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Inside This Issue

New Year, New Schedule
- Rev. Dr. Daniel Ó Connell, Lead Minister

I hope your summer has been good. There have been some medical emergencies in the congregation, but as I write this, things seem calm. Of course, life goes on and is sometimes unpredictable.

We actually got a way for a week this summer - the first time in a long time. We went to a camp and did some pole fishing, sailing, hiking, archery, shooting, fly casting, and more hiking. The amazing thing was how many bruises we each collected.

At one point, I was about to go snorkeling with one daughter and a college aged 'guide.' We were sitting on a big smooth plastic dock. We put on our equipment, finned feet almost in the water. The guide told us to go ahead and slide in the water. We did so, but a little part of my swim suit got caught on a bolt head sticking up out of the dock.

I found myself hanging there in mid-air, the bolt caught up in my trunks. I was not in the water, and the plastic dock was too slippery to grasp and there was nothing to grab on to. The guide tried to help me up but she didn't have enough strength to do it. So she called to another guide - a guy- who began to amble down the dock.

Meanwhile, the swimsuit was cutting off the circulation in my leg, and I tried not to yell to the guy to hurry up. At last, I was up and okay, but what a strange circumstance to be in- just hanging there in pain.

Sometimes it takes a helping hand to get us feeling better - and that's the way church can be, too.

We begin a new church year. I have a daughter entering middle school - 6th grade - so my schedule will change too. We'll all be getting up earlier in the morning and I'll be heading home earlier on Mondays and Fridays, to accommodate this adjustment.

We are trying an experiment with our newsletter - we will publish monthly to avoid duplication and to make it easier to remember the deadline - the 20th of the month, with distribution in time for the beginning of the next month.

We have a new intern minister, David Breeden; you can read his article in the newsletter. Reverend Bonnie will be on sabbatical leave from Sep. 10 to Dec. 10 - she is beginning a new Doctor of Ministry program at Eden Seminary in Webster Groves.

Some Sunday mornings that I'm preaching you won't see me for the first half of the 2nd service because I will be checking in with our Senior High group. But I will still be there for the second half of the service.

Now is a good time to get our updated Information Guide (at Visitor's Corner) to check out all the programs and events planned this year - there's something for just about everyone.

See you in church!

Same Location, New Address

We're changing our address to 100 South Taylor Avenue effective Sep. 1. In an effort to be green, we will continue (and you may, too) to use stationery and envelopes with the Argonne address until that is all gone.

Sabbatical Just Around the corner
- Rev. Bonnie Vegiard, Program Minister

Many of you know I will be on sabbatical for most of this fall. Sabbatical is a standard part of many denominational ministries, and is particularly common among Unitarian Universalists. Ministers are expected to take the time they have free of regular church responsibilities to renew their spirits, take on some new and inspiring challenge, and/or work on a specific project such as a book or curriculum. My sabbatical, which runs from Sep. 10-Dec. 10, will be dedicated to beginning a Doctor of Ministry program at Eden Theological Seminary in Webster Groves. I will take three courses this fall, and then take one course a semester for 2-3 more years, until I am ready to write my thesis.

My usual duties at Eliot include overseeing the workings of much of Eliot's programs, including Adult RE, covenant groups, children's RE, pastoral care, social action, etc. Mostly I act as a resource for these various areas of the church, so there are others who help make things go. Rev. Daniel, Rev. Sue Videen, Rev. Dick Haynes, Joan Casey, our ministerial intern David Breeden, as well as several talented lay leaders will all be taking on some of my role while I am officially out of the office. The Caring Committee will also have an article in the next newsletter about their role while I am gone. In the meantime, please direct any caring concerns to Rev. Daniel or David Breeden, and they will see to them.

I am looking forward to this time to think deeply about our theological tradition, and what is most empowering in our theological identity. I also look forward to sharing any insights I have with you when I return. Meanwhile, I'll see everyone on Sept. 9, opening Sunday, before I head off to the life of a student once again!

Welcome, David Breeden

David will be Eliot Chapel's ministerial intern from Aug 15, 2007 to Jun. 15, 2008. Funding for our internship program comes from the Blanke Fund income. He says about himself:

My arrival in this area has in a curious way brought me full circle, after a great deal of traveling that is perhaps natural for someone born at the confluence of the Mississippi River and Route 66. My father had a factory job in Granite City, but got laid off days after my arrival. I grew up in various trailer parks around the south-Tennessee, Louisiana, Mississippi, Indiana. My parents eventually grew tired of wandering and returned to rural Southern Illinois where both had grown up. My family farm is a 2-1/2 hour drive from Kirkwood.

I got my BA in English from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, a Master of Fine Arts from the Writers' Workshop at the University of Iowa, and a Ph.D. in creative writing and Old English from the Center for Writers at the University of Southern Mississippi. I spent twenty four years as an English professor, working at colleges in Arkansas and Texas. Over the years I have published poetry, essays, and novels.

I grew up in an evangelical tradition and started questioning that faith in my teens. I first became interested in Unitarian Universalism as a student at SIU and joined a fellowship in 1988. Since then I have been active on the boards of two fellowships and have long wished to go into ministry In 2005 I decided to take the plunge and go back to school I attended Meadville Lombard Theological School in Chicago for two years and have finished my course work there - which brings me to here!

I am a member of PEN Center USA, a writer's group committed to free speech issues around the world, and I serve on the board of Unitarian Universalists for a Just Economic Community. I'm passionate about issues of worker justice, perhaps because I still haven't gotten over my dad getting laid off in 1958.

Board Change

Kevin Cowell has resigned as Eliot's Treasurer due to a family medical situation. While the Board is seeking a replacement, Steve Lawrence will serve as interim Treasurer. We wish all the best for the Cowell family.

Cottage Update
- Kate Magrath

Over the summer, work has been going on at the Bergfried Cottage. The carpet was removed last spring, and will soon be replaced by a laminate floor, less hospitable to mold and mildew. The bathroom renovation is in progress. If all proceeds as planned, the cottage should be ready for rental to members of Eliot Chapel by the middle of September.

Don't forget about the Family Camp-Out, on Oct. 6 and 7. For more information, contact .

Thank You

Mari L. Carroll, a former intern at Eliot, died suddenly on July 1. She left a vast library of wonderful books covering history, the arts, sociology, psychology, poetry, literature and, of course, UU writings and history. Eliot chapel is grateful to Mari's husband, William A. (Bud) Carroll, and her son, James, for donating her extensive library to Eliot Chapel in Mari's memory.

Special thanks go to the following special people for packing and moving Mari's library to Eliot: Irmgard Voss and MaryLu Durbin inspected and arranged for the packing of nearly 2,500 books. MaryLu handed out directions and boxes. Rich Vaughn organized trucks, vans, and strong backs, not the least of which was Misha Davydov, for loading, transporting, and unloading. Dick Haynes, and his sons, David and Zach, loaded, unloaded, and then made a return trip to transport four large bookcases. The packers: Marilyn and Dick Fallert, Janie and Walt Fowler, Helen McIntosh, Linda Polcyn, Julie Triplett, Mary Widmer, Pat Wright, and Irmgard Voss got the job done in less than three hours! Thanks also go to Nancy Singer and JoAnn Stephan for passing messages and just being generally helpful. Everyone's hard work is greatly appreciated. The people of Eliot Chapel are very grateful for the generous contribution of Mari's library.

2007-2008 Budget Update
- Rev. Dr. Daniel Ó Connell, Lead Minister

In July, the Board of Trustees approved a budget for the fiscal year July 2007- June 2008 of $540,797 (versus $543,200 presented at the annual meeting.) That difference is due to cuts in planned office expenses and advertising. The previous year's budget was $523,700. This is about a three and a half percent increase.

Our income comes mainly from pledges. We also receive income from fund-raisers and committee contributions. Total pledges for the fiscal year July 2007 - June 2008 are $438,000. Although this includes 15 new pledges, the total is just slightly higher than the total for 2006-2007 due to the loss of pledges from members who died or moved away, and an increase in the number of households that are not pledging.

Some folks have kept their pledge amount the same for many years, despite inflation, increased labor costs, healthcare for our employees, and so forth.

This year will be the first year our board of trustees is not doing "an additional fund raiser." In previous years, we've done a goods and services auction, one year we received a large unexpected gift, and last year, the board members and others simply pitched in to come up with about $13,000 (they had been asked to come up with $10,000). But we don't want to make an extra monetary gift a requirement of being a board member, so this year's budget has dropped the "additional fund raiser." That, plus a decrease in grocery scrip income (thanks to Schnuck's new policy), has meant a significant hit to the income side of the balance sheet.

On the expense side, for years we have significantly under-funded office equipment including computer upgrades. Our utilities and health care costs have increased.

Our financial situation would be worse except that this year, we expect an additional $9,000 in fees in connection with a project near Bergfried. We are also using part of the increase in the value of our investment portfolio from last year.

But we won't have the luxury of a rock contract or a 15% increase in our investments to fund our operating budget next year. So, we will need to increase pledge income for next year (2008-2009).

In February, we will be asking ourselves to seriously consider our financial commitment to our beloved Chapel during a very special, off-site Celebration Sunday.

Bergfried Quarry

In mid-July we were contacted by Gaines Construction, a company that has operations in the vicinity of Bergfried. They were interested in purchasing up to 3,000 cubic yards of rock from the Bergfried quarry at $2.50 per cubic yard. The rock of interest is the loose rock material that can be removed without blasting. We discussed the environmental issues and found no concerns to prevent this sale. The quarry was established many years ago for the purpose of rock removal. No new blasting will occur. The rock to be removed largely sits on other rock. Erosion is of minor concern. There is an existing access road to the quarry, so no additional road needs to be cut. Animal habitation of the rocks is seasonal due to the proximity of the quarry to the Gasconade River. When spring floods occur, lizards, insects and other wildlife are displaced by the rising water.

The Board of Trustees approved this sale. In accordance with the new Bergfried Policy adopted by the congregation in May, disposition of this income will be determined by the Board of Trustees in consultation with the Bergfried Committee.

How and When You Can Join Eliot

The first Sunday of the month is an opportunity to join Eliot Chapel as a member. If you have decided you are ready to make this commitment, please bring the completed New Member forms (found in Visitors Corner) to Children's Chapel immediately after the service. If you just have questions, feel free to stop by as well. We welcome all who feel ready to join us!

Our Sympathy

To Michael Getty and Brian Vetruba, on the death of Michael's mother.

11:00 a.m. Service Greeters Needed

If you attend the 11:00 a.m. service pretty regularly and would be willing to help out as a substitute greeter a few times year, please contact Bob Coulter at . No special skills needed...just hand people an order of service as they come in, and help count the collection during the service.

Eliot Seeks Membership Coordinator

We are looking for a friendly, organized person to help new and existing members have the best experience possible at Eliot. The position is 10 hours a week from Sept. -- June. The candidate must have a thorough understanding of and enthusiasm for Unitarian Universalist perspectives. If you know anyone who may be good in this position, please have that person send a cover letter and resume to subject line "Membership Coordinator application." (The candidate we had intended to take this position had to make a sudden move out of state over the summer.)

Step into the Limelight

"The Not Ready for Reformation Players" are preparing for the 2007 Madrigal, scheduled for Nov. 29, 30 and Dec. 1. In this year's play, Elizabeth I will celebrate her silver anniversary as queen with festivities at the court to include contests of skill for commoners and noblemen alike.

The play will feature 7 men and 5 women in speaking roles as well as crew members to help with stage management, lighting, sound and other non- performance duties. If you are interested in a performance role, you are invited to attend a script reading tryout to be held Sep. 9 in the sanctuary at noon.

If you are interested in helping out behind the scenes and have any questions please stop by and inquire or contact Denise Maue Dreyfus.

Coordinate Circle Suppers

Circle Suppers, an opportunity for people to get to know each other via a pot-luck at someone's home, is seeking a new coordinator. If you might be interested, contact Doris Yohe.

Back to Scrip

We will resume regular scrip sales on Sun., Sep. 9. Thanks to everyone who is participating in this fundraiser.

As a reminder, Eliot earns 5% of your purchases on Dierberg's and Whole Foods scrip, 6% on Shop & Save scrip, and a maximum of 3% on a Schnucks E-scrip card. (Since almost no one seems to spend $300 or more at Schnucks during a month (required for the higher percentage tiers), we have never earned more than 1.2% on Schnucks since they switched from scrip to E-scrip.)

Handy math example: if you spend $250 in a month on groceries, Eliot would earn $2.50 from Schnucks E-scrip, $12.50 from Dierbergs or Whole Foods, or $15 from Shop & Save.

Book Fair Donations

The Library Committee will now accept book donations for the Book Fair. They can only accept books in good condition - please, no mildewed or gnawed books; no books with torn covers or marked pages; no magazines, encyclopedias, or outdated computer, travel, or text books.

Help in the Library

The Library Committee is seeking new members for specific jobs, like keeping up with overdue book returns; helping in the children's library on Sundays; or sorting and packing up books on Sundays. Training is cheerfully provided.

Greentree Festival
- Barbara Bleisch

Eliot will be participating in the Greentree Festival (Kirkwood's community celebration) on Sep. 14 - 16 at Kirkwood Park.

The Senior High will have a booth to do face painting and sell cold drinks. We would also like to offer information about Eliot and Unitarian Universalism and need friendly volunteers to be available to speak to people who are interested.

We would also love to hear from you if you can help us with planning, set up, or decorating, if you have experience with face painting, can provide face painting supplies, or if you could lend us a booth/display structure or large coolers.

We will also have a float in the parade on Sat., Sep. 14. The theme for this year's parade is "A Celebration of Heroes." We are planning for Eliot's float to recognize the UUs who were among the founding fathers (and mothers) of the U.S. appropriate for the period. Please let us know if you have ideas for the float or if you can help with construction, if you have costumes you can lend, or if you can help with making/assembling costumes, and of course, if you want to be in the parade. Look for sign up sheets on the bulletin board outside Adams, or contact me at

Spend Money! Buy Stuff! Help Eliot
Barbara Bleisch

We all spend money, love to buy stuff, and want to help Eliot whenever we can, especially if it doesn't cost anything! Don't forget there is are two ways you can do both at the same time:

Register and use igive.com for all of your online purchases. This is unbelievably simple. First, go to the igive.com website and register, and select Eliot Unitarian Chapel as your chosen cause. Then, every time you want to purchase something online, log in to igive.com. Then click on "The Mall" and choose the merchant you want. Igive.com sends you to that merchant's website, and you do the rest as you normally would. As long as you are logged in at igive.com, a percentage of all of your purchase from participating merchants automatically goes to Eliot.

And, shop with gift cards purchased through Eliot. You buy the gift cards for the face value, but Eliot pays a discounted price, so the difference (sometimes as much as 9%) goes to support Eliot. You can now place your orders directly online. Go to www.shopwithscrip.com, register, and enter Eliot's enrollment code: 38B926D113474. Click on "order scrip" and an order form will popup, with lists of all of the available merchants by category. (There are hundreds of them.) Fill out the order form, then write a check for the amount of your purchase and mail it or bring it to the office at Eliot. Checks must say "gift cards" in the memo line. Around the first of the every month, we will place all of the orders that have been paid for, and we should have the cards for you by the middle of the month. If you plan a big purchase or if you need the cards before the beginning of next month, let us know and we can probably place the order earlier, provided Eliot has received payment.

Both of these programs are an easy way to support Eliot with funds that come from the merchants you shop with, and don't cost you anything. For example, my husband and I recently remodeled our living room, using gift cards at Home Depot and Lowe's. It actually made it a little less painful paying for the materials, knowing that 4% of the money was going to Eliot. My office buys all of our office supplies through igive.com's website, and I also use it for books, clothing, and gifts. According to their records, I have already given over $110 to Eliot this year, just by doing my normal shopping. In fact, my office purchased Office Depot gift cards through Eliot, and now my office uses those to pay when we place our orders online at igive.com. That means Eliot gets a combined percentage of 6% on those purchases!

Once you try these programs, you'll see how easy it is, so please participate. If you need more information, please contact me at .

Kits for Kids Update

The Social Action Committee wants to thank the Eliot Community for generously donating 69 bags of food and activities for needy children at Circle of Concern. Our summer food drive is over, but if you'd like to continue the joy of giving, you can put food donations (no glass, please) for the Hosea House pantry in the shopping cart in Adams Hall A special thank you goes out to Amy Stark, Ann Russell, and Sue Lile for loading and transporting donations.

Thank You, from Room at the Inn
- Bill and Joan Clarke

First we want to thank everyone who helped over the summer to keep RATI going. Definitely gets harder to find volunteers during those months. Now it's time to renew our efforts for the fall. There are spots open in Sept/Oct/Nov for all areas - hosts, cooks and launderers. I'm sure Gary Miller wouldn't mind if anyone would like to add their name to the "drivers list". Please see the signups on the bulletin board in the hallway into Adams Hall.

Also, a fundraising Trivia Night for RATI will be held on Oct. 13, at 7:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Ferguson. Teams of 8 - $12 per person (includes snacks and drinks). They are hoping that each church will purchase one table. There will be raffle tickets to win themed baskets of goodies. If you are interested, please contact Jamie Jones (314) 524-5898.

In the last year RATI has provided 6,135 beds. Eliot Chapel has provided over 330 of those beds. We are making a difference in a lot of lives.

Thanks for all you do.

Fair Trade Coffee & Chocolate
- Beth Rossow

We will be selling Fair Trade coffee in Adams Hall every Sunday after each service. This is a fund raiser for Eliot Chapel as well as a way of supporting a worthy cause. Regular and decaf coffee (both beans and ground) sell for $10 per bag. This coffee is a blend made especially for Eliot Chapel by the Hartford Coffee Company. You can also order specialty coffees for $11 per bag.

Besides the Eliot Label Blend coffee, we will continue with a Coffee of the Month, a specialty coffee priced at $10 per bag instead of the usual $11. The October Coffee of the Month is French Roast.

The September Coffee of the Month will be the ever-popular Eliot Blend! On opening Sunday, Sep. 9, we will brew the Eliot Blend, and serve it in Adams Hall after each service. Stop by the usual coffee counter and try this delicious coffee. Then stop by our table to buy a bag or two!

Our coffee supplier is under new management and assures us that the delivery problems that we experienced last year are a thing of the past. We plan to have fresh coffee available now on a reliable basis.

The weather is getting cooler, and Fair Trade Chocolate will be available in early October. Along with the usual chocolate bars, we will be selling coco powder, which makes great brownies.

To continue to make this all possible every week, The Fair Trade Committee needs a few new volunteers to sell coffee after the first or second services on the 4th Sunday of each month, and a volunteer to sell coffee whenever we have a 5th Sunday in the month (which for this church year means September and March). We also need people who will volunteer to be substitutes whenever a regular seller cannot be at church. Please contact me at . The job is easy and fun.

Bridge
- Sue Webster

No future games are scheduled for Eliot Bridge. Anyone with questions may contact me.

Save Darfur

UUSC and the St. Louis Save Darfur Coalition want to notify you of a Darfur awareness event: A Webster University Film Festival movie, The Devil Came on Horseback, Sep. 7, 8 and 9 at 8:00 p.m. in Moore Auditorium, $6 admission. This movie takes viewers into the crisis in Darfur, Sudan, as seen through the eyes of an American witness (former U.S. Marine Captain Brian Steidle) who has since returned to the US to take action to stop it.

Take a Hike

Let's kick off the fall season by gathering all interested hikers to plan the places, times and dates for the year's hiking opportunities. If you are interested in planning some fun hiking adventures, please meet with us on Tue., Sep. 11 in the Eliot Library at 7:00 p.m.

Details of the scheduled monthly hikes will be posted in the newsletter and sent by e-mail about one week prior to the hike. If you would like to be added to the email list, you can contact Laura Mullen at .

Music Class Is In Session

Ever wished you could sing hymns better or wondered what all those dots meant? On Sat., Sep. 15, Dr. Leon Burke III will hold forth in a trio of classes, free and open to any Eliot folks. Each lasts one hour. Attend one or all for an entertaining and enlightening experience! All classes will meet in the Music Room.
- Voice 101, 10:30 a.m. - Find your individual voice! Whether you want to improve your singing or speaking, you will find help here.
- Melody: I Knew her Once - 11:30 a.m. How you can figure out tunes without a piano.
- Rhythm: The Heartbeat of the Universe - 12:30 p.m. Timing is everything. Can you feel the beat?

5 Questions
A Course of Reflection on the Big Questions of Life

Join our Ministerial Intern, David Breeden, as he facilitates this six-week exploration of life's big questions. The course will begin weekly meetings on Wed. Sep. 19 at 7:00 p.m. in Room 006 at Eliot, and run through Oct. 24. This will be a stimulating way to get to know David and other Eliot members. Sign up by calling the office or look for the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board outside the sanctuary. David may be reached at or at the church at (314) 821-0911.

New "U"
Your Questions Answered

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 first class is offered on Sat., Oct. 20 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 if requested by Sep. 7.

Future dates for New "U" are, Jan. 26, and Apr. 5.

Pumpkin Pals
- Joan Casey, RE Director,

On Sunday, Sep. 23, adults who would like to be Pumpkin Pals should stop in Adams Hall to choose their pals. The Pumpkin Pals program is a month-long exchange of cards and small gifts between children (Kindergarten through 5th grade) and adults. It is not necessary to be a parent of a child in the program to participate; in fact, we'd love to have non-parents participate. By being a Pumpkin Pal, you agree to attend the Halloween Party at Eliot Chapel on Fri., Oct. 26, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. This is when you will meet your Pumpkin Pal and all will be revealed!

On Sundays from Sep. 30 to Oct. 21, a table will be set up in Adams Hall for adult and child pals to leave surprises, notes, postcards, small gifts, etc., along with information about themselves. We are asking everyone to limit spending to $10 for the entire month. It's important to remember that being a pal is a two-way street! Children should leave notes and gifts their pals, too.

You may have noticed that we have changed our name. Secret Pals has been an enormously successful program over the years, but some people have expressed a concern about the usage of the term "secret." Although there is an element of surprise and wonder about being a Pumpkin Pal, we do not want to imply that the adults are having a "secret" relationship with the children. It is important for parents to make clear to their children that it is never okay for an adult to ask a child to keep secrets from his or her parents. Parents will be made aware of who their children's pals are from the outset. We are unable to screen every participant, although any parents and adults who have taught are already screened. Adult Pumpkin Pals are not expected nor asked to spend any time alone with their child pals. Although we've never had any issues with this program, we thought it important to address this concern.

For more information about being an adult Pumpkin Pal, please pick up an information sheet located in the pocket on my office door. To be a child Pumpkin Pal, please fill out a form and return it to me no later than Fri., Sep. 21. Forms will be passed out in class Sep. 9 and Sep. 16. If you need one mailed to you, please contact me.

Eliot's Fall Adult RE Program

Bible Study - 1st Monday of the month beginning Oct. 1 with Rev. Dick Haynes. All are welcome for this open-minded discussion. For Oct., please read Mark Ch. 1. The Nov. 5 and Dec. 3 Bible Studies will be led by David Breeden.

UU Book of the Month - 2nd Tuesday of each month beginning in Oct. The. Oct. 9, Nov. 13, and Dec. 11 books will all be available for sale in Adams Hall beginning Sep. 9. Book may also be ordered from the UUA Bookstore at www.uua.org/bookstore. October's book is Heretic's Faith by Fredric Muir. October's discussion will be facilitated by Tracey Howe-Koch. The next two books for discussion are Three Prophets of Religious Liberalism on Tue., Nov. 13, and Out of the Flames on Tue., Dec. 11.

NUU Men - look for the announcement of the dates for this six-week course which uses the archetypes of King, Warrior, Magician, and Lover to look at men's lives and spirituality. This curriculum was written by Rev. Dr. Daniel O'Connell. Facilitators - Kelly Crone-Willis and William Lemon.

Faith and Poverty - look for this three-session discussion group beginning late Oct. Facilitated by Paul Dribin.

Family Traditions Series
- The Family Support and Outreach Committee

When/where: Sep. 30, Oct. 28, and Dec. 2 in Room 001

This program will address how to build meaningful rituals and traditions for families with children of all ages. On each date there will be a short presentation, handouts, and small group discussions. In September we will address connection rituals that occur on a regular basis. In October, the program will address major holidays. In December, the series will wrap-up with a look at Family Festivities, Ceremonies, and Rites of Passage.

Families registered for 11:00 a.m. RE Classes should use 9:30 a.m. RE Classes on these dates so they may attend the program.

Some of the information used in the series is from William Doherty, author of the The Intentional Family: How to Build Family Ties in our Modern World and founder of the great website www.birthdayswithoutpressure.org. The series also relies on UU writer, Meg Cox, The Book of New Family Traditions. The Eliot library, children's section, has both books. The latter is available for purchase through www.uua.org/bookstore.

"Hearing Eliot's Story"
Sat. Oct. 13, 7:00 p.m. - Save the Date!

We will celebrate our 49th year as a congregation by hearing from our longest-term members. What was going on around here in the '60s, '70s, and '80s? Come hear our story! Watch the newsletter and website for details. If you would like to help with this celebration, please contact Pam Triplett.

Family Camping at Bergfried

Mark your calendars for this fun semi-annual event! On Oct. 6 and 7, join your fellow congregants in the great outdoors at our beautiful property near Herrmann, MO. For more information, contact .

Women's Weekend 2008

Women are still talking about the last Women's Weekend held at the Pallotine Renewal Center last April. The committee is eager to start planning for 2008. The first meeting is open to ANYONE interested in helping. Please mark your calendars for the following dates.
Committee Meeting: Sun., Oct. 7 at Noon (Room 005)
Women's Weekend 2008: Apr. 19-20, 2008.

There were over 80 women gathered for relaxing, socializing, learning, meditating, crafts, music and more. Women's Weekend features a wonderful variety of workshops, a Coffee House, a White Elephant Sale, craft materials swap, massage, indoor swimming and time for relaxing and socializing.

At the October meeting, we are seeking volunteers the various committees.

For more information, contact Carolyn Burke at or see the Women's Weekend homepage.

Hayride & Bonfire Fun

Hey, Hey, HAY! Come join us for a fun-filled hayride around Forest Park on Fri., Oct. 12 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Stock up on marshmallows and hot dogs because there will be a bonfire and you can roast to your heart's content. This is a real treat for the kiddos but everyone is welcome! Tickets are $5 and can be bought between services starting Sept. 9 or by calling Kelly Storck. Seating is limited, so buy your tickets soon! See ya all there...

Fall Work Party

This year's Fall Work Party will be on Sat., Oct. 20. Mark your calendars and plan to attend. The volunteers will be doing basic indoor and outdoor clean-up and fix-up chores around Eliot while consuming mountains of doughnuts.

Missouri Native Plants

For all you gardeners already planning for next spring's plantings, mark your calendar for Oct. 21, at 7:00 p.m. Mary Voges, horticulture supervisor at the Litzsinger Road Ecology Center, will discuss great native plants to include in your garden. Eliot member Bob Coulter will join her in this presentation. This is an excellent chance to ask your questions about what plants are best suited for our environment and make the most ecological sense for your garden.

Flu and other Shots

Flu shots will be given on Sun., Oct. 28 in the Library from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. The cost is $25.00 per flu shot and $40.00 for pneumonia or a tetanus shot. A sign up sheet is posted on the bulletin board by the handicapped bathroom.

Special Speaker Coming

The Welcoming Congregation Forum is proud to announce we are sponsoring a special guest on Nov. 11. Marc Adams will be our speaker at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. Mr. Adams has spoken to many congregations and other audiences about his experiences as a gay man and published author. At one point in his life he was involved with the fundamentalist movement trying to become an "exgay". But his personal journey took him away from that to his acceptance of being gay and founding "Heartstrong", an organization focused on helping GLBT students "terrorized at religious fundamentalist institutions". For further information, contact Lynn Murphy.

Women's Alliance

The Women's Alliance usually meets on the first, third, and fourth Tuesdays of the month from 9:30 to 11:45 a.m. in Adams Hall.

Tue., Sep. 18 - Movie "Lolita". Coordinator, Judy Garland

Tue., Sep. 25 - Tour of the Danforth Plant Center. Coordinator, Reba Waterston

Tue., Oct 2 - The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. Leader, Judy Garland

No Child Left Inside
Bob Coulter, for the Green Sanctuary Committee

Two years ago Richard Louv's book Last Child in the Woods burst onto the scene, challenging parents and teachers to provide meaningful experiences for the children in their care. Coining the term "Nature Deficit Disorder", Louv argues compellingly for kids having more direct experiences with nature. Research I did for my "It's Not Easy Being Green" sermon this summer turned up an interesting statistic: In the past quarter century, kids spend only half the time they used to outdoors. One ten year old Louv quotes said that he preferred to play indoors "because that's where the outlets are."

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

It's that time of year again when all energy is focused on the rush of fall activities - schools have started, calendars are already bursting with obligations, fall sports had begun, and our regular church services begin on Sep. 9. As usual, that means you should have gotten a 2007-2008 RE registration form in the mail by now. By the time you receive this newsletter, I hope you've taken the time to fill it out and get it back to me. We're trying to really make registration a breeze and as part of our effort towards becoming a Green Sanctuary, the RE Department is hoping to move towards registering returning folk via email next fall.

Several September events are planned in the RE Department. Please look elsewhere in this newsletter to read more about Pumpkin Pals, which begins at the end of September; our series for parents called Family Traditions that will meet three Sundays in Room 001 during the 9:30 a.m. service; and how to get tickets for the Hayride in Forest Park on Oct. 12.

Also on our RE calendar for September is our Family Potluck and SWAP MEET on Sat., Sep.22 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. We will meet in Adams Hall and drinks and desserts will be provided. (Here's what to bring if your family's name begins with: A-L bring entrees or M - Z bring salads/side dishes.) The Family Support and Outreach Committee will also sponsor a Games Swap Meet that evening. Bring a game or two that has all its pieces and is in good condition that your family no longer plays. Take away a game or two to replace it! It's as simple as that. Any unclaimed games will go to Good Will. On the more serious side, our various RE committees will have information available about the first semester, so try to join us if you can make it. We hope to see many of you there! Look for more information about this event in our RE newsletter and subsequent fliers.

Finally, as you all should know by now, Reverend Bonnie will be on sabbatical from Sep.10 through Dec. 10 and we don't have a Youth Director this year. That means our RE Department is working even harder than usual! Juliette Crone-Willis will assist me several hours a week while Reverend Bonnie is gone. So bear with me - I'm not getting any younger, nor speedier. But as usual, I'm -

Looking forward to seeing you all in September!

Music Notes
-- Jan Chamberlin, Music Director,

Volunteers are the key to our musical success. If you have a love of music and can sing or play an instrument, please let us know. Make your wishes about music known by contacting either of the Music Committee Co-Chairs or staff people.

Music Rehearsals Begin
§ The adult choirs luncheon - Sat. Sep. 8, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in Adams Hall.
§ Chamber (9:30) Choir- Wed. Sep. 5, 7:30 p.m. Sat. Sep. 8, 10:00 a.m.
§ Eliot Chorale (11:00) - Sat., Sep 8, 12:30 p.m.
§ Children's Chalice Choir - Sun., Sep.16, 10:35-10:55 a.m.
§ Eliot Handbells - Tue. Sep. 25, 7:30-8:30 p.m. September Jazz Concert: The Music Committee will host the Kim Portnoy Trio, in a concert at Eliot on Sun., Sep. 30, at 7:30 p.m. Eliot member, Ric Vice brings his buddies to play, $5 admission. Desserts and CDs available at break.

Music Room Face Lift: Stop by and see our new carpet and cabinets. Many thanks to all who helped with moving and assembling!

Coffee House Concert Series? The Music Committee is exploring the possibility of hosting a series of traveling troubadours who play UU venues around the country. If you have experience or interest in this kind of activity, you are welcome to join in the planning.

For Committee Chairs

A memo was sent to all known committee chairs mid-August, with general information about use of Eliot Chapel facilities, newsletter articles, budgets, etc. If you received this memo and no longer are chair of the committee, or if you are a committee chair and did not receive a memo, please notify the office.

If your committee has a budget, please return the authorized signature page before your committee has expenditures. Financial reports will be put in your committee's mailbox shortly after the end of the month; please call JoAnn Stephan if you have questions about these reports.

Want Your Newsletter Sooner?

If you would be interested in receiving the Eliot Chapel newsletter by email as a PDF attachment, rather than via mail, please email with "PDF" in the subject line.

If you're concerned that your paper copy of the newsletter is getting to you late, please know that local post offices are allowed to postpone processing of bulk mail. We take the newsletter to the post office on the Wed. before month end. What happens to it after that is, unfortunately, beyond our control.

New Directories

The new 2007-2008 Eliot Members and Friends directories will be available in Adams Hall on Sep. 9.

To protect your privacy, as a general rule, staff members will not give out phone numbers or addresses over the phone, so be sure to pick up your copy.

Weekly Emails

The weekly email of announcements and coming events will resume Labor Day week.

If you are not currently receiving this weekly update, please send a request via email to

Newsletter Articles

Newsletter articles should be less than 200 words. Notices of events, meeting, etc. generally appear in the newsletter two times - once as an introduction to the event and again as a reminder immediately preceding the event. Please submit either via email to or legibly print your article on the forms located in the red "in" tray in Visitors' corner. Completed forms should be left on the top of the tray.

2007-2008 Newsletter Deadlines

All deadlines are at noon:
October: Thu., Sep. 20
November: Mon., Oct. 22
December: Nov. 20
January: Thu., Dec. 20
February: Tue., Jan. 22
March: Wed., Feb. 20
April: Thu., Mar. 20
May: Mon., Apr. 21
June: Tue., May 20
July: Fri., Jun. 20
August: Mon., Jul. 21

Are We Here???

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.

2007-2008 Major Events Calendar

Major Events 2007-2008

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