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Inside This Issue

What is District Assembly?
- Rev. Bonnie Vegiard, Program Minister

On Fri. evening, Apr. 21, and Sat. Apr. 22, Unitarian Universalists from all over the Midwest will meet in Madison, W. "District Assembly" is the annual meeting of our district, the Central Midwest District. The meeting will include dynamic worship, music, workshops, jewelry and t-shirts for sale, and a bookstore. And it will include the annual business meeting of the District. It's a chance to meet UUs from all over Illinois, Wisconsin, and parts of Indiana, Michigan, and Missouri. Workshops will be on every issue from religious education to leadership to personal spirituality.

Madison WI is the home of our largest UU congregation, which happens to have an historic Frank Lloyd Wright building on its campus. It's a great town besides! If you have any interest in being part of this gathering of Unitarian Universalists, please let Daniel or me know. Also check out the Central Midwest District website for more details: http://www.cmwd-uua.org/

With General Assembly (the gathering for the nation-wide Unitarian Universalist Association) coming to St. Louis in June, this district gathering may be a chance for you to "get your feet wet" at a UU conference. It's a lot of fun! Hope to see you there!

Celebrating Stewardship

Our annual pledge campaign started on Sun., Mar. 5, and is well underway. By this time, you should have been invited to one of the leader-hosted celebrations or attended the brunch on Mar. 19. If you were unable to attend either event, the person inviting you to the celebration should have taken your pledge by phone.

If you have not been contacted, please contact Jim Gender, Canvass Chair, or JoAnn Stephan in the church office to find out who has your pledge card.

A primary goal of Celebrate Stewardship is 100% participation by Eliot members and friends. In addition to defining our income for the coming year, so that we can plan our expenses, the secondary purpose of the canvass is a form of census, to help us learn who is still interested in Eliot and who may have moved away, literally or spiritually. Although pledges account for over 80% of our income, and are clearly important, giving money is not a requirement for membership. If financial circumstances preclude your financial pledge, you may pledge $0 - we still need to hear from you.

Thanks for your support of Eliot Chapel.

Intern(al) Musings
- Jennifer DeBusk, Intern Minister

The word "reinvent" is not technically a theological term. But it should be. This is the raw stuff of life! According to the dictionary, reinvent means:

1. To make over completely,
2. To bring back into existence or use.

Can we reinvent ourselves and our faith? We do it all the time. In A History of God Karen Armstrong wrote, "When one concept of God has ceased to have meaning or relevance, it has been replaced by a new theology ... there is no objective view of 'God' each generation has to create the image of God that works for it."

How will you reinvent yourself and your faith to give meaning to life in this moment, in this generation? You may be encouraged and inspired by the ways that our female Unitarian pioneer ancestors did this in the 19th century.

The rugged frontier demanded physical and emotional tenacity that tested one's character. Few New England ministers chose to relinquish the comforts of home for such a hard life. The need for ministers to fill Western pulpits opened possibilities for women who were traditionally denied such leadership in established Eastern pulpits.

Their historically marginalized status as women compelled them to broaden the definition of faith to create a more inclusive church in the West. As Cynthia Grant Tucker wrote in Prophetic Sisterhood, these women believed that "their mission as pastors and feminists must be a ministry that emerged from an understanding of God as the harmonizing power that worked toward a larger state of love in communities, families and friendships." The clergy women re-defined God in a manner that promoted religious fellowship to those who may otherwise be excluded.

That was the 19th century. This is the 21st century. It's your turn to re-define God according to your experiences and beliefs. How will you reinvent yourself and your faith to give meaning to life in this moment, in this generation? May this challenge invigorate you into fuller and deeper exploration!

In Favor of Eliot Becoming a "Welcoming Congregation"
Second in a Series of Articles
- Michael Getty

In 2004, religious conservatives in Missouri pushed a state constitutional amendment banning marriage equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) people. While sounding the alarm over an impending collapse of the 'sacred institution of marriage,' they pushed to have the amendment placed on the November ballot - instead of during the primary election in August of the same year - to ensure the election of conservative candidates. A similar amendment, this time banning adoption by GLBT couples, is said to be on the way for the 2006 election cycle.

In a world such as this, GLBT people, especially those who are raising families, are going to need a spiritual refuge. They're going to need it very badly. And they'll find it in Eliot. Eliot is already welcoming, isn't it?

Yes, it is. Very much so. So why should we go to the trouble of officially becoming a "Welcoming Congregation?"

Out GLBT people learn very quickly that "welcoming" can mean very different things from place to place. Southern Baptists welcome GLBT people - and preach to them that they need to be "cured." The Catholic Church is officially welcoming of GLBT couples - as long as they agree to be silent.

My husband, Brian, and I started coming to Eliot after very public gestures in favor of GLBT equality by Rev. Daniel Ó Connell and Susan Maginn, then Intern Minister, so we had reason to believe most people would be okay with us. But we've been in such settings before, only to watch people cringe or go stone-cold silent when we crossed some line, anything from kissing hello and good-bye to calling each other "husband." In short, acting like everyone else.

We spent the better part of our first year at Eliot feeling things out. To be on the safe side, we stuck to "partner" when referring to each other. We half-believed someone would complain when we held hands during services or when we started teaching RE together.

We know now that we were being too cautions. With few exceptions, the people at Eliot have been singular in their kindness and acceptance.

But at the time, we were new, and more to the point, we were the ones who had to figure out whether or not we had really found a welcoming place.

I know of no GLBT people naive enough to believe that a church calling itself a "Welcoming Congregation" would contain only people who will embrace them with open arms. But having the "Welcoming Congregation" label attached to Eliot Chapel - in an age when most people who walk through our doors have already cased our church on the Internet - would take the guesswork Brian and I faced off the shoulders of GLBT people who will come looking for spiritual refuge.

"Be ours a religion which, like sunshine, goes everywhere; its temple, all space; its shrine, the good heart; its creed, all truth; its ritual, works of love; its profession of faith, divine living." (Theodore Parke).

Memorial Garden Update

Now that the weather is improving, work has begun again on the Memorial Garden, which is located East of the Sanctuary on the Argonne side of the building.

• Most of the plantings were done last fall. The hollies will be planted this spring. (Thank you, Marge Bergfeld!)
• The bench around the tulip tree was built by Brent Vaughn, and installed on March 10 by Brent and Rich Vaughn. (Thank you!)
• The gravel path will be put in (weather permitting) during the Apr. 22 Work Party.

Welcome New Members

We welcome to full participation as voting members of Eliot Chapel the following people who signed the Eliot Chapel Membership Book on Mar. 5: Virgil Bleisch, John and Laurie Chappell, Julee Higginbotham, Andy Klaus, Jennifer and Scott Stewart. We are so happy to have the benefit of your talent, energy and abilities as part of our Eliot Chapel community.

You Ought to be in Pictures
... and the Directory

The Eliot picture directory is ready to be printed. However there are many new members who did not have their pictures taken last fall. There will be a section in the new directory, "not available at picture time", in which any of our new members can be included. Please give Joy in the office a snapshot or professional picture (from Olin Mills only!) before Mar. 31, so you can be included in the directory.

Spring Work Party

This year's Spring Work Party will be on Sat., Apr. 22. Mark your calendars and plan to attend. The volunteers will be doing basic indoor and outdoor clean-up and fix-up chores around Eliot while consuming mountains of doughnuts.

Our Sympathy

To Paul and Eve Sedovic and their family on the death of Paul's father..

Canned Foods Needed

The RE Department needs canned foods (please, no glass) for our annual Easter Day canned food hunt. Donations may be dropped off in Joan Casey's office by Apr. 9. The cans will be donated to a local food pantry after the Easter service. Thank you!

April Social Justice Projects

Celebrate Earth Day with Gateway Greening, an environmental nonprofit. Help transform neglected and abandoned lots in St. Louis into productive gardens and beautiful landscaped areas. We will be partnering with AmeriCorps' 3rd Annual St. Louis Serves Day.

• When: Sat., Apr. 22 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• What: Volunteers will be making raised beds, loading and unloading soil and mulch, and planting flowers along downtown medians.
• Where: Kiener Plaza, downtown St. Louis. (Meet at Eliot to carpool.)
• Who: We need 20-25 volunteers at least 18 years old.

And come join a fun and worthwhile social justice project with Habitat for Humanity.

• When: Sat., Apr. 29 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• What: We will help build houses for low-income families.
• Where: In the Grand Center area. (Meet at Eliot to carpool.)
• Who: We will need a group of 10-15 volunteers age 15 years or older. Each volunteer will need to sign a waiver.
• Cost: A donation of $5 per volunteer is requested. Lunch is provided.

Looking for New People and Ideas

This is the time of year when the Adult Education and Enrichment Committee starts planning programs for the coming year. We are looking for some new players, as well as anyone with a suggestion for a program. If you are interested in joining the committee or contributing in any way, please email Jane Larson at .

Chaperones Are Needed

For the UU Children's Choir during GA week. Chaperones will live with the 70-80 singers in St. Louis University dormitories. Their room and board will be provided. There is a special need for adults who know their way around St. Louis; fun field trips will be taken. The only GA event they will attend will be closing ceremony on Sunday evening. Please consider serving in this important function and caring for these UU children, as we would want our children cared for out-of-town. For further information and to apply, please contact Harry Mangle at .

Buy Fair Trade Coffee & Support Eliot Chapel
- Beth Rossow

The cost to Eliot Chapel for a pound bag of coffee just increased by $1.50 per bag. We don't want to raise our prices; the price will remain the same at $10 per pound bag. We'd like to increase the number of people who buy coffee at Eliot, though, so that our profits don't fall. We encourage everyone who drinks coffee to purchase their coffee at Eliot on Sunday mornings. By purchasing Fair Trade coffee, you're helping to support a worthwhile cause and also contributing to Eliot Chapel. We still offer regular and decaf, both whole beans and ground. In addition, we have a list of specialty coffees that currently sell for $11 per pound. (Tea, unfortunately, is no longer available). Thanks to everyone who has supported this worthwhile fund raiser.

Exploring Religious Naturalism
- Rick Walters

On Sun, Mar. 26 at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary, Dr. Ursula Goodenough, Washington University biology professor and author of the best-selling book, The Sacred Depths of Nature, will present a program, "Exploring the Concept of Religious Naturalism." Religious naturalists find their sources of meaning within the natural world and are also informed and guided by our traditions such as art, literature, philosophy, and the religions of the world. The natural world and its manifestations by way of human creativity and community are the focus of wonder and reverence. This naturalist orientation generates a shared sense of place, gratitude and joy. Join us for a fascinating talk and discussion.

On the Lighter Side - Part II
- Lynn Murphy, Welcoming Congregation Forum

Come join us for a little laughter on Sun., Mar. 26 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. in Adams Hall. We will view comic scenes from movies and an hour of a gay/lesbian comedy club where comedians take a light look at being gay. Bring yourself, bring a friend, bring a snack to share, and share the fun with us.

UUSC Sunday, April 2, 2006

Marlene Levine, Chief Executive Officer of SSDN will be our guest speaker, at both services on UUSC Sunday, April 2. In addition to South Side Day Nursery, SSDN provides: the Early Care Network, the Early Head Start Network, and the Economic Development Center. [See UUSC Sunday for more information.]

On UUSC Sunday, we will have a special collection for the UUSC. Envelopes will be provided in the Order of Service. Gifts of $75 or more are eligible to be matched by the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock, Manhasset, New York.

Committed Couples' Collaborative Communications
For the Chronically Time-Crunched

Has daily life so swamped you that you barely see your partner - never mind having a meaningful discussion? This event is for you! The Family Support and Outreach Committee and ACME are excited to offer this introduction to communication strategies for committed couples. Please join us at Eliot on Sun., Apr. 2 at 7:00 p.m. See the RE bulletin board for further information and childcare sign-up.

Eliot Bible Study

All are welcome! Our next meeting is Mon., Apr. 3 at 7:00 p.m. in Adams Hall. We will be looking at the beginnings of Apocalyptic Literature in the Jewish tradition. While this type of literature reached its peak in the Christian book of Revelation, there are many Jewish precursors to this form of literature. For preparation, please read the Book of Daniel in the Hebrew Bible, and the Book of Enoch from the Dead Sea Scrolls. Enoch may be found on-line in various places, but the below web address is one possibility. Also below is a link to an article on Jewish Apocalyptic Literature in general.

Book of Enoch
Article on Jewish apocalyptic literature

Contact Rev. Bonnie Vegiard with questions.

New "U"
Your Questions Answered

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.

We meet in Adams Hall on Apr. 8 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 Mar. 26.

Town Hall Meeting

Plan to attend a Town Hall Meeting after second service on Apr. 9. Topics will include: a proposed resolution for the annual meeting, to make Eliot Chapel a "welcoming congregation", and a preliminary report on possibilities for handling growth of the congregation at Eliot.

Time will be allotted for other questions and comments. Come and find out what's going on.

Welcoming Congregation
Information Sessions

At the annual meeting in May, Eliot Chapel will vote on designating itself as a Welcoming Congregation. Two open meetings will be held to discuss what becoming a Welcoming Congregation means to Eliot. Come learn more about the program, ask questions, offer your opinion and to hear others. The two sessions will be held at Eliot Chapel in the sanctuary:

Sun., Apr. 23, 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Wed., Apr. 26, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

"What Families Need to Know About Stem Cell Research"

... is the topic of a forum on Sun., Apr. 30 at 3:00 p.m. at the Ethical Society of St. Louis, 9001 Clayton Rd.

Focusing on the scientific aspects and medical implications of stem cell research, speakers will include Dr. F. Patrick Ross, a professor at Washington University; Ira J. Kodner, M.D., Director, Center for the Study of Ethics and Human Values at Washington University; and Cynthia Kramer, a stem cell recipient and advocate for patients who need this therapy.

The forum is open to the public, free of charge, and child care will be provided. For more information, call the office of the St. Louis chapter of Hadassah at (314) 991-0434

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., Mar. 28 - Junior Achievement visit. Meet at Eliot at 9:45 a.m. to carpool or meet there at 10:30 a.m. For lunch reservations or questions, contact Julie Triplett.

Tue., Apr. 4 - America's Women: 400 Years of Dolls, Drudges, Helpmates and Heroines by Gail Collins. Be prepared to share your choice for THE most outstanding woman. Is she doll, drudge, helpmate or heroine? Leader - Margaret Hasse.

Women's Weekend

For information and on-line registration (deadline is Apr. 9) see:
Women's Weekend

As sure as the daffodils will poke their little yellow heads out of the ground with the coming of each spring, the RE Department comes looking for teachers for the new church year, 2006 - 2007. We have a large, vibrant Religious Education program and we need the support of dedicated folk just like you to teach our amazing children. Teaching is an excellent opportunity to meet new people, give back to the faith community that nourishes your spirit, and a way to learn more about the various areas of study that our RE program is based on (Unitarian Universalist Identity and Jewish and Christian Heritage during the 1st semester or World Religions and Social Justice during the 2nd semester).

We try to make teaching as simple and attractive as possible. Volunteers teach in teams of 3; teachers alternate lead teaching, assisting, and having the Sunday off all semester. Audiotapes of the service are available by request for any service that is missed due to teaching commitments. Teachers attend an orientation session before the start of the semester and are given a complete curriculum. The Teacher Support Committee and I are available to help with any problems or concerns. Each week the lead teacher receives comprehensive instructions and help with locating supplies. And in the end, you'll be recognized for your service at a special service devoted to our volunteers.

Recruitment begins on Mar. 26, but feel free to contact me in advance for more information.

Remember that we can't do what we do without you! We hope to see you at the recruitment table

Music Notes
-- Jan Chamberlin, Music Director,

Coming up:
Mar. 26 preludes by Kathie Price and Rich Heuermann. The 9:15 choir sings I Shall Pass Through This World, and the 10:45 choir sings The Silver Swan.
Apr 2. preludes by Inner Voices. The 9:15 choir sings Seek To Serve by Pfautsch.

Friends of Music will present a concert of classical music in the Sanctuary on Sun., Mar. 26 at 3:00 p.m.

Spring Forward, Fall Back

Daylight Savings Time begins on Sun., Apr. 2. Before you turn in for the night, remember to turn your clocks forward one hour.

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