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Inside This Issue

Continuing Thoughts on Membership
- Susan Maginn, Membership Coordinator

From my Oct. 14 newsletter column ...
Here are four recommendations for membership:

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

When we know who we are as spiritual beings, we know what brings us close to the ground of our being. Many UUs place an emphasis on how you label yourself, as someone who believes in God or someone who is a humanist, or Buddhist, or Pagan.

I am not so much interested in what label you choose as I am interested in the experience or experiences that place you in the midst of that which cannot be explained with words. As spiritual beings in a liberal religious tradition, it is our responsibility to know this for ourselves. No one around here is going to tell you The Way. We each have to find our own way. I tend to gravitate toward contemplative practices that are designed for daily repetition. Others need to be in the woods, or focused outward in service or in conversation.

If you are not sure, ask yourself: When have I felt a deep connection to all that is? Try to remember a specific experience and begin to wonder how this experience can be cultivated in your life. It could mean joining a covenant group, or going out with the Eliot Hikers, or taking a class like Articulating Your Faith, or coming to the meditation group. If what you are looking for isn't at Eliot, let's get it started!

Scrip Raffle

During November, for every non-Eliot person you refer for a Schnucks Escrip/community card ("Refer-A-Friend"), and for every $25 in Dierberg's, Shop & Save, or Whole Foods scrip you buy, you will receive one raffle entry. Fun prizes: $25 scrip of your choice, a home-made apple pie, and a delicious "chocolate something TBA" will be awarded on Sun., Dec. 3.

Schnucks Refer-A-Friend: Do you have relatives, friends, (or Romans and countrymen) who aren't involved with a scrip program for their church or children's school, and who shop at Schnucks? Sign them up for a Schnucks Community Card to benefit Eliot Chapel - get the sign-up forms back to Eliot by Nov. 30 to be entered in the raffle. Forms and more information will be at the scrip table after services.

Don't forget to stop by the scrip table after services. The holidays are a great time to

... Eat for Eliot!

Your Holiday Giving Can Give to Eliot!

For a limited time, Eliot is expanding the scrip program! During a trial period until early December, you can order scrip from nearly 100 different retailers and restaurants, including Macy's, Dillard's, Gap, Panera, Starbucks, Lowe's, Home Depot, and Circuit City, and a percentage of your purchase goes to Eliot. Order forms are available in Adams Hall after services. Scrip orders must be paid in advance, so bring your checkbook. Think about where you will be shopping for holiday gifts or for yourself, as well as the gift cards you need for relatives, teachers, co-workers, and others. Order now, and support Eliot through your holiday purchases!

You Are Making a Difference
- Bill and Joan Clarke

National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is the week of Nov. 12 - 18. Now would be a good time to reflect on the difference we are making. There are only 77 emergency shelter beds in St. Louis County and Room At The Inn provides 20 of those every night. 88 homeless adults and 74 homeless children have been helped this year, resulting in 5,024 bed nights of shelter. Eliot Chapel has provided almost 400 of those nights. Statistically, 21% of our clients have no income or aid of any kind; their average income is 39% of the Federal Poverty Guideline and most have no family to help them or they have long ago exhausted those relationships. What we do shows the guests that the community does care and wants to help. Room at the Inn is the catalyst to help the community help the homeless.

Mark your calendars for a prayer vigil to be held Thu., Nov. 16 at 6:00 p.m. at Kiener Plaza to pray for Homeless Youth. Lou Brock will be making an appearance to show his concern and support.

Fair Trade Coffee: Flavor of the Month
- Beth Rossow

We urge you to stop by the Fair Trade Coffee table in Adams hall after either service. We're adding specialty flavors, and November features Brazilian Poco Fundo, an organically-grown, medium-dark roast. This is a low-acidity, full-bodied flavor, and if you want more adjectives, we can throw in fruity, nutty, and cocoa.

This coffee is a steal at a sale price of $10 per pound. Try it, and you may want more for the holidays! And remember, when you buy your coffee at Eliot, you not only help us raise needed funds, you ensure a livable wage for growers worldwide through Fair Trade - and you get the freshest, finest quality locally-roasted coffee available! See you in Adams Hall.

The Volunteer Job of your Dreams

Finding the person of your dreams can happen in the most unusual of places. You might find them at the library, the bus stop, when you are out to get the mail, or…while volunteering at the Madrigal! A true-life story for one Eliot couple - they met while serving at the Madrigal. He was preparing the game hen on the plates and she was arranging the vegetables. It goes to show you, the Madrigal isn't just for patrons and feasting. Lucky for you, volunteers are still needed for a variety of tasks. Both pre- and post-madrigal duties are waiting to be filled. But wait, perhaps you are not currently looking for Mr. or Ms. right. "Why then volunteer?" you may ask. Behind the scenes at the Madrigal is interesting and active. There is a sense of participating in something really special, with special and interesting Eliot people. During the show there is the opportunity to have a few peeks and sample the fare.

Before and after the show is a hubbub of high spirits and sense of community. Come and volunteer!! It is worth the effort, and who knows, someone may be waiting there just for you.

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. 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.

UU Book of the Month

Eliot Book of the Month discussion group will meet Tue., Nov. 14, 7:00 p.m. in Adams Hall. The book for Nov. is Heretic's Faith by Fredric John Muir. If you are interested in the book discussion, but have not read the book, feel free to come anyway to check it out. The Dec. book will be available. Discussion led by Rev. Bonnie Vegiard.

Book Sale

A Scholastic Book sale will be sponsored by the Nursery School on Wed., Nov. 15 from 9:00 - 11:15 a.m. and on Thu., Nov. 16 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Nursery School.

Come to the Coffeehouse
- The Music Committee

On Sat., Nov. 18 at 8:00 p.m. there will be an adult coffeehouse in the Sanctuary. Come in from the cold; let the ambiance warm your heart. If you have a talent you'd like to tout, please join us and sign up to be part of the experience.

This is a fundraiser for Eliot and we hope you are able to help make it a success. The admission price is just $5.00 - half price to students, seniors, and starving artists. Bring your friends; bring popcorn or brownies to share. Children are welcome if they stay with their parents to watch the show.

This is a totally cool experience and a very fun night is had by all! Hope to see you there.

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.
• Meet at 9:00 a.m. in Eliot Parking Lot to carpool.
• Kids are welcome.
• Bring your lunch and drinks.

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

Join us for a delicious meal and friendly atmosphere on Thanksgiving Day. 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 needs a ride.

Last year we had lots of fun with games, good food, and 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 Vivian or Mike Antoine with any questions.

Bridge
- Sue Webster

Eliot bridge is coming up on Sat., Nov. 25. We'll meet in Adams Hall at 7:00 p.m. Please contact Sue Webster by Sunday before the game to reserve your spot. Couples and singles welcome.

The Madrigal Dinner

Feast at the Dinner table with the lords and ladies of the court. Enjoy steaming wassail bowls, fruits and cheeses, salad, and more. This pre-Christmas feast is entertainment, musical respite, and mystery all rolled into one. Come feast while you listen to the Greenleaf Singers and the St. Louis Recorder Society. Watch when Francis Drake arrives with great bravado and a mysterious beauty, flocks of carrier pigeons, mistaken phrases, and cryptic messages.

Come! Be a part of the mystery and majesty on Nov. 30, Dec. 1 & 2 when Eliot chapel becomes Castle Eliot, and Queen Elizabeth I welcomes you to dinner. Balcony seating is still available at $18-$20.

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. 21 - Archeology: Can you Dig It? David Browman. Coordinator - Mary Lu Durbin.

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

Thanks to all the spook-tacular adults and children who got to know each other through our Secret Pals program this October. We had 66 pairs participating this year - our biggest event yet!

Now that Halloween is over, it's time to look at the upcoming winter holidays. For the Nov.19 Thanksgiving Bread Service, children in grades 1st - 6th should submit Thanksgiving essays by Nov.12. We will select someone to read his/her essay at each service. Essays may be given to their teachers or to Joan Casey or emailed to Joan at . Please note which of the three services you plan to attend (9:15, 10:15, or 11:15 a.m.) when making a submission.

Christmas Pageant forms were distributed during Family Worship on Oct. 29. The Christmas Pageant will be on Dec. 10 at both services. Children from Pre-Kindergarten through 6th grade are encouraged to participate. Our rehearsal is the morning of Dec. 9. Mike and Viv Antoine will once again be the directors, with Nancy Collis acting as our music director. Be sure to get your permission forms in by Nov.26.

Please contact me if you have any questions about our upcoming events.

Youth News
- Mishael Eastabrook, Youth Programs Director,

The Senior High Youth have been very busy. They will be leading both worship services on Sun., Nov. 12. Please mark your calendars to see what the Senior Youth have in store for us all.

The Senior High and Junior High Youth will not be having classes on Nov. 12 and Nov. 19.

The Junior High Youth will have an insert in the Sunday Order of Service on Nov. 12 and Nov. 19. They want to learn from and about their congregation and community. Please support our Junior High Youth by taking time to fill out the inserts and dropping them off in a polling box in Adams Hall.

If you are interested in working with our Junior High Youth, you are in luck, because another opportunity has arrived for you to do just that. If you are interested in serving as a Youth Advisor for the spring semester, please see Mishael Eastabrook. The Spring semester starts on Feb. 4th.

If you would like to learn more about our youth program, please check out the Youth Bulletin Board which is located outside the Senior High Room. New Activity lists are displayed on the 1st Sunday of each month. Or, if you prefer, you can contact me at . Peace and blessings to you all.

Music Notes
-- Jan Chamberlin, Music Director,

Coming up:
Nov. 12 - All music by the senior high youth
Nov. 19 - Three services: 9;15, 10:15 and 11:15 a.m. with special bluegrass music by Jim Gender and friends. The choirs will sing Let Us Break Bread Together.
Nov. 26 - Holly Mead will play; there will be no choirs.

The Laclede String Quartet is making Eliot Chapel its home this year. They have 4 concerts scheduled, including a young artist competition in March. The first concert is Sun., Nov. 12 at 3:00 p.m.

No Parking

Persons accustomed to parking on East Madison should take note of the new "no parking" signs on the North side of the street. Kirkwood Police provide a brief grace period, but will begin ticketing.

Name Tags

Those of you who have requested new name tags will find them in the name tag holders in Visitor's Corner. Members' name tags are white. Guests and visitors, who have requested them, will find their light blue name tags to the right of the members' name tags.

Holiday Office Hours

The office will be closed on Mon., Nov. 13, in observance of Veterans' Day; on Thu. and Fri. Nov. 23 and 24 for Thanksgiving, and Dec. 25 through Jan. 1, 2007, reopening on Tue., Jan. 2.

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