January 2015 Our Mission Eliot Chapel, a Unitarian Universalist community, gathers to foster free religious thought, nurture spiritual growth, and act for social justice. Eliot Unitarian Chapel 100 South Taylor Ave. Kirkwood, MO 63122-4310 314.821.0911 Sunday Worship 9:30 and 11:00 am Office Hours Monday - Friday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Sunday 9:00 am to 1:00 pm The Newsletter of Eliot Unitarian Chapel Report from the Ferguson Conversations I want to thank each of you who participated in one (or both!) of our two conversations about Ferguson and Eliot’s racial justice work. More than 50 participated the first week, and around 40 the second. We enlisted some very capable facilitators: Allison Ricks, Mary Meihaus, Ellen Duncan, Ted Lau and Kelly Avant. We were led by Claire Wyneken, who designed our process. I would also like to thank members of both the Social Justice team and ourEliot for all their work in putting this on. We asked people to state what they wanted the leadership of Eliot to know going forward. While some expressed weariness, several expressed the wish for Eliot to continue this work, expanded to other forms like advocacy, education and service. We are looking into a variety of ways to further this conversation. Some have asked for help in talking to friends and family. See the list in this newsletter of upcoming opportunities from the Social Justice Team, and for a special weekend of training from our MidAmerica Regional staff. If you are so inspired, write to the team at [email protected] or stop by their table after worship on Sunday. We also asked people to reflect on their recent experience through the lens of our seven Unitarian Universalist principles. Which of our principles has guided you at this time? Which has been the most challenging for you? And finally, we asked people to listen and speak, conscious of the promises this congregation has made to each other through our covenant. None were easy things. When I debriefed with our facilitators, each of them said you were magnificent together. Many participants were deeply emotional – yet all the while respectful of others and deeply engaged. You took risks. Many people reported feeling they had been heard, which was one of our biggest goals. Of the principles cited, most talked about the guidance – and challenge – of “affirming the worth and dignity of every person,” including those whose actions they don’t sanc- tion, and those who disagree with them. People asked each other what terms like “black lives matter” mean to them, and why they have protested. Some shared that criticism of policing was difficult because of family members in law enforcement. Clearly there have been painful parts for people at all different points on the opinion spectrum. This takes so much courage, friends. Every Unitarian Universalist congregation I know, including Eliot Chapel, has expressed a wish to make a difference in the world, to be out in the community, and be less “inwardly focused.” Two years ago, when I was first meeting you all, people expressed these kinds of longings to me. In fact, two of the five ends (goals) that you crafted after Leap of Faith Rev. Barbara Gadon, Lead Minister email: [email protected]Greenleaves Continued on page 2
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January 2015
Our Mission
Eliot Chapel, a
Unitarian Universalist
community, gathers
to foster free
religious thought,
nurture spiritual
growth, and act for
social justice.
Eliot Unitarian Chapel
100 South Taylor Ave.
Kirkwood, MO
63122-4310
314.821.0911
Sunday Worship 9:30 and 11:00 am
Office Hours
Monday - Friday
9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Sunday
9:00 am to 1:00 pm
The Newsletter of Eliot Unitarian Chapel
Report from the Ferguson Conversations I want to thank each of you who participated in one (or both!) of
our two conversations about Ferguson and Eliot’s racial justice
work. More than 50 participated the first week, and around 40 the
second. We enlisted some very capable facilitators: Allison Ricks,
Mary Meihaus, Ellen Duncan, Ted Lau and Kelly Avant. We
were led by Claire Wyneken, who designed our process. I would
also like to thank members of both the Social Justice team and ourEliot for all their
work in putting this on.
We asked people to state what they wanted the leadership of Eliot to know going
forward. While some expressed weariness, several expressed the wish for Eliot to
continue this work, expanded to other forms like advocacy, education and service. We
are looking into a variety of ways to further this conversation. Some have asked for help
in talking to friends and family. See the list in this newsletter of upcoming opportunities
from the Social Justice Team, and for a special weekend of training from our
MidAmerica Regional staff. If you are so inspired, write to the team at
Eliot Chapel welcomes our newest members, who recently signed the membership book:
Marta Gray & Ben Herzon Cayla & Nathan Suter
Dale & John Lintzenich
Young singers from the Children's Chalice Choir embarked on their annual caroling event on Sunday, Dec. 14 at Bethesda Gardens retire-ment center in Kirkwood. Thanks to the parents for making this possible! Pictured: Aaron Gibson, Sam Peeler, Molly Carney, Music Director Jan Chamberlin, Peyton Woldridge & Kate Bockhorst.
Film and Discussion: “Elegy to Connie” Using stop-motion animation, the film “Elegy to
Connie” offers several perspectives on the Kirkwood
City Council shooting and is a loving tribute to
Councilwoman Connie Karr. Director Sarah Paulsen
will present her film; it has long been her dream to
share this film with Kirkwood.
“Elegy to Connie”
Friday, Jan. 16
7:00 pm in Adams Hall
UU Mid America Region Presents
Intercultural Competency: Who Are Our Neighbors? in St. Louis, Missouri
You are invited to this workshop, where you will learn about the Development Model of Inter-cultural Sensitivity. The DMIS posits that we have the ability to learn how to be more intercul-turally competent--that we go through stages of ability and attitudes, and that we have the ability to increase our abilities. It provides tools for learning in order to advance your compe-tency. The model is about the "differences that make a difference" in every setting--whether that be race, class, culture, gender, sexual orientation, or any other difference that might be key in our interactions. The training builds on itself, so it is crucial to be able to attend the Friday night, Saturday day-time and Saturday evening components. There will be a pre-workshop reading assignment as well. When: January 23-24, 2015 6:30- 9:00 on Friday night and 8:30 - 5:30/7:00- 8:30 on Saturday Where: First Unitarian Church, St. Louis, Missouri Registration fee: $30 registration includes snacks, Saturday breakfast & lunch (dinner is on your own) Facilitated by: Lisa Presley and Ian Evison, Mid America Congregational Life Consultants For more information and to register: Go to http://www.firstuustlouis.org/news/2014/12/5/intercultural-competency-workshop For registration questions: Contact Lynn Hunt, Credentialed Religious Educator, First Unitarian Church, St. Louis, Missouri (314-361-0595 ext 25 or [email protected] )
We know it’s the week between Christmas and New Year’s. We know you’re probably busy with lots of year-end activities. But the Social Justice Team has been busy putting together several upcoming opportunities for you to learn about issues that mat-ter to you --- and work for change. We hope you’ll take a few minutes now to put some of these dates on your January 2015 calendar. We welcome your participation!
On Wednesday, Jan. 7 Metropolitan Congregations United, of which Eliot is a member, is helping to organize a Lobby Day in Jefferson City to rally for Medicaid expansion and racial justice. Buses will leave the Ethical Society at 7:30 am and return at 5:30 pm. If you’re interested in participating in this powerful “First-Day-of-the-Session” rally, you must register. Email
[email protected], and we’ll give you more information about the day and tell you how to register.
On Friday, Jan. 9, at 7:00 pm in Adams Hall, we will show the third film in our Remembering James Reeb Film Series. “Traces of the Trade: A Story from the Deep North,” is an Emmy-nominated PBS documentary about a powerful slave-trading family from Rhode Island. When filmmaker Katrina Browne discovers that her New England ancestors were the largest slave-trading family in U.S. history, she organizes a family trip to retrace the Triangle Trade and gain powerful new perspectives on the black/white divide.
“A stunning documentary! ‘Traces of the Trade’ is eye-opening and important, digging deeper than what may be comfortable into what stands in the way of race relations in this country.”
~Joanne Ostrow, The Denver Post
As you know, the Tuesday Night Vigils for Hope and Healing have been on hiatus. From the steamy nights of August into the frigid dark nights of December, we stood for racial justice on our corner for 19 weeks in a row. Many, many thanks to all the steadfast participants in these weekly vigils. At 6:00 pm on Tuesday, Jan. 20, we will once again take up our places on Eliot’s front lawn in silent vigil for racial justice. Then we’ll come into the sanctuary for a service of words, songs and quiet. This will be a chance for us to rededicate ourselves to a variety of work going forward. We hope all 120 people who have attended the vigils over the past 19 weeks will join together for Vigil #20. (Contact [email protected] if you have questions.)
On Saturday, January 24, from 9:00 - 11:00 am in Adams Hall, a panel of experts will give us the inside scoop on the major social justice legislation to be addressed by the Missouri General Assem-bly in 2015. Areas include education, racial justice and Ferguson, Medicaid expansion, and income disparity. Get the details you’ll need to be informed and to take action as these issues move through the session.
Lobby Day in Jefferson City – Wednesday, Jan. 7
Remembering James Reeb Film Series – Friday, Jan. 9
Expanded Vigil for Hope & Healing – Tuesday, Jan. 20
2015 Legislative Forum – Saturday, Jan. 24
Page 9 www.eliotchapel.org
Members of the Social Justice Team were awed, humbled, and inspired by the tremendous participation in the Ferguson December Discussions, sponsored by ourEliot on December 7 and 14. To have close to 100 people – almost 20% of the congregation -- give up two hours on a Sunday afternoon in the busiest month of the year is a real testimony to this congregation’s commitment to listening to each other with respect and compassion. We feel honored to be in your midst! We feel excited about how much we can accom-plish working together, as we move toward a world in which the inherent worth and dignity of every person is fully recognized.
We encourage you to stop by the Social Justice table after a service to share your thoughts with us. We want to hear your ideas. And we can suggest lots of ways for you to be involved in Eliot’s ongoing social justice work.
Do you like to write letters to the editor? Can you help with Meacham Park’s MLK Day Celebration? Do you want to know more about pending legislation in Jeff City? How about volunteering as a municipal court observer? Would you like to try your hand at lobbying? Do you like watching stimulating films with friends and then discussing them? Want to join a multi-racial “Bridges” group? Are you willing to put an “I Support Medicaid Expansion” sign in your yard? Want to attend a “Mother 2 Mother” event? Are you interested in the spring series “Becoming Powerful Allies”? Want to help out with a national black youth leadership summit in April?
If the tasks seem daunting and the volunteer pool small, remember what Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”
Celebrate winter at Bergfried during upcoming events, both at Eliot and Bergfried. All members and friends are welcome. We particularly encour-age those who have not been to the property before to consider attend-ing the day trip to get to know Eliot's 700-acre retreat near Hermann, Missouri. See you there! Winter Warmup Potluck Dinner: Saturday, Jan. 24 in Adams Hall,
starting at 6:30 pm, sponsored by the Bergfried Team. Bring a favorite dish to share, and enjoy some camara-derie. We’ll offer a fire circle featuring Eliot musicians (bring your instruments!) and a slide show of recent Bergfried events. Nature crafts for all ages will be offered. Sign-up sheets are on the Eliot bulletin board or contact [email protected]. Please let us know if you are bringing a main dish, side or dessert.
Day Trip: Even in the deep midwinter there is plenty to see and do at Bergfried. Mike Kinney will lead the first trip of the year on Saturday, Jan. 10. An optional guided hike or two will be offered, but feel free to come out and do your own thing or do nothing! Bring sturdy shoes and provisions for the day. Meet at the Eliot Chapel parking lot at 8:00 am to caravan or carpool or at the Bergfried cottage at 10 am (note these earlier-than-usual times). Please contact Shawn Cummings at [email protected] to RSVP or for more information. ~Shawn Cummings, for the Bergfried Team
Save the Date! The Partner Church Link is having a Hungarian Dinner in Adams Hall
on Saturday, Feb. 7 at 6:00 pm. A delicious main dish, appetizer and bread will be provided. People attending will be asked to bring a side
dish or dessert and Hungarian recipes will be provided if you wish. We are planning entertainment and also hope to have pictures or video of our new partner minister (Sandor Kiss) and his family. We will talk
(briefly!) about the Partner Church program and plans for the future. Childcare will be provided if enough people sign up for it. The deadline to request child-care is Saturday, Jan. 31. Look for the Partner Church table in Adams Hall on three Sundays -
January 18, 25 and February 1 to buy tickets and to pick up recipes. Email [email protected] if you have any questions.
~Beth Rossow, Chair
The Book Fair is coming! March 20, 21 and 22
We are still accepting used books;
you can drop them off in the library.
There will be three book sortings
held on January 10, February 21,
and March 14. If you can help, we start at
9:30 am in rooms 001 and 002 on the lower
level of the nursery school building.
Welcome Eliot Grandbabies!
Congratulations to Dick and Cindy Haynes, who welcomed a second grandson on November 17. Son Ben and his wife Betsey live in Kansas City with their 3-year-old Jack and newborn William Brigham Haynes. Congratulations to proud grandparents Bruce and Trish Williams. Madison Graham was born on November 18 to Jason and Katie Graham. Madison lives in Wilmington, NC with her parents and her big brother, Hunter.
2015 Women's Weekend Planning Begins in January Meetings scheduled for 12:30 on January 11 and January 25 in Room 005 As a result of a survey taken at the last Women's Weekend, Toddhall Retreat Center in Columbia, IL, has been selected again to host WW on April 24-April 26, 2015. On Sunday, Jan. 11 we will be holding an open Women’s Weekend meeting. We are looking for people who would like to be on the following committees:
Publicity Carpooling Icebreaker games and Clan Assignments at lunch Welcome and Sunday Worship Name Button Table White Elephant Sale Name tags for participants Signage for workshops and signs for directions to Toddhall Workshops Massage Therapist assistance - unloading and set-up Please bring your ideas for workshops and contacts for workshop leaders. If you are interested in helping with the Women’s Weekend please plan to attend. If you can't be there please email either Karen Gottschalk or Cindi Gille-Rowley at [email protected].
Warmest Thanks to Everyone Who Helped to Ring in the Holiday Season at the 39th Annual Madrigal!
To the Eliot Chapel Office Staff, especially Terri Burtin, Charles Lewis, Myron Simms & Jamacia Stanfield;
To Those Who Gave Extra-Generously of Their Time & Talents: Carolyn Burke, Denise Maue Dreyfus, Bill Engel, Tom Gayer, Cindi Gille-Rowley, Bonnie Kwentus & Todd Stark; Playwrights Jim Gottschalk & Mark Rowley; Not-Ready-for-Reformation Players Elitta DeArmond, Sara Fleming, Sara Hussain, Maggie Maloney, Tripp Narup, Jeremy Patterson & Chris Rowley; Greenleaf Singers; Recorder Players of the St. Louis Madrigal Consort; and
To the Wonderful Castle Workers & Volunteers, Without Whom There Would Not Be a Madrigal: Heather Bechtel, Marge Bergfeld, Sue Blandford, Dino Bogatelas, Dot Brownfield, Becky & Bill Coalson, Betsey Comfort, Linda Cook, David Cox, Linda Cummings, Jo Ann Drake, Dan Dreyfus, Marilyn Fallert, Charlie & Marie Fogleman, Jennifer & Matt Husky, Ronnie Kahn, Lori Kesler, Jan Kilgen, Linda Korinek, Sydney Korinek Fuchs, Ann Lemon, Dale & John Lintzerich, Helen McIntosh, Anne & Mara Meneely, Jerry Messer, Bob & Mary Meihaus, Barb & Bart Natoli, Michelle Peeler, Ann Petlin, Jordi Prats, Jim & Sue Reed, Annie Russell, Nancy Russell, Liz Sale, Chris Schwartz, Ava & Julie Smith, Janet Solecki, Dotty Storer, Judy Tisdale, Jo Tiemann, Pat Victor, Irmgard Voss, Klara Weis, Lisa & Owen Wilhelms, Doris Yohe; and To All who attended as Guests, who invited Guests, and anyone whose name has inad-vertently been left off this list due to circumstances beyond our control!
~Karen Gottschalk & Ken Denson, 2014 Madrigal Co-Chairs