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Inside This Issue

Beautiful People
- Rev. Dr. Daniel Ó Connell, Lead Minister

People magazine has become more democratic. This year, their list of the world's "most beautiful people" has expanded from 50 to 100. Apparently, they wanted to fit in all 26 "spokesmodels" of a TV game show ("Deal or No Deal"). The rest of the list is made up of actors and a quarterback. I didn't read the list; I just saw the headline in the grocery store. Honest.

But what gets me is the concept. It shouldn't be called People magazine, it should be called Spoksmodel magazine. The most beautiful people I know would never make the inside of the magazine, much less its cover.

The most beautiful people I know are in church. They are the RE teachers who mentor our children and youth. They are the covenant group members who bring a search for intimacy and ultimacy. They are the men and women who show up at work parties. They are the singers in the choir, musicians on the chancel. They are members of committees. They are people who are worthy of consideration and praise because of what they do for others.

The 19th century French writer, Stendhal, said that beauty is "the promise of happiness." To me, the promise of happiness does not lie in bone structure and skin tone. The promise of happiness lies in free religious thought, in ongoing spiritual growth, and in acting for social justice. The promise of happiness lies in the present moment - the ability to choose to do something interesting, something exciting, something wonderful. Have a beautiful day.

Intern(al) Musings
- Jennifer DeBusk, Intern Minister

Geography shapes theology. I first recognized this connection during a month-long backpacking trip in Alaska with National Outdoor Leadership School. I was one of 12 backpackers who ventured out into the wilderness with nothing more than a backpack, a compass, a map, and a rationed supply of food. We were given the task to "read" the landscape as a way of orienting ourselves to our rugged surroundings.

Sometimes we read the water's currents as we crossed rivers that flowed from melting glaciers. Other times we blazed trails through dense forests adjusting our vision to what was immediately in front of us. Our vision changed once again when we hiked steep, rocky mountains with magnificent vistas.

Soon after my backpacking trip, I read a dialogue between Bill Moyers and Joseph Campbell, "The Power of Myth." I was struck by how well it captured the direct relationship between geography and its impact on one's spiritual viewpoint.

Moyers: Geography has done a great deal to shape our culture and our idea of religion. The god of the desert is not the god of the plains.

Campbell: - or the god of the rain forest -- the gods, plural, of the rain forest. When you're out in the desert with only one sky and one world, then you might have one deity, but in a jungle, where there's no horizon and you never see anything more than ten or twelve yards away from you, you don't have that idea anymore.

M: Their geography shapes their image of divinity, and then they project it out and call it God.

C: Yes. The god idea is always culturally conditioned, always. And even when a missionary brings what he thinks is God, his god, that god is transformed in terms of what the people are able to think of as divinity.

How has the landscape in which you grew up shaped your own perspective on religion? Take a moment to reflect on this. Go for a hike and look at your surroundings with fresh eyes. Who knows what new insights you may discover? Enjoy the exploration!

Mother's Day Child Dedications

Eliot traditionally holds child dedication ceremonies during the Mother's Day Flower Communion service. Any child may participate. Please contact Rev. Bonnie Vegiard if you would like to have your child(ren) participate in the child dedication ceremony on May 14.

Congratulations

To Alicia Boelhauf and Ron DeVinitz on the birth of their son Graham Boelhauf-DeVinitz.

Sympathy

To Andrea and Dave Kipp and their family on the death of Andrea's father.

Remembering a Friend

A memorial service for William F. Woo, former editor and columnist at the Post-Dispatch, will be held May 12 at 7:30 at Graham Chapel, Washington University. Bill, his wife Martha Shirk, and their three sons attended Eliot before they moved to California. Rev. John Robinson, minister emeritus of Eliot, will participate in the service.

Young Adults

All persons ages 18-35 are invited to join the Eliot Chapel Young Adult Group! We meet the 1st Sunday of the month in Adams Hall and then disperse from there. We practice small group ministry, focusing on the needs of YAs. We have our own social events as well, helping you get to know other UU YAs in church and around town. We also are active in district and continental UU YA events and conferences, which are tremendous fun! For more information email Michael A. Cowen Nissen at , or visit our website at http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/eliotchapelYAG .

Summer Scholarships Available
- Barbara Bloom, Eliot Chapel Library Committee

The Eliot Chapel Library Committee is once again sponsoring a summer workshop or camp scholarship that will be available to families who would like financial assistance in order that their child might pursue an interest in the arts, sciences, or leadership skills. A Library Sub-Committee will review all scholarship requests.

Applicants need not be members of Eliot Chapel, but are expected to contribute to the chapel community in some way.

Applications should be submitted by May 15, 2006. Forms are available in the library.

Thank You

Eliot's looking pretty spiffy, thanks to the efforts of this spring's work party volunteers: Chris Beck, Virgil Bleisch, Dottie Brenner, Kevin Brownfield, Brian Casey, Dave Day, Elitta DeArmond, Michael Hennon, Jerry Higginbotham, Sara Johnson, Curt Kristofitz, Susan Loftin, Scott Marshall, Todd Michael, Ann Petlin, Larry Reutter, Paul Sedovic, and Donna Springer.

Any Ideas?

If you have an idea for a Summer Service, please contact Jane Larson . If you would like to provide music in the form of a prelude and interlude, please sign up on the sheet on the bulletin board outside Adams Hall. An accompanist will be available.

Room At The Inn
- Joan and Bill Clarke

Bridgeton Room At The Inn the day site and organizer of the program to shelter homeless women and families of St. Louis County, has established a Mothers' Day program to honor mothers with a special tribute. For a donation to the Bridgeton RATI, you can thank that extraordinary woman in your life for the care and nurturing she has provided. Your gift will support mothers without homes and offer them opportunities they need to care for their own children. Please send donations to: Sisters of Divine Providence, 3415 Bridgeland Dr., Bridgeton, MO 63044. Include the name and address of the "special mother" you want to receive a "red rose" card to honor and pay tribute.

Please look at the sign up sheets on the bulletin board and volunteer before we leave for the summer. We will have a sign-up table in Adams Hall on May 7.

Unite in Social Action at Eliot

Are you looking for a way to help others? Are you interested in working toward a more equitable society? Join the Social Action Committee. Help develop an action plan that will draw broad support from the congregation. Help with general committee organization and publicity. If you prefer, skip the meetings and become a "social justice supporter" by signing up to help occasionally with the logistics of special events. Please contact Helen McIntosh at .

Time Flies

The first meeting of the 2006 Madrigal Committee will be on Sun., May 7, at noon in Room 004. The Committee is looking for new faces, new talent, and new ideas; and volunteers don't need to make a huge time commitment. Stop by the meeting to see if you may be interested in contributing. See you then!

Food, Fun, and Friends!

There will be an all-St. Louis UU Young Adult Potluck Picnic in Forest Park on May 7, at 1:00 p.m. Bring a dish and meet other UUs ages 18-35 from around town! For more information, email Michael A. Cowen Nissen at .

Circle Suppers

Let's get to know each other at a Circle Supper!

Circle Suppers are intimate potluck dinners in members' and friends' homes where conversation flows, friendships are formed, and children are welcome. Each Supper needs a host family. Please come to the sign up table in Adam's Hall after both services on Sun., May 7 and May 21, and choose from one of these scheduled dates for your Supper: Sun., Jun. 4 (for families attending with children), Sat., Jun. 10 or Sat. June 17 (adults only).

Please consider being a host. The host will contact the guests with directions and a time to meet. If you are not able to sign up on May 7 or 21, please contact Doris Yohe at .

Newcomers' Dinner Italiano

Buon Giorno! Are you new to Eliot Chapel, or do you feel new no matter how long you've been here? If so, please join new members, New U alums and new friends of Eliot Chapel on Sunday evening, May 7, for a semi-potluck Italian Dinner sponsored by the Membership Committee from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., in Adams Hall. The lasagna (meaty and vegetarian) will be savory, with cheese pizza for the bambinos; the side dish you bring can have an Italian flair if you wish; and the conversation will be as warm as sun-drenched Italia! Come with "familia" or "o, solo!"

Childcare is provided by reservation (due Apr. 30). If we inadvertently miss you with an invitation, or you'd like to attend, please phone Claire Robertson, Membership Chair, or eamil .

Like Mozart?

On Sun., May 7, Dr. Jeffrey Kurtzman, professor of music at Washington U., will present a lecture performance of Mozart's Quartet in G Minor. Dr. Kurtzman will be at the piano; violin, viola and cello round out the quartet of professional musicians who will add to the tale of Mozart's life and how this work fits into it. The program will be at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary.

Bridge

The next game will be Sat., May 27, in Adams Hall beginning at 7:00 p.m. Couples and singles welcome. For reservations, please contact Sue Webster by Sun., May 21.

Singles Spring Fling

A get together of singles from Eliot, Ethical Society, and First Unitarian Church will be Sun., May 21 from 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. in the foyer of the Ethical Society. There will be good music and great people.

Please bring an hors d'oeuvre for at least 10 people to share. BYOB and RSVP to Ethical Society (314) 991-09565 by Fri., May 19.

Art 4 U Reception

The Art 4 U Committee will host a reception for all artists who have shown work in Adams Hall during 2005 - 2006 on Jun. 4 at 11:45 a.m. in Adams Hall. There will be wine and refreshments. Everyone is welcome.

Partner Church Potluck

Mark your calendars for Mon., Jun. 19, at 6:30 p.m. in Adams Hall for a Partner Church Potluck. For you who may have a possible interest in joining the Partner Church Committee, or for anyone who just wants to learn more about it, you will hear firsthand from a young, energetic, engaging Transylvanian Unitarian minister, Rev. Solymosi Zsolt (last name first, in the Hungarian way) about the important and meaningful partnerships between American UU churches and those in the villages of this ethnic Hungarian area of Romania. Don't miss it! Additional details and RSVP information will follow.

Friday Forum

Join Friday Forum at 9:30 a.m. each Friday at Eliot. This is an open, energetic, thought provoking discussion group that explores diverse topics. Bring yourself, your ideas, your thoughts, and join us.

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.

Tues., May 9 - an "extra" meeting to continue the discussion of "History of American Women." Plan to share your memory of a favorite person or incident.

Tues., May 16 - Stem Cell Research presented by Bernie Frank. Coordinator - Julie Triplett.

RE News
- Joan Casey, RE Director,

Our 6th grade GATE students and their adult partners were able to amass nearly $1,000 to give to charity by selling doughnuts during the first semester. After much discussion and many emails, the GATE partners voted to give $750 to the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation and $232.26 to the Animal Protective Association. Good work!

Other classes, Kindergarten through 5th grade, have been looking at the concept of stewardship, of our church, our families, our community, and our world. The children are learning that in order to make the world a better place, it is up to us to make it so. Right now, grades 2 through 5 are deciding on stewardship projects. Everyone is very excited about what we'll be doing in the next few weeks.

As our children know, being a part of a faith community sometimes means more than just passively receiving. It is up to our community to let these children know that they matter to us. It's one thing to say proudly that we have one of the largest RE programs in our district. It's quite another to support it. We still need a lot of people to help teach our marvelous children. We'll provide you with a curriculum and support at any level you choose to teach, and we use teams of teachers so that you can still go to the service about 1/3 of the time that you are teaching. But we need dedicated individuals just like you to make it happen. You don't have to have children to contribute. Our teacher recruitment drive will officially end on Mother's Day, May 14. Will you be one of the many who will help make RE happen next year? Please stop by Adams Hall after one of the services or talk to me right away. Thank you!

Music Notes
-- Jan Chamberlin, Music Director,

Coming up:
May 7 - Preludes will be sung by Pamela Triplett. The 9:15 choir sings Domine Fili Unigenite by Vivaldi; the 10:45 choir sings Holy Spirit by Shelley Jackson Denham.
May 14 - Prelude by the Capering Roisters. At 9:15 and 10:45, the adult choirs combine with the Children's Chalice Choir for Szekely Aldas by Elizabeth Norton.

GA

Michael A. Cowen Nissen, Special Events Coordinator for GA 2006 in St. Louis and member of Eliot Chapel, would like to remind people of a couple things:

• If you haven't already done so, register for General Assembly! Register at http://www.uua.org/ga/reg.html .
• We still need some volunteers to work at GA 2006(Volunteers get their registration paid for 24 hours of work!) The application form can be found at http://uua.org/ga/ga06/Volunteer.pdf.
• Please remember to bring/wear a Disco/70s outfit for the dance on Saturday of GA!

Social Action Donations

The Social Action Committee has contributed $1,900 in funds to several worthy causes. $500 was transferred to the Lovitt Fund at Eliot Chapel to help support our Room At The Inn efforts. The rest was divided equally among Educare Learning Center, Inc, Missouri Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (MORCRC), Touching Tiny Lives Foundation, and The Women's Safe House. Educare Learning Center, Inc, is a pre-school/day care center for children, serving the Meacham Park area. Work of MORCRC includes all options counseling for women with problem pregnancies, educational programs, supporting teen pregnancy prevention, and advocating for laws that support prevention first and other women's health issues. Touching Tiny Lives Foundation serves orphans in Mokhotlong, Lesotho, Africa whose lives are impacted by AIDS/HIV. The Women's Safe House in St. Louis provides temporary shelter for women and children from domestic violence situations and advocates for non-violence and justice.

Contributions in the form of honoraria went to Missourians for Honest Elections, South Side Day Nursery and Sustainable St. Louis.

The committee thanks all the vendors and purchasers who helped with our fund raising effort in early December and the congregation for providing most of the speakers' fees from the operating fund.

What Year Is It?

We are now at the time of year when some people are paying this year's pledge and others are starting to pay next year's pledge. Eliot's current fiscal year (2005-2006) runs from July to June. On July 1, 2006 we begin the 2006-2007 fiscal year.

In order that we may apply pledge payments correctly, please indicate in the memo line of your check whether your payment should be applied to the (current) 05-06 year or the (next) 06-07 year. Or, if the fiscal year is too confusing or you have more important things to remember, please simply note in the memo line the month(s) covered by your pledge payment, and we'll figure it out. Thanks.

Committee Expenses

As we get ready to end the fiscal year, please ensure that any requests for reimbursement are submitted for any outstanding expense. As a reminder, check request forms are in the black boxes on Joy's or JoAnn's door. Receipts must be attached and the request must be signed by an authorized signer (usually the chair of the committee for which the expense was incurred.)

Newsletter Deadlines

The end of the church year is approaching. Don't forget that during the summer we publish two newsletters. If you have summer events you want to publicize, make sure to get the articles in by the (noon) deadline.

May 10 - for issue dated - May 20 - June 2
May 24 - for issue dated - June 3 - June 16
June 7 - for issue dated - June 17 - July 28
July 19 - for issue dated - July 29 - Sept. 1

Parking

Now that the Farmers' Market is open for the summer, please do not use their parking spaces for church services or events during their business hours.

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