The Atwoods are fairly new to our church. “We have been attending Eliot since April 2024. The warm welcome we received and the inspiring Sunday service made us feel that we had found our spiritual home.” The Atwoods are a great example of how volunteering makes one feel a part of the church community. If you want to get to know people, one of the easiest ways is to get involved! They moved to St. Louis to be closer to their grandchildren. We are so fortunate that they have chosen Eliot as their church home!

Here are some of the comments from Eliot folks who recommended the Atwoods for the Volunteer Spotlight:

“Tom and Lorraine did not sit back but jumped right in to helping with the Coffee Hour. They helped with the serving and clean up for Rev. Krista's installation reception and for the dinner before the 2024 talent show and the brunch service in the new year.”

“They are regular coffee hour volunteers on Sunday and you know that is a UU sacrament!” 

“Tom and Lorraine stepped up immediately for the Spring of ’24 ‘Spruce up Eliot Event.’”

“Lorraine worked overtime to help clean the upholstered chairs in the sanctuary prior to Rev. Krista’s installation.”

“Whenever a need is expressed, it is obvious that you can count on Tom and Lorraine to help out.”

Tom enjoys helping with coffee hour, chapel needs team, and the Immigration Justice team. He has helped with gardening and he enjoys the fellowship of the golf group. He feels that he adds a bit of comic relief with the wild shots he hits! Tom says, “I am just trying to be half as good as all the generous people at Eliot who give of their time. My goal is to grow my volunteer experience so that I can be more useful. I have so much to learn about Eliot Chapel and Unitarian Universalism, but I know that I am in the right place."

Lorraine enjoys helping with coffee hour, the chapel needs team, and the Adult Education committee.

“I have received many blessings in my life and I volunteer because I believe in and want to support Eliot’s mission in the community. I am motivated and inspired to serve by the many others who serve Eliot with their joyful enthusiasm.”