Our community will have two memorial services at Cedar Lane tomorrow Saturday, March 3rd:

A Service in Celebration of the Life of longtime member and RE teacher Mimi Grimm (Neighborhood 10) will be held at 11:00 a.m.

A Service in Celebration of the Life of Jeff Bugenhagen will be held at 4:00 p.m.  Jeff, who is the son of Kay and Tom Bugenhagen (N27), died after a long struggle with cancer.

We are happy to report that Steve Murphy, brother of Barbara Warman (N31), is recovering well at the National Lutheran Home. He appreciates all your prayers and well wishes.

Healing wishes are also with Tracey Stein (N9) as she goes in for surgery next week.

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.

The Social Justice Council at its March meeting voted to sell olive oil produced by Palestinian farmers.  In making this decision the SJC used the UUA's GAFO process (Grounding, Accountability, Fit and Opportunity.)

Grounding in UU principles - the UU principle of the inherent worth and dignity of every individual;

Accountability to marginalized groups - the ability of Palestinian farmers to realize income from the sale of the oil; 

Fit with Cedar Lanes's resources, aspirations, ability to make a difference - SJC will sell the oil for $15 and $6 of the sale price will go to Tent of Nations(www.tentofnations.org) to build peace and co-existence with Israeli settlers who surround the Palestinian farmers; Opportunity to work effectively on this issue at this time - groups at River Road UU Church, Westmoreland Congregational United Church of Christ, and St. Camilius Catholic Church are already involved in this activity.

Palestinian olive oil is made from hand picked, unsprayed, tree-ripened olives and is "stone crushed" and "cold pressed" through an all - natural process that has been used for centuries.  Because the oil is produced under the guidance of the Fair Trade Federation, Palestinian farmers are ensured full market value for their efforts.

The oil will be available after each service at the SJC table in the lounge.

Action Action in Montgomery (AIM)

Senior Affordable Housing & Transportation Action

Tuesday, March 20, 2012, 7:30 p.m.

Time to stand in support of our purposes and principles around issues of senior housing and transportation! AIM (of which Cedar Lane is a founding member) will be hosting an ACTION rally on Tuesday, March 20, 2012, 7:30 p.m. at Kehilat Shalom synagogue, 9915 Apple Way, Montgomery Village (Gaithersburg), MD 20886. County Executive Ike Leggett will be present.  A LARGE TURNOUT is critical for let the Executive know that there is a large number of Montgomery County constituents who are supporting senior affordable housing and that it is a priority for us all. Transportation and other resources for seniors who choose to age in place will be shared as well as stories from seniors of various income classes who struggle to continue to live in the county as they age. Need more info? Want a ride to the Action rally on March 20?  AIM representatives will be at the Social Justice table in the lounge this coming Sunday. Call Charlene Belsom Zellmer, 301.530.8923, for more details and to say you will stand and be counted.

Upcoming RE

LGBT Winter/Spring Film & Discussion Series

2nd Friday evening of March, April & May  (7:15 to 9:30 pm)

Cedar Lane UU Church Library

Friday, March 9th

Tying the Knot:  Tying the Knot is an award-winning documentary about gay marriage, which focuses on current issues in the marriage equality debate from a historical/cultural perspective. The film follows the moving case histories of two long-term gay couples in which one partner has died, and the other loses legal claim to the estate and survivor's benefits.  Tying the Knot skillfully weaves these stories into a step-by-step account of the continuing struggle, over time, to legalize gay marriage in the USA.  The result is an engaging, informative, and poignant film that underscores the importance of full civil marriage rights and protections for same-sex couples.

 An interactive discussion will follow the showing of this 83 minute film.

• Watch & discuss movies, movies, movies!