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Inside This Issue

Getting more Integrated into Kirkwood
- Rev. Daniel O'Connell, Lead Minister

It has been a violent month. First the shootings in Kirkwood, then a week later more shootings at Northwestern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL.

On Thu., Feb. 7th, when the massacre in Kirkwood occurred. I was in a meeting with the Lead Ministers Relations Committee (Kim Fitzgerald, Kathy Mead, Luis Ortiz, David Seidensticker, and Julie Triplett).

Within a few hours, the Kirkwood Ministerial Alliance (KMA) organized a prayer vigil for that Friday night. Unfortunately, they didn't notify us. By the time I found out I was most of the way to Bloomington, IL for a district board meeting and would not have been able to make it back in time.

We were able to get our intern and Reverend Bonnie there. Rev. Bonnie wore her stole and stood toward the front, and I understand one of the TV stations showed her a few times. I also heard from a few of you that it was hard to hear the prayers through all the noise of the generators for the TV crews and the helicopters above. And that what prayers were heard were very much in line with evangelical Christianity; it would have been nice to hear something a little more in keeping with liberal religion.

The KMA has changed its meeting time (which conflicted with another monthly meeting I have) and will now meet once a month on Saturday at 8:00 a.m. Why the change? In the years I've attended KMA meetings (off and on), there haven't been any black pastors, because unlike the white pastors, the black pastors have day jobs and can't afford the luxury of attending a mid-day meeting.

You can be sure we will be attending the March meeting, and try to get in the loop for civic emergencies.

Interfaith Dialogue
- Rev. Bonnie Vegiard, Program Minister

My course at Eden Theological School for the spring semester is in Interfaith Dialogue. The first day of class was also the day of Kirkwood's prayer vigil following the Feb. 7 shootings. I stood at the vigil, right up front in a very large group of Kirkwood ministers with my stole on to be sure people knew I was clergy, and felt the lack of an interfaith awareness as the vigil proceeded. Many people needed exactly what that vigil offered, and I would never want to challenge their theological needs in a time of pain and crisis. But I believe there were others there who did not feel their spiritual pain addressed.

Kirkwood is not a uniform religious community, and even among Christians, the diversity of theology would truly stun most of us. I intend to think hard about interfaith dialogue this spring, and hope to find gracious openings in the Kirkwood community where open dialogue can take place. I believe it can and will happen, though it will take time.

My dream for the future is that in a time of crisis there will be room at a community table for all people to share their pain and find common ground. I respect the pain and solace offered at the vigil, and I hope for even more to be available in the future.

Welcome!
- Ann Petlin, January 20, 2008

Each Sunday, a member of the Eliot community delivers the Sunday Morning Welcome. They share a personal story about how they came to be at Eliot Chapel.

It was on a Sunday like this one that I first came to Eliot Chapel eleven years ago. I always consider this Sunday - the Sunday before the Martin Luther King holiday - as my anniversary. I found Eliot Chapel in the Yellow Pages soon after I moved here from California. I realize that sounds so old fashioned. When I greet visitors in Adams Hall, I've learned that many of you checked out Eliot first on our web site. No matter how you found your way here, you may be like I was when I decided to find a UU church. I was looking for a spiritual home, and I hoped to develop friendships outside my work place.

I have met that goal of meeting people and making friends. There are simple ways to do this such as arriving early one Sunday a month to be a greeter. I've made friends in the workshops at the Women's Weekend. And, Eliot gives me the chance to act for social justice by being a driver for Room at the Inn. Participating on the occasional work parties like the one we had here yesterday has taught me that there's a need to conserve these buildings so that this beautiful old chapel will continue to shelter us. And for the past three years, I have learned a lot about Eliot Chapel at work in my role as a member of the Board of Trustees.

As for a spiritual home, I've long said that what keeps me coming each week is that it's an adventure every time. I never know quite what will happen, but in one way or another I'm sure to be challenged, informed, intrigued, or inspired in ways I may not expect. In early December, Daniel ÓConnell gave a sermon he titled "Highly Unlikely." How highly unlikely it is that Eliot Chapel and Unitarian Universalism even exists. The sermon made me realize what a treasure we have being here together. We are here to help one another become better people.

In a few weeks we'll gather on a morning that is called "Everything Eliot." It will be a celebration of who we are and, I anticipate, a challenge to ask us who we want to be. I want to make what I have here even better, so I plan to take the opportunity that day to increase my annual pledge. We are here in this unlikely moment at this unlikely place. Won't you please join me in my desire to make Eliot, to make all of us, even better than what we already are?

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

The Eliot Chapel Board meetings take place on the third Tuesday of every month, starting at 7:00 p.m. and ending around 9:00 p.m. Anyone from the congregation is welcome to attend all or any part of a meeting. Much of our meetings involve reports. These include the ministers' reports on their activities during the previous month, an office and financial report giving information on new members, finances, updates on the stonework (the interior courtyard is complete and the crew is now working on the East side of the Sanctuary), utilities, etc. We also hear several committee reports.

In February, Bob Coulter reported for the Canvas Committee, stating that 194 pledges were received and 194 are still out. A motion was passed to give thanks to all the planners and participants in the successful Everything Eliot event. We also heard a report from Jennifer Kirkton, Eliot's Membership Coordinator. She presented several creative ideas for how we can be more welcoming to visitors at Eliot; she may be implementing some of these ideas in the near future. Other committee reports were from the BACAC Successor Committee (which will be developing various ways to inform the congregation of the building and repair needs of the Chapel); the Building and Grounds Committee (discussion of the Preservation Fund for non-routine maintenance); and the Governance Committee (still working on the bylaws to simplify the process of nomination to the Board and election of Board officers). We also discussed developing a policy for disclosure of staff salary and benefits, an issue that needs to be reviewed by the Finance Committee.

Lastly, the Board unanimously elected Bob Coulter as the Chair-Elect, which means that he will become Chair in 2009.

If you have questions or would like more details, please talk with a Board member at coffee hour or call us. Phone numbers are in the Directory.

Choices: Repair - or Natural Air?
- Rich Heuermann, Chair - Building and Capital Advisory Committee

The walls that for decades have sheltered so many services, programs and activities at Eliot Chapel; that have protected us from the heat and the cold, the wind and the rain, now need our protection in return. Both the sanctuary building and the first Religious Education building (the old RE Wing) need extensive repair. If you have been to Eliot in the past few months, you have seen two stages of repair to the stonework of the sanctuary. There is much more to be done before the outer walls are stabilized, and work has not yet started on the old RE Wing. There are few choices as to the extent of the sanctuary stone work repair. It either gets done, or we will become known as the Oklahoma Chapel - where the wind comes whistling through the panes. We either repair, or we get a lot of natural air - flowing through the holes where the stone used to be.

There are a lot of choices, though, in how to restore the inside of the sanctuary and in how to deal with the old RE Wing. Once the sanctuary exterior repair stops moisture from leaking through the stonework, then interior walls can be repaired. There will be choices, beyond basic repair, about improving insulation and employing better materials and design, both to reduce operating costs and to make Eliot "greener". There will be choices on improvements to the old RE Wing, or even replacement, so that the facility will much better serve the needs of Eliot, now and for decades to come. There will be choices about how and when to proceed with financing the phases of repair and construction.

The congregation needs to know both what must be done and what could be done, and what the basic work and the options will cost. Members and Friends of Eliot, once informed, need to discuss the choices and provide input to the Board. The state of the two buildings is such that the basic work can no longer be deferred. The advisory committee that looked into this project concluded that the stonework project now underway should be fully completed now, and that the old RE Wing needs to be stabilized or rebuilt within three to five years. But the Board has to figure out how best to make this happen - and it needs the input and support of the congregation at large.

Over the next several weeks, detailed information about this project will be presented, posted, and published in oral, written, and electronic form. There will be opportunities for questions and discussion. There will be requests for your ideas about whether and how the facilities should be improved, not just repaired. And then, based on your response, there will be choices made - choices that will affect us all for decades to come.

Let's Not Forget to Remember
- Sue Videen

Starting next week, you will find within the announcements at the end of the Sunday Order of Service a Remember List. This will be a list of members or friends who need to be remembered by us - with a phone call, a note, a prayer, or simply an anonymous hope or wish sent their way. If you or someone you know is sick, or sad, or otherwise in need of being remembered, let the Caring Committee know. We will check with the person to see if they would like to be included on the Remember List that week. Contact Sue Videen or Rev. Bonnie (314) 821-0911.

Root Canals and Study Groups
- David Breeden, Intern Minister

Nothing like a root canal to get a body thinking about being in a body. Perhaps the Chinese proverb that a person with a toothache can't be in love exaggerates the case a bit, but I think Shakespeare was right on the money when he said, "For there was never yet philosopher / That could endure the toothache patiently." No, philosophy isn't much help in such cases, though I tried to compose this article during the procedure. My experiment proves, I think, that introspection is difficult when we have our mouths open.

Fortunately for me, and everyone else, I didn't need to keep my mouth open at our first meeting of the immigration rights study group. No need for me to talk when we have the depth of knowledge and experience that we have here at Eliot. Perhaps you missed the first meeting, but there's no need for despair. Our next meeting is March 4th at 7:00 p.m. Be there, share, and learn something. Quite a deal! And I guarantee it's less painful than a root canal!

On quite another subject, we have a member of Eliot willing to share her home with someone - a single mom, for example. If you have been considering a move, contact me and I'll provide some details.

And don't forget to floss. . .

Attention Bibliophiles
- Jennifer Kirkton-Foss, Membership Coordinator

Are you a proud bibliophile? Would you enjoy working with a group of fun, fellow book-lovers? Then, come and get your hands on lots of those inky objects of your affection with the Library Committee!

The Library Committee is a fantastic way to contribute to the Eliot community with a minimal time commitment. Yes, it's true. As a Library Committee member YOU would get to help procure new books for the library AND assist with the enormously fun book fair in March, all while only attending a minimal three to four meetings a year!

In addition, the Library Committee is promoting the noble goal of keeping the dream of Bobby Nutt alive. Ms. Nutt was the force that initiated our wonderful Children's Library and was the heart of both libraries prior to her death. Part of her vision, which has sadly gone by the wayside, was to have the Children's Library staffed for 30 minutes after each service. Staffing the Children's Library once per month or more would be an excellent opportunity to contribute for those wee, budding bibliophiles.

Staff is also needed in the main library. Hanging out in the library for an hour or more a month provides an excellent opportunity to meet people by assisting with check-outs and returns. If these opportunities sound like a page-turner, please read your interest out loud by contacting Lisa Ward or Tracey Howe-Koch.

Can you Hear Me, Now?
- Mary Taylor

Eliot Chapel's new Communications Task Force was formally introduced to the congregation at this year's second Town Hall Meeting on Jan. 27. This ad hoc committee was appointed by the Board of Trustees in September to assess the effectiveness of communications within the Chapel. More specifically, the Task Force is studying reciprocal communication between the Congregation, the Committees, the Board of Trustees, the Ministers, and the Staff.

The Communications Task Force inquiry is still in the information-gathering and assessment phase. This involves, in part, looking at the suitability of the 15 or more devices currently used for Chapel communication (newsletter, website, information guide, etc.), studying the lines of communication appropriate to the way the Chapel is governed, and discovering and making known resources and ways of access for various types of specific, non-confidential information. Subsequent phases will involve reporting findings to the Board and making recommendations for improvements.

Some of the issues uncovered to date by the Task Force were the basis for questions put to lead minister Rev. Daniel O'Connell, program minister Rev. Bonnie Vegiard, board chair Clint Blandford, and treasurer Brian Krippner in the special Town Hall Meeting format on Jan. 27 entitled "Meet the Leaders." If you missed the meeting, an audio version is available by podcast on the Chapel's website. Look on the homepage for the link to the podcast page.

Members of the Communications Task Force are David Cox, Gary Gray, Nikki Lemley, Ellen Meadows, John Meadows, Rich Vaughn, and Mary Taylor.

Thank You

The Board of Trustees, on behalf of the entire Elliot congregation, would like to thank the Canvass Committee for its fantastic job of planning and executing "Everything Eliot" on Sun., Feb. 10. It was inspirational to be together in such a large gathering for the first time in many years!

Canvass Committee: Mary Quinn and Jan Erdman (Co-Chairs), Bob Coulter, Jim Lyon, Carol Moreland, Kathie Price; Karen Gender and Debbie Ross (Brunch Co-Chairs).

Midyear Numbers
- Brian Krippner, Treasurer

(See chart for details.)

Commentary: The prior page presents Eliot's income and expenses for the fiscal year's first half (July 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007). Results for the full fiscal year will vary. Often, even a half year of activity is not sufficient to project the full year's results.

Revenue for the first half was $311,744, which is $5,890 or 2% below the budget for the half year. All of the key revenue sources are below budget for the half. The pledge revenue may be simply a timing difference from last year's collections. Rentals and weddings are running behind budget due to fewer bookings. Scrip profits have been affected by the lower rates paid this year by Schnucks. Dividends & interest have been stronger, but Eliot also benefited from several unplanned gifts, without which revenues would be shy of budget more than $10,000 or 4% for the first half.

Expenses as a whole are generally in line with budget. However, there are several expense items which are still unknowns at this point in the fiscal year, including utilities, building repairs and computer upgrades/maintenance.

Overall, our Net Income is $6,307 or 11% below the half year budget year-to-date.

As I've mentioned in my previous remarks, Eliot's present budget leaves it very dependent upon a) everyone making good on their annual pledges; and b) non-pledge revenue sources such as rentals, scrip & fair trade, Madrigal and other fundraisers. As we look into 2008-9 and beyond, our budget will need to keep pace with inflation and show surpluses so that we can reserve for our future and ensure that our programming aligns with our mission.

The recent senior youth service focused on being the change we wish to see in the world. Also mentioned was our common UU bond of wishing to see that change in our personal deeds, and in our religious community, so that ultimately this change can flow to our city, state, country and the world. The 'bottom line' is one place that all of us, through our deeds of involvement, creativity and generosity, can start to see that change.

Congratulations

To Alicia Boelhauf, Ron DeVinitz, and big brother Graham Boelhauf-DeVinitz on the birth of Esme Claudia Boelhauf-DeVinitz.

Our Sympathy

To Carol Moreland, Steve Lawrence, and their family on the death of Carol's mother.

Hospitality Request
- Rich Vaughn

The St. Louis Area will host the Central Midwest District Annual Meeting in April. at the Frontenac Hilton.

A few persons attending will need overnight "home hospitality" on Fri., Apr.25 and/or Sat., the 26th. Some will also need transportation to and from the airport or train station, and to "home hospitality" sites.

This traditional courtesy and participation is interesting and enjoyable, and something I've experienced both giving and receiving. If you'd like to help, please call me soon and we'll work out the details. Thank you.

Got Coffee, Chocolate, Cocoa?
- Beth Rossow

If you drink or serve coffee, please consider buying your coffee from Eliot's Fair Trade table in Adams Hall on Sundays after either service. This is a great way to contribute to the church and to the growers and workers who receive fair compensation for their work. March's Coffee of the Month is Mocha-Java Blend. This coffee is described as bittersweet with hints of cocoa and earthy with a dark roast and a full body. It is a blend of two types of coffees.

Chocolate, of course, is also available. The chocolate is also Fair Trade and we have candy bars, cocoa baking powder and cocoa drink mix. You don't need cash to buy Fair Trade! We accept checks, too.

Partner Church Trivia Night
- Sue Blandford

Trivia Night! The Partner Church Committee's major FUNdraiser, themed "March Madness," will be on Sat., Mar. 1. Tickets are $15 per person. A table seats eight. You may reserve a whole table or we will seat individuals with other trivia buffs to form a table. We will have refreshments and this year we introduce valuable Fair-Trade Prizes. If you haven't purchased your tickets, contact Sue Blandford to check availability. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. You may bring your own beverage and snacks if you want to supplement what we offer. The game starts at 7:00 p.m.

Eliot Singletarians

Eliot Singletarians have several activities planned for March. Check our calendar on the church bulletin board for times and contact information.
Mar. 1 - Eliot Trivia Night (Singletarians fill a table!).
Mar. 8 - Ethnic Dinner at Pho Grand.
Mar. 9 - Monthly lunch at Culpeppers.
Mar.15 - Movie night.
Mar. 23 - Easter Brunch at Sunset 44.
Apr. 5 - Your choice: Day trip to Springfield, IL Lincoln House or an evening at the Hartford Coffee House.

Check the bulletin board on your way to Adams Hall for event sponsors and contact information or join the Yahoo Group by contacting Cara Sanning at

Eliot Bible Study

Join us Mon., Mar. 3 at 7:00 p.m. in Adams Hall for Bible Study. We will be reading the prophetic book of Ezekiel. Our Bible study explores the historical context of the texts with an attempt to see them in their original context. All are welcome. Led by Rev. Bonnie Vegiard.

Book Donations & Sorting
- The Library Committee

The last day for book donations is Sun., Mar. 2. Please, no magazines, damaged book covers, soiled or underlined pages. We like to sort clean books without a layer of dust. Thank you everyone who has donated books! Book box lifters are still welcome.

The last day for book sorting is Sat., Mar. 8 in Rooms 001 and 002.

March Book of the Month

Look for Everyday Spiritual Practices at the book table in Adams Hall and come join in the discussion of this book on Tue., Mar. 11. This book, written by UU minister Scott Alexander, explores many different ways Unitarian Universalists practice spiritual disciplines. Pick and choose the chapters most interesting to you. The book is also available at www.uus.org/bookstore. Book group is the 2nd Tues. of each month, led by Rev. Bonnie Vegiard.

Meditation
- Chris Moinuddin Clarke (moinuddin.clarke@att.net)

This year we will be doing going deeper with the meditation practices.

This doesn't mean that the practices will necessarily be harder; they will go beyond the reaches of the limited, comparative mind. They will focus less directly on the personal and more on the transpersonal dimension of the self and the realms of Unity and Oneness. In this regard we will begin more advanced practices of mantra, zikr, breath, and visualization of the mystical schools (i.e., Sufism, Yoga, Zen, Peruvian traditions). There will be less talk and more sustained practice during the time The longer periods of practice, with less talk is also what makes and takes a meditation deeper.

Tuesdays from 7:00 - 8:30pm in the Children's Chapel - Mar. 25, Apr. 15, May 13, and Jun. 10.

Men's Advance
- Dale Smith

Save the first weekend of May - May 2, 3, and 4 - for Men's Advance at Bergfried. Sign up will begin in April. Time to find a carpool buddy. See you there.

Women's Weekend

Information and registration form are here: Women's Weekend 2008.

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., Mar. 4 - Book Discussion - The Gun Seller by Hugh Laurie. Leader, Barb Bloom.
Tue., Mar. 18 - "I Remember Daddy." Bring remembrances of your father. Coordinator - Marilyn Fallert.
Tue., Mar. 25 - "Global Warming and Environmental Disaster." Walt Fowler. Coordinator - Janie Fowler.

Newsletter Survey Results

Thanks to those who replied to the survey in the January newsletter concerning frequency of publication of the newsletter. The results were overwhelmingly (80%) in favor of a monthly newsletter, so we will continue in this way at least for now.

Reminder: you can receive a PDF version of the newsletter by email; it's usually sent the Monday before the paper version is bulk-mailed. If interested, send an email to with subject "PDF".

Information Guide

We will answer some of the questions from the Town Hall Meeting that we did not have time to address, here in the newsletter. One question was why the Information Guide is not mailed to all Eliot members and friends directly.

The Information Guide is the most comprehensive overview of all of Eliot's activities, committees, and programs. It is available in Visitors' Corner and is routinely handed out at New "U" events. However, we do not mail it to everyone every year because we update its contents periodically during the course of the year, as new programs arise or old ones change. The Information Guide is an overview - the most current and accurate information is always in the newsletter or the electronic announcement list. (If you wish to be added to the weekly electronic announcements, please e-mail . Feel free to pick one up; there may be activities or programs going on around here that will surprise you.

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

Easter, Mar. 23, is right around the corner and we have a great morning planned for our children. Please note that there are three shorter services on Easter morning: at 9:15, 10:15, and 11:15 a.m. The nursery will be open as usual during all three services, and preschool aged children will meet in Room 107 for Easter fun, including an Easter egg hunt. Children kindergarten and up will attend the intergenerational service in the sanctuary with their families. Children in grades kindergarten through five will leave for part of the service for their own activities, including some time with Reverend Bonnie.

We need canned foods for the annual canned food hunt we have that morning. Please drop off your donations in Joan Casey's office no later than Mar. 16. Unexpired cans, only, please. After we are finished with the "hunt" the food will be donated to a food pantry.

On another note, the RE Department is getting ready for Teacher Recruitment. If you have a grade or semester you don't want to miss teaching, be sure to let me know before April, when active recruitment starts, and I will be happy to reserve that spot for you!

Music Notes
-- Jan Chamberlin, Music Director,

Coming up:
Mar. 2 - Music Sunday. At 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. the combined choirs present Gloria by Antonio Vivaldi with orchestra and organ.
Mar. 9 - Jim Gender and Friends. 9:30 choir sings Prayer by Barnwell; the 11:00 choir sings Shut de Door.
Mar. 16 - Nancy Collis and the Morris Dancers celebrate spring. At 9:30 a.m. the choir sings All Things Are Connected and at 11:00, In Time of Silver Rain.
Mar. 23, - Easter. At 9:15, 10:15 & 11:15 a.m., the combined choirs present excerpts from Handel's Messiah.
Mar. 30 - Inner Voices. At 9:30, the choir sings I Shall Pass Through this World. The 11:00 choir presents Leave No Song Unsung.

Leon in Davis, California: Leon Burke was guest conductor for Music Sunday at the UU Church of Davis California.

Friends of Music Concert: On Sun., Mar. 2, at 3:00 p.m., Friends of Music present a concert featuring Arias by George Fredrick Handel, Dolly Suite for Piano Four Hands by Gabriel Fauré, and Trio for Oboe, Horn and Piano in A minor, Op. 188 by Carl Reinecke,

District Assembly April 25-27 in St. Louis: All events will be at the Frontenac Hilton Hotel at Clayton and Lindbergh. The weekend is like a mini General Assembly. For more information, go to www.cmwd-uua.org. If you'd like to serve as an Eliot delegate, contact Rev. Daniel O'Connell.

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