greenleaves -...
TRANSCRIPT
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
Greenleaves Board of Trustees Steve Mennerick, Chair
Jordi Prats, Chair-elect Gary Gray, Treasurer
Louise Bradshaw, Secretary
Sheryl Foster
Cindy Lau Holly Little
Bruce MacKenzie
Eliot Chapel Clergy Rev. Barbara Gadon
Lead Minister Rev. Dr.
Michael Hennon Minister of Pastoral Care
Rev. John Robinson
Minister Emeritus
Eliot Chapel Staff Scott Stewart Director of Religious Education
Christie Lee Asst. Dir. Religious Education
Jan Chamberlin Music Director
Dr. Leon Burke III Choir Director
Pianists: Sue Goldford
Dr. David Nalesnik
Charles Lewis Administrator
Jamacia Stanfield Administrative Assistant
Terri Burtin Communications Specialist
Myron Simms Facilities Assistant
Ed Liebman Sunday Custodian
Page 2
Eliot Unitarian Chapel is named in honor of William Greenleaf Eliot (1811–1887),
founder of Washington University, who brought Unitarianism and
a progressive civic spirit to the American West.
In Sympathy
Our condolences to Eliot families who have lost loved ones recently:
Barbara Redmond, wife of David Snetsinger, and their families. David died on Sunday, Nov. 23.
Denise Mussman and family. Denise’s 98-year-old grandmother, Velma Loomis, of Coffeyville, KS died on December 2.
Sarah Reutter and family. Sarah’s sister, Mary Schulz, died peacefully on December 9 in San Antonio, TX .
Dan Dreyfus and family. Dan’s mother, Pauline Dreyfus, died on December 10 at the age of 93, after a long illness.
Jan Erdman and family. Jan’s husband, longtime Eliot member Bill Erdman, died on Sunday, Dec. 14.
Kim, Doug, Erik and Elayna Swenson and family. Kim’s stepmother, Patsy Conry, died peacefully on December 23 after a sudden illness.
hours of discussion, are about working for justice and making our Unitarian Universalist
values known in the community. Now, suddenly, you’re doing it – on a wider scale than
you have in a long time. It’s a lot to absorb. Church feels different. Given an issue as
emotionally challenging as race, it’s going to be messy and uncomfortable at times. But
so worthwhile. Let me share with you a note I received from the Rev. Cynthia
Landrum, minister of the UU Church of East Liberty, in Jackson, Michigan:
It's impossible for your church to really see what their ministry has
meant to not only your colleagues but our churches as well. You've
been a touchstone and a beacon to all of us.
Thank you for your willingness to do this hard, but deeply worthy ministry with me.
In Faith,
Barbara
Leap of Faith, continued from page 1
The Rev. Cynthia Landrum, of Jackson, Michigan, collected letters
from UU ministers, expressing their gratitude for the work of our
St. Louis congregations and ministers these past four months.
Through social media, we have inspired thousands of UUs all over
the country. Click here to read and enjoy.
Page 3 www.eliotchapel.org
From the Minister of Pastoral Care The Rev. Dr. Michael Hennon
Being, Seeing and Remembering
It is still the beginning of January, and I’ve got great plans.
~ Annie Dillard
The other day someone remembered I said in a
sermon that Edwin Lemp kept exotic animals in
Emmenegger Park, a favorite place of mine. I didn’t
remember, but I believed him when he said I said it.
Sometimes—a lot of the time actually—our words
have an impact far beyond what we know, remember
or intend. It can be both positive and negative. Words
can hurt. The hurt may last for a long time. And we
might not even know we did so. Or words are forgot-
ten—but not forgotten by others.
When I talk about the people our Pastoral Care Asso-
ciates see, I use the awkwardly long term, “the people
that you follow.” Because to me they aren’t clients.
They aren’t recipients. They aren’t patients – or
people who are just hurting or
going through some difficulty.
One of our Pastoral Care
Associates calls the people she
follows her “friends.” And they
are. They can become very
dear friends.
It’s great to see those who are
cared for spiritually at Eliot as a
friend. Not only for the Asso-
ciates. When we care and support each other, it’s a
way of being—a way of seeing the need for comfort
and support in others—and an opportunity to not only
be a caregiver, but also become a wonderful friend.
Like Annie Dillard, I have great plans for the coming
year, for the way we relate to each other and the way
we see and meet the needs that others have. Our
ways of giving spiritual care allow us to befriend each
other—and to remember that what we do and what
we say matters. May we share this great plan together
among us at Eliot this year.
Our January shared plate recipient is COMTREA’s dental program for children. In 1972 a group of dedicated
citizens created Community Treatment, Inc. (COMTREA). The doors opened in the spring of 1974. Over
the last forty years COMTREA has expanded to become a comprehensive community health center as it
responded to the needs of its neighbors. COMTREA is a comprehensive community health center serving
Medicaid and uninsured patients in Jefferson County and South St. Louis County.
A year ago, the organization opened a Dental Clinic in the Valley Middle School in House Springs. Since open-
ing they have reached over 350 students in the Northwest School District. Inadequate access to dental care is
a major problem for the under-served in Missouri. Four out of 10 students in Jefferson County have untreated
tooth decay, and COMTREA is the only resource for these under-served children.
Our donations will be used to support COMTREA’s dental services for children. In the organization’s service
area, one in three children has untreated tooth decay and almost 90 percent don’t have
proper sealants on their teeth. That’s especially problematic in a part of the state where
residents often drink well water and don’t get the fluoride used in larger water systems.
Good oral health will give kids better overall health, better self esteem, and a brighter
smile.
During November
Eliot Chapel
raised $1,950 for
Beyond Housing and
$3,025 for bread
for the elderly in our
partner church
village.
Sharing Our Bounty in January
email: [email protected]
comtrea.org
Page 4 Greenleaves
In Touch with RE
RE REsources for Families Hey parents, family members, children, and youth: we have a new section on Eliot’s website
just for you, featuring UU resources, family activities, games, YouTube films, and much
more. This is a great way to participate in UU activities as a family and from home. We’ve
just added some new resources and activities for the start of 2015. Check it out here.
Christmas Pageant 2014 Eliot children, youth, and families celebrated
the holiday season with the Christmas Pageant Service and
Family Holiday Potluck. See more photos on the back cover of
this newsletter.
A big thanks to Denise
Mussman, Lisa Beck,
Phoebe Mussman,
Tadhg Duhigg, Aislynn
Pasierb, and Colleen
Lee for serving as this
year’s pageant directors.
Child Dedication Celebration Congratulations to Nathan and Cayla Suter and family. Nathan and Cayla’s children, Clark Andrew Suter
and Haddie Jo Suter, were dedicated during worship on December 7.
Eliot Youth Recognized as UU Luminary Leader Congratulations to Phoebe Mussman on her recognition as a UU
Luminary Leader. The Unitarian Universalist Association’s Luminary
Leadership Program recognizes outstanding UU youth leaders for their
leadership commitment, skills, and achievements. The program also
connects UU youth leaders with additional leadership opportunities
and creates a network of recognized youth leaders throughout UU
congregations.
Click here to explore a short video featuring Phoebe and her leader-
ship recognition from the UU Youth Ministry Office.
Phoebe is a leader in the Eliot Senior High Youth Group, has co-directed the Christmas Pageant four years in a
row, teaches in the Religious Education program’s 9:30 preschool class, and actively participates in worship op-
portunities. Along with Colleen Lee, she also participated in UU Youth Leadership School in July 2014.
Phoebe is a senior at Webster Groves High School, the daughter of Eliot members Denise & John Mussman,
and sister of Camille Mussman.
Scott Stewart,
Director of Religious Education
email: [email protected]
Page 5 www.eliotchapel.org
Music Notes
Friends of Music Concerts announces the third program in their 2014/2015 season of
free concerts on Sunday, Jan. 25, at 3:00 p.m. in the comfortable atmosphere and excel-
lent acoustics of the Eliot Chapel sanctuary. The program will feature:
A selection of pieces for solo harp performed by Frances Tietov, former principal harp-
ist of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.
Sergei Rachmaninoff, Trio No. 2 for Violin, Cello and Piano, performed by Siroth Char-
nond, violin; James Blinn, cello; and Chiann-yi Yawitz, piano.
All are welcome! For more information visit
www.fomcstl.org.
email: [email protected]
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.
Featured Musicians in January
Sunday, Jan. 4: Women’s Chorale; Nancy Collis, harp Sunday, Jan. 11: Chamber Singers Sunday, Jan. 18: Eliot Choir Sunday, Jan. 25: Women’s Chorale
Operating Policies & Procedures: 2015 Update Are you wondering about Eliot’s policies? Do you have
questions about Eliot’s guidelines & operating proce-
dures? With the start of a new calendar year, the Eliot
community is invited to explore the Chapel’s policies &
procedures, which can be found here.
Eliot also takes considerable pride in how hard we work to
keep children and the entire Chapel community as safe as
possible. All Eliot members and friends are encouraged to
familiarize themselves with the Safe Congregation Policy,
found HERE. The policy was last updated in
August 2014 and has even been adopted by several of the
UU Mid-America Region’s youth councils for outlining safety
expectations for regional youth events.
Page 6 Greenleaves
Refreshing Our Strategic Direction In our form of governance, Policy Governance, the Board is responsible for setting direction. The most specific
expression of direction is our goals or Ends statements. The lead minister interprets the Ends; ministers, staff and
congregants act to achieve these Ends; and the Board monitors progress. But where do Ends come from? Ends
arise from our Mission, which defines our purpose, the differences we want to make in people’s lives. But where
does Mission come from? Mission rests upon our values, which are transcendent, timeless qualities we embody
when dealing with each other and which we strive to make real in the world. Typical values of religious organiza-
tions might include reverence, empowerment, authenticity, wonder, generosity, and so forth. Values inform our
Mission which motivates our Ends.
While we as a church currently have a Mission statement and operate with a set of Ends statements, we do not
have a consensus list of core values. The core values of a congregation change slowly over time, but they do
change, in pace with changing demographics and internal/external circumstances. A shift in core values might pre-
cipitate a change in Mission and Ends. Best practices suggest that a church review and renew its Values every five
years or so.
Consequently, the Board has tasked itself with renewing the three interrelated parts of our direction over the
next few years. In church year 2014-15 we will define our core Values. In 2015-16 we will revise our Mission in
light of our core values. After that, we will revise our Ends in light of our Mission and Values. Your input is
crucial in setting and revising our direction, and the Board will report periodically to the congregation on
progress and to ratify results.
Core Values Discovery
The first step in this journey is to discover the core values of the congregation as a whole. This activity will com-
mence in late January and continue until everyone who wants to participate has had the opportunity. And we
hope the majority of you will be involved! The activity promises to be a low commitment (<1 hour) and highly
meaningful activity. We will learn the values we embody by telling each other stories of our experiences of the
holy (as interpreted by each person). During the small group session, listeners will suggest the values they hear
in the stories, and these values will be distilled into the deepest 3-5 qualities that describe our experiences. The
Board has tested this process on ourselves, and besides being meaningful and productive, we also found it quick
and fun. It was fun in large part because we discovered bonds with fellow Eliot members that we didn’t know
existed.
A Values Discovery team including some of our youth, Board members, and other congregants is in place to
facilitate this activity. They will be providing a variety of meeting times and logistics (child care, refreshments) to
make it easy to attend. Sign-up sheets will be available, and they may organize some sessions “on the fly” by
recruiting willing participants from Adams Hall. It is vitally important that all demographics of the Eliot commu-
nity be represented, so please say “yes” and make time for this fun and meaningful activity.
In service,
Ted Lau
Cindy Lau
Steve Mennerick
For the Values Discovery Team
email: [email protected]
Values Discovery Sessions:
Sundays after services
beginning January 25.
Watch for more details!
Page 7 www.eliotchapel.org
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] )
Page 8 Greenleaves
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.”
email: [email protected]
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
Email: [email protected]
Page 10 Greenleaves
Women’s Alliance January Events
Tuesday, Jan. 6: Founding Mothers: The Women Who Raised Our Nation by Cokie Roberts.
Discussion Leader - Sue Blandford
Tuesday, Jan. 20: Missouri Association for Social Welfare - Glenn Koenen.
Coordinator - Janis Cox
Tuesday, Jan. 27: Annual Clothing and Accessory Exchange. Coordinator - Janie Fowler
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.
Page 11 www.eliotchapel.org
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
Sunday, Jan. 4 – 9:30 & 11:00 am
“Dear Charlotte: God as Interdependent Web” – Rev. Barbara H. Gadon
Our theme for January is: “God.” In this two-part series, Rev. Barbara will explore two images of God
found in our principles, sources, beloved stories and songs. This week, we will look at the image of God as the
interdependent web of all existence, using passages from the children’s classic, Charlotte’s Web.
Sunday, Jan. 11 – 9:30 & 11:00 am
“Passengers on the Boat: God as Nature” – Rev. Barbara H. Gadon
One of our most often-cited sources of wisdom in Unitarian Universalism is nature, or the earth itself. In the second of
this two-part series on UU images of God, we explore a beloved hymn at Eliot Chapel, “Blue Boat Home.”
Rev. Barbara has prepared this sermon with the fertile imaginations and research assistance of the UU hymn theology
group.
January’s
worship
theme is
God.
Sunday, Jan. 18 – 9:30 & 11:00 am
“Following Dr. King: 50 Years and Six Months”– Rev. Barbara H. Gadon
The past six months have begun a whole new chapter in American civil rights history, and we in St. Louis have been a
part of it. What have we learned in this short time - as a part of the region, and as a congregation? What has been
revealed to us about the vision laid out by Dr. King? Rev. Barbara offers her personal reflections and invites you to
ponder yours.
Sunday, Jan. 25 – 9:30 & 11:00 am
“Seeking God in Arcadia” – Rev. Dr. Michael Hennon
Creating community set apart from the surrounding society isn’t new. Utopian communities, such as Brook Farm,
Fruitlands, and Hopedale were founded in the 19th century by Unitarians and by Universalists. There are still those
who live together today, who dream of Arcadia just as Rev. George Ripley did. What is the creation of intentional
community – family of unrelated others – about?