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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 Ofrenda.
Featured musicians: Carl Serbell, recorder; Laura Barrett, cello; Kristi Nigh and Elijah Zove, vocals; Matthew Hull, guitar; Beth Curtiss, Jan Chamberlin, songleaders; David Nalesnik, piano.
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a traditional fiesta in honor of the deceased that is celebrated in Mexico and other parts of Latin America on Nov. 1 and 2.
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The Neighbors Helping Neighbors Campaign for the Dunlap-Nutt Fund Is Live!
As the cost of living continues to rise, we invite you to continue your generous support for families in need. Stop by the Immigration Justice Team table in Adams Hall during coffee hour to learn about their progress and future plans, and find out how you can help!
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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.
LEARN MORE
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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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The group that meets on the third Wednesday now has two spots available. The Zoom group meets this week on Thursday, November 5 at 7:30 pm. You can sign up for both groups at the link below.
LEARN MORE
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We continue our new series in which our members and friends will hear from the ministers and staff. Look forward to news, background on current subjects, musings, invitations to dialogue, and more! This week, we hear from Rev. Dee Evans. | |
Recently, I was part of a group where we were invited to share three things about ourselves that we wanted others to know. What a delightful way to get to know one another! Imagine the energy that might fill Adams Hall during coffee hour if we asked each other this question – and truly listened to the answers.
But before you try this, I have two cautions.
First, someone you’ve just met might find such a personal question uncomfortable. So, be sure you know them enough to ask this question.
Second, answer truthfully, but thoughtfully!
As I sat with the question, I rehearsed my three answers in my head. I did just fine with the first one. Then, without warning, I blurted out, “Unitarian Universalism and our values are really important to me.”
The moment I heard myself say it, I cringed. I don’t usually blurt things out! Why had I said that when I know there are times I fall short of living up to those very values? I quickly rescued myself by adding, “I try to live them.”
After the group, I found myself chuckling at what I said. The fact that I’m not perfect is hardly news to anyone. And this means that I – being imperfect – cannot expect others to be perfect. If we remember to be kinder than we have to be to ourselves and to others, it is so much easier to get through an imperfect world with imperfect people.
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A Remarkable Gift
Dear Members and Friends,
It is with deep gratitude that we share news of a remarkable gift. Our beloved Paula Fulks left a generous bequest of $70,000 to Eliot Chapel in her will.
Paula was a faithful member of this community, and her generosity reflects the love she showed us throughout her life. We give thanks for her presence among us and for this lasting gift to our ministry.
In keeping with the church’s stewardship practices, $65,000 will be placed in our Endowment Fund, where it will support our mission and ministries for years to come. The remaining $5,000 will be directed to Immigration Justice, a cause that was close to Paula’s heart and a passion she lived out with conviction.
Paula’s example invites each of us to reflect on the legacy we hope to leave. If you feel called, we gently invite you to consider including Eliot Chapel in your own will or estate plans. Please contact Director of Business Administration India Braddock at admin@eliotchapel.org to learn more. There is no pressure, only an open door.
Let us give thanks for her life and legacy. May we honor her memory by carrying forward the love and justice she cared so deeply about.
With gratitude,
Rev. Krista Taves
Lead Minister
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VOTE!
Need to get a ride to the polls? The Eliot Chapel Ride Team can drive you to and from the polling place of your choice. Rides are available for early voting and on Election Day. For more information, email the UUtheVote team.
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Celebrate Día de los Muertos with IJT!
Join the Immigration Justice Team at the History Museum on Saturday, November 7, at 10:30 am to explore the beautiful tradition of Día de los Muertos, which honors loved ones who have passed away. We’ll take a guided tour of the colorful altars, and some of the artists will share the stories behind their altars and explain the tradition.
And there’s more! Stay to enjoy a full day of activities for all ages, including music and dance performances, arts and crafts, food, and children’s activities. See the full program here: Día de los Muertos at the History Museum.
Want to carpool? Sign up here. Or meet us in the museum’s main hall at 10:30 am. We hope you’ll join us!
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Your Quilts Are Wanted
The Sunday before Thanksgiving is a special celebration at Eliot. It is our Bread Service. Families bring in a favorite bread to share during the service. The Chapel is decorated with quilts that are brought in by Eliot members and friends. Do you have a quilt you would like to share? Bring your quilt to the church office. Be sure to label your quilt and anything you use to protect the quilt with your name and telephone number. If your quilt has a story, please include it with the quilt when you turn it in. All quilts need to be turned into the office by Tuesday, November 17. The quilts will hang in the Chapel for our November 22 and November 29 church services. The quilts will come down after the church service on November 29. If you don’t pick them up on that day, we will leave them in the office for you to pick up at your earliest convenience.
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Thanksgiving Celebration and Potluck Supper at Eliot Chapel
There will be a Thanksgiving celebration and potluck supper at Eliot Chapel on Thursday, November 26, for Eliot families and singles. Doors will open at 4:00 pm and the celebration will begin in Adams Hall at 5:00 pm.
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Please indicate that you will attend by putting your name on the signup sheet located on the hallway bulletin board by Sunday, November 23. Participants are asked to bring a dish to share. If enough people sign up we will order a turkey and gravy. Email thanksgiving@eliotchapel.org for more information.
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SPARC in November
SPARC (Spiritual and Progressive Adults’ Recreational Collective) is where busy, Unitarian Universalist spiritual seekers come together for good vibes. Join us for our November SPARC events:
• DIPSGIVING on Sunday, November 8 from 4-6:00 pm in Adams Hall. Please bring a dip (and dippers) that represents your ethnicity, community, or that have good vibes connected to share. Homemade or store bought welcome.
• Coffee/Brunch at The Pioneer Cafe on Sunday, November 15 at 11:15 am.
RSVP at sparc@eliotchapel.org, Facebook event, sign-ups in Adams Hall, or just show up! These events are family friendly.
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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. Or see us in Adams Hall after services on November 1, 8, and 15. Sir Eliot thanks you!
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Parents Night Out
We had a lot of fun at October's Parents night out! Twelve kiddos and six adults played games, snacked, colored, and enjoyed each other's company. A good time was had by all!
The November PNO is the Saturday after Thanksgiving. We do not have anyone signed up to volunteer, or bring their kids in November yet.
If we don’t have enough volunteers or kids sign up by November 21, we will cancel.
You can find full details here.
Family Sign-up
Volunteer Sign-up
Questions? Email parentsnight@eliotchapel.org.
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Holiday Boutique Looking for Vendors/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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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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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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Reminder: Deadlines and Guidelines for Communications
The deadline for This Week at Eliot is each Wednesday at noon. To submit items, please use the email address TWAE@eliotchapel.org. This will assure that your information gets where it needs to go and ultimately to the whole Eliot family! View our Communication Guidelines here.
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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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Geek Squad Support Available
Tech got you down? The Geek Squad is available for support on Sunday in the library after the first service. Help us help you by bringing the device you would like us to work with and your Realm and email passwords.
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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.
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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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Women’s Connection Meets This Sunday!
Please use your extra hour from the clocks falling back to join us this Sunday at 2:00 pm in Room 001! We will honor Samhain and will be “Seeking and Sharing Wisdom.”
No need to register, just show up! (And bring a friend!)
We had a great turnout for our first meeting in October. We now have a mission statement (see our webpage) and Covenant! Because of the holidays, we will meet the first Sunday of the month in November and December and will be back to meeting the third Sunday in January 2027.
Questions? Email womensconnection@eliotchapel.org.
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Women's Alliance
Women's Alliance will meet Tuesday, November 3 at 9:45 am in Adams Hall for a discussion of the book A Marriage at Sea: A True Story of Love, Obsession, and Shipwreck by Sophie Elmhirst. The dicussion will be lead by Sue Blandford.
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After the Election
The stakes in the 2026 midterm election are pretty high for us. There’s lots on the ballot that could change our lives and the lives of those we care about. You’re warmly welcomed to a post-election hangout on Wednesday, November 4 beginning at 7:00 pm. Bring snacks! Let’s gather as a community and reflect on our experience and what we’ve learned about ourselves and our country from the election results. You can also join us on Zoom where Rev. Dee will be hosting that portion of our gathering. See the Sunday morning "Eliot on Zoom" email for links to that.
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Transitions Support Group
The Transitions Support Group is for anyone who is experiencing a significant life transition. Meetings take place on the first and third Thursdays of the month, 7:00 to 8:30 pm, and are facilitated by Carl Serbell and Lou Salvin. The next meeting is November 5 in Room 006. Please email transitions@eliotchapel.org if you want to learn more.
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SPARC Dipsgiving – November 8
Thanksgiving Day Potluck – November 26
Annual Holiday Boutique – December 6
Trivia Night – April 9
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Sunday, November 8 – 9:45 & 11:15 am
Healing Our Divisions, Together – Rev. Krista Taves
Some of us are celebrating, some are grieving, and some are just grateful the yard signs are coming down. All of it belongs in this room. Come mourn the losses, cheer the wins, and mend what got frayed. We may not agree on everything, but we still share a pew.
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