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Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church
www.cedarlane.org | ENewsletter Volume 4, Issue 22
November 23, 2011
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***This week's E-News is being sent today instead of Friday, as Friday will be a staff holiday.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
November 27, 2011 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
"Draw the Circle Wide"
Nancy Bird Pellegrini, Intern Minister
In the spirit of the Lakota tradition of storytelling, Intern Minister Nancy Pellegrini will tell the story of her visit to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and examine issues of racism and oppression.
Volunteers for the Service:
Ushers: 9 a.m.: Mary Beth Nowinski, Lisa Chernikoff, Gail Riley & Tom Nixon
11 a.m.: James Ogle, Nancy Janssen, Marilynn Smith, Betsy Binckes
Coffee Servers: 10 a.m.: Bonnie Tyler, Millie Mader, noon: Val Carter
Audio: Warren Thompson
Board Member at the Office Desk: 10 a.m.: Gerry Peterson
noon: Knick Knickerbocker
Visitor's Center: 9 a.m.: John Gubbings, noon: John Gubbings
Beacon Books Cart: 10 a.m.: Len Adler
The flowers in the sanctuary were arranged by Betty May Cleary. The flowers in the chapel were arranged by Isabel Mauro.
In the Lounge: * Alliance Books * Bagels and Donuts * Beacon Books Cart * Environmental Task Force * Fair Trade Coffee and Tea * Holiday Craft Day * Paper to Pearls * Social Justice Council * Susan Archer Retirement *
Sunday Morning Forum: The Fourth Principle: A Free and Responsible Search for Truth and Meaning, an open discussion led by Tracey Stein.
10:10 in the Chalice House Main Room (between services). |
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From the Board of Trustees Chair
As your Board of Trustees wishes all Cedar Laners a wonderful holiday season, we would also like to update you on our progress in preparations for the congregational transitions ahead.
The Board is pleased to announce that Linda Gianessi has accepted the position of Temporary Religious Education Coordinator. Linda has been a member of the church since 198_ and has served in many leadership capacities including as an R.E. teacher for 20 years. Linda will supervise the R.E. Program and its many activities during first six months of 2012 until an Interim Religious Educator can be hired. Linda will be assisted by our ministers, R.E. Administrators Gale Ginther Luce and Jeannette Wilson, the R.E. Council, and many capable volunteers. Support for Linda also includes Susan Clark, who will lead chapel services for our kids as she has done on many occasions. We are proud to have so many talented people to draw upon.
Meanwhile, the search for our settled Senior Minister begins by selecting a Senior Minister Search Committee. The Board in consultation with the UUA and the Leadership Development and Nominations Committee (LDNC) has developed a method for soliciting Search Committee nominations from the entire congregation. You will receive a phone call reminding you to be on the lookout for email and paper surveys with thoughtful questions about the Search Committee you would like to have. We hope each and every Cedar Lane member will fill out the survey so that our Search Committee will represent as broad a range of Cedar Laners as possible and work together as a dynamic team. Your input is important. The Board and the LDNC will collect the data and present a slate of seven Search Committee candidates for election at the Annual Meeting next April.
I am thankful to be working with a terrific group of Trustees and extraordinary leaders in every area of church life who are helping to shape our future. I hope you will participate fully in the process, asking many questions and offering your talents. In this time of focusing on what is most important, let us strengthen our faith community and our support for each other. We look forward to working with you.
Bonnie Beavers
Board of Trustees Chair 2011-12 |
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Upcoming Sundays
December 4, 2011 --- 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. "Food For the Journey"
Susan Davison Archer,
Minister of Religious Education
This will be my last opportunity to lead adult worship on Sunday morning at Cedar Lane. At this transition time in my life I will invite us to reflect on what sustains us throughout the chances and changes of our lives. The children, youth, and teachers will join us towards the end of our time together for some mutual "good-byes."
Forum: Current Immigration Law and Policy from an Objective Point of View. Immigration attorney Don Mooers will attempt to demystify this convoluted subject, clarifying why Congress, the President, and the American public are stuck in the current policy and legal stalemate and laying out the opportunities and pitfalls related to proposed immigration reform plans.
10:10 in the Chalice House Main Room (between services)
Click here for future forums
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Music Notes From the Director of Music
Dr. Henry Sgrecci
November 27
Today's music reflects the roots and bearing that certain songs have upon the people who create them. Thomas Guthrie's organ prelude is based upon the original "Native Dakota Air" composed around 1846 by Joseph Renville. Our Call to Worship, "Rain Forest Song" is a high arching chant that originated among the Mbuti Pygmie People of the Ituri Rainforest in Central Africa. The primary purpose of such a chant, whose syllables have no particular meaning, is as a call of unity. "Ancient Mother" is a popular and oft recorded chant. The song is identified in our hymnal, "Singing the Journey," as being a Navajo prayer, yet there are those who claim it as a Pagan chant. Its dirge-like character and simplicity make for easy singing and such a chant can go on for hours. The Choir's rendition presents the haunting melody in its original form, and also features a three part canon that accentuates the character of the song. The Anthem, "Draw the Circle Wide" is a contemporary, Christian-based song whose strong message of togetherness and unity embraces all peoples; "Draw the circle, draw it wide. No one stands alone, we'll stand side by side."
Special thanks to soloists, Susan Clark, Donna Simonton, and Kevin Miller, for their strong voices and the inspirational words of "Draw the Circle Wide." |
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From the Church Administrator
We have been experiencing intermittent problems with sound projection in the Sanctuary despite two separate attempts to improve the sound with new speakers. Before investing in still another improvement we wish to gather additional information that will allow us to make the best allocation of our scarce resources to change the situation in the Sanctuary, and that is where you come in. We are requesting help from those who attend services. We will be providing a short survey that will ask for your seat location and experience of sound during the service. We do not want to interfere in any way with your experience/enjoyment of the service, and if you find this in any way distracting please don't feel obliged. We appreciate those who can help, and with that information hope to finally nail down the optimal solution for our sound system so that all may thoroughly enjoy the beautiful music of Cedar Lane.
Sara Deshler |
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Calendar
Please visit the church calendar here.
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Holiday Craft Day is Saturday, December 3 from 10-3 at Cedar Lane. Don't miss the fun of a day of crafting homemade holiday gifts with friends and family. Please bring your own picnic lunch for our noon break of eating and singing. Support the 7th graders social justice fundraiser by buying delicious treats from their bake sale. (Refreshments will not be provided.)
Pre-registration is required. Registrations will be sold after both services on November 13th and November 20th in the Lounge ($10 per person or $25 per family -- checks or exact change appreciated). You may also drop off or mail a check -- made out to CLUUC -- to the RE Office.
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Around the Church
Please remember that on Sunday mornings the lower parking lot is reserved for RE teachers! Thank you!
Wreath Supplies Needed for Holiday Craft Day: Please collect evergreen and holly trimmings from your yard and bring them to church the evening before or the morning of Holiday Craft Day, Saturday December 3rd. If you plan to make a wreath at Craft Day, you can save money by bringing your own wreath form and pins from home. For questions about wreath supplies, please contact Chris Black at christineireneblack@hotmail.com.
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The Denominational Affairs Committee invites you...
to Tuesday's, Nov. 29, 7:30 pm meeting (in library).
Our focus is on:
General Assembly 2012
June 20-24, Phoenix, Arizona
This is an historic moment. Be part of the story.
Click here for more information.
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Committee Opportunity Available
The mission of the Planned Giving Committee is to encourage gifts to the Endowment Funds of Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church. We hope to accomplish this through educating the congregation about our three Endowment Funds (Endowment Fund, Social Justice Endowment Fund and Memorial Fund) and planned giving and by providing various ways for donors to contribute to the Funds.
The committee is in need of some strategic thinkers willing to work toward those goals. Minimal time commitment is involved for a potentially large and important impact for the church. Please consider joining us.
Contact: Gerry Peterson (301) 229 0538, pete7517@verizon.net.
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December 18, 5 p.m.
Winter Solstice Vespers Service
Organized by Members of Journeywomen and other Connection Circles
Music Provided by DUO ATLANTICA
Carol Ireland, Harpsichord
Margaret Turner, Baroque Blockflote
The winter solstice marks the longest
night of the year and the start of the
lengthening days. Come join a vespers
celebration with music, accompanied by
readings of the mystery of darkness and
the joy of light. Following the service,
seasonal refreshments will be served (no
dinner). Optional donations for Beacon
House will be accepted - hats, scarves,
mittens, unwrapped toys, or cash.
Snow Date: Sunday, January 8, 2012
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Saturday, March 24
The 2012 Cedar Lane Spring Auction is only a few months away - with a NEW THEME and lots of new bidding opportunities. Please mark your calendars and SAVE THE DATE!!
Please click HERE for links to forms. |
Monday, December 5th, 2-4 PM
Montgomery County Holiday Help and Relief Resources:
An informal information exchange and donation swap event for MC unemployed. 2-4 PM, In the Lounge and Chapel. Come learn from Catherine Hogan. M.S., about wide-ranging Montgomery County resources you may not know exist that can provide assistance during troubled times. Also available will be information on employment support and engagement services from the State of Maryland Professional Outplacement Assistance Center (POAC) and Montgomery Works, as well as Manna Food, SHARE, A Wider Circle and many more. Come at 1:45 to bring a unwanted or gently used toy, interview appropriate clothing, stocking stuffer, any other small item(s) you wish to donate to help another and stay after the presentation to swap and pick up something you may need to brighten your holiday. Additional gifts through donations are being requested and may be available.
Help with the event will be appreciated, help needed, 1. a backup person with a minivan or truck to help transport donated items from the Kensington Armory on Mitchell St. to the church on 12/5 around 12:30 just prior to the event. 2. Help between 12:45-2 to help putting out toys, clothing, other donations and handouts on tables, or come thereafter to bag remains, 3. anyone willing to play piano or guitar at around 3:50/so to end the presentation with a holiday tune or two. We would be also be grateful for any donations to this event anyone wishes to make. Catherine Hogan, the organizer, may be reached at hogan.catherine.a@gmail.com or at 240-370-0475. |
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RELIGIOUS EDUCATION FOR ALL AGES
Susan Archer, Minister of Religious Education
Vanessa Steck, Coordinator of Senior High Youth Ministry
Gale Ginther Luce and Jeannette Wilson, Administrators
For information and to register for classes and programs call 301-493-8300 x207 or e-mail RE@cedarlane.org.
A SEASON OF WONDROUS ACTIVITIES - OPPORTUNITIES FOR FAMILIES!
Upcoming RE
Saturday, Dec. 3: Holiday Craft Day
Sunday, Dec. 4: Susan's Farewell Celebration!
Saturday, Dec. 10: Holiday Potluck and Play
Sunday, Dec. 11: St. Lucia's Day in chapel
Saturday, Dec. 24: Christmas Eve Services at
4:30, 6:00, and 10:30 p.m.
Rev. Susan's Farewell Celebration!
Susan is retiring, and although she will be with us through Christmas, we will say our official farewell and extend good wishes for her future on Sunday, Dec. 4. After her final sermon as Cedar Lane's Minister of Religious Education, all RE students and teachers will join us in the sanctuary for a special program honoring her 9 ½ years with us, followed by a brief cupcake reception in the lounge. We are also collecting donations for Susan's retirement gift. Please stop by our table in the lounge after Sunday's service to make your donation and to sign cards! During the week, cards are at the front desk in the main office, and donations can be given to Sara Deshler.
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 Hold the date and make plans to come!
The Reverend Susan Archer, our Minister of Religious Education, is retiring December 31. Celebration Honoring the Rev. Susan Davison Archer -- Sunday, December 4, both services. Make sure the date is on your family's calendar! Susan delivers her last Cedar Lane sermon on this date. Following her sermon, our Religious Education classes will join us in the sanctuary for a short and special program honoring her years with our children and us. A cupcake party for all will follow immediately in the lounge. Contributions toward Susan's gift are invited. Your tax-deductible check payable to "CLUUC" with notation of "Susan" is appreciated by November 27, but welcome later if necessary. Mail to church office, or place in Sara Deshler's mailbox in the office. |
Social Justice Spotlights
The Social Justice Council is sponsoring a series of Social Justice Spotlights, in lieu of an annual fair, to publicize all the various social justice groups at Cedar Lane. The spotlights will be held occasionally in the lounge after Sunday Morning Services prior to Spring B. Each spotlight will focus on a few like-minded groups so that members and friends of Cedar Lane may have an opportunity of learning about the groups in a setting more conducive than the limited time of an annual fair. The missions of the groups will be highlighted and contacts provided for members and friends of Cedar Lane to have the opportunity of participating in the respective group programs.
The series commenced this past Sunday, November 20, 2011, when members and friends learned more about the Bethesda House, the Community-Based Shelter, Martha's Table, and the Ethical Eating Movement, including the UU Statement of Conscience. The Manna Food Center, in which our Youth Activity Group has a serious service learning project, will be featured this upcoming Sunday, November 27, 2011. It is appropriate that these food-related groups should be featured following the current Kiplinger Lecture by Mark Winne speaking on "The Social Justice of Food."
All the various social justice groups affiliated with Cedar Lane are invited to have their programs featured in a spotlight, which would supplement any other communications the groups might undertake. Please contact Pat Karlsen, 301-654-1110, or Ralph Krause, 301-530-4790, for future scheduling.
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ACTION IN MONTGOMERY
YOU'RE INVITED TO AIM's ACTION TEAM MEETING ON ...
DREAM ACT: TUESDAY, NOV. 29, 5-6:30 PM, Grace United Methodist Church, 7001 New Hampshire Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912
Some have argued that during hard economic times we must focus on "our own" children first. We believe the Maryland Dream Law does focus on our children, by providing opportunity to all of Maryland's children. The law creates a level playing field, so that talented, tax paying immigrant youth, who are prepared to work hard and sacrifice, will be able to pay the same in-state tuition rates as their high school classmates. We know that educating all of our children is a win-win.
For more info, please contact Nancy Janssen at: nancyjanssen@peoplepc.com or (301-588-1488).
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Endowment Giving -
You Have a Choice
November is Endowment Month as it has been for many years.
For more than 25 years our congregants have responded generously to this appeal. Since 2007, in addition to contributing to the General Endowment Fund or the Memorial Fund, there is also a choice to direct your contribution to the Social Justice Endowment Fund.
The earnings disbursed by the Endowment Fund have been used to maintain and improve church buildings and property. Money generated by the Memorial Fund is, by direction of its charter, dedicated to care for the church grounds and the archives. When the Social Justice Endowment Fund reaches a total value of $200,000, a portion of its earnings will provide a dedicated stream of income to be used for social justice initiatives-this will, of course, be in addition to the annual support from the church's operating budget. So there is a way for you to direct your contributions to that fund that best reflects your wishes. If you have questions about any of the endowment funds, call or email me or any member of the Board of Trustees and we will be happy to discuss this with you. Gerry Peterson, pete7517@verizon.net. |
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REGISTRATION DEADLINE for New Orleans Rebuilding Mission: December 16 !
Sign up now for Cedar Lane's February 4-11 trip to help rebuild houses in New Orleans. We have a great group of new and returning volunteers already committed. We want YOU to join us!.
Email our team leader Mike Burski, mga1960@earthlink.net about costs, questions, and how to register. |
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Beyond the Church
Click here to learn about some events sponsored by friends of Cedar Lane.
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Stand with Oprah
"O" Magazine has taken an anti-fur stance and will not be displaying fur on their pages.
Keep up the momentum. Not only is Oprah Magazine going fur free, but so has West Hollywood, California, the first city in the U.S. to ban fur sales!
Be a voice for nonhuman animals.
Join thousands of other compassionate people worldwide for this international day of action.
Nordstrom Montgomery Mall
Friday, November 25th
11 am to 1 pm
You can simply show up or if you have any questions, contact Beth at dancingbl@aol.com.
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UUSJ SEEKS DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT
Are you a resource development consultant or know someone who is? Unitarian-Universalists for Social Justice (in the National Capital Region) has received a modest technical assistance grant from the UUA to help raise money for a UUSJ immigration project. If interested, please contact UUSJ Administrator Rev. Cynthia Snavely at 301 588-1951 or Co-Chair Hal Fuller at 703 207-0440 for additional information. |
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Sara Deshler
Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church |
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