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Inside This Issue

New Ways to Deepen Relationships
- Rev. Bonnie Vegiard, Program Minister

Most of us join a church in search of community - to make friends and feel a sense of support in our explorations and commitments. Eliot offers many diverse opportunities to get involved, but the program that is most aimed at deepening friendships and spiritual exploration is our Covenant Group program. About 120 Eliot members and friends are part of Covenant Groups. (See the brochure in Visitor's Corner.)

But you may have hung back from joining a Covenant Group. You may want to get to know the community better, or not want to be out of the house at night. However, I believe the main reason people hesitate to join a group is the commitment. Covenant Groups are set up to be monthly meetings of an on-going nature, allowing people to build trusting relationships over time.

Recent experience in other churches has shown that Covenant Groups can also be quite effective on a more short-term, or even one-time, basis. So here's your chance! We're offering several one-time or short-term Covenant Group experiences.

One-time groups will have sign-up sheets at Eliot. The short-term groups are:

* Christian Spirituality for Lent, facilitated by Rev. Dick Haynes - 5 sessions: March 9, 16, 23, April 6, 13.
* The Very Busy Family Group: Taking a Breather! Two sessions facilitated by Janis Cox. For dates, see sign-up sheets at Eliot.

Call or email Rev. Bonnie Vegiard to sign up.

Celebrate Stewardship
- Jim Gender - Chair, Stewardship Committee

While working on this year's stewardship campaign, I took last year's brochure, pasted the entire thing into MS word and ran auto summarize to see which 5% of the brochure Microsoft thought was most important. I got the following summary:

Canvass description
The canvass will start on April 24th
Thank them for their pledge cards

I thought that was pretty elegant, a little spooky perhaps - and maybe just too easy. Perhaps, this is the time of year that you remember all of the good your "treasure" has done. OK, that's wildly optimistic, but think about it. Over the last year you have: volunteered, joined committees, participated in worship services, provided financial support, shared musical and speaking talents, TAUGHT, provided child care, worked for social justice, supported music and arts groups, spoken up at community forums, volunteered at teen programs, supported our partner church or a community park, led a youth group, invited other like-minded people to a service ... and so much more.

Our church is more than a building; it is the collective compassion of our congregation. This year I invite you to Celebrate Stewardship. Your gifts of Time, Talent and Treasure do more than pay the bills; they promote the good works that we associate with being Unitarian. Celebrate Stewardship's primary goal is 100% participation of Eliot members and friends. Stewardship Hosts will invite friends and members to their homes, to a room at Eliot, or to some other location to share fellowship and a short program on Stewardship. Pledge cards will be collected during the celebration. When you are invited, please RSVP promptly. If you cannot attend, you can discuss your pledge with the host by phone.

The Stewardship Campaign begins on Mar. 5. Thank you for your pledge.

Cast Your Vote

Ballots for the election of the Nominating Committee will be mailed to Members of Eliot Chapel by the end of January.

When you receive your ballot, vote for no more than 8 persons. The deadline for return of ballots will be 15 days after mailing. So please cast your vote and return the ballot promptly.

The two candidates receiving the highest number of votes shall be elected for three-year terms; the two names receiving the next highest number of votes shall be elected for two-year terms; the two names receiving the next highest number of votes shall be elected for one-year terms; and the two names receiving the next highest number of votes shall be elected as alternates.

Legacy of Hope

Have you heard the term "planned giving"? It's about making a gift during your lifetime, and at the same time, allowing you to receive a lifetime income from that gift. Using gifts of cash made by members and friends, the UUA has invested in a pool which guarantees a fixed income during a donor's lifetime. You designate the beneficiary of that gift upon your death. Eliot Chapel could be a recipient of that gift. We are now establishing a "Legacy of Hope" program at Eliot Chapel and have brochures in our library which outlines various giving opportunities. For example, if you are 65 years old you are currently guaranteed a fixed rate of 6.7%; 70 years old 7.2%, and 85 years old 10.4%. These rates are subject to change. If you itemize, you may claim a charitable income tax deduction for a percentage of your gift. Please take a brochure and call Larry Ross or Mary Taylor if you have any questions about the Legacy of Hope through the UUA Charitable Gift Annuity.

Welcome, New Members
- Claire Robertson, Membership Chair

We welcome to full participation in Eliot Chapel Kathy and Ric Vice, Mary Hosto , and Cara Sanning who signed our membership book on January 8. We're so happy you've joined Eliot Chapel!

Our Sympathy

On the death of Dave Macdonald to his wife, Laurie, and his daughter, Nancy Rubin, and their families.

To Doris and Cleon Yohe and their family on the death of Doris's mother.

Fate of the Fun Committee...?

Times have changed - will the FUN Committee move on or move out? Is it time to replace the old events (Mystery Dinner, Chili & Games, Annual Picnic, float trip, caroling) with NEW events? Lack of volunteers suggests that it may be time to retire the old events. If you have an interest in planning FUN events for the members of Eliot throughout the year, please contact the current Chair: Lydia Hopkins.

What are our Covenant Groups doing?

In addition to monthly meetings where members share support and spiritual exploration, our Covenant Groups are also engaged in service to Eliot and beyond. Here are some of the service projects groups have taken on:

• Several groups have helped with Room at the Inn, both with providing the meal and with overnight hosting.
• Others helped with the Madrigal dinner, especially dishwashing!
• One group has assisted with the clean up for the book fair.

Recruiting World Beat Volunteers
- Jennifer DeBusk, Intern Minister

A big thanks goes out to everyone who volunteered at the International Institute kick-off day: Clint and Sue Blandford, Ann Howard, Lee Streett, and Sandra Steinman. GREAT WORK! Your contribution makes a difference in the lives of immigrants and refugees and is a valuable step in putting our Unitarian Universalist principles into action. Due to enthusiasm and a quick response on behalf of Eliot congregants, the volunteer sign up list for Saturday, Feb. 4 is already full! Paul Dribin, Sara Johnson, Sandra Steinman, Chris Thorne, and Suzanne Till jumped in to volunteer for Feb. 4th. Way to go!

The next volunteer opportunity is Sat., March 4th. Please sign up! We've taken into consideration the small space of the donation room as well as people's schedules. This feedback has led us to make some adjustments. The new time slots are as follows:

9:00 - 11a.m. Organize new donations (3 volunteers)
10:45 - 1:30 p.m. Distribute donations (2 volunteers)

There will be a 15 minute orientation when you arrive; clients come between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., and the last 30 minutes is clean up.

I'd love to have as many different people experience this opportunity as possible. If you haven't volunteered yet and would like to, please let me know soon so that I can put you on the list before it fills up.

Now that the World Beat partnership is officially launched, my main role will be to coordinate volunteers and respond to feedback. The goal is to make this World Beat partnership a positive, ongoing, successful experience for everyone involved. After you volunteer, please email me your thoughts and ideas of what worked well and what could be improved. I look forward to hearing from you.

Friday Flicks Date Change

The Adult E&E "Friday Flicks" series has had its schedule and location changed for February through April. The original Feb. 3 date has been changed. The new dates are:

Feb. 17 - "Thou Shalt Commit Adultery"
Mar. 17 - "Thou Shalt Not Steal"
Apr. 21 - "Thou Shalt Not Bear False Witness against Thy Neighbor

All are in Room 006, from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. The films are episodes of The Decalogue, a series directed by Krzysztof Kielslowski exploring moral dilemmas in a contemporary context.

Escape from Affluenza:
An Introduction to Sustainability

Would you like to live with a lighter footprint on the Earth? Does the blare of advertising ever get you down? Then join us Feb. 5 at 7:00 p.m. in Adams Hall when Jill Hamilton, from Sustainable St. Louis (http://www.sustainstl.org/), will show "Escape from Affluenza", an introduction to ways that some have changed their lives. In the discussion following the movie, Ms. Hamilton will introduce resource materials for series of 8 small group meetings and explain how the classes work. Interested parties will have the opportunity to join a group, decide on meeting arrangements and the topic. Workbooks are available through Sustainable St. Louis at a nominal price. Sponsored by the Social Action Committee.

Homeland
A Slice of Life on the Reservation

The Social Action Committee will be showing 2 segments of "Homeland: Four Portraits of Social Action" on Jan. 29 at 9:15 a.m. in Room 001. Each segment is about a Native American reservation that is affected by industrial pollution; every reservation in the country is troubled by pollution.

These tribes are like canaries in a coal mine and need our attention, both for them and for the rest of the country. Toxic waste from the extraction of gas from coal has seriously contaminated the water in the Powder River Valley, part of a Cheyenne reservation. Come and learn more about their problems and what they are doing. You may want to help them in some way.

Eliot Hikers

The February hike has been changed from Feb. 18 to Feb. 11. Meet at Eliot parking lot to carpool to Castlewood State Park at 9:00 a.m. Larry Reuter will lead the hike. If you want more information and want to be on the Eliot Hikers email List, contact Sue Blandford. The remaining hikes for the year are as follows and can also be found on Eliot's website:

Feb. 11 - Castlewood State Park - 9:00 a.m.
Mar. 18 - Onondaga Cave State Park - 8:15 a.m.
Apr. 22 - Fyrne Clyffe Park, IL - 8:00 a.m.
May 13 - Bike, Madison Co. IL - 9:00 a.m.

Our American Roots

Come explore the religious conversation of the forming American nation, and how Unitarianism 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.

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.

Youth Coffeehouse

The youth coffeehouse is on Sat., Feb. 4 at 7:00 p.m.

Please email Susan Maginn with questions at .

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.

Family Worship 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. 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.

Circle Suppers

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.29 and 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)

If you are not able to sign up on Jan. 29th or Feb. 5th, please contact Doris Yohe at .

Eliot Bible Study

On Feb. 6 at 7:00 p.m. the Eliot Bible Study will gather in Adams Hall to examine women of the Hebrew Bible. Please read the books of Esther, Ruth, and chapters 4 and 5 of Judges (the story of Deborah) in preparation. All are welcome!

I'll See You ...

Eliot poker players meet at 7:00 p.m. in Children's Chapel every second Thu. of the month. Feb. 9 is the date this month. Games played are the dealer's choice.

Bring your own beverage and snacks and plan for a social evening.

Playtime

The Eliot Playgroup will meet in the church nursery Feb. 10 from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. Please bring yourself and your baby/preschooler for fun and conversation. Newcomers are welcome. We meet in the nursery the second Friday of every month. Contact Wendy Cutshaw for more information.

Special Valentine Evening
- Lynn Murphy for the Welcoming Congregation Forum

It's coming soon. Valentine's Day is only two weeks away, and the Welcoming Congregation Forum would like to offer something different on this occasion - a dinner and dance at Eliot. Rather than the noisy and often expensive experience at a club or restaurant, come join us instead. Depending on response, we may instead have a potluck. Gay or straight, single or couple, all are welcome to join us on Sat., Feb. 11 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Eliot. Please RSVP by Feb. 2 to Lynn Murphy. [Cancelled due to lack of responses.]

Partner Church Trivia Night
- Sue Blandford

The Partner Church Trivia FUNdraiser is coming Sat., Feb. 18. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with Trivia starting at 7:00 p.m. Tickets will go on sale for $15 per person after both services on Jan. 29. You can organize a table of 8 people or just buy a single ticket and we will seat you with other singles or doubles. Get your covenant group to buy a table together or a group of friends. Last year we sold out so don't wait too long.

The emphasis in on FUN; we want to raise as much money as possible for our partner church, St. Martin, in Transylvania, Romania. Popcorn, brownies, soda, and coffee will be provided, but you may bring your own food or drink of choice. Again, Hungarian "Bull's Blood" wine will be available for sale.

It's almost Time for the Book Fair!

The Eliot Library Book Fair takes place Fri. - Sun., Mar. 10 - 12. Book sorting days will be on the following dates from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.: Sat., Jan. 28; Sat., Feb. 25; and Sat. Mar. 4.The Library Committee requests that all book donations to be in by Mar. 4. Book donation forms for income tax purposes are available in the library under the New Books shelf. Women's Alliance and the Library Committee thank the congregation for their generous support.

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., Feb.7 - The Plot Against America by Philip Roth. Leader: Lorraine Stern.

We had an informative Spring Teacher Orientation on a rainy Monday night, with nearly all of our incoming teachers attending. I want to thank Lisa Beck, Debbie Fechter , and Carol Moreland for their work in putting together the evening. Many thanks to our dedicated Fall Teachers:

At 9:15 - Mike Antoine, Lea Ann Baker, Paul Bauer, Lee Brower, Ellen Cowell, Wendy Cutshaw, Susan Duncan, Jamie Fitzgerald, Kim Fitzgerald, Kathleen Geier, Janet Gleason, Jennifer Henderson, Tracey Howe-Koch, Cordell Jeffries, Julie Jordan, Bhairavi Kinder, William Lemon, Eva Merrell, Katy Miller, Jeff Morris, Linda Munsell, Christine Nolan, Lynne Ramsey, Sandra Rhodes, Eve Sedovic, Rich Vaughn, Dianne Wagner, Rich Wagner, and Laura Williams.

At 10:45 - Christy Berger, Brent Bledsoe, Trish Champion, Barb Crowley, Denise DeGhelder, Betsy Fallstrom, Camille Fried, Teresa Gerber, Cindy Haynes, Robin Horning, Holly Ingraham, Julie Leemann, Kurt Leemann, Leslie Loving, Jim Lyonfields, Shawna Lyonfields, Eileen Manganaro, Joan McCready, Marlene Mestres, Kevin Mitchell, Lynn Murphy, Marissa Nauman, Kelly Ogonoski, Renae Quinn, Doug Riggs, Sandy, Riggs, Judy Stucki-Simeon, Mary Taylor, Tracy Turner-Bumberry, Brent Vaughn, Lisa Ward, Harold Waxman, LK Wilhelms, Amy Williford, and Cat Wood.

And not to be forgotten, thanks to our amazing youth helpers: Margaret Gender, Ross Lawrence, Maggie Nolan, Grace Rossow, Claire Sedovic, Katherine Sedovic, and Connor Waldman.

Reminders:
Our Family Potluck is on Fri., Jan. 27 beginning at 5:45 p.m. We will eat and then have a fun trivia game to highlight our two Spring Semester pillars - World Religions and Social Justice. The evening will be over by about 7:30 p.m. Here's what to bring: last name beginning with A-I bring salad/veggies; J-R bring main dishes; S-Z bring desserts.

On Sat, Feb.4, GATE partners will gather in Adams Hall at 5:30 p.m. to enjoy their annual Spaghetti Dinner. Afterward, they will all attend the Youth Coffeehouse, sponsored by the Senior Youth group. It promises to be a fun evening for everyone.

Hope to see you at one of our upcoming events.

Music Notes
-- Jan Chamberlin, Music Director,

Coming up:
Jan. 29: John McEnulty will play Native American Flute for preludes, 9:15 choir will sing Greeting the Four Directions, 10:45 choir will sing Paper Reeds by the Brook.
Feb. 5, Music Sunday: - Handbells will play the preludes. At Both services the children's Chalice Choir will join with the Chorale and Chamber Choir to sing Building Bridges by Nick Page, plus several other pieces.

Social Action Update

"Mountain Top Removal Mining," the subject of a Social Action Committee program in 2004, is the cover story in the current Orion Magazine. Now, you can read about it on their web site: http://www.oriononline.org/pages/om/06-1om/Reece.html. If you are interested in having your voice heard on environmental issues, the article provides useful information.

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.

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