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Sunday, September 10 – 10:00 am
“Welcome Home!” – Rev. Krista Taves
This is Ingathering Sunday, when we celebrate each other and the spiritual home that we love and nurture. We’ll be exploring what makes a place home. We will gather outside on the front steps directly after the service for an all-congregation picture, followed by a finger food potluck after the service.
Featured musicians: Eliot Chapel Choir; David Nalesnik, piano.
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Large-print orders of service and hearing assistance devices are available from the greeters on Sunday. We livestream our service; find it at eliotchapel.org. After the stream, a recording will be available there all week. You can also find it directly on our YouTube channel.
If you're worshipping with us on livestream, you can always find a digital order of service, including lyrics to the hymns, on our website.
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Religious Education & Youth Group
The 2023-24 Religious Education and Youth Program begins this Sunday, September 10 during the 10:00 service. Children and youth aged four and older should attend the first 15 minutes of the worship service with their family.
The nursery opens at 9:30 for children aged three and younger and those who need freedom of movement. Religious Education (RE) classes and youth gatherings will begin at 10:15.
Specific plans for each age group are shared with registered families via email each week. To learn more about this fall’s RE program, please contact Scott Stewart at scott@eliotchapel.org.
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Coffee, Conversation, and Connections
Coffee, Conversation, and Connections on Zoom! We've changed our name, but we're still there on Zoom at 12:30 pm every Sunday. You are invited to join us online for conversation after the service! We'll take a few minutes to say hello and let people settle in, then we'll go around the room to check in and welcome newcomers. Look for "Eliot on Zoom" in your email on Sunday morning; it will include a link to join us for Coffee, Conversation, and Connections. If you're not on our mailing list, sign up here. We look forward to seeing you!
Sunday at a Glance
Sunday Worship – 10:00 am in the Sanctuary
All-Congregation Photo – 11:00 am on the front steps (after the service)
Finger Food Potluck – 11:15 am in Adams Hall (after the photo)
Young Adult Group – 11:45 am in the Triplett Room
Coffee, Conversation, and Connections – 12:30 pm via Zoom
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In This Week at Eliot
This Week's Events & Meetings
Church News
Classes at Eliot Chapel
Helping Each Other
The Week Ahead
Next Week's Service
Down the Road
Sharing the Offering
ourEliot
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Monday, September 11
Environmental Justice Team – 7:00 pm in Adams Hall
A Course in Miracles – 7:00 pm via Zoom
Tuesday, September 12
Environmental Justice Movie – 10:00 am in Adams Hall
Vigil for Hope & Healing – 5:00 pm on the front lawn
Wednesday, September 13
Welcome Team – 6:30 pm in Room 001
Creative Spirituality Covenant Group – 7:00 pm in the Susan Frederick-Gray Room
Friday, September 15
Bergfried Women's Weekend – all day at Bergfried
Friday Freethinkers – 10:00 am in Room 001
Wellspring – 2:00 pm in the Susan Frederick-Gray Room
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As we have new staff in the front office scheduling your events and meetings, it is more important than ever to make contact to get on the calendar and then to check your entry for accuracy!
Planning a meeting or event? Start with our Room & Event Request Form! Group leaders, have you set up an area for your group in Realm? You have a secure place to chat and share documents and photos. Contact Debby Lovell to set up your group.
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Welcome Home!
After the service on Sunday, join us on the front steps for an all-congregation photo, then come to Adams Hall. We're having a Finger Food Potluck to celebrate Homecoming Sunday! Bring something to share. Cross your fingers that it's good weather!
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Eliot Chapel 2023 Congregational Survey
TAKE THE SURVEY TODAY
Help shape the future of Eliot Chapel by filling out our 2023 Congregational Survey. The total time to complete the survey is approximately fifteen to twenty minutes. Your responses will be very helpful in guiding the Search Team in the coming months by helping us gain more insight into the thoughts and needs of the congregation. Click here to fill out the survey and make your voice heard.
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Learn More about Covenant Groups
Please stop by Adams Hall and look for the Covenant Group information table. There will be several group leaders on hand to answer your questions about our thriving covenant group community. A list of groups with openings will be available should you want to join a group.
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Still With Us
As COVID rates rise in our country, it is good to remind ourselves of the expectations regarding how we care for each other at Eliot Chapel. We remain in the Green or Low Level according to the CDC, which means our protocols will not change at this time. However, hospitalization levels are rising and it is possible that we will rise to the Yellow or Medium Level in the near future. We check the St. Louis County level every Thursday. If there is a change in our CDC classification, we will alert the congregation immediately. There is a new COVID booster soon to be released. We encourage all to be properly boosted as soon as possible. Click to read the current policy.
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Eliot Life Quest
Used by many cultures and given shape in many ways, Vision Quest is a time of deep reflection, transformation, healing, and a method to experience authentic and profound encounters with Spirit. There are three core elements of a Vision Quest – Solitude, Fasting, and Nature. When these core elements are coupled with preparation and integration, dormant states of creativity and connections come to the surface creating possibilities for deep change and transformation in participants.
Eliot Life Quest brings a Vision Quest into the Eliot community. This spiritual offering will lead you through the preparation phase, support your journey during your solo, and help you start your path in consolidating what you have gained during this process. People in any life stage and with any personal/spiritual growth goal can find meaning in the powerful process of a Solo Fasting Quest.
Some transformative goals that people bring to Solo Fasting Quest are: stepping away from past trauma, solidifying sobriety, developing a deeper relationship with themselves, nature, and Spirit, marking transitions such as becoming a parent, moving to elder status, and for life events that typically do not have a culturally established way of being acknowledged such as releasing a dead name, loss of an affair, committing to a life without children . . . and more.
Come to the Life Quest Informational Meeting on Sunday, October 22 at 11:30 am in Room 001 to meet facilitator Lisa Dahlgren and hear more about this unique opportunity.
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Our Moment of Booth
Please Sign Up to Help at Greentree Festival
We will have a booth at Kirkwood's Greentree Festival to promote Eliot Chapel’s vision and mission, activities and offerings, and liberal faith community. We need volunteers to sign up to help on the planning team, with set up and take down, and to work shifts at the booth throughout the three-day festival from Friday, September 15 to Sunday, September 17. We want people and families to know we UUs do church a bit differently – in a good way – and they should come find out how! Please contact Ann Marie Hutson or Carole Glauser at greentree@eliotchapel.org if you want in on the fun.
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Early Deadlines
If you would like to share news in the September 22 edition of This Week at Eliot or in the September 24 order of service, please be aware that the deadline will be next week on Wednesday, September 13 at noon. Please send any notices to news@eliotchapel.org. Thank you!
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Starting Point
An Introduction to
the Unitarian Universalist Journey
This four-part series offers those considering Unitarian Universalism as a spiritual path the opportunity to experience UUism through a small group experience. You will learn about our faith tradition, explore your own spiritual journey, and connect with others who are also seeking a spiritual home or faith. Amy Stark and Gail Rock will facilitate the series. Longtime members and friends seeking a small group experience are also welcome.
Monday, October 16, 6:30 pm on Zoom
Session 1: Your Journey – Sharing Our Stories and Spiritual Roadmaps
Monday, October 23, 6:30 pm on Zoom
Session 2: The Unitarian Universalist Journey and the Journey of our Congregation
Monday, November 6, 6:30 pm on Zoom
Session 3: Our Journey Together – The Three Paths of Unitarian Universalism Part 1
Monday, November 13, 6:30 pm in person at Eliot
Session 4: The Three Paths, Part 2 and Finding Your Journey Group
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Shifting from Role to Soul
What are our developmental tasks in our later years? How do we allow our own mortality to become our teacher and deepen our spiritual life? This course will explore our experiences of older age and help us do the work needed to become an Elder. Class is full but contact your facilitator Suzanne LeLaurin at role2soul@eliotchapel.org to get on the waiting list.
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We Care for Each Other
The Eliot Ride Team provides rides to church and to medical appointments for Eliot members and friends who cannot drive themselves. If you need a ride, email ineedaride@eliotchapel.org with your name, your address, where you need to go, and the date and time needed. We will be in touch to make arrangements.
The Eliot Meal Train provides meals to Eliot members and friends who need some love and care. For example, we will provide meals for those who have recently lost a loved one or are recovering from medical care. If you would like to request meals or offer to provide meals, please email mealtrain@eliotchapel.org with your contact information and someone will be in touch with you.
At Eliot Chapel, we care for our earth and our building! One way you can express this is by joining the Eliot Recycling Team! This committee is responsible for taking the recycling from Eliot to the Kirkwood Recycling Depository at 350 S. Taylor Avenue each week. Sign up for a week that works for you and plan to grab the recycling after service to drop it off. Thanks for being part of the team!
Providing receptions after a Celebration of Life is another way we care for each other at Eliot Chapel. The Reception Team sets up, serves, and cleans up after these receptions. If you can be available once in a while to help, please email receptions@eliotchapel.org. Your efforts will be appreciated! | |
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Getting Ready for Ingathering
Saturday, September 9
We'll all be together again on Sunday – let’s clean up the grounds for this special day! It’s been a long, hot, dry summer followed by a few wet weeks, and the weeds have gone crazy! Bushes need pruning, trees need trimming, the planters need new plants, the paths in the Memorial Garden need to be re-plotted and the stepping stones replaced – the Eliot Garden Crew can’t do all this alone. We need your help, and there are jobs, large and small, for everyone! We'll begin at 9:30 am on Saturday morning, but feel free to come later. Bring gloves and your own tools – clippers, loppers, insect repellant, closed-toe shoes, and water! Questions? Email us at socialjustice@eliotchapel.org. Let's spruce up Eliot for our homecoming!
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Together We Care
Wondering about the intersection of immigration and environmental justice? The Letter is a dynamic film about today’s ecological crisis and its impact on immigration and species extinction. Please join the Social Justice in Action team to view the film at Eliot Chapel on Tuesday, September 12 at 10:00 am in Adams Hall.
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Join us for
Vigil for Hope & Healing
Tuesday, September 12
at 5:00 pm in front of Eliot Chapel.
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Bergfried Women's Autumn Weekend
September 15 to 17
Women and girls of Eliot, please join us for Women's Weekend at Bergfried. The cottage, bunkhouses, and land are ours to enjoy for the weekend. You are welcome to come out for any part of the weekend, whether you plan to camp or not. The days will be wide open for hiking, camping, relaxation, and connection. Most choose to camp in tents or trailers; spaces in the cottage (with running water and electricity) are available by reservation with priority given to those with medical needs or physical limitations. Eight beds are also available in the rustic bunkhouses. To sign up for the weekend, to reserve a cottage or bunkhouse space, or for any information contact bergfriedwomen@eliotchapel.org.
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Sunday, September 17 – 10:00 am
“Welcome: Opening the Door Wider” – Rev. Krista Taves
Let’s explore how we embrace welcoming in a time of polarization. When do we protect ourselves, when do we open the door even wider?
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Eliot Chapel Book Swap for All Ages
Eager to delight another Eliot community member by sharing a favorite read and simultaneously discover a new page-turning treasure for yourself? Participate in the upcoming book swap!
Sunday, September 24
Immediately following the 10:00 am service
in Adams Hall
How it will work:
- Bring 1-2 (used) books per person of any genre that you really love and that you are willing to part with.
- Before the service, drop the book with our worker bees who will be located next to the greeters outside of the sanctuary.
- After the service, peruse the tables for a new-to-you book to take home and swing by our make-your-own-bookmark crafting table to keep your place in style!
- Remember this is a book swap, not a book dump, so please only give books in good condition. No magazines/sticker books/activity books. No media such as DVDs/CDs.
- Participants are encouraged, but not required, to write down their name, what they liked about the book, or the type of reader it might appeal to, on a small index card/post-it note to stick inside the front cover of the book.
- Leave a goodwill offering for the Fundraising Team on your way out.
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Explore International Cuisine at Eliot!
How do Afghan vegetarian dumplings, Moroccan tagine chicken, and macaroons sound to you? Delicious, for sure! On Saturday, September 30 at 6:00 pm, Eliot's Immigration Justice Team invites you to a Welcome Neighbor STL Supper Club to enjoy this delicious meal and support immigrant and refugee families in St. Louis. Enjoy the food, great conversations, and catching up with friends – old and new. 90% of the proceeds go directly to the chefs to advance their journey to greater independence in their lives here in the USA. From cultural exchange to just plain fun, look forward to a great evening. See the full menu and reserve your place at the table or a takeout meal here: welcomeneighborstl.org/events/afghan-and-moroccan-dinner-at-eliot-unitarian-chapel. Sign up fast – these dinners typically sell out quickly! | |
Bergfried Fall Campout
October 6 to 8
Mark your calendars now for our annual fall campout, open to all members and friends. You are welcome to come out for any part of the weekend whether you plan to camp or not. The days will be wide open for hiking, camping, relaxation, and connection. The weekend includes these optional events:
- Traditional bonfire and campfire, Saturday evening
- Worship Service, Sunday at 11:00 am: If you don’t choose to camp, this is a great time to come out and connect afterwards, Adams Hall-style.
- Sunday Potluck: Directly after the service, enjoy food and connection with the Eliot camping community. The Bergfried Team will provide hot dogs and chips. Campers and day trippers are encouraged to bring a dessert or side dish to share. Please let us know if you plan to attend by emailing bergfriedinfo@eliotchapel.org and let us know how many will be joining you so we may plan the potluck accordingly.
Most attendees choose to camp in tents or trailers; spaces in the cottage (with running water and electricity) are available by reservation with priority given to those with medical needs or physical limitations. Eight beds are also available in the more rustic bunkhouses. To sign up for the weekend, to reserve a cottage or bunkhouse space, or for other information contact bergfriedinfo@eliotchapel.org.
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Hands on Kirkwood 2023 Needs Volunteers!
Eliot Chapel is once again participating in the Hands on Kirkwood one-day community service blitz. HOK collaborates with local churches, organizations, and individuals to assist with projects related to household and community needs.
Volunteers are needed to help with yard work, donation storing, gutter cleaning, bag pickup, car check, Father Dickson Cemetery clean-up, and trash and yard waste hauling. The event will be held on Saturday, October 7 between 9 am and 1 pm and will begin at Kirkwood Baptist Church. If you are interested in participating, go to HOK | Hands On Kirkwood (www.handsonkirkwood.org) to register and indicate which activities you would like to participate in. Please indicate that you are part of Eliot Chapel, and additionally, email socialjustice@eliotchapel.org so we know who will be volunteering. We'll have a table in Adams Hall on Sundays after the service to answer your questions, or you can email Janet Solecki or Liz Sale at HOK@eliotchapel.org. We look forward to seeing you there! | |
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St. Louis Area TrUUnk or Treat!
Get on your costumes, decorate your vehicle, fill the trunk with PEANUT-FREE goodies, and head over to First Unitarian Church of St. Louis for our first ever ALL Congregation TrUUnk or Treat! See you on Saturday, October 21 from 4:30 to 6:00 pm at 5007 Waterman Blvd., St. Louis MO 63108.
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Sharing the Offering
Every Sunday, Eliot Chapel shares half of the offertory with an organization in the community whose work reflects our shared values. This is one way that we care for our community and our neighbors. In September, we will be sharing our Sunday collections with SouthSide Early Childhood Center, an organization that Eliot Chapel has long supported.
In 1886, 15 courageous Unitarian women took a stand for the most impoverished children in St. Louis. These women founded a "day nursery" with a mission "to prevent pauperism by assisting breadwinners with young children on their hands, to earn an honest living." South Side Day Nursery, as it was known then, welcomed children of every race, ethnicity, and income level.
Over the decades SouthSide has grown, and its mission has expanded. Today the mission is to nurture, educate and inspire children and families in a diverse and inclusive environment, promoting healthy development and a strong foundation for success. Their vision is that children develop a lifelong love of learning, flourish within a supportive family environment and contribute positively to their communities. We all know the value of early childhood education. SouthSide is doing an outstanding job of providing it for children who really need it. Their work gives children coming from difficult situations a great chance for success. Learn more at www.southside-ecc.org.
Let us be good neighbors. Let us be a generous people. You can give in one of three ways:
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Online: Click here. Make sure “Shared Plate” is your chosen fund.
- By Mail: Please write “southside ECC” in the memo line of your check and mail it to Eliot Unitarian Chapel, 100 South Taylor Ave., Kirkwood, MO 63122.
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By Text: Text "Eliot SharedPlate $(enter the amount)" to 73256. A link in the reply text will take you to our secure database webpage where you can complete your transaction. Please note, "SharedPlate" must be entered as one word to reach that preferred option.
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ourEliot promotes and enables healthy communications as promised to one another through the Congregational Covenant. If you have a compliment, suggestion, or concern that is important to communicate to a responsible party, please email ourEliot@eliotchapel.org.
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