Service This Sunday: February 27, 9 & 11 a.m.  

Kate Braestrup is a Unitarian Universalist community minister, a law enforcement chaplain, and the author of the best selling memoir, Here If You Need Me. Her newest books are Marriage and Other Acts of Charity and just published, Beginner's Grace: Bringing Prayer to Life.

Welcome, Visitors to Cedar Lane. 

We invite you to stop by our Visitor's Center in the Lounge before or after the service to say hello, find out more about Cedar Lane and Unitarian Universalism, sign up for our mailing list, and/or pick up

pamphlets about our faith.

In the Lounge: Alliance Jewelry * Donuts and Bagels * Beacon Books Cart *Environmental Task Force * Kate Braestrup books *Fair Trade Coffee and Tea *Paper to Pearls * Social Justice Council Lounge Lizards*  

This week I am thinking about Martin Stark. Martin died Thursday, February 17, in Pittsburgh. He was 98. A Memorial service for Martin will be held in the Chapel, Saturday, May 14, at 3:00 PM.  

Martin was one of the founders of our congregation. For our 40^th anniversary in 1991, his wife, Elizabeth wrote "I would have been content to remain indefinitely [at All Souls] except that in early 1951, as Bethesda residents, we were canvassed by the organizing group intent on starting a church in this county.  We very reluctantly agreed to go along, realizing this was the only answer to relieving the pressure on the school at All Souls . . . Throughout all this we felt almost a sense of destiny.  There was unbelievable camaraderie and unanimity of resolve.  We had a cause. We were in it together and we had to make it work." From our history: "During the time we used the Woman's Club on Connecticut Ave for worship (1951-58), the flowers were delivered each week by a florist to the home of Martin and Elizabeth Stark, who then brought them to the Center and arranged them on a table at the front of the room. . . . They organized "We Care" in 1976 "The task of completely reorganizing the old "neighborhood groups" into a two tier system managed by neighborhood coordinators and chairpersons was accomplished by Martin and Elizabeth Stark . . ."

Because of those who came before, we are.

Roger

The We Care program is a network led by volunteers who reach out to address short-term needs - food deliveries, rides to doctor's appointments, a listening ear in the event of a loss. The Cedar Lane congregation is organized geographically by "neighborhoods"; each neighborhood has at least one chairperson to coordinate support. Look at your nametag or the map in the church office to find your neighborhood.

It is with sadness that we announce the deaths of two long-time Cedar Lane members. Both Martin Stark (Neighborhood 32) and Gerry England (N6) died this week, each after a long decline. The service in celebration of Martin and his life will be held on May 14^th at 3:00; we do not have information regarding a service for Gerry yet. Our hearts go out to their many friends and family members.

Congratulations are with Ann McLaughlin (N8) with the publication of her latest novel, "A Trial in Summer." You may learn more about her new book by visiting her website: www.annmclaughlinwriting.com Hooray!

One day after a serious earthquake in Christchurch, NZ, Glenis Bellais (N25) left on a previously-scheduled trip to this city, her hometown. She invites anyone who would like to help the humanitarian effort there to make a donation to the New Zealand Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org.nz/donate        Unitarians in Auckland report: "The home of Derek McCullough, who leads the Christchurch Unitarians, was destroyed by the earthquake. [He and his family are fine.] Other members of the Christchurch fellowship are likely to be seriously affected as well. We hope to set up a Christchurch Unitarian relief fund to which anyone in New Zealand and overseas could contribute. We will let you know as soon as possible how contributions can be made." And they warn: "Beware of scammers asking for donations - please give only through banks, official Red Cross or Oxfam for overseas people."

Should you know of a member of our community in personal need, you are encouraged to reach out to them. If you learn that this person wishes to receive a response from the church, please contact Heather Janules at hjanules@cedarlane.org All ministers offer pastoral care to our members so you are also encouraged to contact any member of the ministerial team.

February 27 - For Stewardship Sunday the Adult Choir is pleased to welcome the choir from River Road UU Congregation as its special guests. The two choirs will sing together throughout both services.  

Click here for the flyer   

If you can also bring to the church kitchen a light appetizer or dessert for the reception which follows our event, it will be very much appreciated.  Please email the reception coordinator at nancyjanssen@peoplepc.com to let her know what you are bringing.

From the Membership Coordinator  

Join the Member Services Committee in the Chalice House this Sunday at 12:30 p.m. for Community Hour, a regular discussion time for everyone- visitors to longtime members.

Religious Education for Children (RE)

Raising UU Kids: Issues of Death and Loss

This Adult Programs class will be a conversation about helping our children through hard times of loss which can also kindle difficult feelings for us.  We will talk about death and other kinds of losses that befall us all, and ways to cope and support one another as families. Saturday, March 5, 10:00 a.m. to noon.  No fee,  childcare is available for $5. Register through Adult Programs by Tuesday, March 1.

1^st Sunday Smart Sacks!

Bring food donations to the RED bins on Sunday, March 6!  Suggested items are listed on our website at www.cedarlane.org/rep/FoodWishList.pdf

Family Fun Night

Bingo and refreshments provide a relaxing way to begin your weekend!  Friday, March 18. Mark the date.  Details coming.

SAVE THE DATE for the All-church Retreat 

The All-Church Retreat will again be at Camp Tockwogh, June 10-12.  All ages, for fun and friendship.  Watch for details to come.

Help Animals Stay Warm and Comfortable this Winter!

The Session II 5^th grade Bible class is collecting used towels, blankets, and other items to donate to the county animal shelter. Please bring your donations to Room 4 by Sunday, March 6. The shelter also accepts mattress pads, bathroom rugs, pet beds, comforters, sheets, carpet squares, newspaper, plastic newspaper sleeves, and animal toys, food, and treats.

Blankets for "No One Dies Alone"

Adults and children 11  and older can help. Those who need SSL hours can earn them here. If you can't come but still want to help,we need fleece to make the blankets. If you would like to donate please drop the fleece off in Room 12 inside the box!

Youth Notes

Youth Activity Group (YAG)

      The Youth Activity Group is open to 7th and 8th graders at Cedar Lane.  Watch your email and snail mail for information on events and for permission slips. If you have questions about the group or its activities, contact John Daniel (301-946-5509), Kim Clarkson, or Susan Archer. 

Senior High Youth Group

The spring SHYG event calendar was sent by email.  While we try to plan ahead, changes in our schedule occur, so please watch your emails for updates.

   Upcoming events:

   Sun   3/13     SHAG 12:15 p.m.

   Fri    3/18     HangOut 6-10 p.m.

For information about the SHYG (grades 9-12) and the Senior High Activity Group (SHAG-including parents) contact Archene Turner at 301-493-8300 x205,   aturner@cedarlane.org or archene@gmail.com  

Young Adults (Ages 18-35)

The UU Young Adults of Maryland (UUYAM) group plans activities for local UU Young Adults. Visit http://groups.google.com/group/uuyam to join the UUYAM e-mail list and view schedule of upcoming events. For resources and information on Joseph Priestly District (JPD) Young Adult events, visit the JPD Young Adult Network at www.jpduuyan.org.

Adult Programs (AP)

Special New Adult Program!  Save the Date!  

On Sunday, March 27, we are pleased and excited to announce that we have been able to arrange a program with Mr. Nassem Mahdi, National Vice President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, USA.  He will be sharing information on Islam and perspectives of the Ahmadiyya Community's advocacy for peace, loyalty to one's country, and clear separation between religion and secular life.  It will be an opportunity to expand our interfaith understandings and relationships.  Watch the Cedar Lane News and E-news for more details.

Adult Programs Winter/Spring 2011!

Forgot to register?  While it is always best to register in advance, sometimes you find yourself with time to take a class you haven't registered for.  If this happens, come to the first class, and we'll register you there!

anytime. http://www.cedarlane.org./REVspring11.pdf   

Classes beginning soon:

   2/26  Retreat for Women, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

   2/28  Spirituality Book Group - Join this group for

for its second meeting at 7:30 p.m., in the Chalice House.

   3/2    A World of Health -This six week course focuses on human health and how it connects to the health of our planet.

   3/3   After Steig Larsson -bring books to trade and

 information about the authors!

   3/5    Raising UU Kids: Death and Loss (must register by 2/1)- this is part of ongoing conversations, for parents and others who love children,  with Rev. Susan.  Each session can be taken independently.  Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon.

   3/5    Mature Job Seekers Workshop - Leader  Tracey Stein has eight years experience in corporate staffing and recruitment and has been working in corporate training for the past four years.  This all day workshop is a deal! Pledgers $5/ non pledgers $10.

   3/7    Meditation  - This class offers instruction for

beginners and offers an opportunity for experienced

students to deepen their practice. Ten Monday evenings.

            Catching Up with Technology for Beginners - In three sessions: this first one provides an overview of personal computer use, the second looks at social networking, and the third addresses photo sharing.  Register for one or all three sessions.

   3/9    Global Migration and Consequences for Us-

Can we escape the polarizing sound bytes long enough to have a respectful conversation about immigration?  The leaders are Michael Benefiel, who administered the Immigration and Nationality Act of the U.S. as a Vice Consul in Stuttgart, Germany from 1978-1980, and Helen Strang, a Cedar Lane member of the Action In Montgomery Strategy Team. Five Wednesday evenings.

   3/11  Gender Identity in Film and Theater,  featuring "The Kids are All Right" a 2010 film nominated for numerous awards including four Oscars. As described in a recent review, "this film is a beautifully
told story with a sensational performance by Annette Bening.

Sunday Morning Forum

The Sunday Morning Forum meets in the Chalice House on Sundays, 10:10 to 10:55 a.m.  Everyone is welcome, no registration required. Coffee is served.

February 27:  CLARITY (Cedar Laners Against Racism and Inspired by Togetherness Yes!) presents "A Faithful Conversation about Race" with moderator Jack Welch, the Rev. Heather Janules, and members

of the CLARITY Task Force.  Every leader, lay and ordained, in this church is called to be a change agent.  We don't have to change everything, just those things that are harmful-the things that keep us from being faithful and growing witnesses in today's world.

March 6: "AIDS in America:  A New Challenge."  Dr. Richard Havlik will discuss  the current picture of AIDS, which has changed dramatically owing to more effective treatment of HIV.  By 2015, about half of the known persons in the United States living with HIV will be 50 years or older.  Management issues include common age-related diseases and conditions.  This change will have an impact on reduced resources as we deal with other growing demands on our health-care system.  In 2005, Dr. Havlik retired from the National Institute of Aging (NIA), a part of NIH, and has since been a medical consultant focusing on AIDS research.  His work at NIA included directing a comprehensive program of research concerning aging and age- assoociated diseases. His own research has covered a wide range of topics, including cardiovascular disease,cancer, cognitive functioning, dementia and genetic epidemiology.

Connection Circles Want You!

Full descriptions are in the Adult Programs Spring 2011 brochure.  Register in the RE office.

Three groups have been cancelled: Making the Most of Retirement, Over the Back Fence, and Living by Heart!

SJC

Pick Up America a Great Success! 

More than 50 people of all ages, many from the University of Maryland, came to Cedar Lane on February 18, for this special event.  These words from one of the organizers, Fuad Balashov, Cedar Laner, currently a freshman at UMD, from the Facebook Wall for this eco-potluck and movie: "Thanks to all of you who came out and made tonight such a great event!" We thank you, Fuad, Natalya, and Davey for all your work and leadership, as well as Mollie Hauck and Charlotte Brewer for their support from the Environmental Task Force, and the Rev. Archene Turner, our Coordinator of Youth Ministry.

Around the Church   

The Breakthrough Task Force is pleased to submit our Proposed Final Report entitled Toward Breakthrough: Strategic Plan 2011-2016 for submission to the members of our congregation. To access the report please click here. Comments from Cedar Lane members are due by March 9. 

Members' comments should be sent to the BTF Task Force Draft Writers' Subcommittee. The members of the subcommittee are:

Dian Belanger            dobelanger@comcast.net 

Kate Harrison            katekathie@gmail.com 

Harvey Lerner           harvey.lerner@comcast.net 

Dawn Steinfeld          theSteinfelds@verizon.net 

Home addresses are listed in the Cedar Lane Directory.

Following receipt and consideration of member comments, a Final Report will be prepared and transmitted to the congregation by March 24.  We recommend that separate votes on the Mission Statement and contents of the Strategic Plan should be taken at our Annual meeting on Sunday, April 10.

Around the Denomination 

UUA General Assembly Registration and  

Housing Reservations Open March 1

General Assembly 2011 will take place in June 22-26 in Charlotte, North Carolina.  If you attended the 1993 GA in Charlotte, you'll be amazed at the transformation of this 18th largest city in the United States.  Charlotte is a wonderfully diverse, vibrant city with museums, theaters, great dining, and a new light rail.

General Assembly registration and housing reservations open on March 1.

  Financial aid,accessibility services, and children's programs are available.

General Assembly 2011 in Charlotte, North Carolina will mark the 50th anniversary of the merger of the American Unitarian Association and the Universalist Church of America.  Join thousands of fellow Unitarian Universalists from across the country as we remember the persons and events that brought into being the Unitarian Universalist Association in May 1961, to reflect on our denomination's relevant achievements and struggles since then, and to chart new aspirations for the future we are determined to shape.

Day of Mindfulness  Sat. Feb. 26

The Mindfulness Practice Group of the UUCA invites you to join us for a Day of Mindfulness from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM on Sat. Feb. 26.  It will be guided by Jane and Garrett Phelan from the Mindfulness Practice Center of Fairfax at the UU Congregation of Fairfax.  Jane is a highly certified yoga instructor, and both Jane and Garrett have been ordained in Thich Nhat Hanh's Order of Interbeing (Vietnamese Zen.) He is the editor of the new periodical Along the Path and has frequently co-taught with Anh-Huong Nguyen. 

We cannot overstress how beginner-friendly this Day will be.  Jane offers some stretching via very gentle yoga, very back and neck-friendly.  No sitting periods will run too long, and some meditation will be done in savasana, lying, posture.  The Day will be conducted in Noble Silence and will include gentle yoga, walking meditation, lightly-guided sitting meditation, mindful lunch, guided deep-relaxation, and dharma talk. 

Participants should wear comfortable clothing in which they can be on the floor and should bring a vegetarian dish to share with utensils and a yoga mat or blanket for padding.  We will have some cushions for sitting on the floor, but it would be nice if people who own them could bring their own.  Of course, there will be plenty of chairs. Requested donation is $40, $20 for students/underemployed.  No one will be excluded for inability to pay.  We do hope that you can register in advance to mpg@uuca-md.org or by calling 410-268-0639 for Bob Ertman or Phyllis Culham so that we know how many seats to include in the circle and in the lunch arrangements.  Nonetheless, if you want to come that morning, come.  Same e-mail and phone as above for any questions. 

The Walt  Whitman High School Jazz Combo will perform at  River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Bethesda, MD on Saturday, February 26th, 2011.  Proceeds from the concert go to the Congregation's College Access Fund, which awards  scholarships to deserving minority students in the DC area.  The event begins with a Dessert Reception at 6:15 and the concert follows at 7:00 p.m. Adult tickets are $25 ($19 Tax Deductible). Youth ( Ages 13-18) tickets are  $10 ($4 Tax Deductible).Family Tickets (1-2 Adults & children) are $50 ( $44 Tax Deductible). Childcare is available with reservation. RRUUC is located at 6301 River Road, Bethesda, MD 20817, 301-229-0400. E-mail: office@rruuc.org or see the website: RRUUC.org.

Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice (UUSJ) will sponsor a program on immigration advocacy on Saturday, February 26 from 8:30am-12:30pm at Mount Vernon Unitarian Church 1909 Windmill Lane Alexandria, VA.  The program will open with worship led by our host minister, Rev. Kate Walker and a plenary with the Reverends Nancy McDonald Ladd, Carlton Smith, and Scott Sammler Michael.  Workshops will have resources and speakers from programs such as Immigrants First, Virginia Coalition of Latino Organizations, Casa de Maryland, Capital Immigrants Rights Coalition (CAIR) and Standing on the Side of Love.

The 2011 Joseph Priestley District Assembly whose theme is Stewards of Faith: Justice Making, Leadership Development, and All-Ages Ministry, which will be held April 9-10, 2011 at the Hilton Harrisburg, in Harrisburg, PA will feature two nationally known keynote speakers: Rev. Dr. Fred Muir, Senior Minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis and Rev. Meg Riley, Senior Minister of the Church of the Larger Fellowship, the largest UUA congregation.  This year's District Assembly will feature an expanded Bookstore, exhibits from diverse UU organizations, talented musicians from across the JPD region, 26 interactive workshops covering many topics of interest and dynamic worship services tied to this year's theme, as well as District business matters including an election to replace Chuck Wooldridge as district trustee on the UUA Board and a discussion about UUA governance, particularly reducing the size of the UUA Board.  Interested congregation members should contact Denominational Affairs Committee Co-chairs Nancy Janssen and Dino Drudi or the Church office by March 1 if they would like to represent Cedar Lane UU Church as delegates.