New Committee

If you go to the UUA web site, you can see how Victoria Mitchell, a senior higher and member of Eliot, proposed a business resolution to the 3,000 UUs gathered at the annual UU General Assembly at the end of June in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

To see the video of Victoria speaking, go to: http://www.uua.org/events/generalassembly/2008/112314.shtml, click on Friday, June 27, and select 3004, Plenary III. Start up your real media or Windows media and go to 1 hour and 3 minutes into the video to see the resolution presented by Victoria and its subsequent discussion (I weigh in second on the “con” mike).

What is amazing about Victoria’s journey is how it got started, and how it ended. In late spring, a middle manager at the UUA headquarters in Boston told the national youth group, YRUU, and the young adult group, C-UUYAN, something along the lines of the idea that their funding would be permanently cut.

It is true that there had been a lot of discussion in previous years about changing the way national youth conferences get done, because some folks thought these were mainly social events that didn’t directly benefit congregations very well and that the resources could be better allocated.

The problem was that this seemed like a unilateral decision to cut funding, ignoring previously gathered feedback, and in one fell swoop, our national youth program – in place since the early 1800s – would suddenly and ignominiously end.

Victoria approached me in my office to discuss how upset she was about this decision and whether it would sour UU youth all over the country to Unitarian Universalism.

I suggested she think about coming up with a resolution, something we could bring to the District Assembly (the UU congregations in Illinois, eastern Missouri, eastern Wisconsin, and a few other places comprise the Central Midwest District – about 70 churches and 11,000 UUs), which was at the end of April, and possibly on to the General Assembly (national) in June.

Well. Little could I have foreseen. Victoria worked with Kimberlee Tomczak, our district youth and young adult coordinator. Together, they contacted many hundreds of youth and the presidents of a variety of UU organizations and crafted a resolution that passed unanimously at the District Assembly and again overwhelmingly at the GA.

It was a long road, full of many interesting twists and turns. But Victoria’s journey proved that with a powerful idea (support for youth programming and empowerment) and a network of like-minded allies, Democracy indeed works.

We can all be proud of Victoria and our other exiting senior youth as they go off to college or wherever their journeys take them.

—Daniel

Eliot's Religious Education Future

We are working to confirm a consultant to help us vision the next phase of our Religious Education program. We'd like to build on our success and think about what could be improved. There will be many opportunities to give input on this process in the next several months. However, if you want to be in on the ground floor, plan to attend the meeting with our consultant this month. We are still finalizing details but expect this meeting to be Aug. 16 (we will schedule it in conjunction with the Leadership Summit to be held on

that day). Please let Rev. Bonnie or Juliette Crone-Willis know if you'd like to attend this meeting, and we will be sure to get you the final time. This should be an informative and inspiring discussion. We hope you can join us.

—Faithfully, Bonnie

About Us

News from the Eliot Chapel Board

The end of June brought in the fulfillment of last minute pledges from the congregation, which made our total pledges $431,393.15 for 2007. Our current membership is 532. The Board is investigating the need to adopt a fundraising policy for Eliot Chapel. All committee chairs will be involved in giving feedback to the Board about the need and possible use of such a policy. The Board approved the budget for 2008–2009 presented by Rev. Daniel.

The office staff announced the inception of a new calendar program called “Calendar Wiz.” This program will make it easier for all committees and programs to enter their important dates into the Church calendar. Calendar Wiz will be up and running by fall.

In mid July, the front entrance will be closed for 2 months due to the stonework construction. Completion date for the stonework project has been set back to September due to heavy precipitation this past spring. The contractor will replace the sidewalk and stairs in front of church due to damage from construction equipment. They will try to salvage the health of the large magnolia tree during construction. The Board recommended looking into the cost of new railings for the front stairs and redoing the breezeway sidewalk and stairs. These items are additional constructions that would not be covered by the contractor.

The Board approved a Denominational Delegate Policy. This policy assures that all delegates from Eliot Chapel are informed of the issues requiring a vote prior to going to the General Assembly. It also ensures that all of our delegates exercise their vote, using an absentee ballot, if they are not able to attend. Finally, the policy ensures that the delegates follow a voting process that represents the will and intent of our congregation and the delegates vote accordingly on UUA issues. Our delegates will represent the proportional vote of our congregation.

Board Committees and liaisons were established for all Board Officers and Trustees. Buildings and Grounds Chair

(Curt Kristovitz) and Bergfried Chair (Kate McGrath) were approved. There will be a Leadership Summit on Sat., Aug. 16, and a Board Retreat on Sat., Aug. 23.

–Mary Meihaus, Board Secretary

Making a Difference

RATI Host Coordinator Change

After two years of service, Sue Blandford is stepping down as our host coordinator. She has done a superb job ensuring each Thursday night is covered and serving as a resource for our volunteer hosts. Karen Gender has agreed to take Sue’s place. Sue will be helping Karen as a backup instead of Gary Gray – thanks to Gary for his service. There are still opportunities to cook this summer and we can use people to host, cook, launder, and drive in September. If you would like to help, you can sign up on the bulletin board or call one of the following coordinators:

Joanne Pratz– cooks

Gary Miller– drivers

Kathie Price– laundry

Karen Gender– hosts

—Bill and Joan Clarke

SSDN Thanks You!

Our Eliot community of caring and sharing came through again! Under the leadership of Alicia Boelhauf and Amy Stark, the Social Action Committee launched a donation drive here at Eliot for the month of June to support SSDN (formerly SouthSide Day Nursery. Through the generosity of individuals, $525 was contributed. In addition to the donation of $250 from Eliot Outreach, a total of $775 was given to support the services for disadvantaged children and families in the Benton Park neighborhood of south St. Louis City.

SSDN thanks all of you and I thank you for your warm and generous hearts and the actions you take to represent

our Eliot community ideals. It makes me proud to be a part of our Eliot family. —Trish Williams, Member, Eliot Chapel and SSDN Board of Directors

August Scrip

Scrip for Dierberg’s, Shop n’ Save, and Whole Foods Market will be on sale August 10. Stock up then for your grocery purchases. Weekly grocery scrip sales will resume with the first Sunday of the regular church year on September 14.

Events

Eliot Leadership Summit

Are you a leader at Eliot Chapel? Would you like to be? Do you hold meetings, plan events, or make things happen? Then you need to come to the Leadership Summit!

Get the inside scoop on how to best publicize your event, how to handle money, and how to care for the building. Learn about the various policies and procedures that keep things running smoothly; meet all the

new staff people. Get a handbook and goodies. This will be a fun morning when the movers and shakers can collaborate to combine efforts to make Eliot Chapel a better place.

Contact the church to make your reservation for Sat., Aug. 16, from 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon.

Eliot Summer Picnic

For this year's church picnic, the FUN Committee has reserved a pavilion in Des Peres Park for Aug. 24 beginning at 11 a.m. We'll cook healthy hot dogs for you and accept donations for hot dogs and cold beverages.

Contact the church office or check the map on the bulletin board, if you need directions. See you there!

Save the Date!

Sat., Oct. 4 at 7:00 p.m. we will have a birthday party for Eliot Chapel! Come have dessert and hear some stories of the past 49 years. We’re inviting many long-term members of Eliot to share their memories of how Eliot grew and developed since 1959. This will be an intergenerational event of treats and stories, with child care for the youngest. Mark your calendars now and look for more information in the Sept. newsletter.

August 2008

Singletarians

Join the single Eliot Friends and members for the following events scheduled for August:

Sun., Aug. 10 – Monthly lunch at 11:30 (Culpeppers)

Sat., Aug 23 – Trivia Night to support Humane Society

Fri., Aug 29 – Ethnic Dinner (Aya Sofia)

See the church bulletin board for information or contact Sharon McCarron.

Women’s Alliance

We usually meet on the first, third, and fourth Tuesdays of the month from 9:30 to 11:45 a.m. in Adams Hall. In August, our only meeting is on the 19th.

Tues., Aug. 19 – Dog Sledding Is Cool by Lois and Don Quest. Coordinator, Margaret Hasse.

Summertime Spirit Seeking

Opportunity—A Course in Miracles

Every Monday evening, at 7:00 p.m., a study group meets in the lower level of Eliot Chapel and focuses on the metaphysical text known as A Course in Miracles. The Course takes its participants on a spiritual journey that, through practice, leads to peaceful living. It focuses on key concepts such as forgiveness, replacing fear with love, and approaching life in a positive, nonjudgmental way. Although Christian in its core, it has universal themes that help in recalling our true “spiritual” selves. The group meets for an hour and a half. Experiential sharing, reading, and reflection are the core of the meeting. It is open to members and nonmembers of Eliot Chapel. You can join in at any time, but the group is getting close to starting over at the beginning of the text, so if you’re thinking about it, now would be a great time to check it out!

For more information, contact Corinne Esneault or go to the St. Louis ACIM website: www.acimstlouis.org.

Come Share a Peace of Cakes for the Queen of Heaven

Cakes for the Queen of Heaven will be presented in a five-session series of programs to be held on consecutive Sunday evenings Oct. 19 through Nov. 16 from 7:00–9:00.

The curriculum title comes from two passages of scripture found in Jeremiah 7:17–18 and Jeremiah 44:16–18. It refers to the memory of the ancient Goddess revered by the people of the Bible and in affirmation of the wisdom of rediscovering the divine in female form as a way to bring peace and justice to the Earth.

The sessions will focus on five topics: The Sacred Female, In the Name of the Mother and the Daughter, Womanpower, The First Turning—The Shift from Goddess to God, and Reclaiming Women's Heritage of Peace.

The series will be directed by lay leaders Lynn Murphy, Gail Rock, Dotty Storer, and Judy Highfill. Attendance is limited to 20 men and women who are members of Eliot Chapel. If sufficient interest is shown, we may repeat the curriculum. To sign up, please contact Judy Highfill.

Universal Meditation Retreat

Sat., Sept. 6, 2008

Are you suffering from a too-busy, too-short, too-stressful summer? Feeling sick of the 24/7 sensationalism in the news? Are concerns about the continual global crisis and worldwide chaos (not to mention the upcoming election) catching up with you?

Well, maybe it's time to take a break...and take a deep breath. Slow down and center yourself.

If this appeals to you, come to Eliot Chapel on Sat., Sept. 6 to partake of a variety of calming, reclaiming-your-sanity spiritual practices. We gather in Adams Hall from 8:00-8:30 a.m. and move to the Sanctuary for the Opening from 8:30-9:00 a.m. Then from 9:00 to 11:45 a.m. you may choose to learn more about two to three interesting and informative spiritual practices, whichever ones appeal to you (perhaps trying something you've never done before to see if you may want to include it in your own personal spiritual repertoire) and then share a Closing from 12:00-12:30 p.m.

Come for the whole morning, or any part of it. There is no charge to attend, but free-will donations will be split between Eliot Chapel and a worthy charity.

Contact Judy Highfill, if you have questions. Program details will be forthcoming shortly. Hope to see you there.

Qigong and Laughter Yoga

Sunday afternoons, Medical Qigong (3:00 p.m.) and Laughter Yoga (4:00 p.m.) meet in Room 001 in the lower level or, if there are no conflicting events on the calendar, in Adams Hall.

Qigong is an ancient Chinese system of postures, exercises, breathing techniques, and meditations. The Medical Qigong that we practice consists of visualizations combined with a series of gentle movements that can be easily learned by anyone who wants to improve and sustain their health and well-being.

Laughter (Hasya) Yoga is a series of breathing and easy movement exercises designed to teach the body to laugh without depending on jokes or humor. It was inspired by evidence of laughter’s beneficial effects on our physical and mental health.

We have two Qigong teachers who have been trained by Master Liu Yaun Tong in Meishan, China. Our Laughter Yoga leader has been trained by Dr. Madan Kataria, the originator of Laughter Yoga. Everyone is welcome to come for either or both practices. A donation of $2 is suggested to cover church expenses.

News

Music Notes

Coming up:

Aug. 3, Doug Way, guitar.

Aug. 10, Marilyn Maguire, voice

Aug. 17, Kim Portnoy Jazz Trio

Aug. 24, Michael McElvain, piano

Aug. 31, Nancy Collis and the Summer Camp Kids

Sept. 7, Kim Portnoy Jazz Trio

What Can You Do??? Music Ministry

Music touches the soul – of the performer as well as the listener. At Eliot Chapel, we minister to each other by sharing our musical talents. If you can play an instrument or sing, please consider participating in Sunday services. We have special need of a drummer this year. Pianists are always welcome to play hymns for Children’s Chapel or Family Services. If you have a friend outside Eliot you would like to invite to perform, contact Jan Chamberlin.

Choir, Choir, Choir!!!

Singers! What would Eliot Chapel be without singers?? The more, the merrier!!! Join the choir. We are waiting for YOU! All voices are welcome. Tenors and Basses are especially needed.

Children’s Chalice Choir will begin the second Sunday of the church year, Sept. 14, in the Music Room between services (10:35-10:55). (Children must be able to read words.)

Chamber Choir will begin Wed., Sept. 3, 7:30-9:00 p.m.

Eliot Chorale will begin Sat., Sept. 6.

The Chamber Choir and the Chorale will have their choir kick-off event and luncheon Sat., Sept. 6. If you have questions or want to join, please contact Jan Chamberlin.

Bells, Bells, Bells!!!

If you cannot read music, but long for a fun, group activity–

If you CAN read music, but long for a fresh new challenge–

If you are between the ages of 10 and 99–

–THEN YOU NEED TO PLAY HANDBELLS! Eliot Chapel has a beautifully crafted three-octave handbell set. Nancy Collis, who is a retired, elementary music teacher, is our handbell director. The handbell choir needs 8–15 players. They usually rehearse on Tues. evenings and play on Christmas Eve, but they have been known to wear costumes and play fun songs at coffee houses! Contact Jan Chamberlin, if you have any questions.

Inner Voices Auditions

Inner Voices is Eliot Chapel’s a cappella women’s singing group. They rehearse on Saturday afternoons and sing in Sunday services several times a year. The music is learned by ear and by rote, so music reading is not a necessary skill. They are inspired by UU Ysaye Barnwell and her group, Sweet Honey in the Rock. Favorites include spirituals, world music, and songs of social justice.

Women who would like to try singing with Inner Voices are encouraged to attend rehearsals in the Music Room at Eliot beginning Sat., Aug. 23, from 1:00-2:30 p.m. Strong, solo voices are especially welcome. Contact Jan Chamberlin, if you have any questions.

–Jan Chamberlin, Music Director

Sympathy

Our sympathies to Teresa Reeves on the death of her father on July 3, 2008.

Religious Education (RE) News

Summer has been busy for the kids this year! Summer religious education has been wonderful, with our older elementary kids taking imaginary trips around the world with members of the congregation. The kids have been to Italy, Japan, Uganda, and Romania, and there are many more countries to come! The little ones and infants are enjoying stories and each other’s company. More than a dozen families pitched in to donate food and make lunches for kids in the SPROG program. We had a great time and proved that even our littlest members can help out and make a difference. Eliot’s summer camp will be held the first week in Aug. We will be exploring some Native American stories with a focus on the environment. It looks like it will be a great camp.

Here is the biggest news in RE: We need a total of 11 teachers for THIS FALL. We need to fill these positions so our kids will have fun and functional classrooms in which to explore our religion. If you haven’t yet signed up to teach or you have been reluctant in the past, this is the year we need you!!! Please contact Juliette Crone-Willis, if you have any questions or want to volunteer your time. – Juliette Crone-Willis

Religious Education Director

Calling All Eliot Parents!

Are you interested in enjoying some Saturday nights out this summer? The Family Support and Outreach committee is organizing a twice-monthly babysitting co-op in August (let us know if you are interested in continuing it into the fall). Parents take turns caring for kids at Eliot in exchange for childcare on the other Sat. nights. If your family is interested, contact Angie Bowland.

Congratulations!

Jeanne Wilke and Eric Olson were married in Santa Fe on June 18. Jeanne and Eric met at Eliot three years ago in the Monday night study group for A Course in Miracles.

Robin Kalina and Adam Bockhorst are happy to announce the birth of their daughter, Kate Allison, on May 12. She was 6 pounds, 2 ounces, and 19 inches. Big brother is Michael.

Summer Swimming Invitation

Parents and children are invited to swim on Wednesdays from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the pool of Pat Lee.  Pat has been opening her pool to Eliot Chapel friends and members for 20 years now.  Bring a snack or drink to share and RSVP to Pat Lee.  There is plenty of shade, a slide, a diving board for the adventuresome, and plenty of helping hands and eyes if you have more than one non-swimmer.  Babies are welcome.  It is a great time to get to know and bond with other adults and kids at Eliot.  We have fun!  Hope to see you there.

Housekeeping

Bergfried Cottage

If you use the Bergfried cottage, please be sure that the door is locked before you leave. If it is used by a group, the last person to leave the property should confirm that it is locked. Also, if you unlock the gate to the river road, be sure to relock it in such a way that ALL the locks are useable. We share the gate with UPRR, AmerenUE, and MoDOT, and it causes problems if they get locked out.

—Jim Lyon & Flo Reaves

New Committee Chairs

This summer, we will be updating the Information Guide. If you are a committee chair for the coming year, please take a minute to call or email the office to let them know. Also, look over the description of your committee that appears in the guide and send any changes to Mary at frontoffice@eliotchapel.org. Copies of the Information Guide are available in Visitors’ Corner.

Fun Committee

Would you like to help plan fun activities for the up-coming year at Eliot Chapel? If so, please get in touch with your new chairperson—Barb Crowley. We are meeting after Sunday services Sept. 7 at 12:30 p.m. in the library.

Reverends’ Summer Calendar

The Rev. Dr. Daniel Ó Connell and The Rev. Bonnie Vegiard will be back in the office and on a regular schedule on Friday, August 15. In the case of an emergency, the office is always able to reach the ministers.

Home for Futons

Have you noticed the swampy smell in the Junior High room? Well, the spring rains brought a little mildew our way, so we want to replace the comfy furniture with something less fragrant. If you have a futon, chair, or couch that you would like out of your house, please call the church office. We have a room just waiting for it.

Reserve Your Space Before It’s Taken

It’s time to complete room requests to make reservations for next year’s meetings and events. The calendar for 2008-2009 is being updated, so please check with your chair, facilitator, or leader about next year’s meetings and events. Please reserve space even if you “always” have had meetings or events at a particular time.

Call the church office to reserve your space or fill out a room reservation form found on the church office door.

Weekly Email Newsletter

Anyone interested in receiving a weekly email newsletter should send a message to admin@eliotchapel.org to be put on the new email list. Even if you have been receiving the email newsletter, please let us know because we are building an updated list.

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
					1	2
					9:00 a Friday Forum (Adams Hall)
3	4	5	6	7	8	9
10:00 a Service 8:45 a Bergfried Committee (Bergfried Room)	9:00 a-1:00 p RE Summer Camp 7:00 p Course in Miracles (Room 006)	9:00 a-1:00 p RE Summer Camp	9:00 a-1:00 p RE Summer Camp	9:00 a-1:00 p RE Summer Camp 5:00 p Room at the Inn	9:00 a-1:00 p RE Summer Camp 9:30 a Friday Forum (001) 7:00 p Meditative Crafting (001 & 002)