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Inside This Issue

Civic Involvement, Racial Healing
- Rev. Daniel O'Connell, Lead Minister

The shootings in Kirkwood have changed the nature of the Kirkwood Ministerial Alliance (KMA). At the last meeting, the KMA attendance wasn't 7 evangelical pastors, but 25 pastors, and a couple of laymen, including 2 black pastors, 2 black laymen, a white businessman who wants to help, and me, the only non-Christian in the group.

We are hosting the KMA here at Eliot in early April.

I also participated in the Community of Understanding and Healing (CUH), held at Meramec last month, and was joined by about 6-12 Eliot folks. I will be actively participating in the Alliance and at the monthly CUH meetings.

The first CUH Dialogue Session was held Feb. 23, 2008 at Kirkwood Baptist Church. Almost 200 people attended, and 161 people participated in 12 groups. On Mar. 8 the group met at St. Louis Community College at Meramec. Over 250 people attended, and 242 participated in 15 small groups.

The next CUH meeting will be Sat., Apr.12 at Kirkwood United Methodist Church (201 W. Adams, Kirkwood). Here's the schedule:
9:30 a.m. - Registration, coffee, & conversation
10:00 a.m. to noon - Small group dialogue sessions

I hope to see Eliot folks again!

Also in "Eliot Peace and Justice News," I arranged for Rev. Bonnie and David to lead Eliot folks who joined Meacham Park residents, in a new group called "Coalition for Peace," where about 10-12 Eliot folk (all white) joined about 20 Meacham Park folk (all African American) in marching this last Saturday from Nipher School to City Hall, to show solidarity, work for justice, voter registration for young African American men, and the willingness to work with the larger Kirkwood community.

You can see a KMOV tv clip of our Eliot participation here at http://video.aol.com/video-detail/group-gathers-to-march-for-unity-in-kirkwood/3598385001. Or you can go to my blog at http://revdanielsblog.blogspot.com/ if you'd rather click through then type that link.

If you look closely, you can see Rev. Bonnie a couple times, as well as David Breeden our intern. And an Eliot member was interviewed.

Even though the Coalition for Peace was announced at the KMA meeting, Eliot Chapel folks were the only "white" people to show up. Why?

I hope to find out at the next KMA meeting, April 5. And I hope to see you at Kirkwood United Methodist, April 12.

These are small steps, but they are the steps that could make a difference. I am reminded of a politician who reminded us we can trash talk about race, or throw our hands up in despair. Or we can say- now is the time to do something about racial healing and reconciliation. And it begins with us.

Building Eliot's Future

To maintain Eliot Unitarian Chapel as a growing, vibrant community, we need to:

• Maintain our historic 150-year old sanctuary
• Have comfortable space for religious education programs for children and youth
• Offer suitable music rehearsal and performance spaces
• Provide inviting program space for members and community members
• Improve accessibility for those with mobility impairments
• Improve our conservation of energy, as an ecological and economic measure
• Support use of Eliot Chapel as a preferred location for weddings

Welcome!
- Lori Kesler, March 2, 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.

Good morning. I'm and as co-chairman of Eliot Chapel's Music Committee, I want to welcome you to a very special service: Music Sunday. It is a day to honor and celebrate the many people - both volunteer and professional - who work so hard to make this a place where music lives and thrives.

My husband Bill and I have been Eliot members for more than 30 years, sometimes fairly actively, sometimes episodically. But Eliot has been here for us just about forever.

I grew up on a farm in Iowa, in a Methodist family. Our little country church figured large in the fabric of our lives and it was a good place. In high school I played the plinky old upright piano for the church services; folks loved to sing the old hymns of their traditional prairie religion. It was a good place, full of good people.

And yet it was built on a foundation of dogma and doctrines that didn't make sense to me. The premise that only true believers qualified for the cosmic hug, that only they could deserve the warmth and blessings of divine grace - these assumptions bothered me.

During college summers in the early '60s, I worked at a camp in Wisconsin. Some of you know it, and some of you have been there: George Williams College Camp on Lake Geneva. Several hundred Unitarians descended upon our little camp each summer for a weeklong conference.

That was my first exposure to Unitarian Universalism and from the very first encounter, its religious ethic made sense to me. The idea that the journey of religious exploration matters more than the destination; that love matters more than judgment; that the simplest places in nature - places like our own Bergfried - just may be the most sacred places on earth. These are values that have shaped my religious life ever since.

Through the years, I've become involved with various Eliot activities and programs including RE, Madrigal, Book Fair, and Room at the Inn. And then, of course, there is the music. I sing in Eliot's Chamber Choir, that's the first-service choir, and this year I share with Linda Cummings the privilege of co-chairing the Music Committee. Working with this committee has given me a deeper understanding of the awesome dedication and talent of our music staff and volunteers. Awesome!

In fact, I'm surely not alone in feeling that Eliot's heart has always beat to the pulse of its music. And how can this not be a religious experience? It is nothing less than a ritual of sacred communion. So this morning, let's do it again: let the music lift our spirits, nourish our souls, and bind us together in a sharing of joy.

Blue Funk and Robin Rust-Brown Breast
- David Breeden, Intern Minister

Early spring tends to put me into a blue funk, even though I'm not exactly sure what a blue funk is. It's a mild form of some sort of melancholy, anyway; the un-locatable kind of melancholy that sets me to looking out the window where, every year, I notice that the Robins have returned. Ah. It must be spring. But were they ever really gone?

Hmmm. As with all dark secrets, I decided that Google surely knows, and discovered that, yes, Robins migrate. Hmmm. But just how dedicated to migration are they? I suspect that Robins migrate about as assiduously as I exercise and diet, which is to say, in a desultory manner at best. Bless their little hearts in their little rust-colored breasts, Robins would perhaps like to migrate, but, at least in this region, I suspect they've been hiding just 'round the corner to make their spring entrances. As a sufferer of blue funk, however, I'll take whatever works.

This time of year always puts me in mind of an Emily Dickinson poem,

I dreaded that first Robin, so,
But He is mastered, now,
I'm accustomed to Him grown,
He hurts a little, though-

I thought If I could only live
Till that first Shout got by-
Not all Pianos in the Woods
Had power to mangle me-

For me, anyway, spring has a bittersweet edge of survival, regret, and hope. A blue funk sort of feeling. But as long as I've got poems and Robins, all is well…more or less.

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

The Eliot Chapel Board met, as usual, on the third Tuesday of the month (March 18, 2008) at 7:00 p.m. Anyone is welcome to attend a Board meeting and, in fact, there is a time set aside for visitors' comments. If you prefer to talk with a Board member at another time, please look for us at coffee hour or call. (Telephone numbers are in the directory). Board members for 2007-2008 are Clint Blandford (chair), Matt Koch (chair elect), Brian Krippner (treasurer), Mike Antoine, Barbara Bleisch, Bob Coulter, Lynn Murphy, Ann Petlin, Beth Rossow and Jeanne Wilke.

This latest meeting reviewed the usual reports. Highlights included a report from Bob Coulter on his committee's plans to publicize Eliot's need for repair/renovation. Plans include giving tours of parts of the building in need of repair, distributing flyers describing several options for action, and setting up meetings with people in the congregation. Brian Krippner reported that the Finance Committee had met with a representative from A.G. Edwards/Wachovia about Eliot's portfolio. He said that the Russell model that Eliot uses tends to hold up well in bad markets, such as the current situation. On May 14, 2008 there will be an open Finance meeting and the plan is for the representative from A.G. Edwards/Wachovia to be there.

In other business, the Board passed a new policy regarding salary, benefits, and contract disclosure, part of the attempt to achieve greater financial transparency. A by-law change regarding the election of Board officers was passed and is discussed in an article below. This change will come to a vote of the congregation at the annual meeting in May.

We discussed the possibility of the Wedding Clergy Company being transferred from Daniel to Eliot Chapel. A committee is being formed to look into this possibility.

Minutes from the Board meetings are posted on a bulletin board. - Beth Rossow, Board Secretary

By-Law Amendment Proposal
- Clint Blandford, Board Chair

The Board of Trustees has endorsed a by-law amendment proposed by the Governance Committee modifying the process for selection of the board's chair-elect and chair. It will eliminate ambiguous and inconsistent language and will give the board greater flexibility in selecting its officers.

The proposal will be presented for adoption at the May 18 annual congregational meeting. A copy of the proposal is posted on the bulletin board outside Adams Hall and will be a topic of discussion at the Mar. 30 Town Hall meeting.

The by-laws as currently written limit the board's selection of its chair-elect to only three candidates, the three newest members of the board. This restriction is necessary because the term for a trustee is three years. Accordingly, a trustee is selected by the board during his or her first year on the board to become the new chair-elect the following year. The chair-elect then serves as board chairperson during year three.

Unfortunately, resignations and personal circumstances can easily reduce the restricted pool of three candidates to a Hobson's choice. This is neither fair to a lone candidate nor to the board which could find itself with a reluctant leader when other board members are willing and able to serve in the leadership positions.

This by-law amendment would allow any board member, other than the current chairperson, to be eligible for selection as the chair-elect. It would automatically extend the term of the trustee by one or two years, as required, if they agreed to accept the office of chair-elect.

Eliot members are encouraged to contact board members about the proposal if they have questions or desire more information.

Help Wanted
- Brian Krippner, Treasurer

Are you a member of Eliot who has experience with or an interest in accounting, banking, or finance? Are you interested in contributing your time and talent to the oversight of Eliot's finances? The Finance Committee will be replacing two members later this year. The Committee's usually meet the second Tuesday of odd-dated months. The time commitment averages less than 2 hours per month. Contact Brian Krippner if you are interested.

Our Sympathy

Terri Nicely on the death of her father.
Sally and Luis Ortiz on the death of Sally's mother.
and to Diane Weber and John Robinson on the death of Diane's sister.

The Library Thanks ...

The Library Committee thanks Sue Blandford, David Day, and Teri Nicely for transporting donated books to Eliot Chapel. We also thank Richard Fallert, Rich Vaughn, and Laura Williams for lifting the heavy boxes of books which were sorted and packed by Women's Alliance members. Colleen Pfeifer will be selling the rare books on the internet as a service to Eliot. What a crew!

Trivia Night Thanks ...
- Sue Blandford and Steven Bain

The Partner Church Committee thanks all of you who bought tickets and came to our annual Trivia Night. We made about $1,700 which will go toward projects to help our partner church, Nyaradszentmarton (St. Martin) in Transylvania, Romania. A special thanks goes out to Jim Gender who gave up his Saturday night to be our Master of Ceremonies.

Support Fair Trade & Eliot Chapel
- Beth Rossow

Coffee Drinkers: Each bag of the Eliot blend, regular or decaf, beans or ground, is only $10. All specialty coffees are also $10. Specialty coffees may be ordered from a brochure that we have on our table in Adams Hall. Delivery is usually within 1-2 weeks. Or, you may purchase the specialty coffee of the month. We usually have bags available (either beans or ground). The coffee of the month for April is Guatemala lxil, described as earthy, rich, and spicy with a full body and a dark roast.

Chocolate Eaters: We also need your help to support Fair Trade and Eliot Chapel! Several varieties of chocolate bars are available, as well as cans of cocoa mix and baking cocoa.

And to our regular customers, thanks very much for your support.

Room at the Inn
- Bill and Joan Clarke

We often talk about the help we give homeless women and families by providing meals and a safe place to stay three nights a month, but many of you may not know what our guests do during the day. Upon arrival at Room At The Inn in Bridgeton, every client completes a comprehensive intake process which gives shelter staff information to direct individuals to the resources (s)he needs. Some clients need job training; some need parenting, budgeting, or other life-skills classes. Some need medical or mental health care, and others just need a safe place to stay while they get back on their feet. RATI collaborates with over 50 agencies. Most clients know very little about what resources are available or how to access them. RATI staff know which agency can provide the services needed and help clients become eligible for services. On average, RATI clients participate in 17 different programs during their average 26 day stay at the shelter. All the client's needs are addressed, not simply the need for housing. In this way, the underlying issues are attended to and the client has a better opportunity for future success.

A very informative Room at the Inn annual report is posted on the bulletin board. Sign-up sheets for spring are also located there if you can help support Eliot's effort to combat homelessness.

Faith and Freedom Awards Dinner
- Kathy Brunts

Every year the Missouri Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice holds a celebration and honors those who work to protect the reproductive freedom of all people in Missouri. Eliot Chapel is a sponsoring religious congregation. As the representative of Eliot to this organization, I invite you to join me at this dinner. It will be held on Apr. 5 at Orlando's Banquet Center on Watson Road. Cocktails are at 6:00 and dinner is at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $60.00. This is a tasty way to work for social justice. For more information contact me, or go to www.morcrc.org.

Town Hall Meeting

Don't miss the Town Hall Meeting, Mar. 30 following the second service in the Sanctuary. Repairs to Eliot, and an amendment to the by-laws are just two of the important issues to be discussed. Make your voice heard!

Eliot Singletarians

Eliot singles events planned for April include:
Sat., Apr. 5 Visit historic Lincoln House, Springfield, IL; Hartford Coffee House Sing-a-long
Sat., Apr. 12 Hiking with the Eliot Hikers' Group; Ethnic Dining Night-Russian Cuisine
Sun., Apr. 13 Quarterly meeting (brown bag lunch)
Sun., Apr. 27 Cardinals baseball game

See the Singletarians' calendar on the bulletin board for more information.

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 next class is offered on Sat., Apr. 5 from 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Please register in Visitors' Corner or through the office at (314) 821-0911.

Green Family Workshop:
"Where Do the Children Play?"

On Apr. 6 and 13, join fellow Eliot parents at 9:30 a.m. in Room 001 as we watch and discuss this new PBS documentary about how kids' play has changed. Over the past 20 years, increases in adult-structured activities and time spent in front of TV, computer, and video game screens has led to a marked decline in kids' spontaneous and creative play. This documentary grew out of a University of Michigan project exploring the "secret spaces of childhood." Project director Elizabeth Goodenough notes that, "Children need free time every day to discover their abilities, desires, and limitations. Open ended exploration and play in woods, fields, vacant lots, or other semi-wild spaces enhances curiosity and confidence throughout life."

Each morning we will watch a portion of the video and share ideas and experiences. Grab some coffee and come join us! As always, children are welcome in RE classrooms during both services.

Theological Education

Are you interested in what happens in theological education? Or do you just want to know what Rev. Bonnie is doing in her Doctor of Ministry studies? Join her for lunch (brown bag) on Sun., Apr. 6, at 12:30 p.m. in Adams Hall. Bonnie can talk about the classes she's taken so far: Theology of Calvin, Post-Holocaust Ethics, Christology (from a Liberation Theology view), and Interfaith Dialogue.

Eliot Bible Study

Join us Mon., Apr. 7 for Bible Study. We will be looking at the book of Ezekiel. (The March Bible Study was snowed out, so we will continue with Ezekiel.) Bible Study is led by Rev. Bonnie Vegiard and is an open-minded and lively inquiry into the origins and purposes of the texts. We meet the first Monday of each month. All are welcome.

UU Book of the Month

The April book for our discussion group is God's Dog by Rev. Webster Kitchell. This is a light series of essays talking theological topics over with Coyote, the Native American trickster figure. The book is available from the book table in Adams Hall for at www.uua.org/bookstore. UU Book of the Month meets every 2nd Tuesday (Apr. 8), and is led by Rev. Bonnie Vegiard.

Spring Work Party

This year's Spring Work Party will be on Sat., Apr. 12 at 9:00 a.m.. Mark your calendars and plan to attend. The volunteers will be doing basic indoor and outdoor clean-up and fix-up chores around Eliot. Jobs for all skill levels, including cleaning, painting, and tension-relieving rock throwing.

Roots of Unitarian Universalism

What is the UU understanding of God, Jesus, faith, church? While it is true that we encourage individuals to explore their own answers to these questions, our tradition also has something to say about them. Knowing the historical development of opinion on these questions can help you understand why you feel comfortable here - or have more questions of your own.

Join Rev. Bonnie Vegiard and David Breeden for four workshops that explore the history and development of what was to become Unitarian Universalism. We will discuss "orthodoxy," "heterodoxy," and what became known as "heresy." Our ideas are rooted in a firm heterodox and heretical tradition! Our tradition changes the definition of religion from a system of "right belief" to a system of "right relationship."

UU Roots will meet four Sundays, from Apr. 13 to May 4, at 7:00 p.m. in Adams Hall (the Apr. 20 meeting will be downstairs in Room 006 due to the Seder dinner, and may begin later if participants wish to go to the Seder). Please sign up on the bulletin board or with Rev. Bonnie at revbonnie@eliotchapel.org or (314) 821-0911.

Women's Weekend Approaches

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.

The deadline for overnight accommodations is Apr. 4 and for those wishing to attend all day ($65 fee) is Apr. 11. For more information contact Carolyn Burke, Chair, or Women's Weekend.

Seder Dinner at Eliot
- Larry Ross, for the Seder Dinner Committee

The Seder dinner celebrates the Israelites' escape from Egyptian bondage 3,000 years ago.

It takes the form of a parent-child dialogue. Passover, with the Haggadah as its focus, tells every Jew three things: who you are, where you came from, what you stand for.

The message inherent in the Haggadah is that Jewish identity and continuity hinge on encouraging children to ask questions - and being prepared as parents to provide sensitive and substantive answers.

Please join us in the Seder dinner celebration on Sun., Apr. 20. Doors open at 5:00 p.m.; the ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m. Please use sign-up sheets on the bulletin board; seating is limited. Please note that the pot luck dinner is restricted, so no pork products, shell fish, or leavened bread can be served. If you would like recipes, please contact Larry Ross at .

District Assembly

District Assembly is Apr. 25 - 27 at the Frontenac Hilton Hotel, corner of Clayton Rd. and Lindbergh Blvd. Eliot musicians will be very active at DA admission is free on either Friday night or Sunday morning!

Friday Opening ceremony, 7:30-9:00 p.m. starts with gathering music by the Ric Vice Jazz Ensemble. Then the banner parade and combined St. Louis UU choirs. The evening will celebrate UU history in St. Louis with short vignettes alternating with music by Eliot's Children's Chalice Choir, Inner Voices, Instruments, hymns, and choirs singing some of our favorites.

The Saturday evening awards banquet will feature the Carol Schmidt Jazz Trio. Tickets $35 in advance.

Sunday morning worship, 9:30-10:30 a.m. will feature the Eliot Chapel Flute Ensemble and the Choir from First UU St. Louis, Joel Knapp, director.

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.

Open Finance Meeting

If you'd like to know more about Eliot Chapel's budget and finances than time will permit at the Annual Meeting, plan to attend an open meeting of the Finance Committee on Wed., May 14, at 7:00 p.m. in Adams Hall.

This will be a green meeting: if you plan to attend and would like to receive a packet of financial information, RSVP by May 1 to . All are welcome, but you are not guaranteed a packet without an RSVP.

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., Apr. 1 - Book Discussion - Beatrix Potter, A Life in Nature by Linda Lear. Leader - Barb Crowley.

Tue., Apr. 15 - Read MOre Book Review by Kathleen Nigro. The Passion of Artimisia by Susan Vreeland. Coordinator - Janie Fowler

Tue., Apr. 22 - Travelogue by "Directions, Ladies on the Go". Coordinator - Margaret Hasse

Tue., Apr. 29 - Book Discussion - Arthur and George by Julian Barnes. Leader - Lorraine Stern

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

You don't have to get in shape or travel to China to join our UU team! We are looking for people who love children and/or youth, or are willing to push themselves out of their comfort zones and try something new. Teaching at Eliot is an opportunity to give back to the community that nurtures you. The Religious Education Department really tries to make teaching as stress-free and enjoyable as possible. We need parents, empty nesters, and non-parents alike to fill all our teaching spots.

Our Teacher Support Committee will be ready on Sundays in Adams Hall to help you find just the right class for you - we have openings from Nursery (oh, those sweet babies and toddlers) through Junior Youth (not quite so cuddly, but sweet in their own way).

In other RE news, Summer Camp registration forms are now available for children entering Kindergarten through 5th grade in the fall. We will be looking at Native American Spirituality this summer. Camp runs from Aug. 4-7, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. We have a great time hearing stories, doing crafts, singing songs, and so much more during the week of camp. Older youth entering 6th grade and up are needed to help support our adult volunteers with our various activities. We hope you can join us!

Finally, our last Family Worship of the year is scheduled for Apr. 20 with Reverend Bonnie in Adams Hall during the regular service times, though we start a few minutes after 9:30 and 11:00. Families with children Pre-Kindergarten through 5th grade are encouraged to attend together; younger classes at both hours and youth groups at 11:00 meet as usual.

Music Notes
-- Jan Chamberlin, Music Director,

Coming up:
Apr. 6, Prelude-Chalice Choir will sing Children Helping Children, 9:30 Choir Lord of Feasting and the 11:00 Choir Be Ours a Religion.
Apr. 13, Prelude- Inner Voices will sing I'll Fly Away. Interlude- Kate Magrath will sing Nightingale, 9:30 Choir I Shall Pass Through This World, 11:00 Choir Leave No Song Unsung.
Apr. 20, Pre and postludes- Nancy Collis and friends play South American pan pipes and drum. Both choirs God Bless the Child.
Apr. 27, Flo Reaves and Sue Goldford will play 3 movements of Bach's Sonata #1 for Violin.

Friends Of Music present their final concert of the season on Sun., Apr. 6, at 3:00 p.m. Featured artists include guitarist Alyssa Santoyo playing a concerto by Castelnuovo-Tedesco, baroque flutist, James Harris playing Fantasia for Flute by Telemann, and baroque violinist Lorraine Glass-Harris playing Passacaglia for violin by Biber.

Eliot's Music Committee meets Sat. Apr. 12 at 10:00 a.m. in the Music Room. All who are interested in the music program at Eliot are invited for refreshments and to provide feedback about the program.

Daniel's Email Address

Reminder that Rev. O'Connell's email address was changed to . Please update your address books.

Green Tips

Bottled water is bad for the environment and may not be good for you. For more information go to www.uusforsocialjustice.org.

DCAL Services, 2609 Rock Hill Industrial Court, Rock Hill accepts all electronic equipment for repair and reselling, or recycling of parts. No charge for computers and peripherals; $10 for all monitors and color TVs. (314) 918-8833 www.dcalservices.com.

Cut down on junk mail. Remove your name from unsolicited credit and insurance offers by visiting www.optoutprescreen.com.

Send in Your Pics

The 2008-2009 Eliot Directory will contain photos of our Members and Friends as well as photos of Eliot events. If you are in charge of an event, or a shutterbug attending an event, please take some digital pictures for inclusion in the next directory. Save the pictures as jpg files with a title describing the event e.g. 2008picnic1.jpg and attach a couple of the best shots to an email to . All pictures for inclusion in this year's directory must be received by Jul. 1, 2008.

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