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Inside This Issue

Back from Sabbatical!
- Rev. Bonnie Vegiard, Program Minister

Hello again to Eliot Chapel! I returned from my three month sabbatical on Dec. 10, and isn't there great stuff going on! I'll be back to some of my usual haunts (see Bible Study and Book of the month) and I look forward to seeing everyone. So what did I learn in my semester at Eden, in the first three classes of my Doctor of Ministry degree? Do you really want to know??

I took three classes last semester. One was Christology, and I have developed a program of four workshops that I plan to offer during Lent (Feb. 27-Mar. 19) on what is happening these days in progressive Christianity. If you didn't know there was such a thing as progressive Christianity, I invite you to come find out. More information will be in the Feb. newsletter.

I also studied a Jewish philosopher named Levinas who lived through the holocaust and bases his ethics on the question, "What do we owe the Other?" His answer is, "Everything." - down to our lives if need be. And finally, I studied the theology of Calvin to get a better understanding of the Calvinist theology that our forebears turned away from.

And now I'm glad to be back. Feel free to ask me whatever you want to know about holocaust ethics, Calvin, or Liberation theology. I'm not promising answers, you understand, but I'll be interested in the questions…

See you in Church!

Town Hall Meeting
Jan. 27, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
- Gary Gray, for the Communication Task Force

At recent Town Hall Meetings there has been discussion of the need for more and better communication within the Eliot community. In response, the Board of Trustees has set-up a Communication Task Force to make recommendations for improving communication. As a first step, the Task Force will host this Town Hall Meeting, the second of three this year. It will feature a new format and is being scheduled on Sunday evening to see if that will promote wider participation. The meeting will start promptly at 7:00 p.m. and end at 8:00 p.m. with dessert and fellowship to follow. Child care will be provided.

AThe format will be a forum similar to "Meet the Press" or other Sunday morning talk shows. It should be lively and fast paced. We are calling it "Ask the Leaders". Gary Gray will act as host and question a panel consisting of our ministers, Rev. O'Connell and Rev. Vegiard; Clint Blandford, Board Chair; and Brian Krippner, Treasurer. The questions will cover the following topics:

• Recommendations from the Building & Capital Advisory Committees;
• Status of the ongoing stonework;
• What financial transparency might look like;
• Status of "the fence";
• The work of the Communication Task Force;
• The Board's goals;
• The Minister's goals
• How our Governance system really works;
• And more.

The purpose of our Town Hall Meetings is to present information to the congregation or to solicit input from the congregation, on timely or otherwise important topics. Most of this meeting will be presentation of information on topics of interest.

Please plan to come and remember there will be dessert.

News from the Eliot Chapel Board
- Beth Rossow, Board Secretary

The following is a summary of the highlights of the November and December Board meetings. For a more detailed summary, please look for the minutes posted on the hallway bulletin board or ask a Board member about issues that concern you. Also, several issues that were discussed by the Board are covered in separate articles.

Several years ago, members of Eliot raised money to support a project in Meacham Park. That project ended and $374.65 was left unused. In November the Board voted to send that money to the Meacham Park Association.

After much discussion the Board also voted to approve the expenditure of $80,000 from the Preservation Fund to complete some additional stonework on the sanctuary. In addition, the Board voted to initiate discussion with UUA consultants to advise the Board on the feasibility of a capital campaign to raise funds to complete repair of the stonework and/or to replace the old RE wing. A new committee is being formed (!) with the charge of communicating the issues relating to Eliot's deteriorating building structure to the congregation.

The Board continued to discuss the issue of financial transparency, i.e., how to make Eliot's expenses and income clearer to the congregation.

A Town Hall meeting has been scheduled for Sun,, Jan. 27 at 7:00 p.m. We are hoping that the change of time might attract more people who cannot make it to the meetings held after church services. (See article on page 1.)

The Governance Committee made a report with a list of recommendations for changes in certain by laws and policies. They will be meeting to discuss these issues and to finalize recommendations.

Blankets & Immigration
- David Breeden, Intern Minister

Thanks and congratulations on the blanket drive for EnergyCare. We collected sixty-five blankets. The city-wide goal was 650 blankets, so my Math for Liberal Arts calculations tell me we made ten-percent of the total goal. Not bad at all! When I delivered the blankets, the folks at EnergyCare were quite thankful. They were just about out of supplies. Thanks to everyone who contributed. And do remember that we will have another opportunity the help EnergyCare on Jan. 5th, when we go to homes and do some weather-proofing. It's the Social Action Committee in action…

Also coming up in the New Year is our study group on immigration. We will meet on the first Tuesday of each month starting in February (Feb. 5). There's a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board. I have been developing a reading packet for the group, with articles ranging from Newsweek to The New Yorker. If you have articles to include in our reading, send those my way. Or if you have personal stories concerning immigration or visa issues, those would add some immediacy to the discussion. It's a complex issue and, according to polls in both Iowa and New Hampshire, immigration is second only to the economy as the major problem troubling voters. Let's think about it…

Developing Ties at Eliot
- Jennifer Kirkton-Foss, Membership Coordinator

According to Julie Triplett, one of Eliot Chapel's founding covenant group facilitators, Covenant Groups are, "a good way to get to know a small group from Eliot very well. They are a way to get this closeness even for someone who may not have time to be on multiple committees." Julie and her husband, George, have facilitated a group of ten members for the past five years. They meet at the Triplett's home for 1-½ hours once a month to catch up and converse in depth about a predetermined lesson and reading. In addition, the group meets twice per year for a social event and also participates in service projects such as Room At The Inn. They raised an amazing $2,000 for Circle of Concern by selling bracelets. One of Julie's fondest memories is when two of the members got married and every person from the group attended the wedding.

While Julie and George's covenant group is full, there are others that have openings. Julie stresses that each group has a unique personality, some having all women and others being a blend of women and men. Over the past years Julie feels that she has "had a lot of fun with it. Sometimes discussions are more serious than others but I always come away with a very good feeling about the people and the topic." If you are interested in forming closer friendships with Eliot members and friends, Julie urges you to contact Rev. Bonnie Vegiard.

The Gift of Peaceful Space

Winter has begun. We've had our first serious snowfall. The Bergfried property is crisscrossed with tracks of animals and birds, and eagles are searching the rivers for their prey. Winter gives us the gift of peace and quiet, time to rest and reflect.

And we have just the place to do it! The Bergfried Cottage is available for use by day to Eliot committees and groups, and for nightly rent to members. It's not the Ritz, but it's warm and dry and close to the charms of Herrmann and the charms of nature. Contact JoAnn Stephan at the office to make arrangements, and give yourself the gift of peaceful space.

RATI Participation Reaches 15 Years

November was the 15 year anniversary for Eliot Chapel's participation in Room At The Inn. Congratulations! That represents a lot of volunteer hours. Members and friends of Eliot have made a significant contribution to helping those who are temporarily homeless. As you know, three nights a month we provide meals and shelter for those in need, usually women and children. If you would like to participate in the program, sign-up sheets are on the bulletin board for the months of January-March. We especially need hosts. If you have questions about how you can help, contact Bill or Joan Clarke.

Bread Sunday

Thank you for your generous donations on Bread Sunday, which totaled over $3,600. Your money will be used to buy bread for the elderly and to provide other support for the community of St. Marton's in Transylvania.

Holiday Bazaar

Thanks to Carolyn Burke, Nancy Singer, JoAnn Stephan, Mary Ann Swaine, Sue Videen, Irmgard Voss, Nancy Williger, Susan Wright, and the Music Committee and all the shoppers at the Annual-but-Different Holiday Bazaar this year.

We raised $1,200 for three outside charities (Mitrata Nepal Foundation, Morris Animal Foundation, and the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation, and more than $900 for Eliot Chapel.

Help Shape the Future of Eliot
Join the Nominating Committee!

The Eliot Chapel Nominating Committee is looking for two new members (three year term) and two alternates (one year term) to create a slate of candidates for the Board of Trustees and the Office of Treasurer positions that will be voted on in May.

The committee meets as needed in late February and early April. Knowledge of the church and its congregation is essential to the process in serving on this committee.

If you are interested in this important role in shaping our future, or if you would like to suggest someone, we will be taking nominations between Dec. 22, 2007 and Jan. 20, 2008. Nominations should be e-mailed to the Eliot Chapel office at , with subject "nominating". Ballots for the election of members of the Nominating Committee will be mailed in January to members of the congregation, and committee members will be announced in February.

For more information, contact Kim Fitzgerald at

Time to Restock for the New Year
- Beth Rossow

Your supplies of chocolate and coffee must be running low after the Holidays. Please help to support a fund raiser for Eliot Chapel and Fair Trade. Our Coffee of the Month for January, on sale for $10 per bag, is Ethiopian Harrar, described as a "uniquely fruity and spicy coffee" with a full body and an intense aroma. As always, the Eliot Blend will be available for $10 per bag.

Chocolate bars and cocoa mixes (drinking chocolate and baking chocolate) are also available. Stop by the Fair Trade table and pick up Amy Seidensticker's famous brownie recipe and buy a can of baking chocolate to make them. Many have said that they're the best brownies they've ever tasted! Give 'em a try!

EnergyCare Volunteers Needed

Want to help a family in need stay warm, save money, and conserve energy this winter? The Social Action Committee and EnergyCare of St. Louis are teaming up to do just that. From 8:00 a.m. - noon on Sat., Jan. 5, we are seeking volunteers to assist in weatherization (caulking, weather stripping, etc.) on an EnergyCare client's home. No training is required, but you should be capable of light physical labor. An EnergyCare project coordinator will provide instruction and be on site to ensure quality.

Don't think you can do the weatherization? Come join us to put together kits for clients that morning. No experience necessary and families with younger children can volunteer to make kits. This is a great inter-generational opportunity to make a difference right here in the St. Louis community. Please contact Amy Stark or Alicia Boelhauf at .

A Course in Miracles
Dec. 2 and 9, after services

Every Monday evening, year-round, at 7:00 p.m., a study group meets in the lower level of Eliot Chapel, to focus on the metaphysical text known as "A Course in Miracles" (ACIM). 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 in a positive, nonjudgmental way. While Christian in its core, it has universal themes which all help in remembering our true selves. The group meets for an hour and a half. Experiential sharing, reading, and reflection are the core of the meeting. It is open to everyone and 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.acimstlouis.org.

Book Sorting Days in 2008

Book sorting days are on the following Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. until noon in Rooms 002/003:
Jan. 5, Jan. 26, Feb. 9, Feb. 23, Mar 8.

Please contact Irmgard Voss if you can help with lifting boxes in the beginning and/or at the end. Many of the volunteers doing the sorting aren't able to lift the heavy boxes. All you able-bodied persons, with the wash-board abs, take a few minutes from your gym time and help move boxes in and out of the sorting area.

Circle of Life

Sun., Jan. 6 will be our annual Circle of Life service. We will honor the births, anniversaries, and deaths of congregation members from 2007. We will also dedicate babies and other children. Please contact Rev. Bonnie Vegiard ( or (314) 821-0911) by Dec. 30 if you have children you would like to have dedicated in this service.

Library Committee goes High Tech

A Library Committee meeting is scheduled for Sun., Jan. 6 at noon in the De Bois library. We'll discuss computerizing adult and juvenile books. We welcome anyone who is interested in helping with the project.

Eliot Bible Study

Eliot Bible Study will meet Mon., Jan. 7 at 7:00 p.m., led by Rev. Bonnie Vegiard. This month we will look at I John, the epistle written by the same writer as the Gospel of John, but many years later. I recommend that you try to look at an introduction to the Gospel of John as well as read an introduction to the epistle and, of course, read the book of I John. Eliot Bible study is an open exploration of Biblical literature, allowing room for all perspectives. All are welcome!

UU Book of the Month

Join Rev. Bonnie Vegiard and Eliot members on Tue., Jan. 8 for discussion on the latest UUA meditation manual, Amethyst Beach by the Rev. Barbara Merritt. This is a short book of meditations that is a delightful read. The book will be on sale at the book table in Adams Hall for $8.00 on Jan. 6, and can also be ordered through the UUA bookstore at www.uua.org/bookstore. All are welcome (even if you haven't finished the book!) The Feb. book for the discussion group will be The Language of Reverence edited by Dean Grodzins. This book will also be available at the book table in Jan.

Human Justice Sunday
- The Social Action Committee

Human Justice Sunday is Jan. 13. The Social Action Committee is pleased to have Ruth Smith, CEO/President of the Human Development Corporation of Metro St. Louis (HDC) speaking on the topic of poverty and child advocacy. Ms. Smith is the first female president of HDC; she has been a catalyst for their mission of "Helping People, Changing Lives." HDC works in Metro St. Louis to bring vital resources to disadvantaged families. Join us to learn more about Ms. Smith, the Human Development Corporation, and how to promote social justice for children living with poverty each day.

Mid-Year Work Party

The Mid-Year Work Party will be on Sat., Jan. 19 from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Mark your calendars and plan to attend. This is an enjoyable morning, and is a good chance to meet members of the Buildings & Grounds Committee, which is looking for additional members. The volunteers will be doing basic clean-up and fix-up chores around Eliot while consuming mountains of doughnuts.

Try a Covenant Group!

What are Covenant Groups? Come find out! If you wish to find a group of people you can get to know well, but also with diversity of opinion and outlook, Covenant Groups are a great way to go. These groups meet monthly for the purpose of mutual support and spiritual growth. Each group has a facilitator and a Covenant with one another to come regularly and share openly.

The existing Covenant Groups are sponsoring a dinner and "trial" Covenant Groups on Sat. Jan. 19. All members of groups and anyone interested in finding out more are invited to attend. We will have dinner at 6:00 and break into groups at 7:00. Both existing members of groups and new people are invited to participate in the groups. If you are in a Covenant Group, please contact your group facilitator to find out what your group is asked to bring for the dinner.

If you wish to try a group, RSVP to Rev. Bonnie at (314) 821-0911 or . If you are an existing group member, please RSVP to your group facilitator.

Eliot Singletarians

Eliot Singletarians will gather on Sun., Jan. 20, for their quarterly meeting after Adams Hall clears (around 12:30 p.m.) All singles are welcome to attend and help plan our upcoming activities. Our January ethnic dining experience will be at Pueblo Solis on South Hampton Sat., Jan. 26. Check the Singletarians' calendar on the bulletin board for additional information.

What is CASA?
- Amy Stark

CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates of St. Louis County. It is a local chapter of the national organization training volunteers to investigate child abuse and neglect cases and advocate for children in the foster care system. It is CASA's goal to find these children safe, permanent homes and listen to their concerns and desires. Come find out more about this organization. On Sun., Feb. 3, at 9:30 a.m. in Room 001, Nickie Steinhoff, Director of Advocacy Services for CASA will speak about the children, the beginnings of our St. Louis County program, and volunteering. Amy Stark, a co-chair for the Social Action Committee, has just begun her journey as a CASA volunteer and will also be there to answer questions. If you'd like more information, please email Amy at

Hold the Date for Trivia Night
- Sue Blandford

The annual Partner Church Trivia Night will be held in Adams Hall on Sat., Mar. 1. Mark this on your calendars for a fun evening that helps fund projects for our partner church, St. Martin, in Romania.

Women's Weekend is Fast Approaching

Join us for relaxation, socializing, learning, meditating, crafts, music, and more on Apr. 19 - 20. Women's Weekend features a wonderful variety of workshops, a coffee house, Sunday worship, a white elephant sale, a craft materials swap, massage, indoor swimming, and time for relaxation and socializing. The event takes place at Pallottine Renewal Center in Florissant, MO.

If you are interested in being part of the planning, please mark your calendar for the following meetings: Jan. 13, Feb. 3, Mar. 9 and Apr. 6; all meetings are at noon in Room 005. For more information about the planning, please contact Carolyn Burke, Chair at .

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., Jan. 8 - Book discussion (Note change of date.) The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton. Leader, Mary Widmer.

Jan. 15 - "Bowling Alone" by Allen Schwab, Academic Dean of Logan University. Coordinator, Janie Fowler.

Jan. 22 - "I Captured the Castle" - the movie. Coordinator, Reba Waterson.

Policy Regarding 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.

We certainly do not intend to close every time it snows, and, in fact, expect that this policy will be implemented rarely, if at all.

Study Leave Reminder

Rev. Ó Connell will on study leave beginning Jan. 7. He will be back in the office on Jan. 22.

Director of Development
- William V Miller MD AKA Bill

Rev. Daniel has asked that I introduce myself as the new Director of Development. Before you tightwads get upset, I am paid the princely sum of five dollars a month.

First a word about the position; when most people think Director of Development they instinctively cover their purse or their wallet. While my goals will ultimately require funding, my first priority is institutional excellence. Healthy, exciting organizations have a way of drawing money. Unfocused organizations are always in difficulty. Eliot unfocused? Yes, I believe so. It's not anyone's fault, we just grew programs in response to needs, and it is time to bring them under the umbrella of our mission statement. We may even need to set free those projects tangential to our mission, so we can adequately fund the central ones.

Evidence? Our congregation is not shrinking, but neither is it growing. We are not able to cover all our existing fiscal obligations. We are not especially welcoming to newcomers. We need to focus on those activities which are central to our mission, and build pride in them. With pride and excitement come revitalized members, new members, and consequential additional funding.

So who am I, and why do I presume to take on this task? I am a physician, still licensed to practice medicine; but I went over to the Dark Side (Administration) in mid-career. I've led large not-for-profits including the American Red Cross, and several large blood and research centers in other cities. A few years ago I retired from all that and set up a consulting practice; last summer after a bout with colon cancer and apparently cured, I decided to stop traveling and focus on issues in my community I cared about. Like Eliot.

I've been coming to Eliot for over five years, and have been a member for three. Like most of you, I'm a life-long learner and seeker. Eliot has been a good fit. I hope to meet you all in the months to come. I'm available to talk about any concerns you might have, just drop me a line or give me a call.

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

Now that we've recovered from the holidays, it's time to settle in for the rest of winter. January is the last month of our fall semester and we are getting ready for the spring semester teachers to pick up the torch. Before they do, we would like to thank all of our amazing fall teachers. For a complete list of these dedicated volunteers, please pick up a copy of REjuvenation!, our monthly religious education newsletter.

We would also like to thank all the generous people who helped make this year's Christmas Pageant and Holiday Party such a success: Jeff and Jane Pack for directing the pageant; Nancy Collis for being the music director again; and Juliette Crone-Willis and Holly McKinney of the Family Support and Outreach Committee for organizing the Holiday Party crafts and activities. We couldn't have done it without each and every one of them. For a complete list of the pageant and party volunteers, guess where to look!

We are also grateful for everyone who participated in the Giving Tree program and the EnergyCare blanket drive. The Senior Youth group and their advisors made the ornaments and bagged up the gifts for the Giving Tree, which were taken to Webster/Rock Hill Ministries in time to be distributed to needy area children. David Breeden delivered 65 blankets to the EnergyCare offices.

Coming Up In RE
Jan. 21, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Spring Teacher Orientation
Jan. 27, both services Family Worship
Feb. 2, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Winter Wonderland Retreat for Young Children (registration forms will be available Jan. 6, due back Jan. 27)
Feb.10, 10:00 a.m. Celebration Sunday - look for more information soon about what our kids will be doing. MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Special guest for kids: BABALOO!

Music Notes
-- Jan Chamberlin, Music Director,

Coming up:
Jan. 6 - Preludes by Robin Lopate. Choirs will sing We Are by Barnwell.
Jan. 13 - Special guests for Human Justice Sunday, faculty from the Jazz Institute. Choirs will sing My Soul Is A River by Allaway.
Jan. 20 - Preludes by Pamela Triplett. 11:00 choir will sing We Are One.
Jan. 27 - Preludes by Singer/Songwriter Doug Way.

Many thanks to all the volunteers who made music throughout our holiday season: The Eliot Handbells, the Chorale and Chamber Choir, the Chalice Choir who went caroling at Bethesda Gardens, and David Henry with his guitar for Christmas Eve.

Music Sunday Participation: Music Sunday will be Mar. 2. We plan on singing the entire Gloria by Vivaldi. Please consider volunteering to make this a successful performance! We need tenors, basses, violins, violas, trumpet, cello and oboe. Leon Burke can play the organ, but if someone else volunteers, then Leon can sing bass. Teenagers who play or sing well are encouraged to sign-up. Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m., but there may be additional times. Please contact me if you can help.

Friends Of Music Concert: Sun., Jan. 27, at 3:00 p.m. The free concert will include the Greenleaf Singers, Bach for Classical Guitar and two pieces for tuba by Bob Chamberlin.

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