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Inside This Issue

Belated Holiday
- Rev. Daniel Ó Connell, Lead Minister

Someone just told me October is National Clergy Appreciation Month. And that the "Clergy Appreciation National Day of Honoring" is always celebrated on the second Sunday in October. This year it was Oct. 8.

Oh man! Had I known earlier in the month, I'd be calling people up for a free lunch. Oh well.

Apparently, Hallmark has 35 different cards. Their web site says: "Clergy Appreciation Month was established in 1992. The mission is to uplift and encourage pastors, missionaries and religious workers by providing physical, emotional and spiritual support."

It occurred to me to tell you that I believe Rev. Bonnie and I feel very appreciated at Eliot Unitarian Chapel. And we certainly appreciate you - you can't really be a minister without a community of like-minded folks to serve.

Rev. Bonnie and I will celebrate the 10th anniversary of our ordination this month, and we are glad to be here. We hope you are glad to be here, too!

Don't Forget to Vote

If you will be unable to get to the polls on Nov. 7, information on absentee voting for St. Louis County residents can be found at www.stlouisco.com/elections/ABSENTEEFAQ.html

Continuing Thoughts on Membership
- Susan Maginn, Membership Coordinator

From my last newsletter column ...
Here are four recommendations for membership:

• Worship
• Spiritual developmentant group
• Eliot community service
• Larger community service

My favorite definition of worship comes from the old English word worthscipe. "Worthscipe" is the vessel for experiencing that which is commonly valued among us. The time we set aside for Sunday worship is such a vessel and the values considered will differ from week to week. When we simply decide whether we will attend Sunday worship based on our personal interest in a title and blurb, we are missing this deeper level of community worship. We are not allowing the vessel to carry us into waters we may have never seen.

Worship services set the pulse for who we are as a community. We all have our own experiences during the week. Each of us is drawn toward different directions in our family life, our work life, and even our life at Eliot. But each week we come together for a time. Each week we stop the headlong tumble. We sit, rest, reflect, and worship. We do this together, sharing smiles, and listening to our one voice lifted in praise. -- Rev. Susan Maginn

Welcome!
- Lynn Murphy, Oct. 8, 2006

Each Sunday, a member of the Eliot community delivers the Sunday Morning Welcome. They share a personal story about how they came to be at Eliot Chapel. Here is an excerpt.

I've been a member of Eliot for over 16 years. My journey here started when I was three years old and took my first dancing lessons in a dancing school in a converted garage. Most of us don't start our welcoming story that far back, but it occurred to me there may have been a connection between my learning to dance in those early years in a converted garage to my learning to nurture myself spiritually here at Eliot, a converted Episcopal church.

As an adult I came to Eliot during the feminist movement seeking a vibrant, liberal community willing to ask questions, seek answers, and grow both emotionally and spiritually. This community was such a contrast to the confined way I was brought up as a Missouri Lutheran Synod parishioner.

I immediately felt at home here and free at last to explore the vast world of spirituality. During my years at Eliot I have been able to explore Native American, Goddess, and now Buddhist worship. I "converted" easily to Unitarianism because it was the perfect fit for me. It allowed me to expand my spirituality. I could explore and honor all kinds of spiritual beliefs; I was free to find what was best for me while supporting what was best for others in the congregation. We weren't told what we must believe. We are free to find that for ourselves.

At the same time this community made a commitment to honor others who may be gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, or transgendered and welcome them to our place, I became free and comfortable enough to trust you with another truth, that I am lesbian. I am so proud to have been part of the transition to a Welcoming Congregation.

So from converted garage to converted church, I have danced and found life ever more fun and fulfilling for the experience. Thank you, Eliot, for your love and support.

Glad You're Here!
- Jane Larson, Chair, Membership Committee

The Eliot community has been enriched by 15 new members who joined on Sep. 30, after the New "U" class, and on Oct. 1. Please welcome them!
Patricia Champion has attended Eliot for the past 5 years, and has already taught Sunday school and enjoyed Women's Weekend. Her twin daughters participate in the Jr. High RE program.
David Cox comes to us from a UU church in Atlanta, GA. He is an attorney and lives with his family in Belleville, IL.
Peggy and Sean Devoy have been coming to Eliot for years. Peggy is a nurse, and Sean is an engineer. They have two boys in high school.
Cypress Garrett grew up as a UU; her father is a UU minister! She is a chiropractic student at Logan University.
After attending Eliot for about a year, Christi Lemery and Darin Jones have brought three young ones to our RE program.
Matt Monken and his wife, Danielle, were married at Eliot. Matt is also a student of chiropractic at Logan. Danielle plans to attend the upcoming New "U" class.
Wendi and Mark Moseley found UUism after Wendi took the 'What's Your Religion" quiz at beliefnet.com. The ensuing search for a UU church brought them to Eliot. They have a 20-month old son.
Janet Seyer found Eliot through the website while looking for a "spiritual gathering of open-minded people." She is a secretary in the Ft. Zumwalt School District.
Bradley Spence is a school psychologist for Special School District. She has been attending Eliot for about a year. Her mother, Robin Spence who also became a member, is already involved in a covenant group. They discovered Eliot through colleagues of Robin.
Lori and Hao Zhai found Eliot through our website even before Hao's work transferred them here from Cleveland, where they also attended a UU church. They have a son and a daughter who are both six years old.

AND ....
New Members and Friends, mark Sun., Dec. 3 on your calendars for the next Newcomers' Get Acquainted Potluck! Further details will be in future newsletters.

Sabbatical
- Rev. Daniel Ó Connell, Lead Minister

"...[a] leave from work: a period of leave from work for research, study, or travel, often with pay and usually granted to college professors every seven years."

That's from the dictionary. Do ministers really need a sabbatical? After all, some people say they only work a couple hours on Sunday. Most ministers I know accrue sabbatical at a rate of one month per year.

Since UU ministers are expected to have some degree of erudition along with a passing knowledge of most subjects of public inquiry- everything from anthropology through zoology, many of us take 4 weeks of study leave (I take 2 in August and 2 in January) to get in some good reading & research to prepare services for the year.

Every once in a while though, it is important to really step back: either to take in a bigger picture, or to specialize or research something more particular in an extended period of time- and by extended, I mean more than a few hours here and there during a typical week.

Also, it has become less common to go away for a whole year every 7-10 years. Instead, the idea is to take shorter sabbatical more frequently. So, I plan on taking January and February 2007 to work on several projects. One is to finally finish a curriculum on men's spirituality, entitled, NuuMen. The other is to do a book proposal for Skinner House (a UU publishing house) on theology for youth and young adults. I have some other projects I'm interested in, too. I don't know if I can get it all in, but I tend to over-schedule myself anyway.

Who will cover for me when I'm "gone?" Well, I'm not actually leaving Kirkwood. Rev. Bonnie will cover for me, and our community ministers will cover the necessary Sundays. February is Community Ministry month at Eliot. I'll be available in an emergency, but otherwise I will be relatively incognito, probably working at a local library.

Our Partner Church
- Sue Blandford

Since 1991 Eliot has partnered with a Unitarian church in a small village called Nyaradszentmarton (St. Martin) in the Transylvanian region of Romania. The partnership began two years after the fall of communism when American UU churches organized to help Unitarian churches in Transylvania re-establish themselves following years of poverty and persecution.

Over the years Eliot members have traveled to Romania and made close friendships with minister, Sandor Varga; his wife, Edit; and their daughter, Viola; as well as the women's craft group and other members of St. Martin. In turn we have brought Sandor and his family here to St. Louis on two occasions.

Financial support for St Martin has come from many sources including the Partner Church Committee, Women's Alliance, the RE children, the Library Committee, and generous donations from Eliot Chapel members. This support has helped provide such things as building materials to refurbish St. Martin Church (dating from the 1600's), scholarships for students, a yearly supplement for Sandor's salary, flood relief, and weekly loaves of bread for impoverished and elderly members of the church community.

Part of Eliot's mission is to act for social justice. Participation in the UU Partner Church program offers the Eliot community numerous action opportunities each year to significantly improve the material lives of those less fortunate while also uplifting the spiritual lives of both congregations.

Eliot Chapel History Project
- Susan Maginn, Membership Coordinator

We are planning a video project to document the precious memories of long-time members of Eliot Unitarian Chapel. Pam Triplett will conduct the interviews. Ken Densen and Jeff Chamberlin will shoot and edit the piece. Before we can begin, we need someone who will be in charge of coordinating the project. This person will start by scheduling the time and place for each interview and will continue working in unforeseen ways as the project develops. If you are interested, please contact me.

A Big RATI Thanks
- Bill and Joan Clarke

It's time again to thank another one of our Room At The Inn volunteer coordinators - Margie Maclin - for all her help. Margie has devoted over two years of her time to see that every Thursday night we had hosts for our guests at Eliot Chapel, no small task. Margie has worked hard to organize the hosts, provide instructions on what a host should do, and provide a smooth transition to the next host coordinator. We all thank you Margie for all you have done for Room at the Inn!

With Margie's "retirement" comes a new volunteer to coordinate the hosts, Sue Blandford. Sue has always been an active participant in many of the Eliot Chapel activities and we welcome her help in the RATI program. If you want to make Sue's job easier, please sign up on the RATI lists in the hallway to Adams Hall. That will be one less call Sue will need to make to find a host. Gary Gray will serve as a "backup" coordinator, so when Sue travels she can leave RATI in good hands.

Give a Little, Get a Lot

We are looking for a volunteer to take food donations from the market basket in Adams Hall to Hosea House. It's a 15 minute drive from Eliot and only needs to be done once a month. If you can help, please contact Joy in the office (314) 821-0911. Thanks!

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. A sign up board is in Adams Hall after each service.

You Can't go Wrong
- Beth Rossow

Help to raise funds for Eliot Chapel while enjoying great coffee! Please stop by the Fair Trade Coffee table after either service to stock up on regular or decaf, beans or ground for only $10 per bag. We also have several types of specialty coffees, such as French Roast, Papa's Espresso Blend and Nicaraguan Segovia for $11 per bag. Special orders are delivered 1-2 weeks after you place your order. Remember that coffee makes a wonderful Holiday gift. And soon to be appearing - Fair Trade chocolate bars on a regular basis! Thanks for your support.

Eliot Hikers 2006-2007

If you are interested in being added to the hiking mailing list, contact Laura Mullen at . We use email to share the hike details one week in advance of the hike.

Here are the basics:

• Let Laura know if you are planning on attending the hike.
• Meet at 9:00 a.m. in Eliot Parking Lot to carpool.
• Leave around 9:15 a.m.
• Bring $5 for the drivers of the carpools for the drives over one hour.
• Kids are welcome.
• Bring your lunch and drinks.

30 Days on Minimum Wage
- Matt Koch

The UUSC is presenting an episode of 30 Days on Minimum Wage with Morgan Spurlock at 7:00 p.m., Sun., Oct. 29 in Adams Hall. In 2005 Morgan (of Super Size Me fame) and his wife spent 30 days living on minimum wage as part of his television show 30 Days. This is an entertaining and poignant documentary of their struggles to live like so many Americans, on the edge. With Proposition B on the Ballot on Nov. 7, this event can educate and promote discussion within our congregation on the real issues of living on minimum wage.

Ordination Celebration
- Jeanne Wilke

Eliot Unitarian Chapel invites you to celebrate, with the Rev. Dr. Daniel O'Connell and the Rev. Bonnie Vegiard, the tenth anniversary of their ordination to the Unitarian Universalist ministry on Nov. 5. Rev. O'Connell was ordained and installed at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Northern Fairfield County (West Redding, CT) on Oct. 20, 1996. Rev. Vegiard was ordained by her internship congregation, the First Universalist Church of Rochester, New York, on Nov. 3, 1996, three months before beginning her ministry in Woodbury, CT.

In order to receive ordination from a UU congregation, a ministerial candidate must typically complete three years of seminary education, career and psychological evaluations, a hospital chaplaincy, an internship, and an oral exam by the Ministerial Fellowship Committee of the UUA - overall, a four-year process.

Candidates are ordained into the ministry by the vote of a congregation, and ordination is conferred by the act of that congregation at a ceremony of ordination.

Daniel and Bonnie remember highlights of their ordinations. The sermon at Daniel's service was preached by the Rev. Dr. Richard Gilbert, who arrived five minutes before the service began due to a flight cancellation, and a reading was offered by Denny Davidov, then the Moderator of the UUA. The sermon at Bonnie's service was preached by the Rev. Daniel Budd, and the collegial welcome was offered by Rev. William Haney of the Columbia, MO congregation.

On Nov. 5, Eliot Chapel welcomes Rev. Daniel Budd into our pulpit. Please join us between the morning services for a reception in Adams Hall to honor the tenth anniversary of Daniel and Bonnie's ordinations.

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!

Picture Yourself Having Fun Making Music
- Sue Stivers

Maybe your son left his guitar in the closet when he went away to school, or your old dulcimer or uke' has dust on it. Have you ever wanted to play in a band? Have we got a group for you! The first Tuesday of each month, a small group of new players make music in Children's Chapel. We call ourselves the "Lead Butterflies" since we don't quite soar yet. Come join us at 7:30 p.m. The next gathering will be on Nov. 7.

Playgroup

The Eliot Playgroup will meet from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. on Fri., Nov.10 in the nursery. Bring your wee ones and join us for conversation and play. This will be the last playgroup of the year. Look for us again in spring. For information contact Wendy Cutshaw 1.

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.

Scouting's Religion and Life Award

If you have a Girl Scout or a Boy Scout interested in pursuing the Religion and Life Award, please plan to attend a brief organization meeting on Nov. 12 between services in Children's Chapel. Rev. Bonnie Vegiard will plan to work with any youth who may wish to participate. We'll schedule some meetings over the course of the next few months when the scouts can complete the requirements. Feel free to let Rev. Vegiard know that you are interested, in advance of the Nov. 12 meeting.

The Very Busy Family Covenant Group

This is a special covenant group for people who cannot make monthly meetings, but want some form of Covenant Group. Janis Cox will facilitate three meetings this year, Nov. 12, Feb. 11, and Apr. 15 at 3:00 p.m. at Eliot Chapel. Please sign up with Rev. Bonnie Vegiard.

Meditation Group

The Nov. and Dec. Meditation Group meetings have been changed to the second Tuesday of the month, Nov. 14 and Dec. 12. On both dates, the group will meet in Children's Chapel from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

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 .

What's Happening in our Schools?

On Nov. 19, the Sunday Forum continues at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary with Brent Underwood, Superintendent of the Webster Groves School District. Mr. Underwood will address issues of education in our local community.

Thanksgiving Dinner at Eliot
- Vivian and Mike Antoine

Thanksgiving is fast approaching. Join us for a delicious meal and friendly atmosphere on Thanksgiving Day. Last year, our goal was to make sure everyone at Eliot who would like to join us for dinner was able to do so. We had several Eliot members who took advantage of this offer and we would like to do this again.

This means that when you sign up outside of Adams Hall please indicate whether you need a ride or would be able to provide a ride to someone who would like to come but would otherwise not be able to for lack of a ride.

Last year we had lots of fun with games, good food, and general good will. Bring your favorite game and a dish (if you can) and join us for a Thanksgiving celebration on Thu., Nov. 23 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Hope to see you there.

Contact us with any questions.

Bridge
- Sue Webster

There will be a bridge game in Adams Hall at 7:00 p.m., Sat., Nov. 25. Singles and couples welcome. Just contact Sue Webster if you wish to reserve a place at the table. Please contact Sue by Sunday before the scheduled game.

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., Nov. 7 - When the Emperor Was Divine by Julie Otsuka. Leader - Mary Lu Durbin.

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

Our first Family Worship of the year will be on Oct. 29 in Adams Hall beginning 5 minutes after the adult service for families with children Pre-kindergarten through 5th grade. We really encourage families to attend Family Worship together, but we will have teachers available to escort children for parents who are unable to attend. Children may be dropped off in the following classrooms:
Pre-K - 1st grade ~ room 108 (Pre-Kindergarten classroom),
2nd - 5th grade ~ room 003 (3rd grade room).

During Family Worship, you'll want to be sure to pick up some very important handouts. As we always do on the last Sunday of each month, we'll distribute REjuvenation!, the monthly RE newsletter. We'll also pass out essay forms for the Thanksgiving Bread Service. We always have a few students (1st grade and up) read their essays about what they're thankful for and why at the Bread Service, on Nov. 19 at 9:15, 10:15 and 11:15 a.m. In order to be considered for the Bread Service, submissions need to be turned in by Sun., Nov.12, either in person, by mail, or email. Finally, we will distribute Christmas Pageant information and registration forms. The Pageant is on Dec. 10 at both services and will follow the same format as last year. Students 5th grade and up get the speaking parts and must be able to perform at both services. Younger children will perform at either the 9:30 or 11:00 a.m. service. Rehearsal for the pageant is on Dec. 9, at various times, depending on roles. Mike and Vivian Antoine will again co-direct the pageant and Nancy Collis will again be our music director.

Our Holiday Party is on Sat., Dec. 9 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. The party runs concurrently with the pageant rehearsal. Children who are in the pageant will have time to participate at the party, and all children, whether in the pageant or not, are invited to attend. We hope that lots of you will be able attend and have fun making crafts, playing the dreidl game and snacking.

Questions about anything? Don't hesitate to contact me for more information.

Youth News
- Mishael Eastabrook, Youth Programs Director,

Wow, what enthusiasm! Presently our youth groups are collecting money for UNICEF. The Senior High has challenged the Junior High to see which group can raise the most money. The class with the highest total will receive a reward. So, please show your support for our youth as well as for UNICEF when you are approached for a donation. Let the competition begin!

Don't forget, the Junior High youth are invited to attend the Senior High bonfire on Nov. 4. Keep a lookout for details.

As you may already know, our Senior High youth attended their Fall Con on Oct. 6 - 8 in Springfield, IL. While there, they had an opportunity to participate in a peaceful protest at the Illinois capitol which was covered by a local newspaper. The article is posted on the Senior High bulletin board. Come by and read about what our youth are doing within the life of our church community.

If you missed the opportunity to help for the Fall Con, you're in luck. There is another opportunity available on Mar. 2 - 4, 2007 when Eliot hosts the Spring Con. If you would like to help (we need as much help as you can generously give) please call or email me ASAP so we can start preparing the paperwork that is required for participation.

If you want to learn more about what our youth groups are doing, please check the youth bulletin board outside the Senior High Room or contact me directly. New activity lists are posted the first Sunday of each month.

Peace and blessings to you all.

Music Notes
-- Jan Chamberlin, Music Director,

Coming up:
Oct. 29 - preludes by Catherine Meihaus, cello. At 9:30 a.m., the women of the Chamber Choir will sing Deep River accompanied by horn and cello. At 11:00 a.m., the choir will sing Shut de Door. At the Family Services in Adams Hall, the Chalice Choir will sing What Can We Do?.
Nov. 5 - preludes will be Madrigal songs by the Greenleaf Singers. The 9:30 a.m. choir will sing Follow the Drinkin' Gourd and 11:00 a.m. choir will sing I've Been 'buked.

Gordon Bok Concert Tickets on Sale
Folk singer from Maine, Gordon Bok, who has performed on Garrison Keilor's "A Prairie Home Companion" radio show, will be appearing at Eliot on Fri., Nov. 3 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 at the door, or $17 in advance, for sale on Sundays in Adams Hall or by contacting David Roundy. This event is sponsored by the Music Committee.

Calling All Brass Players
The Madrigal dinner has need of a long horn and someone to play fanfares at the dinners. If you can help, contact Lydia Hopkins. The sounding of the Shofar (ram's horn) has been done by Jeff Chamberlin each October for 8 years. Jeff is willing to let someone else take a turn. It takes an unusual embouchure and some practice. If willing to try, contact me.

Coffeehouse is Coming!
Our annual coffeehouse is coming to Eliot on Sat., Nov. 18 at 8:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. We are in search of a multi-talented crew! If you have a talent you'd like to share, please consider signing up. All types of talent are welcome: poets, comedians, singers, musicians, magicians, jugglers, and puppeteers. A signup sheet will be placed on the bulletin board near Adams Hall in November.

Keep the Books Coming

It's time to prune your book shelves again, so that the Annual Eliot Book Fair will reap the rewards next spring. The Library Committee challenges you to keep us on our toes, by donating your books as fast as we can box them. Leave them in the Dubois Library off Adams Hall and help make this the biggest, best Book Fair ever!

Calendar Sale
- Jerry Messer

Calendars are back. On Sun., Oct 29 and Nov. 5, members of Eliot's choirs will be selling a variety of calendars after services in Adams Hall to benefit Eliot's music program.

Spring Forward, Fall Back

Don't forget to set your clocks back one hour before going to bed Sat., Oct. 28 when daylight savings time ends.

Stay Safe

As you know, some of our members use the facility at Bergfried for hunting. Before you venture out, on your own, to enjoy some time in the country, make sure you won't be visiting during peak hunting seasons. Visit the Missouri Department of Conservation web site www.conservation.state.mo.us/seasons/ for detailed information.

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