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Inside This Issue

Help Shape the Future
- The Board of Trustees

Help form the future of Eliot Chapel - become part of the Nominating Committee. At the annual congregational meeting in May 2005, the members of Eliot Chapel approved a change in our by-laws to form a Nominating Committee that will nominate qualified members for election to the Board of Trustees and the Office of the Treasurer. We are looking for six members and two alternates who will serve staggered terms of up to three years. The Nominating Committee members will only need to meet over about one month each year, to create the slate of candidates for the Board and the Treasurer position that will be voted on at the annual meeting in May.

If you are interested in this important role in shaping our future, or if you would like to suggest someone else for the Nominating Committee, please email the Eliot Chapel office by January 19, 2006 at . Ballots for the election of members of the Nominating Committee will be mailed in January to members of the congregation.

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 - contact the office. Balance is due by Jan.15. Space is limited, so reserve now.

Can't Help Noticing
- The Membership Committee

When one observes the selfless giving of countless hours to create all the wonderful things that happen at and around this interesting community of Eliot Chapel, it is inspiring. Such a positive image can be evoked by whatever last crossed our minds. Was it the children in RE and the Pageant, the Madrigal's huge impact, Covenant Groups, the tenacious Welcoming Congregation Forum, Sunday Services, the quiet omnipresence of the Building & Grounds group and the Board of Trustees, the uplifting music, individuals quietly helping others in need, people providing coffee, bagels, scrip, gift sales to benefit others, Women's Alliance's sharing agenda, the birthing World Beat project, the youth and Katrina aid, Room at the Inn?...and on and on.

Living as if life matters is a compelling thought for UUs who emphasize the here and now, and it is a Meaning of Membership. Happy New Year!

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 Jane Pack's from Dec. 4, 2005:

My name is Jane Pack and my husband Jeff and our two kids, Jordan and Jaime, have been coming to Eliot Chapel for about 8 years. My husband and I have worked on different committees, taught Religious Education, and participated at many events: the Christmas pageant, Passover dinner, and the Madrigal.

My husband and I come from different religious backgrounds. I was raised Catholic and he was raised Jewish. We quickly learned how hard it would be to blend our faiths as we prepared to get married. After many attempts to blend, we were married by a Southern Baptist Minister, which is another story!

After our first child was born, we rekindled our search to find a place were we could bring together both of our diverse backgrounds, enrich our children, and grow as a family. As we visited many churches, we kept hearing about conversion. When we came to Eliot, we were greeted with acceptance.

Even though Eliot is 30 minutes from our home, after visiting -- it was our last stop. Ever since our first service, we have found them spiritually thought provoking and enriching, year after year. The members have always been warm and welcoming and we have made many new friends.

Our children have loved the Religious Education program and we have enjoyed watching them learn and grow. Eliot has become our home in Kirkwood. Thank you!

Welcome, New Members
- Claire Robertson, Membership Chair

We welcome to full participation in Eliot Chapel new members Anita Mehra who signed the membership book on Nov. 19; and Amy and Tom Kruger, and Greg Luzecky who signed on Dec. 4. We're so happy to have you as a part of the Eliot Chapel community.

Our Sympathy

To Lori and Bill Kesler on the death of Bill's mother.

To Ellen and Verne Luckow on the death of Ellen's father.

To Anne and Gary Miller on the death of Anne's father.

To Sue and Nolan Stivers on the death of Nolan's brother.

Meditation Group

The method used from ancient times to discover this inner dimension of human consciousness is meditation - learning to turn the focus of our consciousness within, allowing it to reside there at will without being distracted.

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 on the first and third Tuesdays of the month, beginning Jan. 3. at 7:00 p.m. in Children's Chapel. The group will be guided by Christopher T. Clarke, Ph.D. who 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. [See the announcement (pdf).]

Courage for the New Year

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. Our next meeting is Jan. 4 at 7:00 p.m. in the Library.

For more information, please contact Rev. Bonnie Vegiard (314) 821-0911 or Tim Gardner.

Amahl and the Night Visitors

Comes to Eliot Chapel on Fri., Jan. 6 at 7:30 p.m. The Midwest Lyric Opera Company presents this full production about the three wise men on the date of the traditional Epiphany! Written by Gian Carlo Menotti. Tickets are $15; $10 for seniors; and $5 for children. For more information call (314) 838-3285.

A Spirit of Play through Body Movement

January is a time for new beginnings and spiritual renewal. Come join Intern Minister Jennifer DeBusk and community leader Mary Jordon on Jan. 7 from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. in Adams Hall as they co-facilitate a creative body movement workshop called InterPlay.

Discover the wisdom in your own body using the simplest forms in movement, voice, story, and stillness. Let Inter Play introduce you to some basic principles that can enrich your spiritual practices for a greater sense of fullness and presence.

No experience necessary. Just bring your body and a spirit of openness for this fun workshop. Wear comfortable clothes. RSVP by Wed., Jan. 4 to Jennifer DeBusk (314) 821-0911 or . Suggested donation $10.

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 ( or (314) 821-0911) if you have children you would like to have dedicated in this service.

Eliot Bible Study

The January session of the Bible Study will meet on Jan. 9 at 7:00 p.m. in Adams Hall. We will be reading Genesis 1-11:9 and talking about the pre-history mythology of the Israelite people, as well as where these tribes came from. Session facilitated by Rev. Bonnie Vegiard. All are welcome!

Discover Noetics

Please save Sunday evening, Jan. 15, for a fascinating program brought to you by the Adult Education and Enrichment committee. Our own member, Helen McIntosh, will present "Noetics: In Search of Intuition" at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. The Institute of Noetic Sciences (founded in 1973 by Edgar Mitchell) mission is "exploring the frontiers of consciousness to advance individual, social, and global transformation". Helen will present an overview of the Institute's programs and fascinating scientific results from a series of their "mind over matter" experiments.

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

That's "Happy New Year" in Cantonese! New members, "New U" alums, and new friends of Eliot Chapel of the past two years are invited by the Membership Committee to celebrate Chinese New Year 4704 (Year of the Dog) at a Newcomers' Semi-Potluck Dinner on Sun., Jan. 29, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in Adams Hall. The evening's aim is conversation and sociability. If we missed you with an invitation or you'd like to attend, please email Claire Robertson at . Childcare is available if reserved by Jan. 15.

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 if requested by Jan. 6. For more information, contact Vicki Skow.

Women's Alliance

The Women's Alliance meets on the first, third, and fourth Tuesdays of the month from 9:30 to 11:45 a.m. in Adams Hall.

Tue. Jan. 3 - The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness, at the Fair that Changed America by Eric Larson. Leader - Julie Triplett.

Scrip Winners

(Of course, everyone who buys scrip is a winner - purchasers get 100% in groceries at Schnucks, Dierberg's, Shop & Save, or Whole Foods while earning 5% of the purchase price for Eliot.)

Congratulations to the winners of the November scrip raffle: Pat Bell (first prize, $100 in scrip); Diane Carlile (second prize, Eliot Fair Trade coffee), and JoAnne Osburn (third prize, chocolate truffles.)

Scrip sales take a holiday on Dec. 24, 25 and Jan. 1, but don't forget your checkbook on Jan. 8. Eat for Eliot! Thanks to everyone who stocked up on Dec. 18!

Eliot Chapel Nursery School
Registration for Fall 2006

Classes for children ages 2 1/2 through 5 years old. Half day - part time. Morning and afternoon classes available. Experienced, degreed staff.

For information, call Sally Schoenecker during school hours (9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Mon. through Thu. and 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. Fri.) at (314) 821-0982.

Placement begins in January. Priority is given to Eliot Chapel-affiliated families.

I hope that many of you were able to experience our annual Christmas Pageant and/or the Holiday Party over the weekend of Dec. 10th. We had another large cast of Eliot children and youth who participated this year and lots of adult helpers who made it a smashing success.

There are a few people who deserve special mention for their help with the pageant or party. Thanks to: Vivian and Mike Antoine, who took over the directorial duties this year and did an amazing job; Nancy Collis, who returned for her second stellar year as our musical director; Steve Lawrence for setting up the sound system during the rehearsal and on Sunday morning; Michael McElvain for playing the piano during the pageant; Kate Fitzgerald for performing the prelude and interlude; and Tracey Howe-Koch, who made gorgeous costumes for our two newest roles (and on short notice too!). Thanks also to Amy Kruger for pulling together the crafts for the Holiday Party. Please see the January issue of "REjuvenation!" for the list of everyone else who helped with these events.

We also want to thank all of you who selected a child from the Giving Tree. You helped to make a young child's Christmas a lot brighter! Happy Holidays!

Music Notes
-- Jan Chamberlin, Music Director,

Coming up:
On Christmas Eve, the Eliot Handbell Choir will play at the first two services and Pamela Triplett will sing at the second two. The choir will sing at the first three services.
On Christmas Day, our special music will be provided by a guest, classical guitarist, Peter Clemens.
On New Year's Day, Nancy Collis will play her hammered dulcimer.
On Jan. 8, the Eliot Handbell Choir will ring in the New Year for us. [Robin Lopate, voice and guitar]

A Night on Broadway - Sat. January 14th, 7:00 p.m. The musical gala benefit of the New Year will be a show of your favorite Broadway tunes. Special guests will be the renowned "Jewel Tones". These four talented women are well known for their sparkling renditions of popular songs from Broadway productions. Rounding out the event will be some of our own Eliot vocalists. Bring the kids! Don't miss this enjoyable evening of entertainment! Tickets will be available beginning Jan. 8 at $20 each; $15 for students and senior citizens.

GA Children's Choir Deadline Extended - Talented 4th, 5th, 6th, or 7th grade choir singers should submit an audition tape to apply for the UU Children's Choir that will sing at GA next June. They will join approximately 100 other UU children from around the country for a week of music camp here in St. Louis and then sing for the convention. Chaperones are also needed. In the past, it has proven to be an unforgettable experience for all. Applications and information are available online. Google UUMN and click on UU Children's Choir, or call Leon Burke (314)566-1149.

World Beat Launched!
- Jennifer DeBusk, Intern Minister

Thanks to all the Eliot Chapel volunteers who attended the World Beat orientation at the International Institute of St. Louis on Dec.6. Thanks also to Suzanne LeLaurin and Kate Howell for the valuable information they shared with us about the Institute. It was a good turn out and an exciting time to see ideas turn into action with this social justice project.

Now it's time to get into the spirit of team work. We will need volunteers on Sat., Jan. 7, to help staff the donation room at the Institute. This involves organizing and distributing items to immigrants and refugees as they settle into their new homes and new lives here in the United States.

The Institute provides a wide range of services including tutoring, employment, housing, citizenship, and home visits. Our work in the donation room is one aspect of this larger mission of hospitality to newcomers. (If you are interested in volunteering in other areas at the Institute, please let me know.) Help make this a smooth transition and positive experience for these newcomers through your participation.

We will be staffing the donation room the first Saturday of each month starting Jan. 7. For January, please email me your availability and time slot by Jan. 1 so that I can pass on this information to the Institute. Volunteers can choose from 3 shifts:
· 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. - Organize any new donations that may have arrived within the week (requires 2 or 3 volunteers)
· 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Distribute donations to clients (requires 2 to 4 volunteers)
· 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Clean up and reorganize room (requires 2 to 4 volunteers)

I look forward to working together on this exciting and worthwhile social justice project! To volunteer, or for more information, please contact Jennifer DeBusk, Intern Minister, at (314) 821-0911 or .

2005 Donations

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

No, Thanks!

Please help to fill the Hosea House basket with donations of non-perishable food items only.

Please do not bring clothing, linens, toys or other household items to Eliot. We are not collecting them. None of the groups helping the Katrina victims are accepting clothing. If you wish to donate such items, there are several Good Will drop boxes in the area The Children's Home Society (314) 416-1300 or The American Kidney Fund (314) 968-9768 will pick up items at your house.

Holiday Office Hours

The office will be closed from Sun., Dec. 24 through Mon., Jan. 2. We will reopen at 8:00 a.m. on Jan. 3. The office will also be closed on Mon., Jan. 16 on Martin Luther King day.

Madrigal Thanks
- Denise Maue Dreyfus

To all Lords and Ladies who participated in the 30th Annual Eliot Castle Madrigal Fest, we give you thanks and sing your praise. The Madrigal Volunteer committee would like to thank everyone who helped make wassail, set up, plate, wash, serve, clean up and else wise toiled to bring forth this year's Madrigal Feast. It does indeed take a village to create this event and we appreciate the generosity of the following individuals who donated their talents and effort.

Lori Allen, Mike Antoine,Viv Antoine, Steve Bain, Jan Baldenweck, Ted Berger, Sue Blandford, Barb Bleisch, Lee Brower, Dot Brownfield, Kevin Brownfield, Lois Brunngraber, Carolyn Burke, Bill Carver, Jeff Chamberlin, Linda Cummings, Peggy Devoy, Dan Dreyfus, Billy Engel, Corinne Esneault, Marilyn Fallert, Betsy Fallstrom, Claudia Felsen, Leslie Freeman, Meghan Gaig, Tom Gayer, Jim Gottschalk, Karen Gottschalk, Cindi Gille-Rowley, Gary Gray, Laura Griesedieck, Pat Habben, Hennon Covenant Group, Margaret Hasse, Cindy Haynes, Zack Haynes, Dick Hearnes, Suzanne Hearnes, Cora Henry, David Henry, Katy Henry, Rich Heuermann, Jerry Higginbotham, Judy Highfill, Dee Hodge, Connie Hogan, Doug Hopkins, Lydia Hopkins, Mary Hosto, Ann Howard, Ted Jander, Sara Johnson, Lori Kessler, Emily Klein, Robert Kokenyesi, Ashley Koosma, Linda Korinek, Jerry Krull, Pat Krull, Ann Lemon, William Lemon, Gordon Lewis, Vicki Lock, Sue Lunnemann, Jim Lyson, Margorie Maclin, Mary Manus, Annie Marshall, Scott Marshall, Roz Marx, Brian McGowan, Elmer McNulty, Anita Mehra, Bob Meihaus, Mary Meihaus, Jerry Messer, Lynn Murphy, Chuck Nichols, Gail Nichols, Mark Nissen, Don Oliver, Sandy Oliver, Ann Petlin, Rhonda Phiropolous, Kathie Price, Mary Quinn, Brenna Race, Renee Ratna, Flo Reaves, Barbara Redmond, Larry Reutter, Sandra Rhodes, Claire Robertson, Gail Rock, Debbie Ross, Larry Ross, Beth Rossow, Chris Rowley, Cara Sanning, Nancy Shepard, Jim Shucart, Katherine Simeon, Gwen Smith and friends, David Snetsinger, Ellen Spann, Rachel Spann, Donna Springer, Sue Stivers, Dotty Storer, Lee Streett, Judy Stucki, Karen Stucki, Dick Swain, Mary Ann Swain, Mary Taylor, Rosemarie Teng, Chris Thorne, Joan Tiemann, Pam Triplett, Brent Vaughn, Rich Vaughn, Rick Walters, Jeanne Wilke, Faith Williams, Dennis Woracheck, John Wright, Pat Wright, and Bill Zeh.

To All Singers, Actors, Musicians, Playwrights Ministers and Eliot staff for their help with announcements, and publications.

And ... any others I may have missed.

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