Our work is driven by Unitarian Universalist principles including

• The inherent worth and dignity of every person; 
• Justice, equity and compassion in human relations; 
• Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations; 
• A free and responsible search for truth and meaning; 
• The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large; 
• The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all; 
• Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. 

At Eliot, we create a community of deep relationships by working toward a more just society, dismantling racism, and improving the environment. Eliot's specific mission and goals can be found here. 

Our Mission:

The Social Justice Program will inspire and equip individuals and the congregation to work effectively for justice both locally and beyond. We will continue to be challenged by the teachings of Martin Luther King's vision of the beloved community:

"In the beloved community, poverty, hunger and homelessness will not be tolerated because international standards of human decency will not allow it. Racism and all forms of discrimination, bigotry and prejudice will be replaced by an all-inclusive spirit of sisterhood and brotherhood."

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
"Birth of a New Nation"
1957

JANUARY EVENTS

Vigil for Hope and Healing Tuesday, January 21 5:00 pm outside Eliot Since the killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson early in August 2014, members of Eliot Unitarian Chapel and people from the greater community have stood in a weekly vigil. Join us in front of Eliot Chapel as we side with love, for hope and healing.		UU the Vote Launch Sunday, January 12 3:00 pm in Adams Hall Join a nationwide Zoom meeting with the UUA! Get involved with this grassroots movement to support and promote UU values in the upcoming 2020 electoral campaign. Hear about the plan from UUA President Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray now!		Eliot Gardeners Most Wednesdays 10:00 am If you'd like to put a little sweat equity into Eliot Chapel, work alongside friends, and meet new people, please join the Eliot Gardeners on the grounds around the Chapel. They will be working through the winter as the weather allows. Email to sign up.
Martin Luther King Jr Day Musical Celebration Monday, January 20 Eliot Chapel will once again have a presence at this annual celebration at Kirkwood High School. Reach out in friendship to all attendees by volunteering some time at our information table or donating cookies. Purchase tickets during coffee hour on the Sundays prior to the event. Contact us with questions or to volunteer.		Room at the Inn Eliot Chapel is in its 26th year of involvement with Room at the Inn and its work to provide transportation, to cook and serve a hot meal, to host a bed and breakfast, and to do laundry every week. Would you like to volunteer in this fulfilling mission? Contact us!		Kirk Care Kirk Care is the food pantry serving those living in the Kirkwood R-7 School District. Eliot Chapel supports this cause. In addition to having two Eliot representatives on the Board of Kirkcare, Eliot continuously collects non-perishable food items for the Kirkcare pantry. New volunteers are always welcome! Get in touch!

See more of our recent and ongoing efforts here.

SHARING THE OFFERING

Eliot’s January offering will be shared with the Meacham Park Neighborhood Improvement Association (MNIA) and its scholarship program. In the southeastern corner of Kirkwood, just across Big Bend, sits the historic neighborhood of Meacham Park. With its strong ethnic identity, this community has struggled over the decades to preserve its heritage. The MNIA seeks to help improve the quality of life in the community by providing a forum for sharing information, connecting neighbors, promoting activities, and fostering civic involvement in its diverse community. The MNIA offers an opportunity for neighbors to bring forth their concerns and problems, providing direction and connecting them to resources for resolution of their issues. The Meacham Park Scholars Award is a merit-based college scholarship granted by the MNIA. It is awarded to an African American high school senior at Kirkwood High School who pursues academic excellence, school leadership, and a commitment to community service. 

We believe we can often work most effectively in partnership.