eNews: February 24, 2012

In the Lounge: Alliance Books * Beacon Books Cart * Donuts & Bagels * Environmental Task Force * Fair trade coffee & tea * Passport to Adventure * Social Justice Council *

Sunday Morning Forum: Gleason to Leggett: Forty Years of Executive Leadership in Montgomery County, with Charles Short, Special Assistant to County Executive, Ike Leggett.

The 50/50 collection this Sunday, February 26, 2012, will benefit Interfaith Works. Interfaith Works is funded and supported by a coalition of faith communities in joining together to meet the needs of the poor and homeless in Montgomery County. Their programs provideshelter, clothing, and food for our neighbors in need and they provide supportive services with the goal of helping them achieve self-sufficiency.

Cedar Lane has been a long time supporter and contributor to Interfaith Works in our effort to serve our neighbors and the greater good. But Cedar Lane is frequently served by Interfaith Works. On a regular basis, people come to Cedar Lane in search of material and financial support in times of crisis. As we are not organized as a relief organization, we often direct these visitors to Interfaith Works. Interfaith Works is an important partner in serving members of and visitors to Cedar Lane with care and dignity.

For this month's collection, the Cedar Lane ministerial team has committed up to $500 in matching funds from the Ministers' Discretionary Fund. If our offertory collects $800, $400 will go to Cedar Lane, $400 will go to Interfaith Works and will be matched by the discretionary fund, making our gift to Interfaith Works $800. So please give with enthusiasm!

More information about Interfaith Works can be found at: http://www.iworksmc.org/

Weekly Devotional · February 24, 2012

Leave this chanting and singing and telling of beads! Whom dost thou worship in this lonely dark corner of a temple with doors all shut? Open thine eyes and see thy God is not before thee!

He is there where the tiller is tilling the hard ground and where the pathmaker is breaking stones. He is with them in sun and in shower, and his garment is covered with dust. Put off thy holy mantle and even like him come down on the dusty soil!

from Gitanjali (1913), Rabindranath Tagore

The purpose of religious practices - such as "chanting and singing and telling of beads" - ideally, is to focus our minds and our energies on things of ultimate importance. When rituals become an end in and of themselves rather than a means to greater compassion and a path toward more meaningful engagement with the world, they exhaust their usefulness.

The purpose of religious practices, ideally, is to gain greater self-knowledge and self-understanding. Yet if our focus is on self-improvement merely for the sake of self-gratification rather than on disciplining ourselves to act as moral agents in the world, we gain little of value.

The purpose of religious practices, ideally, is to explore the vast and incomparable mystery that is existence itself. Yet if we do this only to escape from our own suffering rather than to face ourselves with honesty and courage, we are not serving a constructive purpose.

Prayer

O God of our varied understandings, help us turn toward you not as an escape from ourselves or from the world, but to confront the world's pain and embrace the world's joy, and to strengthen ourselves for compassionate service to all creation. Amen.

Follow Rev. Keely on Twitter @evanvwk.

Upcoming Sundays

March 4, 2012

9 a.m. and 11 a.m. in the sanctuary

"Voices From the Margins"

Nancy Bird Pellegrini, Intern Minister

As we celebrate Women's History Month, we will look at how lessons from women in our tradition speak to us today.

Forum: "I Don't Bike!... Why Should I Care?" Bill Michie, Cedar Lane's bicyclist in yellow, will explain how cyclists are helping to make

Montgomery County a better place to live. He will show how small initiatives and seemingly foolish "improvements" make sense.

Click here for future forums

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.

It is with sadness that we announce two losses in the Cedar Lane community:

On February 17th, long-time member and RE teacher Mimi Grimm (Neighborhood 10) died after a long decline. A Service in Celebration of Her Life will be held on Saturday, March 3rd at 11:00 am at Cedar Lane. As Mimi taught more than 45 years, we invite those with memories of Mimi's teaching to share their experiences with Glenis Bellais by Tuesday, 2/28 at glenisbellais@verizon.net.

Our condolences are with Kay and Tom Bugenhagen (N27) with the death of their son, Jeff. His struggle with cancer ended on February 22nd. A Service in Celebration of His Life will be held on Saturday, March 3rd at 4:00 pm at Cedar Lane.

We also send good moving and housewarming wishes to:

John Massey (N12) who is moving from Wheaton to Revitz House in Rockville as of March 1.

Beryle and Dan Lednicer (N) who are becoming the newest residents of Ingleside at King Farm as of March 1.

Note: Between Sunday, 2/26 and Friday, 3/2, Heather Janules, the Minister for Pastoral Care will be on vacation. Our Intern Minister, Nancy Pellegrini, will be on-call for pastoral needs in this time frame. If a pastoral situation is not an emergency, contact Nancy at x305 at the church. If there are any pastoral emergencies after office hours, contact Nancy on her cell phone: 703 201-7034.

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.

Music Notes From the Director of Music

Dr. Henry Sgrecci

February 26, 2012

The Choir opens the service with a popular Zulu song, "Thula Klizeo," and then features two songs from one of its favorite composers, Gwyneth Walker. From her "New Millenium Suite" the Choir sings Peace I Ask of Thee, O River. The pianist's right hand introduces a light motif that provides rhythmic contrast to the smooth lines of this familiar American song. The suite was commissioned by the First United Methodist Church of Bradenton, Florida, in celebration of the arrival of the year 2000. Tambourines is the third movement of Walker's suite, "Harlem Songs," inspired by the poetry of Langston Hughes (1902-1967), the African American poet who lived most of his life in the neighborhoods of Harlem. Walker uses the imaginary rhythms of the tambourine as a backdrop for the interplay of Hughes' poetry while introducing brief strains of two familiar spirituals. This suite was commissioned by the Chesapeake Chorale of Bowie, Maryland and was premiered in 1991.

Beyond the Church

Dr. Sandra Cheldelin will speak at the Women's National Democratic Club (WNDC) on March 22, Thursday, on "Women Waging War and Peace: International Perspectives of Women's Roles in Conflict and Post-Conflict Reconstruction."

Click here for more info!

I want to share with you my vision of the opportunities and challenges that face Unitarian Universalism.

I recently shared

this document with the staff of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). It outlines some of my ideas for the future of Unitarian Universalism, a strategic direction consistent with our values and our historic willingness to push beyond pre-determined boundaries.

This vision will, I hope, provoke some interesting discussions about the direction of Unitarian Universalism.

In faith,

Rev. Peter Morales
President, Unitarian Universalist Association

Immigration: Issues for Muslims and Asylum Seekers

Sat., March 17 1 - 4:30 p.m.

All Souls Church, Unitarian

1500 Harvard St. NW

Washington, DC 2009

Click here for details!

As many of you know, every year our non-profit organization, Kabultec, assists ten needy schools and three orphanages in Afghanistan. Our collection period this year is between March 1 and April 30, 2012.

The easiest delivery method is either a drop-off at our Falls Church home, or scheduling a time for us to pick-up. To schedule a drop-off or pick-up, please email us at
kabultec.orphans@gmail.com, or call us at 703-536-6471.

Click here to check out Kabultec's website.

Click here to learn about some events sponsored by friends of Cedar Lane.

Learning about UU and Cedar Lane

The Member Services Committee is pleased to highlight these free opportunities especially for new members and visitors. We are also delighted when members who have been around awhile participate and share their wisdom. So register soon through Adult Programs and mark your calendars.

A5. New to UU, Wednesday, March 7, 7:30 to 9:00 p.m., Evan Keely, Interim Senior Minister: This class investigates various aspects of what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist today, changes in Unitarianism and Universalism in the 20th Century, and the earlier history of our faith.

A7. Exploring Cedar Lane, Wednesday, March 14, 7:30 to 9:00 p.m., Andy Streich, Membership Coordinator: Through personal stories and discussion with lay leaders, participants learn how people come together in committees and other groups to operate the church. This is an opportunity to share your experience of the church as well as to learn from others about theirs.

A8. Welcome Workshop, Saturday, March 17, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m: Twice a year we offer this opportunity to learn about Unitarian Universalism, our spiritual community, how we operate, what we offer, and ways to get engaged. The workshop is hosted by the membership coordinator with interactive sessions led by each of the ministers.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION FOR ALL AGES

Linda Gianessi, Temporary RE Coordinator

Susan Clark, Chapel Coordinator

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

Fri Feb 24 Teacher Appreciation

Dinner

Sun Mar 4 First Sunday Smart Sacks

Sun Mar 18 SHYG service, & Teacher

Recognition Sunday

Tonight: Teacher Appreciation Dinner

Teachers, we'll see you soon!

Parents: please remember to donate to support the dinner. Thank you!

Don't miss:

* Our Theological House, Untold Stories of Afro-decendents, Beyond Black and White, Continuing Yoga, Free Alexander Technique, Retreat for Women

* A is for Aging, Connections-Short Term, Get a Life!, Spiritual Practice for Busy People, and many more!

* Sunday Morning Forum

Find more RE. . .

passport

NOW is the time to submit your donations for our Passport to Adventure Auction on March 24.

We currently are accepting donations online (preferred) or on a paper form available at church or printable from the Cedar Lane website.

Wondering what to donate?

Consider a dinner in your home, handyman services, gardening, a ride to the doctor or airport, baked goods on demand, a delicious company dinner delivered, or some other item that you think would appeal to our generous bidders. The deadline for submissions is March 1.

To make your donation(s) online, please click here. Thank you!

Calendar

Please visit the church calendar here.

Environmental Task Force

Headline: Composting at Cedar Lane: Directions and offer

Directions: When composting, please only include: vegetables, tea bags and coffee grounds. No meat. NO PLASTIC!

Offer: We've been building up a great supply of good rich compost in the bin at the bottom of the kitchen steps. Anyone interested in using it to enrich their garden is welcome to it. We could use help tending it: add dry material (leaves) periodically, check for unwanted items, and turn it if you see fit. Little doors at the bottom of the bin can be open to remove compost.

Questions: Email Molly Hauck or Charlotte Brewer.
mollyhauck@verizon.net

or jarvischarlot@aol.com

Click here for updated Green Tips!

In This Together from CLARITY*

Hands

Who was "Fortune"? And why does Dr. Ysaye Barnwell care?

Let Hollywood know if they were wrong about the popularity of "Red Tails."

For details, see the CLARITY

"Events of Interest."

Check the CLARITY web pages on Cedar Lane's website from time-to-time. We are constantly updating our "Events of Interest" section, and expanding our links to resources about multiculturalism.

* 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.

An Invitation from Nancy Pellegrini, Intern Minister

Interested in deepening your spirituality based on the meditation method I described in my last sermon? You are invited to join a new connection circle starting this Tuesday Feb. 28 at 7:15 p.m. Spiritual Practice for Busy People that I am facilitating.

Members will bond with each other every day virtually-each person will meditate on the same daily reading available online or from me. Then we will meet twice a month on the second and fourth Tuesdays for six sessions to connect with each other in person and discuss our common meditation experience. Longtime church members and newcomers alike are welcome. Sign up through Adult Programs on-line, or in the Religious Education Office by mail or in person.

Around the Church

What Is a Child Dedication? Most faith traditions have a way to welcome young ones into the community. Our service of child dedication allows all of us - parents, family, friends, church - to promise to the child and to each other that we will love and nurture her or him, that we will teach the best of what we know, dedicating ourselves to this responsibility of raising a child and joyously celebrating the possibilities of a new life. On Easter Sunday, April 8th, we will have a dedication ceremony within the regular worship service. If you wish to be part of this, please contact Evan Keely at ekeely@cedarlane.org or 301-493-8300.

New! Affinity Groups at CLUUC - Theater!

If interested in joining the Theater Affinity Group's first event, contact Marlene Berg at mgkpberg@gmail.com, or 301-704-8177. Saturday, March 10, at 8 p.m. to see the Silver Spring Round House Theater's The Language Archive.

New! Affinity Groups at CLUUC

Currently CLUUC offers these small groups: connection circles, dinner discussion groups, and several support groups (p-flag, aging, l iving with cancer, and living with mental illness). Affinity groups, sponsored by the Membership Services Committee (MSC), are now another option. They form around common interests or background. Examples are Buddhist practice and study, Jewish ethnicity, LGBT, or being a young adult; these are sometimes called identity groups. Others might form around an activity like going to the theater or biking. They are self-organizing, self-directed, self-funded if funds are required, and on-going.

Join. If you would like to join one of these groups, please send an email to the contact person or give them a call.

topic	description	contact
Buddhist Study & Practice	for people interested in learning about Buddhism and meditation practice	Andy Streich astreich@cedarlane.org 240.281.7208
Jewish Ethnicity	for people with a Jewish background and their partners	Kay Gottesman kgottesman@verizon.net 301.530.5504
Theater	for people interested in going to live theater together	Marlene Berg mgkpberg@gmail.com 301.279.6790

Create. If you are interested in forming a new group or have questions please write to Cedar Lane's membership coordinator, Andy Streich, astreich@cedarlane.org. Affinity groups have no fees and can use church facilities for meetings. Your group must have a contact person and be responsible for communicating with its members. Andy will periodically publish affinity group information in the newsletter so the congregation is aware of what is available and how to get involved. He may also be able to help with other ways of attracting like-minded people to your group. Our intention is to be as flexible as possible as we launch groups and adjust as we learn how best to support them.

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Sara Deshler and Sara Davidson
Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church www.cedarlane.org 301-493-8300