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Inside This Issue

What's New?
- Rev. Dr. Daniel Ó Connell, Lead Minister

After an eventful summer, I'm sure parents everywhere are breathing a sigh of relief that their kids are back in school, and on a regular schedule. We have some changes to our schedule and staff at Eliot, too. Your ministers and staff have been busy!

Susan Maginn ( ) is on board quarter-time as our Membership Coordinator. You may recall Susan as our intern (student) minister from 3 years ago, and as our Interim Youth Programs Director last year. This year, as our Membership Coordinator, Susan's primary portfolio is to

1. Help us ascertain the needs (social, pastoral, program) of our longer term members;
2. Work closely with new members from the time they sign the membership book through their first 6 months;
3. And to help welcome newcomers.

Mishael Eastabrook( ) is our new Youth Programs Director. She's a mom and a student at Eden Seminary. She's already hit the ground running.

The Unitarian Universalist Association (our denomination) is spending about $10,000 on a marketing campaign for the four St Louis area UU churches (Eliot, 1st Church, Emerson, and Alton) during the last half of the month of September. There will be an insert in the Post Dispatch targeted by zip code and radio spots on National Public Radio. We don't expect a big step-up in first time visitors, but we do expect an increase in "brand awareness" about what Unitarian Universalism is about in St Louis.

We're expecting new paint and new carpet in Adam's Hall the week after Ingathering Sunday (Sep. 10). And once a neighbor's fence and property line issue is resolved, we'll look at re-paving the main driveway and parking lot, probably reversing the traffic flow at that point for safety's sake and ease of use of the auxiliary parking lot.

There will be Covenant Group sign-up sheets available on Sunday mornings in Adams Hall. This is a great way to meet new people on our spiritual journeys of intimacy and ultimacy. Stop by the table to learn more.

Rev. Bonnie Vegiard is teaching two classes and Bob Coulter is also teaching a class. Look for information on these and other programs in the Information Guide which will be available Ingathering Sunday.

Remember, our regular service times begin on Sep. 10 at 9:30 and 11:00 a.m.

See you in church!

Schnucks E-Scrip
Scrip Without Scrip!!!

Schnucks has announced a new program, called "E-Scrip", which will replace Schnucks scrip cards. Here is how it works:

• Shop at Schnucks using your preferred credit card, debit card, check, or cash - no more scrip cards to buy!
• At checkout, regardless of how you pay, have the cashier scan your new Schnucks "Community Card" registered to Eliot Chapel.
• Eliot earns based upon your purchases, regardless of how you pay.

Eliot will earn a lesser percentage of sales, so in order to maintain our Schnucks' income; we'll need more people participating.

Note: you can continue to use scrip cards and the Community Card as long as scrip cards last. Eliot earns twice that way (the discount on the scrip card and the percentage from the Community Card). Scrip cards are good for a year; Community Cards are good indefinitely.

Also note: We will continue to sell scrip for Dierberg's, Shop & Save, and Whole Foods, and will earn 5% on those cards.

Sign up at Eliot to receive your Schnucks Community Card - look for a table in Adams Hall starting Sep. 10. We will handle the card registration for you.

All you have to do is remember to take out the Community Card and have the cashier scan it, whenever you shop at Schnucks - no matter how you pay.

EAT FOR ELIOT - NO EXCUSES!!!

Help Ensure Continued Success
- Bill and Joan Clarke

Room At The Inn has successfully helped families this summer that were looking for a place to stay until other arrangements were made. We thank everyone at Eliot Chapel who made this possible.

There are a few changes in Eliot's RATI program that have occurred this summer. Cat Wood has joined Gary Miller to serve as a co-coordinator for Drivers. Margie Maclin has asked to be replaced as the coordinator for Hosts. Margie has worked hard to serve RATI over the last two years to make sure we had hosts on Thursday nights and has helped greatly to organize the Host program. Now we are asking that someone please step forward to fill this critical position. The cooking and laundry coordinators, Jane Larson (cooking) and Kathie Price (laundry) deserve a big thanks for their devotion to those less fortunate and the continued success of the RATI program.

To get RATI off on the right foot this fall, there will be a sign-5up table in Adams Hall after both services on Sep. 10. Please check your calendars for availability and sign-up. There are a lot of empty slots to fill. Also, all those that have helped in some way with the success of RATI over the years, stop by the table - we have a small token of appreciation and would like to thank you for your help.

Finally, RATI in Bridgeton (the day site) has asked if there is anyone out there with upholstering skills. They have four chairs that need work. They have the fabric and staple gun; they just need the skilled person. If you can help, please contact us.

Lead the Way. . .
Blaze the Trail

Sue Blandford has retired from the job of chair of the Eliot Hiking Group. We are looking for a person to assume this responsibility. The job entails creating an email group of those who are interested in hiking. Details of each monthly hike are sent by e-mail about one week prior to the hike.

One meeting is held early in the year to plan the hikes for the year and choose a leader for each hike.

In the past we have hiked on Saturdays once a month between October and April or May. The chair does not have to go on all the hikes, but will notify the leader each month and send out the information about each hike. Sue can help set up the e-mail group list. Contact her if you are interested.

Time for Children's Chalice Choir

The Chalice Choir will be practicing between services again this year. Anyone who likes to sing and is in 1st grade or older can join. We will start on Sun., Sep. 17. Come to the music room (next to the nursery) at 10:30 a.m. (A parent or guardian must check in with each singer the first day.) Jan Chamberlin and Nancy Collis will be the volunteer leaders. Parents are encouraged to help. If you want to sing or have any questions, please contact Jan before the 17th at .

Meet, Greet, and EAT

Let's get to know each other at a Circle Supper. Circle Suppers are potluck dinners in members' homes where conversation flows and friendships are made. Please come to the sign up table in Adams Hall after the services on Sun. Sep. 10 and 17 to choose from one of these dates for your Supper:

• Saturday, September 30
• Saturday, October 7

Please indicate if you will be a host or a guest. The host will contact the guests with directions, the meal plan, and a time to meet. If you are not able to sign up on Sept. 10 or 17, please contact Doris Yohe at .

UU Book of the Month

Here's a new book discussion group to try. Join Rev. Bonnie Vegiard once a month to discuss a book written by a Unitarian Universalist, about UU history, theology, or practice. We will meet the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m., beginning Sep. 12. For our first session, we will discuss A Chosen Faith / Our Chosen Faith by John Buehrens and Forrester Church. The former title is an updated version of the latter title, but either will do. The book is written around the six sources listed in our statement of principles:

1. Individual experience,
2. Deeds of prophetic people,
3. Jewish and Christian traditions,
4. World religions,
5. Humanist teachings,
6. And earth-centered practices.

Principled Commitment
A UUA Committed Couples Enrichment Program

Love is usually credited as the basis for a healthy relationship, but other qualities are needed as well: humility, generosity, collaboration, and playfulness, to name several. These elements will be explored through a series of adult workshops offered this fall through our Adult Religious Education program. Eliot Chapel is one of 10 congregations piloting this new program for the UUA.

The 22-hour program is free and open to married or partnered couples - of all gender combinations - seeking to enhance good relationships; it is not designed to fix broken relationships. The series will begin with a workshop titled, "Intention." Other workshops will explore the concepts of humility, trust, dignity, generosity, connection, play, collaboration, commitment, love, and celebration.

An informational meeting will be held in Adams Hall on Sun., Sep. 10, from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. We will outline the curriculum, present the schedule for the workshops, and answer questions you may have.

Registration for the program is limited to ten couples, and advance registration is required. Childcare may be available upon request. If you have any questions prior to the meeting or wish to register, please contact Bruce and Trish Williams at .

Eliot Bible Study

Our meetings resume on Mon., Sep. 18, at 7:00 p.m. with a discussion of "The Historical Jesus" and "From Jesus to Constantine". Members of last years' Bible Study have been sharing these DVD courses over the summer. However, you don't need to have seen the DVD's to come to the session. Eliot Bible Study focuses on a historical and literary-critical approach to the Bible and the life of Jesus. All are welcome! Contact Rev. Bonnie Vegiard for more information.

Bridge

Eliot's September bridge game will take place on Sat., Sep. 23, at 7:00 p.m., at 7:00 p.m. in Room 001. To make reservations, contact Sue Webster. Couples and singles welcome.

Be a Secret Pal

On Sun., Sep. 24, adults who would like to be Secret Pals should stop in Adams Hall to choose their pals. The Secret Pals program is a month-long exchange of cards and small gifts between children (Kindergarten through 5th grade) and adults. It is not necessary to be a parent of a child in the program to participate; in fact, we'd love to have non-parents participate. By being a Secret Pal, you commit to attend the Halloween Party at Eliot Chapel on Fri., Oct. 27, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. This is when you will meet your Secret Pal and all will be revealed!

Create a More Peaceful World

You are invited to join Karen Casey for her first lecture in St. Louis on Sun., Sep. 24, 7:00 p.m. at Eliot Unitarian Chapel

Karen will lecture on "Creating a More Peaceful Life Creates a More Peaceful World." Her lecture will be followed by a book signing.

Karen Casey has spoken on spirituality, relationships and personal growth issues for more than 20 years. She is the author of 17 books, all of which are devoted to the enhancement of one's personal/spiritual journey. She is well-known through Alcoholics Anonymous and A Course in Miracles (ACIM). Her first book, Each Day a New Beginning: Daily Meditations for Women, has sold more than 3 million copies. This event is sponsored by The St. Louis ACIM Leadership Council and Eliot Unitarian Chapel.

For further information contact Corinne Esneault at or http://www.liming.org/acim. Reservations are not required. A suggested donation of $20 is appreciated.

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., Sep. 5 - Inside the Kingdom: My Life in Saudi Arabia by Carmen Bin Ladin. Leader - Irmgard Voss

Time to Clean off the Bookshelves

As of August, the Eliot Library welcomes donations for the 2007 annual Book Fair. We accept all types of books with the exception of outdated textbooks and computer books. Videos, tapes, and CDs in good condition are also appreciated, as well as records; but please postpone the donation of records until after January 2007, due to lack of storage space. Boxes or bags of books can be deposited in the Dubois Library off Adams Hall. Your generous and ongoing support makes the Book Fair a success!

New UU Children's Songbook

It's called May This Light Shine and was just published by the UU Musician's Network. The pictures are drawn by UU kids; some by our own Frances F.!

This book is full of brand new songs written especially for UUs. The Chalice Choir will be singing from it and helping teach the songs. So keep your ears open!

Religious Education (RE) News
- Joan Casey, RE Director,

As summer draws to a close, the RE Department is busy getting ready for our fall semester. Regular RE classes at 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. will begin on Sep. 10. Children K - 5th grade will begin in Children's Chapel that morning and all of the rest will go directly to class. If you haven't already turned in your registration, please do so as soon as possible. It's necessary for our teachers to know whom to expect on our first Sunday morning. While you're filling out your registration form, don't forget to sign up to help out - in order to keep the programs we have up and running, we need plenty of help from each of you!

Before the last hot days of summer leave us, we'd like to thank the many dedicated volunteers who helped to make our summer programs so successful:

• Summer Camp - We had our largest camp ever in August with 46 children in grades K - 5th. We heard stories the Buddha told, learned some wonderful songs, ate delicious snacks, played games, acted out the stories, made beautiful crafts, and so much more! We also had a visit from the World Bird Sanctuary and, as our outreach project, collected donations to help their work. Our volunteers truly outdid themselves with their creativity this year! Many thanks to: Elizabeth Allen, Lisa Beck, Stacy Bereza-Bowen, Nancy Collis, Juliette Crone-Willis, Wendy Cutshaw, Tracey Howe-Koch, Alex Hunstein, Erin Jung, Jeanne Kloeckner, Amy Kruger, Christie Lee, Julie Leemann, Margo McIlroy, Anne Meneely, Susan Pritchett, Terry Smith Keller, Dianne Wagner, and to our youth helpers - Jordan B., Claire G., Cora and Irene H., Kyle H., Lena and Michelle M., Hannah M., and Maya R.
• Summer RE - Thanks to the RE Curriculum Committee members who led our multiage classes each Sunday: Hilary Babcock, Susie Bradley, Dave Day, Ben Gleason, Rich Wagner, Nancy Williger, and to all the parents who volunteered to assist a time or two over the course of the summer in the three RE classes.

Junior & Senior High Youth News
- Mishael Eastabrook, Youth Programs Director,

I hope you all had an awesome summer. Our Junior and Senior High youth program begins on Sep. 10 at 11:00 a.m.

The Junior High curriculum this year is titled "Compass Points." This particular program will lead our young adolescents on a spiritual journey where they will have opportunities to sort out feelings about themselves and their world, to discover what they believe about life's big questions, to acquire a background in UU history, polity, and theology, as well as to learn about the need for protecting the legacy of religious liberty.

The Senior High program will lead our older youth on a spiritual journey where they will have opportunities to participate in an array of activities and events that will not only help them grow in their faith, but also in their friendships. Some particular activities will be to plan and lead a youth service in the fall, to plan and host a youth conference in the spring, to serve others at an event hosted by Interfaith Partnership here in St. Louis, as well as various activities and events that require nothing more than a desire to participate in merriment.

Our awesome volunteer advisors for this year are: (Junior High) Tracy Drissell, Kevin Mitchell, Robin Spencer, Michelle Moller; and (Senior High) Mary Hoehne, David Day, Barb Bleisch.

If you would like to learn more about our youth program, stop by and check out for yourself what our youth will be doing, or you can contact me at . My hours of availability are Fridays 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Sundays 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Peace.

Music Notes
-- Jan Chamberlin, Music Director,

September Is "Taste the Music" Month
You are invited to sample the musical experience of Eliot Unitarian Chapel, with no obligation, during the month of September. You may select from:

• Chamber Choir (rehearsal on Wed. evening with social time),
• Eliot Chorale (Sun. morning rehearsal at 9:15 a.m.),
• Children's Chalice Choir (rehearsal between services),
• Eliot Handbells (Tue. evening rehearsal),
• Lead Butterfly for folk instrument-newbies (next rehearsal is Tue., Sep. 12 at 7:00 p.m.)

Eliot Handbells Begin: This year, the Handbell Choir will practice on Tue. from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. in the Music Room beginning Sep. 5. There are a few openings. This is a fun, intergenerational group! Contact Nancy Collis, if you are interested or have any questions.

New Times for Sunday Choir Rehearsals (in the Music Room)
8:15 - 8:45 a.m. coaching for Chamber Choir
8:45 - 9:15 a.m. Chamber Choir warm-up & run-through
9:15 - 10:30 a.m. Eliot Chorale
10:35 - 10:55 a.m. Children's Chalice Choir

Choir Retreat: Sat., Sep. 9 at 10:00 a.m. in the Music Room. All adults and teens are welcome! There are no auditions, but it is helpful to know how to read music. First the Chamber Choir and Chorale find their voices again through singing exercises with Leon Burke. They will practice combined choir music for the first few weeks, then they will break for lunch and socializing. After lunch, Leon will focus the Chorale on upcoming music for future 11:00 services.

Chamber Choir: The first rehearsal is Wed., Sep. 6 from 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. The choir will focus their rehearsals on music for the 9:30 services. This evening rehearsal allows a more relaxed atmosphere and includes refreshments. All voices are welcome (including teens) but there's a special need for tenors and basses. Come join the fun!

Web Site

Committee Chairs and Others: As the new year begins, please review your committee or group's page on the Eliot web site, and send updates to . (And have a look at some of the other pages - you might find something new and interesting.)

New Directories

The new 2006-2007 Eliot Members and Friends photo directories will be available in Adams Hall Sep. 10. One per household, please!

To protect your privacy, as a general rule, staff members will not give out phone numbers or addresses over the phone, so be sure to pick up your copy.

Also, a reminder that directories cannot be used for any marketing, political, or commercial purpose, or by persons other than members and friends of Eliot.

Newsletter Submissions

With this edition, we return to our bi-weekly newsletter schedule. The next newsletter deadline is 12:00 noon on Sep. 6 for the issue dated Sep. 16 to Sep. 29. The deadline for the next issue is always in the current issue on the bottom of the back page.

The newsletter is the best way to publicize upcoming events. Over 500 households receive Eliot's print newsletter.

Newsletter articles should be less than 200 words. Please be succinct; articles exceeding 200 words will be edited. Notices of events, meeting, etc. generally appear in the newsletter two times - once as an introduction to the event and again as a reminder immediately preceding the event. Please submit either via email to or legibly print your article on the forms located in the red "in" tray in Visitors' Corner. Completed forms should be left on the top of the tray.

Office Hours

The office will be closed on Sep. 4, Labor Day. Beginning Labor Day week, we will return to normal office hours, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p. m.

Pledge Statements

As a reminder, and for those new to Eliot, the church office does not send bills or invoices for pledge payments. We do send quarterly statements, showing pledge contributions received during the period. The first statement for the fiscal year that began Jul. 1, 2006, will be sent for the first quarter (Jul. - Sep.) early in October.

We send the statements for the second quarter (Oct. - Dec.) and the fourth quarter (Apr. - Jun) early, as many people try to maximize their payments for year-end tax purposes and/or want an early fourth quarter statement in order to complete their payments before the end of the fiscal year in June.

Annual statements of all tax-deductible contributions (pledge or other) are sent early in January for the calendar year just ended.

Weekly Emails

Weekly emails are suspended over the summer and resume after Labor Day. If you find you are not receiving them, and you think you should be, please be sure that the office has your current email address. Also note that many of the school districts seem to block any form of mass email, so those addresses won't work.

A reminder: the weekly email reminders are just that - reminders - and because they tie in with the order of service, they must be brief. The newsletter remains the primary vehicle for announcing events and providing details about them and can be viewed on the Eliot web site.

If you are not currently receiving this weekly update, please send a request via email to with "weekly announcements" in the subject line.

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