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Inside This Issue

Supporting Food Pantries
- Rev. Bonnie Vegiard, Program Minister

For several years, Eliot Chapel has had a grocery cart in Adams Hall to collect donations for Hosea House, a food pantry and charity in the city. Eliot members have been generous and consistent about making donations to that charity. At the same time, Eliot also supports a local food pantry and utilities relief service called Kirkcare. Kirkcare is also in continuous need of food donations, as well as drivers to deliver food to area homes.

We are considering changing the donations we collect weekly from Hosea House to Kirkcare. We would continue to support Hosea House in other ways; for example, the Women's Alliance is collecting for them and having someone from their organization speak in Dec. However, the weekly donations people make at Eliot would go to the Kirkcare food pantry

Please give us your feedback on this change. We realize there are a lot of worthy organizations to support, and we must make choices as to how our donations may be best used. Feel free to give any comments you may have to me by email or phone.

Giving Back: Covenant Groups
- Rev. Bonnie Vegiard, Program Minister

Eliot Covenant Groups are active in our community and are an important part of our social action and service at Eliot Chapel. Each group chooses a project, often two or three, to do together during the course of the year. What have our groups been doing?

• One group organized a fundraiser for an orphanage in Nepal. They are trying to find ways to help the orphanage become self-sustaining.
• One group spent a whole day at Lydia's House, a safe house for women and their children facing domestic violence. The group cleaned the whole house, organized closets, and sorted donations.
• Several of our groups have supported our Room at the Inn program by fixing dinner and staying overnight with the guests of that program (mostly women and children) who have no housing.

Happy Holidays to Eliot Chapel
- Mary Quinn, Chair of the Board of Trustees

The following was delivered during the Sunday services on Dec. 3, 2006.

When I check the news lately, I am often distressed by what is happening in our city, our state, our country and our world. If seems as if voices with values very different than mine are very loud right now and are drowning out those who would speak as I would speak.

One voice can seldom be heard over the din, but when many voices join as a congregation, each voice has more power. The question is: how can we amplify the sound of our values enough to influence our world?

This year the Board of Trustees has spent much time in meetings and in our annual retreat discussing generosity -- both of spirit and of funds -- as a way to boldly state Eliot's beliefs and mission in ways that can make a difference in our world.

Have you ever given a gift that has made you feel warm and wonderful? A gift that felt so good giving, it really was the highlight of the season? A gift that brought home the meaning of the season that is so often buried under "things?"

Well, this year I'm blessed to be part of a group -- the Board of Trustees -- who has decided to practice everything we've talked about regarding generosity, and give a gift to Eliot Chapel this holiday season of $5,500. And while we talk about money, we believe that generosity isn't so much about the actual dollars as it is about the ability to fund programs that personify our mission.

I'm here to tell you that our ability to do this feels wonderful; it not only helps balance the noise from those who have a different mission than ours, but it warms my soul. I invite you to join us and experience the joy of generosity for yourselves. I guarantee that it will be an act that will not only help others, but it will help you experience this season more fully.

If you choose to join the Board in giving voice to our mutual values and mission by giving a gift to Eliot this holiday season, please mark your donation as a Christmas (or Hanukkah, or Holiday) Gift to Eliot. If you would like to treat this gift like many other gifts you may be buying and pay for this over several months, please contact the office and let them know of your gift and your payment plan.

Circle of Life
- Rev. Bonnie Vegiard

Sun., Jan. 7 will be our annual Circle of Life service. We will honor the births, anniversaries, and deaths of congregation members from 2006. We will also dedicate babies and other children. Please contact me if you have children you would like to have dedicated in this service.

Singles Group

We are hoping to get some events planned that are especially for single people at Eliot. If you would like to be a part of this, please contact Susan Maginn at .

Our Whole Lives

Letters will be going out soon to families of 7th, 8th, and 9th graders about the Our Whole Lives sexuality education program that Eliot offers every other year. We will have parent information meetings during the first two weeks of January, and the program will run from mid-January to mid-March, from 12:15 - 4:15 p.m. on Sundays. We will mail out specific dates and other information. This program will be co-facilitated by Rachel Spann and Michael Getty. Please look for the information, or contact Rev. Bonnie Vegiard with any questions, (314) 821-0911 or .

Ceremonial Welcome
- Susan Maginn, Membership Coordinator

This month we had a ceremony to welcome the new members of Eliot Unitarian Chapel. It is a chance for long-time members to be introduced to these new members, but it is also a time for all of us to reflect on the rich heritage of Eliot Chapel and of Unitarian Universalism. Those who are becoming members are taking a bold step into that heritage with the hope that they will help bring our traditions far into the future.

I remember when I first became a member of a UU congregation and participated in such a ceremony. I felt it to be a sacred moment in my life when I was standing in public to count myself among these people, these Unitarian Universalists. The ceremony is simple. People are introduced. People are welcomed. But I hope for all of us, new members and "old" members alike, that we would see this as a special time, even a sacred one.

There will be other such ceremonies through the year. May this be a time for us to celebrate our growing community, to face into the future, and, together, lift up our hopes for Eliot Chapel.

Welcome to Our New Members
- August 2006 - December 2006

Our Sympathy

To Bill and Kim Fitzgerald and family on the death of Bill's father.

To Tony and Loretta Ponzar and family on the death of Tony's mother.

They Ate for Eliot and WON!

Congratulations to November grocery scrip raffle winners Pam Triplett, Lynn Murphy, and Sue Stivers! Thanks to everyone who continues to support this important fundraiser.

Reminder: Eliot continues to earn 5% on your purchases of scrip from Dierberg's, Shop & Save, and Whole Foods.

We are awaiting our first check from the Schnucks E-scrip "community card" program, under which Eliot will earn up to 3% of your purchases. E-scrip promises higher income based upon greater participation and usage, despite the lower percentage. If you're shopping at Schnucks, don't forget to give your card to the checker before you pay.

Gift Cards - Good News

Your purchases of gift cards earned just over $1,500 for Eliot Chapel in five weeks of sales. Thank you for helping Eliot while doing your holiday shopping.

Because this program was so popular, we are planning to place an order for gift cards at the beginning of every month. If you would like to place an order in January, please get your order form and a check to Eliot by Dec. 31. The list of participating merchants is much longer than what we have on the Eliot order form. You can see it at http://www.glscrip.com/report/productlistreport.aspx (pdf file) or http://www.glscrip.com/ for more information. If you would like to order something not on our order form, feel free to write it in at the bottom of the form.

You may want to start placing a monthly order for the purchases you make on a regular basis, such as gas or your morning coffee from Starbucks or St. Louis Bread Co. (Panera). Also, don't forget that you can use gift cards for major purchases, such as appliances from Sears, Home Depot, or Lowes, or electronics from Circuit City or Best Buy. You can also order from American Airlines, Marriott, Hyatt, and Comfort Inns (sorry, no Motel 6). While you're relaxing on vacation or enjoying your new large screen projection TV, you could have the added satisfaction of knowing that your purchase helped Eliot, too!

For more information, contact Barb Bleisch ( ) or Matt Koch. Again, thanks for your participation in this new fundraiser. Happy holidays!

Fair Trade Coffee
Flavor of the Month
- Rev. Dr. Daniel Ó Connell, Lead Minister

Fair Trade Coffee continues to bring you some of the finest, freshest, locally-roasted coffees from around the globe. For January, Fair Trade Coffee will be featuring French Roast Blend. This is a rich, full-bodied, low-acidity coffee with a smoky and spicy flavor. Stop by the table in Adams Hall after either service and place your order. If you're a coffee lover, this is as good as it gets!

New "U"
Your Questions Answered - Sat., January 6

Your questions about Unitarian Universalism and Eliot Chapel will be answered in this introductory class. Ministers, lay members, and you will share thoughts and information. Your questions are an important part of the experience. New "U" is particularly interesting and helpful to those who may seek more involvement and membership in Eliot Chapel.

The next class is offered on Sat., Jan. 6 from 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Please register in Visitors' Corner or through the office at (314) 821-0911. Childcare may be arranged by contacting Jane Larson by Dec. 27.

Bible Study Date Change

The next meeting of the Bible Study will be Mon., Jan. 8, at 7:00 p.m. in Adams Hall. Please note this date is different from that date announced at the last Bible Study! We will be looking at the Book of Deuteronomy, in preparation for a visit from Rabbi John Franken for the Feb. 5 Bible Study. Eliot Bible Study is an open-minded approach that seeks to understand the context of Biblical literature and help liberal religious people know what is really in the Bible, and what is not. All are welcome!

UU Book of the Month

Our UU Book of the Month discussions have been very stimulating and deepening of our UU identity for both newcomers and long-time members. The January meeting of this group will be Tue., Jan. 9, at 7:00 p.m. in Adams Hall. We will be reading Without Apology, a small book of meditations on liberal religion by A. Powell Davies. Rev. Davies was one of the most influential Unitarian ministers of the 20th century, serving All Souls in Washington D.C. during the 1940's and 50's. Rev. Bonnie Vegiard has two copies of the book left, for $11.00, or you may order it from www.uua.org/bookstore.org . All are welcome to join us.

Articulating Your Faith
- Rev. Bonnie Vegiard, Program Minister

Mark your calendars now for this workshop series, six evening sessions on Wednesdays, beginning Wed., Jan. 10, from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. to help Eliot people share and talk to others about our faith perspective. This curriculum includes fun exercises and well as deep discussion about what makes life meaningful for us as liberal religious people. Please sign up in advance.

Trying Out a Covenant Group

Eliot Chapel has over a hundred members involved in small groups that meet monthly for spiritual conversation and support. The purpose of these groups is to find friendship and connection, explore our own beliefs and ideas by through conversation, and adding meaning to our lives through the resulting spiritual depth.

If you think you might be interested in a Covenant Group, but want a chance to see what it might be like, our Covenant Groups invite you to dinner and a "trial" group on Fri., Jan. 19. We will have dinner at 6:00 p.m. and begin the groups at 7:00. Our current group members will provide the meal. If you are interested in trying these groups out, simply come and enjoy! Please let Rev. Bonnie Vegiard know if you plan to attend by Jan. 16. We can have childcare available if you request it by Jan. 5.

Bridge
- Sue Webster

Bridge players please note: NO December bridge game at Eliot. The first game of the new year will be Sat., Jan. 20, 2007, at 7:00 p.m. in Adams Hall. Please note this is the third rather than the fourth Saturday in January. Contact Sue Webster if you have questions. Happy holidays and see you next year!

UU Alternative Medicine

In the olden times during the long, dark winters, Cabin Fever, an affliction considered more of a threat than the Plague, Smallpox, or Dengue Fever, was successfully treated with this deeply spiritual UU practice: CHILI AND GAMES!

Join the FUN Committee on Jan. 27 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. for the annual Chili and Games Night and combat the threat of Cabin Fever with Bunko, Charades, POKER, and kids' games plus a contest for the best chili, veggie chili, and desert. (Chocolate has many health properties of which the curing of cabin fever is lesser known!) Bring your best and sample the rest. Plus, the Traveling Poker Trophy is back! Upon whose mantle will it reside in 2007?

Crucial Conversations
- Rev. Bonnie Vegiard, Program Minister

Have you ever been in a conflicted conversation where you could not seem to make your point or understand the other person? Most of us don't have to go back any further than, oh, say, yesterday to remember such a conversation. Conflict is simply a recurrent part of our lives.

There are many conflict management books or DVDs out there. They teach important skills. But skills aren't learned by reading about them. They are learned by practice.

The Constructive Engagement Team invites you to come practice these skills on Sat., Feb. 10, from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. We use the book Crucial Conversations and engage in exercises aimed at practicing these skills. We think that better understanding of oneself and others in conflict significantly improves your own sense of peace and confidence. Good communication skills help home life and church life flow more smoothly. We offered this seminar two years ago to a full room of 20 people, who were impressed and excited about the new skills.

Please sign up for this day-long seminar. We ask you to read the book in advance. Rev. Vegiard will have 10 copies available for $12.50.

Hold the Date for Trivia Night
- Sue Blandford

The annual Partner Church Trivia Night will be held in Adams Hall on Sat., Feb. 10. Mark this on your calendars for a fun evening that helps fund projects for our partner church, St. Martin, in Romania. Tickets will go on sale in late January.

Eliot Auction and Dinner

The auction has been postponed. A new date, probably next fall, will be announced.

This is a change from the print edition of the newsletter.

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., Jan. 2 - Night by Elie Wiesel. Leader - Marilyn Fallert.

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

We've kicked off the holiday season in the RE Department with our annual Christmas Pageant and Holiday Party. Many thanks to all the generous people who helped make both such a success. We had a cast of 51 children at the 9:30 a.m. service and 39 at the later one! Not to mention a precious baby Jesus at each service! We especially want to thank: Mike and Viv Antoine for directing the pageant and for showing next year's pageant directors, Jeff and Jane Pack, the ropes; Nancy Collis for again being our pageant's music director; and Amy Kruger of the Special Events Committee for organizing the Holiday Party crafts. For a complete list of the pageant cast and adult volunteers, please see the January copy of REjuvenation!, which will be available Dec. 31.

We also have had great success with the Giving Tree. All 150 gift tags were taken from the tree. Gifts will go to children from the following groups: Friends of Kids with Cancer, Nurses for Newborns, Kids in Need, and Make-a-Wish. Thanks to all of you who participated.

As we finish up the year, we are still looking for three more 11:00 a.m. spring teachers. If you are interested in making all of our holiday wishes come true, please contact to sign up to teach in one of these classes: Intermediate (3 and 4 year olds), Kindergarten, or 1st grade.

Holiday Blessings.

Youth News
- Mishael Eastabrook, Youth Programs Director,

The Holidays are here! And for many of us, it can be a very busy time as we try to balance family, work, school, and personal time. Some people are given an opportunity to reflect and meditate on the things that bring them hope and happiness. The Senior and Junior High Youth are taking it easy in preparation for their busy spring. No classes have been scheduled for Dec. 10, 24, or 31; both classes will be having holiday festivities on Dec. 17. Both classes are looking ahead at what will be happening in the spring: the Senior High will be hosting the Spring Youth Conference here on the weekend of March 2-4. In addition, the Senior High Youth have also scheduled a Lock-in for Jan. 12-13. Many of our Junior High Youth (Grades 7-9) are awaiting the start of the OWL (Our Whole Lives) program on Jan. 21. Parents of OWL will be asked to complete a few items prior to the start date, so watch for additional information from Bonnie Vegiard and other OWL leaders.

What I look forward to the most during this holiday season is spending quality time with my children. For me, this time of year becomes an opportunity to catch up on what is happening in their lives, and a time to laugh and enjoy their company. I hope many of you will also find time to reflect, even if only for a moment, on what brings you hope and happiness throughout this busy time of year. From my family to all of you - Happy Holidays.

Just a reminder - I will be going on a trip to Israel and will be unavailable from Jan. 4 - Jan. 23, 2007. If you need assistance during that time, please contact Bonnie Vegiard or Joan Casey.

Peace to all.

Music Notes
-- Jan Chamberlin, Music Director,

Coming up:
Dec. 24 - All four Christmas Eve services are multigenerational stories and carols; the only difference is the service leaders and music. At 10:00 a.m., Eliot Woodwinds performs; at 5:00 and 6:30 p.m., the Eliot Hand bells and Combined Adult choirs are featured; Nancy Collis will play Celtic harp and a small vocal ensemble will sing Wondrous Love and Still, Still, Still at the 8:00 p.m. service.
Dec. 31 - TBA
Jan. 7 - Bill and Dan Miller will perform Will the Circle be Unbroken and There is a Time on guitar and mandolin for preludes and interludes. Both choirs will sing Build Me a World.

There is no choir practice on Wed., Dec. 27 or Sun., Dec. 31; they resume on Wed., Jan. 3 and Sun. Jan. 7.

The Turning of the Year: In this season of celebrations, endings and beginnings, emotions run close to the surface for many. They also run to extremes as we reflect upon past holidays and relationships. Where do we go with these emotions? I suggest we turn to music for emotional expression, either in making it or experiencing it. Many of our members perform in community choirs and orchestras. On Dec. 10 our children's Chalice Choir sang carols for the residents of Bethesda Gardens retirement center. Seek out the many holiday concerts in town. Make time to sit, be still, and give yourself the gift of rest and reflection.

Happy Holidays! See you in church!

Christmas Eve Service Safety Reminders

Because of the danger of fire in a crowded building, we ask that you extinguish your candle before you leave your seat. Please watch children when candles are lit. Keep flames away from clothing and the greenery, and please be careful of dripping wax.

Holiday Service Childcare

Dec. 24 - Christmas Eve services - Childcare available at the 10:00 a.m., 5:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. services.

Dec. 31 - One service at 10:00 a.m. - only nursery open

Policy on Closing in Bad Weather

While it is the intention of the church leadership that the Chapel be open and provide services on every Sunday, we also do not wish to endanger anyone who may feel obligated by commitment (e.g., RE teachers, choir, or staff) to drive to Eliot in unsafe weather. "Attend if you feel safe doing so" will not necessarily release people from that sense of obligation. Additionally, our Safe Church policy requires specific ratios of properly-screened teachers to children, and those ratios might not be met if no proactive decision were taken.

Therefore, in situations of bad weather such as snow and/or ice storms,

• If travel advisories have been issued by state and/or local governments asking that people stay off the roads and do not drive, Eliot will close.
• If conditions are such that key staff members believe that travel will be too hazardous, Eliot will close.
• If the decision has been made to close, the recording on the church answering machine will be changed by 8:00 a.m., and a notice will be posted on the home page of the web site.

Please note: when there is no power at Eliot, the telephones do not work. Our voicemail system, however, is in not in the building - therefore hearing a voicemail recording does not necessarily mean that the building has power or is open.

Statements

We sent pledge statements for the second quarter of Eliot's fiscal year (Oct. - Dec.) early in December, rather than waiting until month-end. This allows you to catch up if you've fallen behind, or to maximize your payments for 2006, if you choose to do so. If you have questions about this statement, please contact the office promptly with all pertinent information (dates, amounts, and check numbers), so that any corrections can be made before tax statements are mailed in January.

To ensure that checks will be recorded in Eliot's books this calendar year, checks must be received in the office by Thu., Dec. 28.

In January, we will send tax statements for the calendar year 2006 to everyone who contributed $250 or more. This statement will include all deductible gifts received by Eliot between Jan. and Dec. 2006 regardless of whether a pledge was involved, or what pledge year or fiscal year was involved.

Holiday Office Hours

The office will be closed from Mon., Dec. 25 through Jan. 1, 2007, reopening on Tue., Jan. 2.

Scrip ...

Will not be sold on Sun., Dec. 24 or Dec. 31. Stock up in advance to avoid hunger during the holidays!

Minister's Sabbatical

Rev. Ó Connell will on sabbatical and study leave during January, February, and the first 2 weeks of March.

Thanks to ...

Skip Kincaid for giving Eliot Chapel the benefit of his knowledge and expertise over the years on several matters involving trees on the property.
http://skaforestry.com

Thank You
to the Village who put on the Madrigal

Lydia Hopkins, outgoing chair of the Madrigal Dinner, sincerely thanks all the volunteers who went above and beyond the call of duty in the face of the terrible ice storm:

Thank you to my "rock" - the 2006 Committee: Bill Carver*, Lisa Dahlgren, Denise Maue-Dreyfus*, Gary Gray, Mary Hosto, Ted Jander*, Gordon Lewis, Roz Marx, Cara Sanning, Jim Shucart*, Judy Stucki*, Jeanne Wilke.

And to the castle workers: Lori Allen, Ted Berger, Sue Blandford, Barb Bleisch, Susie Bradley, Wendy & Noelle Brooks, Carolyn Burke, Diane Carlyle, David & Andrea Cox, Cypress Garrett, Tom Gayer, Steve Gordon, Karen Gottschalk, Mary Sue Guenther, Pat Habben, Dick Haynes, the Henry family, Judy Highfill, Mary Hoehne, Ann Howard, Jim Huggins, Holly Jockenhoeffer, Emily Kline, Jeanne Kloeckner, Kurt Leemann, Sue Lunneman, Kerrie Lintner, Jennifer Mackenzie, Scott Marshall, Zoë Matthews, Brian McGowan, Elmer McNulty, Jerry Messer, Brian & Judith Mitchell, Don & Sandy Oliver, Kathie Price, Sarah & Larry Reutter, Liz Sale, Bradley Spence, Sue & Nolan Stivers, Katie Stoverink, Lee Streett, Jacob Stucki, Mary Taylor, Judy Tisdale, Pam Triplett, Brent Vaughn, Rich Vaughn, Rick Walters, Trish Williams, Dennis Woracheck, Pat Wright, and Doris Yohe. Thanks for help from the Eliot staff: Bonnie, Daniel, JoAnn, Joy, and Nancy. Thanks to the wonderful technical people: Jeff Chamberlin, Fred Ciesla, Shawn Cummings, Misha Davidov, Steve Dingus, Billy Engel, David Maguire (who climbed higher than he thought he ever would), Gail Rock and her whole family, Chuck Schuder, Joan Tiemann, and Jim Anthony (aka Davis) who served as our director.

We couldn't have pulled off the Madrigal Dinner without the phenomenal sounds of the Greenleaf Singers, led by a smart, creative director - Ted Jander: Jim & Jason Baker, Meredith Brisco, Steve Coenen, Pam Davis, James Fox, Tim Gardner, Boyd Jones, Molly Koebbe, Camile Maroff, Kathy Mead, David Roundy, Heather Sliney, and Khrysti Smyth.

And now I say goodbye to a wonderful group of players: Elitta DeArmond, Ken & Eric Denson, Denise Maue-Dreyfus, Lucy Freeman, Jim Gottschalk (my pirate), Rich Heuermann (has he caught the Madrigal bug?), Jeff Matthews (the understudy who took center stage), Donna Postel, Phillip Rock, Jim Shucart, and Judi Stucki. Thank you everyone for an extra performance!

What fun I had writing the play with Mark Rowley and Pam Davis. This was certainly a memorable year. So…Thanks for the Memories and good luck in all the years to follow!!

Please forgive me if I have forgotten anyone.

* Committee members who were also performers/tech.

Happy Holidays
From the Eliot Staff

Bonnie, Daniel, Ed, Jan, Joan, Joy, JoAnn, Leon, Marvin, Mishael, Nancy, Richard, Susan M. & Susan V.

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