Dear Beloveds,

I shifted into summer mode on Memorial Day Weekend by heading out to Bergfried, our 590 acre property just west of Hermann, MO, for the Annual Family Campout.  We enjoyed nightly campfires, daily hikes and hangouts, worship and some great meals.

In early June I was on study leave.  Did you know that Unitarian Universalism is one of the only faith traditions where ministers are given intentional time to reflect and study? I am so thankful to you for that time.  I reflected on the past year, read some of the books I’ve wanted to, attended two online workshops and began planning worship and adult enrichment for the coming year.  Be on the lookout for the rollout of all next year’s adult enrichment offerings on August 1st. 

But mostly, I tended to my spirit. I slowed down, listened to my heart, walked, rested, slept, reconnected with friends, dove into a rom-com novel and binged season 3 of Bridgerton.  I spent plenty of time in my gardens – planting, mulching, weeding, and setting up irrigation systems, one of my favorite things to play with!  (How many hoses can you service with one faucet using 5 automatic water timers? The answer this year is 8, so far.)  I love wildflower native gardening (which means only growing plants that are indigenous to this area).  My partner is the master vegetable gardener, although my green and yellow wax beans are looking marvelous! We will soon be knee deep in zucchini and yellow squash.

Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean that Eliot Chapel shuts down. Most of the summer services are offered by folks who completed this spring’s preaching class.  Having read every sermon, I know their messages will inspire, challenge, and nurture you.  No worries if you missed the class.  I will be offering So You Think You Can Preach every spring, dates to be announced in August.  Please know that registering means committing to offer a summer worship service next year! 😀

We also have volunteers who are providing nursery care in the summer months with activities for the older kids during worship. Every service still has a time for all ages.  If you’re looking for some adult me-time, Eliot Chapel on Sunday mornings is the place to be. If you’re longing for some kid energy, be in touch with the front office to connect with the organizers.

There’s even a concert coming up on June 25 featuring Matt Venuti. His music is serene, magical and energizing.  Here’s a video to get a feel for his music:  https://vimeo.com/915197654?share=copy.  All ages are welcome. Tickets are available here: https://www.eliotchapel.org/americosmos

Beginning June 23, I will be on vacation for 3 weeks.  This includes a visit to Canada to spend much needed time with my parents, brother, and nephew. This will definitely include as much swimming as possible! I grew up one mile from Lake Erie.  It would probably be more correct to say that I grew up IN Lake Erie. 

During my vacation, both Brian Franklin, our Business Manager, and Debby Lovell, our Administrative/Communications Assistant, are available.  Our Affiliate Minister Rev. Dee Evans will be on call for pastoral care emergencies.  Please don’t hesitate to reach out to her even though she is less familiar.  Rev. Dee is an exceptional person, a personal friend, and has a deep warm heart.  You will be in very good hands.  For non-emergency pastoral care needs, the Pastoral Care Associates are there for you.  For any kind of pastoral care, emergency or not, simply email pastoralcare@eliotchapel.org and leave a message at the front office by calling 314-821-0911. Please know that during my vacation I am always informed should a member pass away.  I do my best to reach out to the family regardless of where I am. 

Wherever this summer takes you in your spirit and your body, I hope that you too will find time for rest, renewal and reconnection.  I will be with you in spirit until I return on July 15. 

Yours in faith and love,

Rev. Krista

June 20, 2024