "When I eat chicken, I eat chicken; when I pray, I pray."

I remember that story at this time of year because everything gets so busy. There are presents to buy, holiday letters and cards to write, people to contact, meetings and parties, children's activities, lots of busyness. Sometimes I question whether or not I am having a good time, whether I'd rather be doing something else. But then I remember to try and "be in the moment."

Mentally, I make the shift from paying attention to my own discomfort to paying attention to something else. This usually does the trick. I remember, "When I eat chicken, I eat chicken; when I pray, I pray."

One time a relative was nattering on about some self-serving political idea, and I tried to recall Teresa's dictum, but came up with an image of a chicken praying instead: Cluck, cluck, cluck. My relative wondered why I found her ideas so funny. "Hey," I said, "let's have some chicken."

In this season of holy days, my wish for you is to find some time to be with other people - even annoying relatives - and find some time to be with just yourself - outdoors, observing the clouds overhead, the wind in your hair, and with a smile upon your face. Images of praying chickens are optional.

World Beat Update
Jennifer DeBusk, Intern Minister

This social justice partnership between Eliot Chapel and the International Institute of St. Louis is under way! Thanks to all of you for your valuable time and input in participating in the planning meetings. Special thanks to Suzanne LeLaurin for serving as a key liaison in developing this partnership.

On Sat., Jan. 7, we will officially kick off the Donation Room Project that will organize and distribute items from the Institute's donation room for immigrants and refugees. We will be staffing the donation center the first Saturday of each month; volunteers can choose from 3 shifts:

• 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. - Organize any new donations that may have arrived within the week (requires 2 to 4 volunteers)
• 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Distribute donations to clients (requires 2 or 3 volunteers)
• 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Clean up and reorganize room (requires 2 to 4 volunteers)

First Sunday Collection

Half of the collection the first Sunday of the month is donated to a local charity. Kirk Care will receive $340.65 from the Nov. 6 collection. Thanks for your generosity

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 Carolyn Burke's from Feb. 27, 2005:

I came here as a young women, 25 years old, looking for a location to get married. The cute chapel with the red doors attracted my eye. From the street, one doesn't know that Eliot Chapel is Unitarian - it was a pleasant surprise! To this day I enjoy the rituals of singing hymns, greeting each other during the passing of the baskets, and the message given each week by the minister on topics I can apply to my faith. Back then I went to the "New U" class and quickly signed the membership book.

I am one of the many married women who come alone with no spouse. Many of you still have not met my husband, Terry, who has attended a handful of Bread Services, both my son's dedications, and, with a twist of the arm, to see me play hand bells last year. His dedication to Eliot is through the checkbook.

It took a few years to figure out that joining a committee meant really getting to know the community.

It was about 18 years ago that I first attended my first Women's Weekend. Eliot Chapel has been sponsoring this event for so many years, we've lost count. I encourage women who haven't attended before to give us a try this year. You can stay the whole weekend or for just a few hours. Make it your spring ritual every year to get back to nature at Camp Wyman.

Love is the ultimate answer and my relationship with my faith keeps me at peace, well grounded and truly grateful for the opportunities this community has brought me. I am one of those members who has trouble expressing my faith, but my commitment is expressed through stewardship and a little green to show my appreciation.

Lend a Hand
- Bill and Joan Clarke

It's the time of year again when we really need everyone to look at their personal schedules and see if they can carve out some time to help with the Eliot Chapel Room At The Inn. Dec.15, 29, Jan. 5 and beyond are still in need of volunteers to host, cook, and launder the linens. So please check your schedule and do what you can to find a little time to help us provide one more night of security, assistance, and concern for those less fortunate than us. Thank you all for what you have done this year. We have made a difference in the lives of many people.

Also the Bridgeton RATI Center reminds us that while we all enjoy giving teddy bears and toys to the children at the center, we must remember many mothers are unable to qualify for low income or transitional housing due to unpaid utility bills and back rent. Other families can't move from the shelter system because first and last rent payments are beyond their means. This holiday season, instead of teddy bears, consider a cash donation to RATI to assist a family to bridge the financial gap involved in moving to a permanent home. If you are able to help, please contact RATI at (314) 209-9198, or mail a check to 3415 Bridgeland Drive, Bridgeton, MO 63044.

Thanks
- Jane Larson

The photo shoots for the picture directory were a big success, but not without the generous time spent by a number of people. The time-consuming job of making phone calls was accomplished by: Sally Pfeifer, Linda Cummings, Bob Coulter, and Carolyn Burke. Hosts for the photography appointments were: Elisa Voss, Mary Ann and Dick Swaine, Virginia and Don Sery, Pat Habben, Lois Brunngraber, Sue Blandford, and, once again, Sally P., Linda C., and Carolyn B. In addition, Carolyn also pitched in by coordinating the phone callers and helping to take the pressure off me in whatever way she could. A great big "thank you" to everyone!

Meanwhile, those of you who are shutterbugs, please keep in mind that we will be assembling the "activity" part of the directory after the holidays and will be asking for any candid pics that you may be willing to contribute.

Thank You From Partner Church
- Sue Blandford

On behalf of the Partner Church Committee, I would like to thank all of the people who so generously contributed to the special offering at the Bread Sunday services. We collected $3,080.92! Your contributions will provide weekly bread to all of the needy, elderly parishioners of St. Martin Church during the coming year.

If anyone would like to join our committee, please contact me.

Ho, Ho, Ho!

Bright red bags of fair trade coffee make great Christmas gifts! Plan to stop by our table to stock up for the holidays. Please look for the fair trade table in Adams Hall after each service. Remember that with fair trade, growers and workers are paid a fair wage. And Eliot Chapel receives half the money that we collect from this terrific fund raiser. Thanks to everyone for your support.

Bridge

There will be no bridge date in December. Watch for the next game in the January newsletter.

Holiday Bazaar

After each service on Dec. 11th, local artists will be offering their craft items for sale. It is a great opportunity to find unique items for yourself and others. Profits go to support Room at the Inn and some Social Action Committee activities. This year, packages of note cards featuring youth art work exhibited earlier this year at Eliot Chapel will be available for purchase. Proceeds from the sales of these note cards will be donated to the South Side Day Nursery.

Coffee and Conversation

Dec. 11 Holiday Blahs -- does the holiday season make you feel personally depressed or continually irritated? Let's commiserate! Join Rev. Bonnie Vegiard in Adams Hall at 7:00 p.m.

Holiday Party
- Lynn Murphy for The Welcoming Congregation Forum

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, and refreshments will be provided. All you need to bring is yourself.

Meditation Group

Hidden within each of us is a vast universe of consciousness waiting to be uncovered and explored. The method used from ancient times to discover this inner dimension of human consciousness is meditation. Meditation is simply learning to turn the focus of our consciousness within, allowing it to reside there at will without being distracted. In learning this practice we discover peace of mind, relaxation, and deeper insights into life, our being and our own spirituality.

The purpose of this group is to progressively explore the art of meditation: specifically to learn about meditation, to practice various methods of meditation and to share our insights. The group is open to all interested individuals.

When: First & Third Tuesdays of the month, beginning Jan. 3. at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Children's Chapel
Who: The Meditation Group will be guided by Christopher T. Clarke, Ph.D.

Christopher has practiced meditation for over 30 years. He has formally studied meditation in the traditions of Raja Yoga, Sufism, and Soto Zen. He has taught meditation for many colleges, healthcare organizations, and churches throughout the United States. Professionally Dr. Clarke is Director of the Academic Affairs Support Center for the VA and Adjunct Assistant professor in the School of Professional Studies for St. Louis University.

Circle of Life

Sun., Jan. 8 will be our annual Circle of Life service. We will honor the births, anniversaries, and deaths of congregation members from 2005. We will also dedicate babies and other children. Please contact Rev. Bonnie Vegiard if you have children you would like to have dedicated in this service.

Chili and Games Night

Sat., Jan. 21 at 5:30 p.m. Come to a fun evening tasting chili and desserts sponsored by the FUN Committee. There will be games for the whole family. Bring your favorite chili or dessert. Childcare provided with advance reservation. For more information, contact Vicki Skow.

Happiness: Living From Brilliance
What is authentic happiness?

• Discover personal strengths and explore joy in your life
• Experience exciting learning and new perspectives
• Bring home personalized tools for brilliant living

Fri., Jan. 27 at 6:30 p.m. until Sat., Jan. 28 at 4:30 p.m. at Our Lady of the Snows Shrine in Belleville, IL. $95 fee includes shared double room, two meals and two snacks, all materials, and fees. Reserve with a deposit of $35 to Jane Larson ( ) by Sun., Dec. 18; balance is due by Jan.15. Space is limited, so reserve now.

Women's Alliance
Holiday Luncheon

The Women's Alliance will host its annual holiday luncheon on Tue., Dec. 20 with conversation and refreshments at 11:30 a.m. and lunch at noon in Adams Hall. Eliot members and friends are welcome to attend. Each person is asked to bring a main dish, vegetable, salad, or dessert. This year, we will participate in a variation of the traditional gift exchange. Bring a wrapped, new but inexpensive ($5.00 or less), children's toy, craft, or game. After the final exchange, guests may either play to their hearts' content or donate the item to a worthy charity.

To support member Julie Triplett in her goal of raising money for the Circle of Concern, luncheon attendees are encouraged to make a monetary donation equal to the cost of the exchange gift. A collection box will be available at the luncheon. In addition, a silent auction will be held for the table centerpieces designed by Maryann Mace.

Questions? Contact Fran Ritzinger or Ellen Luckow.

There's Still Time

Anyone who did not get their picture taken by Olin Mills, but would still like to be in the directory, can give a picture to Joy in the chapel office for inclusion in the "not available at picture time" section. Keep in mind that these cannot be photos taken by another professional studio.

The Religious Education Department is busily getting ready for our annual Holiday Party on Sat., Dec. 10 from 10:00 a.m. until noon. We will have fun crafts and games for the children. The party takes place during the Christmas Pageant rehearsal; all of our pageant participants will get to attend, and it is open to all our families. We hope to see you there.

We also invite you to pluck off one of the "ornaments" on the Giving Tree in Adams Hall. You'll make the holiday season much brighter for a local youth or child by helping out. Gifts are due back under the tree no later than Dec. 18. There's still some left, so don't be shy!

We need teachers for spring semester. Classes start on Jan. 29 and run until Jun. 11. 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 Teacher Support Committee is ready to support you and instruct you about teaching at our Teacher Orientation meeting on Jan. 16. Our Curriculum Committee has already 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 one more slot at 9:15 (1 for Kindergarten) and six at 10:45 (1 for Intermediate, 2 for Pre-Kindergarten, 2 for Kindergarten, and 1 for 1st grade). Please sign up today by calling or emailing me.

Music Notes
-- Jan Chamberlin, Music Director,

Coming up:
Dec. 11 - Pageant Day! Adult Choirs rehearse at 9:00 a.m. No Chalice Choir. Prelude played on piano by Katie Fitzgerald.
Dec. 18 - Preludes sung by Pam Triplett. Choirs sing O Yule Full of Gladness with flutes.
Dec. 24 - 5:00 and 6:30 p.m. preludes played by Eliot Handbells; 8:00 and 10:00 p.m. preludes sung by Pam Triplett. Choir will sing Where Is The Child? by Beck and Ave Maria by Biebel at the first three services

Singers are needed for the holidays. If you have thought about joining the choir, this could be an ideal time to start. Contact me if you are interested.

Statements

For those who want to maximize tax-deductible payments before the end of the year, we will be sending pledge statements for the second quarter of Eliot's fiscal year (Oct. - Dec.) early in December, rather than waiting until month-end. If you have questions about this statement, please contact the office promptly with all pertinent information, so that any corrections can be made before tax statements are mailed.

To ensure that checks will be recorded in Eliot's books this calendar year, checks must be received in the office by Thu., Dec. 29.

In January, we will send tax statements for the calendar year 2005 to everyone who contributed $250 or more. This statement will include all deductible gifts received by Eliot between Jan. and Dec. 2005 regardless of what pledge year or fiscal year was involved.

Holiday Service Childcare

Dec. 24 - Childcare available only at 5:00 and 6:30 p.m. Christmas Eve services

Dec. 25 - 10:00 a.m. service only -- no childcare

Jan. 1 - 10:00 a.m. service only -- only nursery open

Scrip ...

... will not be sold on Sun., Dec. 25 or Jan. 1. Stock up in advance to avoid hunger during the holidays!

Recycling

Eliot Chapel recycles the following items that are used on the premises:

• Aluminum cans - container next to the soda machine.
• Plastic bottles (#1 and 2) - container in the kitchen next to the exterior door - please remove caps.
• Cardboard - large blue bin under the window in the copy room - please flatten boxes.
• White paper - blue bags in the copy room.

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