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Sunday, October 25 – 9:45 & 11:15 am
When Courage Gets Loud – Rev. Krista Taves
Sometimes a small step won't cut it. Some moments demand big, bold, knees-knocking faith. Come discover what to do when life says "go," and your legs say "absolutely not."
Featured Musicians: Eliot Chapel Choir
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Dunlap-Nutt Family Ministry – Compassion in Action
Collection for Home Essentials
This month our most needed items are still feminine hygiene pads for teens, laundry detergent for sensitive skin, Huggies size 7 diapers, and pull-ups size 5-6. The donation bin is in Adams Hall beneath the table to the right of the library. Donations are collected and delivered weekly. Thank you for your continuing kindness and care!
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Adult Enrichment Programming Is Here
Adult Enrichment has many offerings this year, both new and classic. Join us for programs in November!
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Final group this season meets November 11
Death Cafe is an opportunity to discuss ideas, thoughts, concerns, or feelings about death so that we might live life more fully.
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Groups meet at Eliot and via Zoom!
NEW! Common Ground Covenant Groups are designed for new members and friends who are ready for the covenant group experience. They are one of the best ways to explore your spirituality, experience Unitarian Universalism in action, make friends, and serve the community.
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This article begins a series in which our members and friends will hear from the ministers and staff on a regular basis. Look forward to news, background on current subjects, musings, invitations to dialogue, and more! Rev. Krista begins the series. | |
If you’ve come to Sunday services, you will know that Eliot Chapel is working hard to help defeat Amendment 3 which would reinstate the abortion ban in Missouri. Our members have been handing out yard signs, holding postcard parties, canvassing, phone banking, and organizing rides to the polls. We have multiple NO on 3 signs in the front yard and our electric sign is offering inspirational messages witnessing to abortion as a moral, faithful, and ethical choice.
You’d think it would be an easy thing for me to put a NO on 3 sign in my front yard. I have preached on the morality of abortion many times. I was part of the clergy plaintiff group that sued the State of Missouri on the constitutionality of its abortion ban. For years I’ve provided spiritual counseling for those considering abortion. I’ve stood in front of abortion clinics in my clergy shirt taking abuse from anti-abortion protesters to shield the patients visiting the clinic.
But a sign in my yard? I live in a very conservative small town on the Meramec River. I was afraid that my signs would tell my neighbors to vote the opposite of what I wanted.
This year, I made a different choice. My neighbors know who I am now and I know who they are. They are going to vote how they vote. If they were going to stop being my friend because of my views they would have done it by now. However, the signs do send a message to neighbors who are not public about their support for abortion that they are not alone.
Also, the park down the street is a favorite of hikers, cyclists, and kayakers. Visitors have to drive by our home to reach the park. Instead of worrying about my neighbors, maybe I should be using our front yard to speak to a much larger audience. I felt nervous putting my signs out, but I feel more confident every day that I made the right choice.
If we are to defeat Amendment 3, it’s going to take all of us engaging in these little acts of courage. What act of courage might be calling you? No act of courage is too little and it’s definitely more than nothing.
Yours in faith and love,
Rev. Krista
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Welcome to India Braddock,
Our New Director of Business Administration
Rev. Krista announced the hiring of our new DBA this week. Welcome, India Braddock! You can read Krista’s announcement and India’s introduction here.
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Post-Election Gathering
It is good to be together in celebration or in sorrow. Eliot Chapel will host a post-election gathering on Wednesday, November 4 at 7:00 pm in Adams Hall and on Zoom. You are invited to come be in community. More details to follow.
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UU the Vote
On November 1, the UUtheVote team will be hosting Donuts for Democracy between both services. There will also be a banner to sign to encourage people to vote! So come have a donut and sign our banner because "we can all agree on the importance of voting." —Jenna Bush
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Eliot Exchange
Eliot Exchange was established in 2022. We want to remind you that this is available! The Eliot Exchange is a community-based forum for sharing items, services, and suggestions among a group of people you know and trust. It is designed to be a safe place to buy, sell, swap, and barter among Eliot friends and members only. There are currently 31 participants. If you are interested in joining this group, contact eliotexchange@eliotchapel.org and we will register you as a participant, or click HERE to locate the group in Realm and join the group there.
Kathy Becker & Mary Meihaus
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Bidding Farewell
We are drawing nearer to Brian Franklin's departure as our Director of Business Administration. Many of you are asking how to contribute towards a gift for Brian. We have been collecting money and plan to provide him a cash gift to support his transition back to Illinois. You can drop donations in the front office.
Many of you would like to contribute by credit/debit card or check. You are welcome to mail checks to Eliot Chapel (address below) with "Staff appreciation fund" in the memo line. We have also set up an online donation option here. We would like to offer Brian his gift on his final day, October 31, 2026, so please submit your gift as soon as possible.
Please stop by the stand in Adams Hall on Sunday and sign the card for Brian if you haven't already.
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Madrigal Is Coming!
Reservations are now open for this year's Renaissance Madrigal & Christmas Rout to be held December 3, 4 & 5! Make your reservations online and find more information about the event HERE.
Please join the Madrigal Village and volunteer for Madrigal 2026! Have fun, meet people, and support Eliot in one of its largest fundraisers of the year! Click for the volunteer opportunities, then please email madrigal@eliotchapel.org to volunteer. Sir Eliot thanks you!
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Ring With Us on Christmas Eve!
Calling all handbell players and those who want to learn - the Chalice Chimes Handbell Choir is recruiting! We are a team percussion ensemble, and we work together to play melody & harmony on Eliot’s beautiful set of handbells every year during the Christmas Eve services. The Chalice Chimes is proud to be an intergenerational ensemble, and we welcome adults plus children & youth in 4th grade and older. We’re looking for one or two more people - and we’d love for one of them to be you! There is no audition. Ability to read music is helpful but not required. As long as you can keep a steady beat, count to four, and follow directions, we will teach you what you need to know. We will rehearse on Thursdays from November 5 through December 17 (except Thanksgiving Day, of course) from 7-8:30 pm, and we’ll play in the 5:00 pm and 6:30 pm Christmas Eve services. If you’re interested, please contact Beth Curtiss at handbells@eliotchapel.org.
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Eliot’s Chalice Choir
All children and youth are welcome! Dates for the Fall 2026 performance are:
Rehearsal Dates: October 25, November 1, November 8
Rehearsal Time: 9:00-9:30 AM in Room 001, lower level
Performance: November 8, 2026, Prelude for Worship Service
Children need to be able to read the lyrics OR have the commitment of someone who can help them memorize the words to the songs. The worship band will accompany the choir for this performance. Please indicate interest to Nancy Spargo and Melinda Monroe at chalicechoir@eliotchapel.org by October 23, 2026.
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Calling All Eliot Artists!
The Annual Holiday Boutique will be held on December 6 after both services. Last year was a hit with lots of great artists selling their wares, like Christmas decorations, painted wine glasses, lamps and jewelry. As a part of a fundraiser, artists are asked to donate 50% of their profits to Eliot Chapel. Sign up on the bulletin board outside Adams Hall.
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Adams Hall Rental – Privacy Please
On Monday evenings at Eliot Chapel, we are hosting an outside support group in Adams Hall from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. This group has requested privacy during its meetings so we ask anyone using the building on Monday evenings to refrain from visiting Adams Hall. You may use the nursery school hallway to access the rest of the building. Thank you for your consideration.
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October 23-25
Women's Weekend at Bergfried is a relaxed weekend of just being together. Come for the whole weekend, one night, or during the day on Saturday. Come make a new friend!
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Another Parents Night Out!
The Parents Night Out in September was a great success! Caregivers and kids had a great time. We're doing it again on Saturday, October 24 from 5:30 to 8:30 pm.
Parents: Sign up your kids, and make some fun plans for yourself! Sign up here
If needed, we will open the nursery this month.
Do you want to get to know some kids at Eliot? Do you miss having little people in your life? Please volunteer here to have some fun with some great kiddos!
Email us at parentsnight@eliotchapel.org for questions or more information.
Learn More.
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Eliot Families, Get Ready for Some Halloween Fun!
We’re excited to announce our next Family Ministry Fall event: Halloween Trick-or-Treat! The picnic was a great success, and we look forward to gathering again for a morning of treats, costumes, and community.
Halloween Trick-or-Treat
Sunday, October 25
11:00 AM (following the first service)
Adams Hall
Children are encouraged to wear their favorite costume and trick-or-treat around Adams Hall. Volunteers will host tables and hand out nut-free candy. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with other Eliot families and celebrate together. We hope you will join us!
If you would like to help with setup, and/or host a table, please sign up here: Eliot Chapel Trick-or-Treat Volunteer. We need a couple more volunteers for setup assistance. If you have youth who would like to help host a youth group table, we would love to have them participate! If you have any questions, please reach out to Anna Beck, our Family Ministry Coordinator, at abeck@eliotchapel.org.
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Quiet Connection Group: An Alternative to Coffee Hour
Sunday at 11:00 am in Room 105
Is the socialization experience in Adams Hall difficult for you? Do you find it hard to make small talk especially with all the background noise? Come try out Eliot Chapel’s Quiet Connection Group. Its purpose is to get to know one another in a quiet, safe, healthy and non-threatening way. Talking/sharing is optional – you can just listen if you want to. Questions? Email quietconnection@eliotchapel.org. Facilitated by member Kurt Bauer.
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Mindfulness Meditation
Meet each week on Sunday in Room 006 at 12:30 pm for weekly meditation sessions in the Vipassana tradition of Buddhism, including short talks on teachings relevant to the practice of mindfulness. Previous experience is not required. Come as you are available; registration is not required.
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Welcome Team Training
There will be an annual Welcome Team Training October 25 from 12:45-1:45 pm in Room 001 for all Welcome Team Members. If you are a member of Eliot, new Welcome Team members are invited. Please contact welcome@eliotchapel.org if you would like to find out more about our team.
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Women's Alliance
Women's Alliance will meet for lunch Tuesday, October 27 at 11:30 am at Lona's Lil Eats in Kirkwood. Please meet us at the restaurant, or if you want to car pool, meet at Eliot at 11:15 am. We'll walk in Kirkwood Park after lunch.
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Immigration Justice Team Quarterly Convening!
Keeping up with everything happening on immigration issues can be a challenge! At our first quarterly Immigration Justice Team convening on Tuesday, October 27 at 7:00 pm (in person or on Zoom), we’ll provide an overview of current immigration-related activities in the St. Louis area and nationally. We’ll also share updates on our completed, ongoing, and upcoming projects.
There are opportunities for everyone to get involved, whether you have a little time to offer or want to take on a larger role. Join us to learn more, connect with others, and find a way to make a difference!
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Thanksgiving Day Potluck – November 26
Annual Holiday Boutique – December 6
Trivia Night – April 9
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Sunday, November 1 – 9:45 & 11:15 am
Día de los Muertos – Rev. Krista Taves & Jaslin Ahuactzi
Remembering, Healing. Grief doesn't vanish when we ignore it. Our Mexican friends know this well: they set a place at the table, light the candles, and tell the stories. Join us as we honor those we've lost, laugh through tears, and discover that remembering can be where healing begins. Bring a photo or item that reminds you of a loved one. Please bring your items at least 15 minutes before the start of the service and place them on the Offrenda.
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