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Inside This Issue

Abilities
- Rev. Bonnie Vegiard, Program Minister

Many of you may not be aware that your Program Minister has a serious visual disability. It's probably hard to remember when you see me, because I do not appear as though I have any disability. But if you hang around me for any length of time, usually you will notice something unusual, so it's helpful if I explain myself every once in a while. Sometimes people want to know if there's anything they can do that might help me. Here are some possibilities:

• Feel free to remind me of your name when you see me: "Hi Bonnie, it's Mary Smith," works fine for me.
• I do not read nametags, although it's really helpful to others to wear them!
• I generally don't need help getting around, but if you're wondering, just ask.
• I need an electronic aid to read print, and have that equipment in my office. If possible, emailing me material is the easiest way for me to access it.
• I often look over people's shoulders if I'm looking from a distance of four or five feet. That's because I use my peripheral vision to see.
• You might notice me using very large print notes in services or teaching. That stack of papers I have in the pulpit does not mean you are captive for hours!
• Ask me anything, any time you have a question about my vision.

Most people fear the loss of vision, and indeed, a recent loss would probably be a cause for grief. But, although I certainly get frustrated with what I can't do, I am long past grief. I know what I want to do with my life, and my task is simply to find ways (my abilities) to do it. And isn't that what we all do?

The How and Why of Membership
- Susan Maginn, Membership Coordinator

Becoming a member of Eliot Unitarian Chapel is a big step. It is not for everyone.

It doesn't take long. Membership requires that you complete a couple of forms and sign the membership book. We would like new members to participate in a new member ceremony and take the New "U" class as an introduction to Eliot and Unitarian Universalism. It sounds pretty simple; but, as with most spiritual paths, there is a bigger picture.

When you become a member you are saying that you belong to this Unitarian Universalist community. We believe in the dignity of each person and speak out to protect the interdependent web of life. We speak through our associations with congregations on a district and national level as well as through our weekly life at Eliot.

Here are four recommendations:

• Worship: come to services on Sunday.
• Spiritual development: participate in a covenant group or a class.
• Eliot community service: be a Greeter, serve a committee, teach an RE class.
• Larger community service: participate in one of the social justice activities.

If you have any questions about membership at Eliot, I hope you will contact me.

Note:

If you missed the service on Sun., Oct. 1, and are curious about the neighbor's fence and property line, you might wish to read the sermon "Change or Die".

Welcome!
- Anthony Castro, October 1, 2006

The instructions for delivering a Welcome said, "just say a few words on why you attend Eliot."

My first thought was to go into the unique elements that make Eliot so special on these Sunday mornings: the diversity of music and the talented musicians, the inspiring sermons by Daniel and Bonnie, or the extensive educational program for our kids. I thought of talking about: "All that Eliot has to offer."

I also thought of dissecting Eliot's Mission Statement that focuses on Free Spiritual Growth and Social Justice.

But the more I sat with this question, "Why do I attend Eliot? Why am I a member?" I realized the answer is much simpler. I come to Eliot on these Sunday mornings because when I do, I leave feeling better. I feel better about myself, I feel better about the world, and I feel better about the people in this world.

I am a psychologist by trade and my job is to do exactly that - my job is to help people feel better. I feel blessed that Eliot Chapel is MY Therapist. The spiritual and emotional guidance and care that I receive during "my Sunday morning therapy sessions" leaves me energized, confident about myself, and thankful I have such a wonderful family and giving community.

Welcome to Eliot!

Hello

Say "sawasdee" to Warakorn Charoenrat, called Na, from Thailand. Na is an AFS exchange student and a senior at Parkway South High School. She is spending a year as an "American daughter" to David Maguire and Lisa Dahlgren, with AFS sisters Lena, Laura, and Michelle Maguire.

Memorial Service

On Thu., Oct. 26 at 7:00 p.m. a memorial service will be held in the sanctuary for Marian Wirth. Long-time members may remember Marian and her husband Art, who were instrumental in founding the PFLAG chapter in St. Louis.

Social Action at Eliot!
- Rev. Bonnie Vegiard, Program Minister

Come find out everything there is to know about Social Action at Eliot. Meet us in Adams Hall on Oct. 14, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. It takes all of us to change the world, and ourselves, for the better!

Madrigal Volunteers Needed

Comely maids and proud lads are needed to prepare for great feasting and celebrating at Castle Eliot on the evenings of Nov. 30, Dec. 1 and 2. Many hands are needed - please join us in the fun and fellowship that working together offers. You might like to come in for a couple of hours and make salads or set tables in the afternoon. Be here during the performance to catch many acts and nibble on the goodies: you could stay behind the scenes and prepare plates or mingle with the guests and dress the part. A sign up board will be in Adams Hall after each service starting Oct. 15th.

Playgroup

The Eliot Playgroup will meet from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. on Fri., Oct. 13 in the church nursery. Bring your little ones and join us for conversation and playtime. The last playgroup for the year will be held November 10. Contact Wendy Cutshaw for more information.

Nepali Diwali at Eliot Chapel

On Sat., Oct.14 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Eliot Chapel will host games and crafts for children, jewelry making and cultural information for adults, a story teller and food samples to benefit the Mitrata-Nepal Foundation for Children, a child sponsorship program supporting children in Kathmandu, Nepal. Christine Schutz, who has just returned from Nepal, will provide an update on the orphanage. There will be Nepali items for sale and a silent auction. The event is sponsored by the covenant group led by Sue Videen. The goal is to raise seed money to begin a small business packaging and exporting Nepali tea, to assist the older children in the orphanage get work experience and to provide money to help meet the needs of the home.

Tickets can be purchased ($5.00 for an individual and $10.00 for a family) at the door. Mitrata-Nepal Foundation for Children is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization. For more information, contact Sue Videen or Nancy Williger.

Fall Work Party

This year's Fall Work Party will be on Sat., Oct. 21. Mark your calendars and plan to attend. The volunteers will be doing basic indoor and outdoor clean-up and fix-up chores around Eliot.

Town Hall Meeting
Oct. 22 at 12:15 p.m.

Eliot's Board of Trustees and other leadership has made a commitment to meet with the congregation regularly to communicate what is going on at the leadership level. Our next Town Hall Meeting will be Sun., Oct. 22 after the second service. The Board's overall goal for this year is to strengthen our stewardship culture. The Board will talk about Eliot's finances, where things are going well, and where we need to make continuing commitments to improve. The Board will also share the results of the Board retreat on Oct. 8. We will have a quick update on the finance resolution that was tabled at the last Annual Meeting. And we will have time for your comments and questions. All are encouraged to attend! Please let us know by Oct. 15 if you need childcare.

All Who Wander Are Not Lost

Reminder: Join the FUN Committee on our Urban Adventure as we wander through Historic Soulard Market and Cherokee Street with a professional guide. We'll meet at the new Shrewsbury Metro Park and Ride at 8:45 a.m. for a 9:00 a.m. departure on Sat., Oct. 28, ride the new MetroLink extension to downtown and catch a bus to the market. The tour fee is $6 per person ages 13+, and $3 for children 5-12.

Please RSVP to Lori Allen at by Oct. 26th. Group size is limited.

Bridge

October Bridge at Eliot will be Sat., Oct. 28 in Adams Hall. The game starts at 7:00 p.m. To reserve your place at the table, contact Sue Webster by the Sunday before the game.

Eliot Bible Study

Join us Mon., Nov. 6 at 7:00 p.m. for Bible Study! We believe open-minded people should read the Bible together to discover what is there, rather than take the word of fundamentalists about what is there (and what it means). The reading for Nov. 6 is 1 Samuel. Rev. Dick Haynes will lead the discussion. All are welcome!

Dinner and a Documentary
- Lynn Murphy, for the Welcoming Congregation Committee

Everyone is invited to join us on Sat., Nov. 11 at 6:30 p.m. for a potluck dinner and viewing of the documentary "All Kinds of Families". This documentary will be a starting point for discussion of the kinds of issues a "non-traditional" nuclear family may experience. The movie is a positive one about the power of love.

Bring yourself, a friend, a visitor, and some food to share. We hope to see you there as we continue our journey as a welcoming congregation.

UU Book of the Month

Join us Tues. Nov. 14 at 7:00 p.m. for discussion of Heretic's Faith by Fredric Muir. This book discusses how liberal religious people use religious language in our spiritual journeys. The book is often light-hearted, and thought-provoking. This series of once-a-month discussions is great for people new to Unitarian Universalism , as well as those who have been around a while who want to broaden their perspective. Rev. Bonnie Vegiard leads the discussions, and has several copies of the book available for sale at $20. The book also may be ordered from www.uua.org/bookstore .

Coffee House

The Music Committee seeks those of many talents to participate in the 2006 Coffeehouse on Nov. 18 at 8:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. A signup sheet is on the bulletin board in the hallway near Adams Hall. The audience is always warm, kind, and fun-loving.

The Madrigal Dinner

"There's Mystery Afoot in Argonneshire" is performed by The Not Ready for Reformation Players, accompanied by the St. Louis Recorder Society and the Greenleaf Singers. Don't miss this evening of great entertainment, food, wine, and high (?) society. Nov. 30, Dec. 1 and 2, 2006. Tickets on sale now through the newsletter insert or web site order form.

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., Oct. 17 - ACLU speaker, Murray Underwood. Coordinator, Mary Lu Durbin.

Tue., Oct 24 - Tour of Laumeier Park ($2.00 donation.) Meet at Laumeier Building parking lot at 9:45 a.m. Judy Garland, Coordinator.

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

I hope that all of the Secret Pals, adults and children alike are having fun receiving and sending gifts and messages this month. Our party is on Fri., Oct. 27, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. It's important that everyone arrive on time, because all of the activities are done in pairs. We don't want anyone to be disappointed!

6th graders and their adult GATE partners had a pizza party in Sep., and participated in the CROP Walk, collecting $641 to help alleviate world hunger. They are also selling doughnuts and bagels in Adams Hall this semester and will donate the proceeds to a charity or charities that they'll choose later in the year.

Fall teachers - don't forget the Teacher Planning Coffee, sponsored by the Teacher Support Committee, on Sun., Oct. 15 from 8:45 - 9:15 a.m. for 9:30 teachers and 10:15 - 10:45 a.m. for 11:00 teachers in Room 001 (lower RE level). Childcare will be in Room 006. This is a great opportunity for teams to get together and plan the rest of the semester, to ask questions about policies and procedures, to brainstorm solutions to class problems, or just to have a cup of coffee and a donut. We hope to see all of our teachers there.

Youth News
- Mishael Eastabrook, Youth Programs Director,

Eliot's youth are energized and ready to go! The Senior Youth program has 30 registered youth. 13 of them participated in the Senior High lock-in on Sept 22-23 and. 18 of our Senior Youth will attend the Fall Con at Abraham Lincoln UU in Springfield, Illinois on Oct. 6 - 8. The chaperones for this event are: Mary Hoehne, David Day, and Joan McCready. What great participation! Keep up the energy!!

Our Junior Youth program has 25 registered youth, learning about who they are and about their faith during their class time together. They are also making many new friends as they work together in planning for their upcoming youth activities. They will attend the bonfire on Nov. 4 with the Senior Youth. Keep up the great work!!

Approximately 20 Junior and Senior youth attended the church picnic to eat, laugh, and have fun while their parents had an opportunity to meet the Youth Program Leaders. I had a wonderful time meeting and getting to know many of you. While at the picnic, I overheard several youth talk about their ideas and dreams, not only for themselves but for Eliot Chapel as well. As a result, I can confidently say that the future of Eliot Chapel is in good and faithful hands.

Music Notes
-- Jan Chamberlin, Music Director,

Coming up:
Oct. 15 - Preludes and interludes by Inner Voices. 9:30 choir sings Peace Like A River, 11:00 choir sings We Are One by Brian Tate.
Oct. 22 - Robin Lopate will sing songs by Joan Osborne and Sheryl Crow. Both choirs will sing Where There Is Light In The World by Elizabeth Alexander.

Concert Features Eliot Talent!
The Friends of Music have presented quality, classical music of local professional, semi-professional, and amateur musicians at Eliot Chapel for over 20 years. The concerts are open to public and supported by free-will donations. The first concert of this year's series will be Sun., Oct. 15, at 3:00 p.m., featuring our 9:30 pianist, Michael McElvain, and Inner Voices singing six of their favorite songs.

Gordon Bok Concert
On Fri., Nov. 3 at 8:00 p.m., Eliot will host a rare St. Louis performance by Gordon Bok. A resident of Maine, Gordon is best known for his songs about the sea. Don't miss this chance to enjoy his intricate guitar playing and velvety voice in Eliot's intimate setting. Admission is $20 at the door, or $17 in advance by calling David Roundy. Sponsored by the Music Committee.

Music Committee
Anyone interested in the music of Eliot Chapel is invited to the monthly Music Committee meeting on Sat., Oct. 14, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. in the Music Room. Contact Sue Stivers, .

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