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Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church
www.cedarlane.org
| ENewsletter Volume 4, Issue 25
December 16, 2011 2011
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December 18, 2011 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
"Religion of Freedom"
Rev. Evan Keely, Interim Senior Minister
Many Unitarian Universalists take great pride in the freedom our religion offers. What does this freedom mean, and what does it actually give us? Children and youth will join the service for the first 20 minutes.
Volunteers for the Service:
Ushers: 9 a.m.: Michael Morse, Jack & Judy Rodgers, Laura Pillette
11 a.m.: Glenis Bellais, Debbie Goodwin, Fred Bowen, and Sue Hosford
Coffee Servers: 10 a.m.: Kate Harrison, noon: Glenis Bellais, Sue Hosford
Audio: Rich Clark
Beacon Books Cart: noon: Edwina Hoffeld
Board Member at the Office Desk: 10 a.m.: Kathie Bryant, noon: Bill Zellmer
Visitor's Center: 10 a.m.: John Gubbings, noon: Marlene Berg
The poinsettia flowers in the sanctuary were arranged by Maria Dinger.
In the Lounge: * Beacon Books Cart * Donuts and Bagels * Environmental Task Force * Fair Trade Tea & Coffee * Paper to Pearls * Social Justice Council *
Sunday Morning Forum: "American Emperor: Aaron Burr's Challenge to Jefferson's America," with attorney and author David Stewart.
10:10 in the Chalice House Main Room (between services).
The collection this Sunday will be split 50/50 with our Martha's Table food program. Martha's Table is an organization dedicated to providing food and clothing to the needy while educating children and families.
Two more Sunday Cedar Lane events: more information below-
3-5 p.m. Caroling Party-Sanctuary
6 p.m. Winter Solstice Service-Chapel
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Rev. Evan Keely
I'm often asked why I chose interim ministry as a career path. It would be more honest to say that it chose me, but at the same time I hope it's apparent that I thoroughly enjoy this work and that I'm grateful for the opportunities I've had to serve in this special kind of ministry. There are a lot of things about interim ministry that are meaningful and satisfying, one of which is experiencing the excitement and the possibilities inherent in new beginnings. January represents a new beginning in our culture. It's kind of an odd custom, if you think about it. What's new about what happens on January 1? It's not a change of seasons - even the winter solstice is almost two weeks earlier. It's not the obvious beginning of any particular human enterprise, like a new school year - in fact, most of us take the day off on New Year's Day, and then, here in this corner of the world, we can look forward to a few months of cold weather, barren trees, and occasionally having to shovel snow and avoid slipping on the ice. Really, it's just the change of a number on a calendar, a totally human-made phenomenon that has many arbitrary qualities (why is it that "thirty days hath September," anyway?). Yet in the collective psyche of our culture, January, a new year, is a new beginning, and new beginnings always carry with them possibility, hope, perhaps even a sense of renewal. Whether or not the changing of a calendar year really ought to carry such spiritual weight, isn't it just as well that we have this annual ritual of an invitation to take stock of our lives, to renew our commitments to what matters most to us and to try yet again to be who we truly yearn to be? |
From the Board Chair
We need your help in selecting a Senior Minister Search Committee as our first step in hiring a new Senior Minister. The Board is working with the Leadership Development and Nominations Committee (LDNC) to solicit Search Committee nominations from the entire congregation. You will receive a phone call reminding you to be on the lookout for an email linking to a nominations form. The form will list considerations for Search Committee candidates, and provide space for you to offer up to five names (one of which can be your own). For those who prefer paper to email, forms will also be available at the back of the sanctuary under the name tags. One completed form is requested from each adult person in your household. Please be sure to put your name on the form in order for your nominations to be considered. Your nominations are important so that we will have the best Search Committee possible. 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.
The Board and the LDNC also seek your involvement in ALL areas of church life. The Rev. Evan Keely's sermon on December 11 encouraged us not to wait, not to sit on the sidelines while Cedar Lane changes, but to be an active and joyous participant. So if you also get a call from the LDNC asking you to consider taking a leadership position on the Board or on a Committee, please say yes! And if you've thought of joining a committee, now is the time. We know everyone in our community is busy and stretched thin, and you may feel that you cannot possibly take on any more responsibility. But the decision to have more involvement in your faith community can have the greatest long-term dividends in terms of relationships and what is most important and rewarding. Please offer your talents. We nurture our community by working together.
Happy Holidays,
Bonnie Beavers
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Upcoming Sundays
December 24, 2011
4:30 p.m., 6:00 p.m., and 10:30 p.m.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Services in the Sanctuary
4:30 p.m. A 45-minute service, ideal for young children and everyone who loves to feel excitement of Christmas in young children. Our Children's, Youth and Handbell Choirs will provide music for the service.
6:00 p.m. An hour service for older children and adults. We will light candles for the children born or adopted
10:30 p.m. Adult Choir, Organist, and Brass Ensemble. Music will begin at 10 p.m., with worship to start at 10:30 p.m.
December 25, 2011 10 a.m. in the Chapel
"Our Stories Beneath the Silence"
The Rev. Heather Janules and Nancy Pellegrini
Children are welcome but there are no religious education classes or child care.
January 1, 2012 10 a.m. in the Sanctuary
"High Resolve"
The Rev. Evan Keely, Interim Senior Minister
Lots of us make new year's resolutions. What if we lived our lives with resolve all twelve months of the year?
No Religious Education this Sunday.
Forum: There will be no Forum on Sunday, December 25th or January 1. Click here for future forums |
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We Care
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.
Our hearts go out to George and Erika Williams Carter (Neighborhood 24) with the death of Erika's father, Alfred, shortly after thanksgiving.
We celebrate with Megan Flaherty (N3) who was one of several Walter Johnson High School students who sang during a tribute to Yo Yo Ma at the Kennedy Center Honors. They sang with Mr. James Taylor and were conducted by Mr. John Williams. (The Kennedy Center Honors will be televised on December 27th.)
Our love is with Mimi Grimm (N10) who is at Suburban Hospital, receiving treatment for pneumonia and other medical challenges.
Congratulations to Kay Gottesman and Bob Grafton (N7) who welcomed their eighth grandchild. Theodore (or "Theo") Berry Gottesman was born to Brian Gottesman and Megan Berry on December 8th. Hooray!
Healing wishes are with Nancy Janssen (N23) who is recovering from hip replacement surgery. She will soon be transferred to a local rehabilitation center. (Nancy welcomes visitors but requests that well-wishers wait until she is transferred home, likely mid-to late next week.)
Our thoughts and prayers are with Carolyn Stelle (N29) and her son, Jim, who has been hospitalized to treat a lung ailment.
Update on John Massey (N12): John has been transferred to the Layhill Genesis Rehab Center in Silver Spring to continue his recovery.
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.
Grieving a Loved One Through the Holidays
At their best, the winter holidays are joyous times with family and other companions. However, the death of a loved one can make the holiday season a difficult time of grief and renewed sadness. As is our annual tradition, THIS SUNDAY, December 18 at 12:30 pm in the Chapel, there will be a gathering of those who wish to share their thoughts and feelings about the people they miss this holiday season. Contact Heather Janules at hjanules@cedarlane.org or x204 with any questions. |
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Music Notes From the Director of Music
Dr. Henry Sgrecci
December 18
This Sunday our youth musicians bring to the Sanctuary festive sounds of the anticipated birth of the baby Jesus. The Youth Handbell Choir rings a cool rendition of "Go Tell It On The Mountain" using mallets and jazzy rhythms. The Children's Choir sings a simple but beautiful version of the traditional Christmas song, "Hallelu!," by a respected composer in UU circles, Stephen Paulus. During the Offertory the Youth Choir sings a great Jamaican Folk Song, arranged by world music composer Will Schmid. The song is festive and celebratory and we've added our own words to mark the coming of Christmas. The Adult Choir's Anthem is an original composition by noted composer Natalie Sleeth. "Baby, What You Goin' to Do?" provides a marvelous musical illustration mirroring the possibilities that could be for the newborn king.
Special thanks to members of the Children's Choir, Youth Choir, and Youth Handbell Choir, whose beautiful and energetic music enriched this Sunday's worship services. Their dedication and faithful practice is an inspiration to all! |
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Calendar
Please visit the church calendar here.
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Around the Church
Please remember that on Sunday mornings the lower parking lot is reserved for RE teachers! Thank you!
SAVE THOSE HOLIDAY CARDS!
Please save the cards that your family receives this holiday season and bring them to church in January. They will be used for next year's Holiday Craft Day, particularly the Holiday Placemats, which were very popular this year. Look for the collection boxes in the lounge and at the admin table downstairs and drop them there. Thanks!
Manna Food
Thanks for all the generous giving to the Smart Snacks and first Sunday contributions, we have already collected 802 pounds for Manna Food so far in December. Manna's client families still need more food, any additional contributions you can add to the blue bins outside the Chapel will be greatly appreciated.
Caroling Party
Sunday, December 18, 3-5 pm
Come sing carols in the sanctuary, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., led by Cedar Lane's Susan Clark and Greg Lewis, Executive Director of the Washington Revels, a.k.a. the Lord of the Dance.The carol sing will feature solos by Susan and by Emma Vawter of Cedar Lane, and piano accompaniment by Kathie Bryant. Would you like us to sing a particular carol, or do you have a seasonal solo or other presentation? Let Susan know, songsue@aol.com. We'll have a great time singing carols, and then adjourn for refreshments in the Lounge.
Beacon House Donations Needed
Bring new, unwrapped gifts to church to share with children and teens (ages 5-18) at Beacon House. They can be toys, books, sweaters, hats, and gloves. Donations of gift wrap are also welcome. There will be donation sites on Sundays, both upstairs by the front door and downstairs in the Administration area, until the morning of December 18, which will be the absolute LAST day to bring them.
Delivering Gifts: We need help to deliver all the gifts to Beacon House in (NE) DC after 12:15 p.m. on Sunday, December 18. Please contact Rev. Susan if you can help!
Candles for New Babies/Children
Once again we will be lighting candles for the newly arrived children or grandchildren (born or adopted since December 24, 2010) of members of our congregation, during the December 24, 6:00 p.m. Christmas Eve service. Please let Susan Archer or the church office know of children born or adopted. You need not be present for us to celebrate your babe!
Auction 2012 will be a Passport to Adventure
Help Make It a Success with Your Donation
Ready to set sail? Fly away? Hit the road? Look no further than the Cedar Lane Passport to Adventure auction on March 24, 2012.
We will soon reveal the countries and cuisines that will be featured-and some of the vacation getaways you can bid on.
March 24 may seem far away, but it isn't too soon to think about what you would like to donate. All donations are welcome, but consider something that reflects the theme: hosting a dinner with an ethnic cuisine, a gift certificate from your favorite restaurant, a getaway at your vacation home, or taxi service to the airport.
If you have questions, or would like to volunteer to be on the auction committee, contact auction co-chairs Mary Beth Nowinski at mnowin@aol.com or 301-949-9410, or Kate Harrison at 301-652-5018 or katekathie@gmail.com.
CLICK HERE FOR FORMS!
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From the Church AdMinistrator
New Coffee System? Finally
 Thanks to the gift of a generous benefactor we will be installing a Bunn airpot coffee system that will provide us with better tasting coffee, still fairtrade. This will require improvements to the electrical service in the kitchen as well as renovations so look to the changes in January. Finally!
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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.
Upcoming RE
- Sunday, Dec. 18: Children attend beginning of worship in the sanctuary, then proceed to classes.
- Saturday Dec. 24: Christmas Eve Services at 4:30, 6:00, and 10:00 p.m
- Sundays Dec. 25 & Jan 1: Worship 10:00 a.m.; no no RE, no childcare.
- Sunday, Jan. 8: RE Classes Resume
Guest at Your Table Boxes
Please continue collecting money through the holidays, and return your box by January 8, 2012. They can be returned on Sundays to the RE Admin desk in the downstairs lobby, or to the RE office anytime during the week. Help the UUSC (Unitarian Universalist Service Committee) support those in need around the world! If you'd rather write a check, please make it payable to 'UUSC' and return to the RE office.
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Winter Solstice Celebration
Vespers Service-Music, Readings & Poetry
Sunday, December 18th,
6 p.m. in the Chapel
Members of the Journeywomen and Other Connection Circles
Music Provided by Duo Atlantica, with
Carol Ireland, Harpsichord
Margaret Turner, Baroque Blockflote
Winter solstice brings the longest night of the year and the start of the new light of the lengthening days. Join our vespers celebration with music, accompanied by readings and poetry of the mystery of darkness and the joy of light. Following the service, light seasonal refreshments will be served in the library (no dinner). Optional donations for Beacon House will be accepted - hats, scarves, mittens, unwrapped new toys, or cash.
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The collection on Sunday, December 18, 2011, will be split 50/50 to benefit our Martha's Table food program.
Martha's Table is an organization dedicated to providing food and clothing to the needy while educating children and families.
Cedar Lane has a long tradition of supporting Martha's Table. More than 40 volunteers shop for ingredients then gather at Cedar Lane to prepare soup fixings that are taken to Martha's Table for preparation. This week's collection will help us to continue to provide Martha's Table with support. If you are interested in helping with food prep, shopping or transport please contact Karen Lerner,
karenb.lerner@comcast.net.
Cedar Lane has helped Martha's Table achieve its critical mission for many years. This year, due to necessary budget cut backs, the money allocated to the Social Justice Council was reduced. Your support on Sunday will allow us to continue to help and is much appreciated.
Discover more about Martha's Table at, www.marthastable.org.
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The 3rd film in the "Racism Then and Now" series will be "Crash" tonight, Friday, Dec. 16, at 7:30 in the library. "Crash" was the Best Picture Oscar winner of 2005. Per Roger Ebert's review (May 5, 2005), this film "tells interlocking stories of whites, blacks, Latinos, Koreans, Iranians, cops and criminals, the rich and the poor, the powerful and powerless, all defined in one way or another by racism. All are victims of it, and all are guilty of it." Light refreshments will be served, and the film will be followed by a facilitated group discussion. $5 at the door if you have not already signed up for the series through Adult Programs.
* CLARITY/"Cedar Laners Against Racism -- In This Together --Yes!" is one of Cedar Lane's Social Justice groups. Our mission is to lead the process of Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church becoming a welcoming, multi-cultural, multi-racial congregation.
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LAST CALL: REGISTRATION DEADLINEfor New Orleans Rebuilding Mission: TODAY, 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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Are you interested in losing weight AFTER the holidays? If so, why not join 15,000 others on the January Kickstart program. It starts Jan 2 and is completed by Jan 23. It is sponsored by the Physicians Committee For Responsible Medicine (PCRM) and is a free 21 day plant based weight loss program. You will receive weekly grocery lists, menus, and recipes as well as daily emails with support and information on nutrition, research and correlation between diet and chronic disease including diabetes and heart disease.
I did this program in September with employees at a national nursing organization and 86% reported a weight loss and the average drop in cholesterol was 24 points with 3 participants dropping 42, 49 and 59 points respectively. As you know there is a high correlation between cholesterol and heart disease.
There are 2 books which are particularly helpful with this program which are the 21 day Kickstart program ($26) by Dr. Neal Barnard and the Food for Life Journal (12) which I co-authored with staff at PCRM. I am able to get both books for you for $20 for those that are interested.
If you would like more information about this program, I can meet with you after the service on Jan 1 in the Library. There is also information on the PCRM website at pcrm.org.
For additional information about this program, please email me at joanneevans@verizon.net
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January 13, 6:00 p.m., Cedar Lane Sanctuary
Presented by the International Concerns Coalition of the Social Justice Council
A Fundraiser and Silent Auction to fund couples literacy classes and
Orphanages in Afghanistan
Tickets will be available in the lounge after services, or by phoning Eleanor de Paola at 301-299-6236.
For the past 10 years, Cedar Lane volunteers have made it possible for hundreds of illiterate Afghan husbands and wives to gain literacy training in and around Kabul, offered by Kabultec. They do this by staging Kabultec's only full-fledged fundraising event, consisting of an authentic Afghan dinner and a loungeful of silent auction handmade items acquired from bazaars and women's cooperatives throughout Afghanistan. This past year, funds were also used to ship Cedar Lane-donated clothing and other goods to orphanages from around Afghanistan. Come hear Nasrine explain the journey of the donation boxes, which were challenged by the Taliban at the airport! In the end, all the goods were delivered to the orphanages safe and sound. Nasrine insisted on making large signs thanking Cedar Lane at the orphanages; photos will be shown at the dinner on the 13th. Come join us!
Would you like to take your Cedar Lane involvement to a leadership level for a great cause? The International Concerns Coalition invites willing individuals to step forward to take over the management of this special annual event. If you are interested, please contact Annette Scarpitta at annettecedarlane@spamex.com or find her in the lounge. You can receive mentor training with this year's event. Without new leaders, January 13 may well be the finale of this annual Cedar Lane tradition.
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Sara Deshler and Sara Davidson
Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church www.cedarlane.org 301-493-8300
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