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Inside This Issue

Introducing Canvass 2007
- Mary Quinn, Chair - Board of Trustees

In Rev Bonnie Vegiard's Jan. 21 sermon titled God Wants You to be Rich!, she suggested an 80-10-10 approach to incorporating the practice of generosity into our lives. Simply stated "spend 80% of your income, save 10%, and give 10% to charitable causes." The 2007 Canvass theme of "80-10-10 Unlocking our Future" references this practice. This year the Canvass will be providing tools and suggestions on how to look at your charitable giving in the total context of your life. Making our money work for our values can provide a sense of power and satisfaction.

This year Canvass Sunday will be March 4th and the service should be excellent. Rev. Daniel will be back in the pulpit fresh from his sabbatical and the music of the Kim Portnoy Jazz Trio will put us in the right frame of mind to hear his message clearly. Plan to be there for an uplifting experience.

One of the most common reasons people give for joining a church is "to be part of a community". Making and maintaining connections with other members is a rewarding aspect of membership, but often difficult to achieve in our busy lives. As part of our Canvass process this year, every member will be invited to attend a get-together at another member's home. These gatherings will be an opportunity to visit with those we already call friends, and equally importantly to make new friends. I encourage you to find time to say, "yes" when your invitation arrives in the mail a few weeks from now.

Throughout the Canvass we'll be encouraging everyone to share their favorite "Eliot moments"…those times when a sermon seemed to be written just for you, when a hand was stretched out in friendship or support, or when a group accomplished what an individual could not. Each of us has a story that explains why we belong to Eliot in ways where statements alone would fall short. Start thinking about your Eliot moment to share with others.

You'll be hearing more about the Canvass as the date draws closer. Watch your mailbox and look for updates in the Newsletter.

What Brings You Here?

We are going to do something new with the "New U" class. For those of you who have not attended, "New U" is designed to orient people to Unitarian Universalism and Eliot Unitarian Chapel. We share the story of our spiritual history, hear about the historical roots of UU theology, eat snacks, chat, get a tour of the building, talk about the many programs at Eliot, eat lunch, chat some more. It is a fun day and a good way for people to get to know one another and learn about Eliot. The next one is Mar. 17 from 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

On this Saturday we'll ask a question that is pretty simple, but hasn't been asked in the New U class before. "What brings you to Eliot?" Some people come to Eliot for the children's religious education programming. Others come because they are going through a major transition and don't want to be alone in asking life's big questions.

We want to understand their needs and evaluate if Eliot is meeting those needs. If we are, we'll give a big "Hurrah!" If not, we'll be able to make suggestions about programming and activities at Eliot that might address their reasons for coming to Eliot. Our hope is that after some time at Eliot, they will be delighted to find more than ever imagined.

Thanks for Bringing Change to Eliot!
- Steve Lawrence, Treasurer

On Jan. 28, we collected 185 pounds of coins and $27 in folding money for a total of $1,555.80 or $8.26 per pound.

The family worship services contributed over 60 pounds of the 185 pounds of coins.

Bob Bradshaw won the $10 Starbucks Gift Card. Thanks to: Jan Erdman, Carol Moreland, Joy Gorden and JoAnn Stephan for their help. - Steve Lawrence

A Course in Miracles

Every Monday evening, year-round, at 7:00 p.m., a study group, which focuses on the metaphysical text known as "A Course in Miracles" (ACIM) meets in the lower level of Eliot Chapel. The Course takes its participants on a spiritual journey which, through practice, leads to peaceful living. It focuses on key concepts such as replacing fear with love and approaching life with positive, nonjudgmental thinking. While Christian in its core, it has universal themes which all help to discover our true selves. The group meets for an hour and a half. Readings and reflections are the core of the meeting. It is open to everyone. People can join in at any time. Questions? Contact Corinne Esneault. For more information on the Course, go online to the St. Louis ACIM website: www.liming.org/acim

Chili & Games Night Winners!
- Lydia Hopkins, Outgoing Chair of the FUN Committee

Congratulations to the winners of Dick Skow's hand-painted aprons. Winner of the Best Chili was Louis Volpe and his Grandmother; runner up was Michael Walters. Winner of the Best Vegetarian Chili went to Doug Riggs; runner up was Beth Rossow with her Chilean Chili. Winner of the Best Dessert was Angela Cook for her White Chocolate Mousse Torte; runner up was Lori Allen for her White Chocolate Bread Pudding with Irish Whiskey Sauce. (White chocolate entrees swept the awards this year.) In the new category of Best Bread, Kate Magrath was the winner; runner up was Robin Lopate. Robin and her son Sam won the traveling poker trophy. Thank you to Doug Hopkins for babysitting and all the FUN Committee for their . . . fun!!

Book Sorting - Irmgard Voss, Library Committee

Thanks to all who have already donated books. Your tax-deductible donations help raise money for Eliot Chapel. Please drop off books at the Eliot Library at your earliest convenience. It takes a lot of time to sort, pack up, and price the books.

We will have book sorting in Rooms 002 and 003 on the following Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.:

Feb. 10 and Feb. 24.

Shopping Mathematics 101

Thanks for those of you who have been using the Escrip/community card when you shop at Schnucks. As a reminder, Eliot earns up to 3% based upon total monthly spending per household, and Escrip tracks households by Escrip card number (not by name or address). So, if there are two shoppers in your household, and you use different card numbers, Eliot will earn less money.

The Schnucks Escrip percentages are tiered based upon:

$1 - 300 = 1%
$301- 600 = 2%
$601 - 999 = 3%
$1,000 and up = nothing

So, for example, if your household spends $900 at Schnucks in a month, using one card number, Eliot would earn (rounded): $3 + $6 + $9 = $18.

If two Schnucks shoppers use two different card numbers and each spends $450 in the month, then Eliot would only earn $12 [$3 + $3 + 0 = $6 x 2 shoppers = $12]

As another reminder, when you use scrip cards, Eliot earns 5% on all your purchases at Dierberg's, Shop & Save, and Whole Foods. If you spend the same $900 a month at one of those stores, using scrip cards, Eliot earns $45.

There may be a shopping hint here.

Igive.com

Here's an easy way raise funds for Eliot Chapel. Register Eliot Unitarian Chapel as your "cause" at the web site www.igive.com, and then begin all your on-line shopping from the igive.com site. Each and every time you shop at the igive.com mall stores, if you start from the igive.com web page, Eliot will earn a percentage of the sale, at no cost to you!

Merchants include Dell Computer, Barnes & Noble, Godiva Chocolates (Valentine's Day is just around the corner!), Lands' End, Macy's, PetsMart and Petco, Sears, Thrifty Car Rental, Travelocity - hundreds more, selling almost anything you could imagine.

If you are already registered with igive.com and are supporting another cause, consider changing to Eliot - even temporarily. If you have never registered with igive.com and do so now, Eliot will earn an additional $5.00 if you make your first purchase via the igive.com site before Feb. 28.

If you have questions about igive.com, please feel free to ask JoAnn or Nancy in the office. Thank you and happy shopping!

Any Excuse for Chocolate - Beth Rossow

Buy your Valentine's Day chocolate at the Fair Trade table in Adams Hall on Sunday, February 11. We have oodles of varieties, such as plain dark chocolate, milk chocolate, mint chocolate, dark chocolate with almonds, dark chocolate with cocoa nibs, and dark espresso bean. Each bar costs $3 and supports two great causes - Fair Trade growers and Eliot Chapel. While you're at it, also stock up on coffee. You can buy the Eliot label coffee or order a specialty coffee from the brochure. There are 22 varieties available, from the February special of the month (Nicaraguan Segovia) to French Roast.

Thanks.

Spring Con is just around the Corner

Eliot Chapel is hosting the Spring District UU Youth Conference Mar. 2nd through 4th!!

The Con is planned and run by the Senior High Youth at Eliot Chapel. Our group, no matter how big it may seem, is in need of volunteers, and YOU can help.

Anything you could do would help to make the Con a success would be appreciated.

Please contact Misha Davydov at if you can help in any way.

UU Book of the Month

Our Feb. meeting will take place on Tue., Feb. 13, 7:00 p.m. in Adams Hall. The book for this month is Out of the Flames by Lawrence and Nancy Goldstone. This book is a narrative history of the religious, political, and scientific revolutions of the 16th century that influenced the life of Michael Servetus, an anti-Trinitarian reformer. The book is available from www.uua.org/bookstore. (Rev. Bonnie has already sold out of the pre-ordered copies.) All are welcome to join this book discussion group focusing on theology and history written by and about Unitarians and Universalists.

Meditation Group

The Meditation Group will meet Feb. 20 at 7:00 p.m. in Children's Chapel. All are welcome to join us.

Bridge

Join us for Bridge at Eliot on Sat., Feb. 24 in Adams Hall at 7:00 p.m. Please reserve with Sue Webster by Sunday before the game. Couples and singles welcome. See you there!

Hiking Rockwoods

The next Eliot Hike is Feb. 24 at Rockwoods State Park. For additional informationContact Laura Mullen at .

Book Fair 2007

Plan to attend:

Fri., Mar. 9 from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.*
Sat. Mar. 10 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Sun. Mar. 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

(*Admission charge Friday only, $3/person or $5/family.)

Sausage Getaway

Watch for more information from the FUN Committee about the new wurst event on Mar. 24-25 in the Hermann-Bergfried area. Contact Mark Nissen for details.

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., Feb. 20 - Global Warming: The Cause, Consequences, Cure - Alice Serrano. Coordinator - Janie Fowler.

Where is He? What's He Doing?

Now you can find out. Visit Rev. Daniel Ó Connell's web log at http://revdanielsabbatical.blogspot.com/ to find out what he's doing on his sabbatical.

News Travels Fast ...

If you sign up to receive Eliot's newsletter by email rather than by paper mail, here's a reminder that we can send a PDF copy of the newsletter to anyone with email and Adobe Acrobat (which can be downloaded free). The small group of people who signed up for this are getting their Eliot news at least three days faster than the mailed copies - lately, they are receiving their PDF copies before the paper copy even gets to the post office for mailing. If you'd like to try reading the newsletter on your computer, and wouldn't mind helping to save a tree or two, send an email to with "PDF newsletter" in the subject line. Questions? Same email address. And if you don't like it, we can switch you back to paper at any time.

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

Knowing what to do in an emergency is important at any time, but particularly critical when there are many lives at stake. At our Spring Teacher Orientation, we had our first ever Fire Drill. I'm proud to report that our teachers evacuated with their children in 1 minute, 20 seconds.

Now that our teachers have learned what to do if we have a fire at Eliot on a Sunday morning, we want parents to be sure to know what to do.

If A Fire Alarm Goes Off:
- Please evacuate the building using the nearest exit. DO NOT look for your child! Teachers will evacuate their classrooms. You will pick up your child in the grassy area by the second parking lot to the southeast of the building.
- It's critical that you fight your natural instinct to look for your child. Teachers must be able to keep track of all the children in their care.

If you have any questions please see Joan Casey.

Music Notes
-- Jan Chamberlin, Music Director,

Coming up:
Feb. 11 - Pamela Triplett will sing 2 pieces by Bach accompanied by oboe, violin, and piano.
Feb. 18 - preludes by Inner Voices.

Thanks to the AE&E committee, Eliot will host an unusual musical event on Feb. 11 at 7:00 p.m. The Configurations Chamber Ensemble will play a piece by Arnold Schoenberg, "Verklärte Nacht", Op. 4 ("Transfigured Night", 1899).This string sextet (2 violins, 2 violas and 2 cellos), in one movement is regarded as the earliest important work of Schoenberg. People who know him are surprised by the plain beauty and sonority of this piece. It's one of the first examples of "program music" written for chamber ensemble. Each of its five sections corresponds to a section of a poem it is based upon, "Verklarte Nacht". This promises to be an intriguing event, and it's free.

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