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Inside This Issue

Exploring Eliot's Role in the Greater Community
- Rev. Dr. Daniel Ó Connell, Lead Minister

We received more than one question at Question Box Sunday on New Years' Day about "why we don't advertise" or what our public relations efforts ought to be.

I read somewhere that 60% of Americans have never heard of Unitarian Universalism. Of that number, I expect fully half of them confuse us with the Unification Church or Unity Church.

This week, I was emailed a link to a local St. Louis political weblog. In the post, the person referred to "Eliot values," so I couldn't help myself, I replied to the post. I asked for people who had opinions about what Eliot values were, to e-mail me.

So now I'm wondering what our congregational identity is within our local community. How do we find out?

For example, one of the things I am toying with is going out to the Farmer's market with a clipboard -- maybe one or two of us on a Saturday -- and just asking people something like: hey, have you ever heard of Eliot Chapel? Can you tell me anything about it? Or, perhaps: do you know anything about that church over there? Just to see what kind of response I would get.

I plan on setting a date after study leave this month for the first of several meetings for an ad hoc group to figure out a few things about public perception of Eliot Chapel. A few folks in the congregation have already volunteered to be a part of this group. At least one board member was interested, and if you are interested also, drop me an email or give me a call.

It could be pretty interesting to find out what conceptions and perceptions other folks have about us.

Our American Roots
Come explore the religious conversation of the forming American nation, and how Unitarian and Universalism emerged from these conversations as unique religious perspectives. This six-week session includes reading, exercises, and video presentations of current UU ministers reflecting on our history and theology. This is an excellent opportunity for newcomers to find out more about our perspective, or for established UUs to deepen their knowledge. Class will be led by Rev. Bonnie Vegiard, assisted by Jennifer DeBusk. Wednesdays, 7:00 - 9 p.m., from Feb. 15 - Mar. 22.

Welcome, Our New Member
- Claire Robertson, Membership Chair

Darren Stoddart signed Eliot's membership book on Jan. 1. We welcome him to full participation as a member of Eliot Chapel!

Congratulations

To Adrienne Linden on the birth of Maria Noel.

To Katy and Dave Miller and big brother, Ben, on the birth of Claire Virginia.

Our Sympathy

To Budimir Zvolanek and his family on the death of his mother.

Have Any Items for Room At The Inn??
- Bill and Joan Clarke

Joan and I were the "hosts" last Thursday night with our guests from Room At The InnI. While spending the evening we found that a few items added to our supplies would be helpful and enjoyed by our guests. First, a few "new" linens would be welcome. We use single bed sheets, pillowcases and blankets and a few could use replacing. Also, anyone with a TV (with antenna) and/or a VCR could allow the adults to watch one show while the children are watching a movie or vice-versa.

If you have any of these items that you would like to donate, please contact us so we can arrange to pick them up. Thanks for the support and don't forget - we can always use volunteers to host, cook, and launder the linens. Sign-up on the bulletin board.

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.

New "U"
Saturday, February 18

Your questions about Unitarian Universalism and Eliot Chapel will be answered in this introductory class. Ministers, lay members, and you will share thoughts and information. Your questions are an important part of the experience. New "U" is particularly interesting and helpful to those who may seek more involvement and membership in Eliot Chapel.

The next class is offered on Sat., Feb. 18 from 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Please register in Visitors' Corner or through the office at (314) 821-0911. Childcare may be arranged if requested by Feb. 3.

Chili and Games Night

Sat., Jan. 21 at 5:30 p.m. Join the fun at this annual event for the whole family. This year the games will be Bingo & Bunko and Poker & Charades. There will also be children's games for the more active. The deadline to sign up for childcare is Jan. 15. The sign up sheet is in the hallway - let us know you if you'll be coming! The event is FREE; we ask you to bring soda or bread/crackers to share - or join the competitions in Chili, Vegetarian Chili, or Dessert. Aprons will be awarded as prizes. This is an annual event - brought to you by the FUN Committee.

Youth Coffeehouse

If you perform with song, dance, magic, poetry reading, playing an instrument, impersonations, whatever, and are under the age of 18, please sign up for the youth coffeehouse happening on Sat., Feb. 4 at 7:00 p.m.. Sign up sheets are outside Adams Hall and the Sr. Youth room.

Please email Susan Maginn with questions at .

Mindfulness Meditation Retreat

After the excitement of Christmas, Winter Solstice, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and New Year's, you may be feeling ready to take some time out from "doing" so much, and practice just "being." If so, join us on Sat., Jan. 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for our Almost-Annual Mindfulness Meditation Winter Retreat.

We'll be making two big pots of soup for lunch, one with meat, one without. Bring a vegetable serving for 2 or 3, cleaned, peeled, and ready to put into the pot. We'll provide a variety of hot teas; you can bring bread, crackers, or light desserts (in addition to or instead of veggies) plus your own beverage if you don't like tea. There will be a variety of spiritual disciplines for you to experience.

Bring a yoga mat or rug, pillow, blanket, or throw. Be sure to dress in comfortable layers of loose-fitting, warm clothing since the sanctuary will not be heated. If you're planning on participating in the writing workshop, be sure to bring a pen and paper or a laptop.

Please plan to be at Eliot around 8:30 a.m. to start the stew, and we'll begin the program at 9:00 a.m. You may come or go at any time, the lunch will be around noon to 1:00 p.m. Afterward we'll have time for group discussion and questions for our leaders.

Further details will be sent via email to participants. Please advise if you're coming with your full name, email and phone number to Judy Highfill at

Coffee and Conversations: Surviving Divorce

Jan. 22 - Join facilitator Roz Marx for a discussion about the positive opportunities that can come after the loss and grief of divorce. This is an open discussion for anyone interested. Join Roz in Adams Hall at 7:00.

Book Fair Sorting

The annual Book Fair is coming up in March. We appreciate book donations as soon as possible; the books need to be packed, children's books priced separately, hauled to the storage room, sorted by 42 categories, packed up, labeled, and stacked back on the shelves until the Book Fair. The sorting days for Women's Alliance and the Library committee are Sat., Jan. 28; Tues., Feb. 7; Sat., Feb. 25; Sat., Mar., 2006. The times for two shifts on Saturdays are from 9:30 am - 11:30 am and 11:00 am -1:00 p.m.

Attention all book donors: you will find a folder with signed tax deduction forms in the library on the shelf below New Books. Please fill out one yourself. A great thanks to all of you who generously donated books already.

Bridge, Anyone?

The first Eliot bridge game of the New Year will take place Sat., Jan. 28 in Adams Hall at 7:00 p.m. Please make your reservations with Sue Webster. Singles and couples welcome. In case of inclement weather you will receive a phone call. Keep your fingers crossed.

Family Worship on Abilities Awareness
- Lisa Dahlgren, Abilities Awareness Coordinator

Each year Eliot takes one Sunday to focus on Abilities Awareness; in the past it was taught to our children in individual classrooms. This year, we are expanding the program by having Abilities Awareness as a Family Worship service on Jan. 29. We will have a dynamic and energetic guest speaker.

This change will allow us to present new information as well as include people of all ages while we explore Abilities Awareness with an emphasis on participation.

Family services are in Adams Hall and run concurrently with the adult services. Families with children Pre-K through 5th grade are encouraged to attend together. If that is not possible, a few teachers will be available in classrooms. Children who are dropped off attend Family Worship with these teachers and afterwards can be picked up back in the classrooms.

Nursery and Intermediate classes are open as usual; the 10:45 a.m., 6th grade and up class meets as usual also.

We hope, however, that you will join your children at the Family Worship service. You are welcome to attend even if you do not have children.

Meet, Greet, and Eat

Let's get to know each other at a Circle Supper! Circle Suppers are intimate potluck dinners in members' homes where conversation flows, friendships are made, and children are welcome. Each Supper needs a host family. Please come to the sign up table in Adams Hall after both services on Sun., Jan.29and Feb. 5 and choose from one of these scheduled dates for your Supper:

Sat. Feb. 25, Sat. Mar. 4 or Sun. Feb. 26 (for families with children)

Please indicate if you will be willing to host. The host will contact the guests with directions and a time to meet. If you are not able to sign up on Jan. 29th or Feb. 5th, please email Doris Yohe at .

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.

Special Valentine Evening
- Lynn Murphy for the Welcoming Congregation Forum

On Sat., Feb. 11 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. the Welcoming Congregation Forum will host either a potluck or dinner and dance to celebrate Valentine's Day. If you would be interested, please contact me to let me know which activity you would prefer.

All are welcome - singles as well as couples.

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. 17 - The Things Our Kids and Grandkids Will Never Know: How many things can you think of to include in a WA list? Bring or tell about one or more items or activities that are or will not be a part of the lives of younger generations.

Tue. Jan. 24 - Card Making With Karen Gustafson: "Make and Take" handmade greeting cards, gift tags, and more using stamping, embellishments, and embossing. A $5 workshop fee includes materials and a goody bag.

For questions about either program, contact Ellen Luckow.

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.

Priority is given to Eliot Chapel-affiliated families.

The Religious Education Department is busy with many upcoming projects. The Family Support and Outreach Committee and the Curriculum Committee are again co-hosting a Family Potluck on Fri., Jan. 27 beginning at 5:45 p.m. First we will eat and then families will play a trivia game about our two Spring Semester Pillars - World Religions and Social Justice. There will be childcare during the game for little children. Potlucks are usually over by about 7:30 p.m. (If your last name begins with: A-I bring salad/veggies; J-R bring main dish; S-Z bring dessert.)

Parents of children ages 3 to 6 may want to join the Family Support and Outreach Committee's Second Annual Spiritual Retreat on Feb. 4 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Our theme this year is Love Is Inside All of U. Children will come together to celebrate that they are loved and love others through movement, crafts, food, and worship, while parents will enjoy time to recharge their batteries. Forms are being passed out the first few Sundays in January and are also available online. We only have 12 spots, so please get your forms in as soon as possible.

We also will have Family Worship about Abilities Awareness on Jan. 29 with a guest speaker. For more information, please see the article in this newsletter.

Spring Semester teachers - don't forget Teacher Orientation is on Mon., Jan. 16 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. You'll get to know your teaching team, receive your curriculum and teacher's packet, and gain valuable information about teaching at Eliot, so don't miss it! The semester begins on Jan. 29.

Finally, we'd like to thank all of the congregation's generosity during the holidays, by buying a gift for the Giving Tree or by contributing to the UUSC during Guest at Your Table. We collected $591.81 for this worthy organization! If you forgot to bring your box in by the deadline, please count the money and mail a check directly to the UUSC. Thank you.

Happy New Year.

Music Notes
-- Jan Chamberlin, Music Director,

Coming up:
Jan. 15 - preludes by Inner Voices. 9:15 choir sings Like a Mighty Stream by Hogan; 10:45 choir sings Standing on the Side of Love by Shelton.
Jan. 22 - Kathie Price and Rich Heuermann perform preludes; 9:15 choir sings Share ... Dream by Duson, 10:45 choir sings He Watching over Israel from Elijah by Mendelssohn.
Jan 29. - John McEnulty will play Native American flute.
Feb. 5 - Music Sunday: Eliot Handbells will play and Children's Chalice Choir will sing with the adult choirs.

On Sun., Jan. 22 at 3:00 p.m. the Friends Of Music Concerts will present music by Georg Telemann and C.P.E. Bach for flute and violin performed by James Harris and Lorraine Harris-Glass; the Sonata for Oboe and Piano, featuring Kathy Nix, oboist; and the Sonata no. 2 for Clarinet and Piano by Johannes Brahms, played by Budimir Zvolanek and Jeffrey Kurtzman. The program will end at approximately 4:30 p.m. Concert dates for the remainder of the season are Mar. 26, and May 21. For further information, email jgkurtzm@wustl.edu or kskurtzm@sbcglobal.net

Wanted: People who like to play and sing country/western music. Please contact me.

Call for Nominating Committee

Help form the future of Eliot Chapel - become part of the Nominating Committee. 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 committee members will create the slate of candidates for the Board and the Treasurer positions that will be voted on at the annual meeting in May. Please contact the Eliot Chapel office if you are interested in this important role in shaping our future.

Policy: Closing in Bad Weather

While it is the intention of the church leadership that the Chapel be open and provide services on every Sunday, we also do not wish to endanger anyone who may feel obligated by commitment (e.g., RE teachers, choir, or staff) to drive to Eliot in unsafe weather. "Attend if you feel safe doing so" will not necessarily release people from that sense of obligation.

Additionally, our Safe Church policy requires specific ratios of properly-screened teachers to children, and those ratios might not be met if no proactive decision were taken.

Therefore, in situations of bad weather such as snow and/or ice storms,

• If travel advisories have been issued by state and/or local governments asking that people stay off the roads and do not drive, Eliot will close.
• If conditions are such that key staff members believe that travel will be too hazardous, Eliot will close.

We expect closing church to be an extremely rare occurance.

In January,

Got Gas?

Eliot's gas bill for the month of December is $5,300, 104% higher than the bill paid last year for December. The bill reflects a 40% average price increase, a 7% increase in "degree days", but a 57% increase in usage (therms). The only good news here is that usage can be somewhat controlled by conservation: please follow common sense measures such as ensuring that doors and windows are closed, and please dress warmly.

General Assembly 2006
Deadlines Approaching

For those who may want to have a booth at the assembly or for those who want to schedule an event, here are two important deadlines:
Jan. 31 - Deadline for requesting exhibit booth space and/or advertising space in the GA program book.
Feb. 1 - Deadline to submit requests for all GA events and meeting rooms.

Further information is available at http://www.uua.org/ga/ga06.html.

Office Closed

The office will be closed Mon., Jan. 16 on Martin Luther King Day.

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