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Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church
www.cedarlane.org |
eNewsletter Volume 4, Issue 40
March 30, 2012 | |
April 1, 2012
9 a.m. and 11 a.m. in the sanctuary
"Fools for Justice: To Build a More Just World"
The Rev. Heather Janules
Worship Associate: Brian Belanger
Passover and Palm Sunday - ancient holidays centered in social justice - invite us as a faith community to consider the last part of our mission statement. The third of a three-part series, this service will draw from ancient stories, a prominent leader from American history and our current times to speak to our prophetic call "to build a more just world."
Volunteers for the Service:
Ushers: 9 a.m.: Tod & Lisa Chernikoff, Dianne & Perry Seiffert
11 a.m.: Jane Barton, Rick & Julie Offner, Marion Carlson
Coffee Servers: 10 a.m.: Nancy Janssen
noon: Glenis Bellais, Bob Pechacek
Audio: Chris Dupre
Board Member at the Office Desk: 10 a.m.: Debbie Goodwin
noon: Rick Offner
Visitors' Center: 10 a.m.: Brent Garlad; noon: Lyn Peters
Beacon Books Cart: 10 a.m.: Bob Harrison; noon: Carol Edwards
The flowers in the sanctuary are given by Millie Mader in loving memory of her husband, Donn Mader. The flowers were arranged by Lyn Peters. The flowers in the chapel were arranged by Isabel Marbury-Mauro.
In the Lounge: Alliance Jewelry * Beacon Books Cart * Environmental Task Force * Fair Trade Coffee & Tea * Social Justice Council *
Sunday Morning Forum: Hunger for Democracy, with Julio Carreras, writer former guerrilla fighter, discusses experiences during "Argentina's Dirty War."
Manna Food: Sunday is Manna Food First Sunday collection. Please put Smarts Sacks contributions in the Red Bins and general food stuffs in the Blue Boxes.
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Weekly Devotional · March 30, 2012
As you read these words, three other adults and I are in Boston with eight of Cedar Lane's ninth-graders. This is an opportunity for our young people to bond more closely with one another as fellow-congregants, and to learn about the history of Unitarianism and Universalism in North America. Boston, of course, is a very significant place in the history of our religion. It's also a very significant place for me personally, as I lived there from the time I was eighteen until, at the age of thirty-five (by then married, ordained, and a father of one with another son on the way) I went off to Texas be the pastor of the first congregation I served. My ministry journey has taken me from Long Island, where I grew up, to Boston, Texas, New Jersey, and to my present home in Fairfax County. I have cherished memories of all those places, but it was in Boston that I found my wife and my call to ministry. It's holy ground for me.
Many religious traditions have sacred spaces: Jerusalem, Mecca, the Ganges, Kyoto, Sarnath. Sometimes I wonder if our Protestant ancestors, perhaps eager to distinguish themselves from Catholics and their pilgrimages to Rome and other holy sites, de-emphasized this concept of sacred space, encouraging the faithful to instead find the holy chiefly in ideas and commitments rather than physical spaces. Yet there is something inherent in human nature that attaches profound meaning to places. Our Calvinist ancestors may have feared an idolatrous tendency in making a place holy, and in this they may not have been wholly wrong; we can idealize places in an unhealthy way that can divide us from ourselves and one another (look at the tensions over Jerusalem today). Yet we can also draw great inspiration from those places where we encounter the sacred.
Prayer
O God, may the places where I find the holy inspire me to seek and find it in whatever place I'm in. Amen.
Follow Rev. Keely on Twitter @evanvwk.
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FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES'
TRANSITION COORDINATING COMMITTEE:
FAQ: Where are we in the process?
Since last September, the Board's subcommittee called the "Transition Coordinating Committee" (TCC) has issued periodic updates on transition issues, focusing on changes in RE leadership after the Rev. Susan Archer's retirement on January 1 (see September 27, 2011 article) and the upcoming search for our settled Senior Minister (see accompanying timelines on the CLUUC website.) Here is another update on our progress.
Q. Which leaders are we looking for now?
We are actively advertising for an interim Religious Education (RE) leader, who will start August 1 for a one-year contract renewable for a second year. (See job description here.) Our options for an RE Interim include a Minister of Religious Education (MRE), or a Director of Religious Education (DRE), a highly qualified lay professional who may or may not have undergone one or more levels of formal RE credentialing through the UUA. The Interim RE leader is hired by the Board of Trustees to assist the Rev. Evan Keely in the first year of our congregation's leadership transition self-examination and visioning process, especially as it pertains to RE; and in the second year, will report to our settled Senior Minister to complete that process. We will begin the search for our long-term RE leader in April 2014.
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Denominational Affairs Committee Member Tracey Stein...
attended her first UUA General Assembly last June. She thought it would help CLUUC members who aren't intimately familiar with UUA governance if she described her experiences as a first-time delegate to educate others who might be considering attending a future GA.
Click here to continue...
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Upcoming Sundays
April 8, 2012
9 a.m. and 11 a.m. in the sanctuary
"A Great Earthquake"
The Rev. Evan Keely
Worship Associate: Kathleen Reedy
Our 9 a.m. service will be a meditation on Easter's timeless and universal themes of renewal and invincible hope in the face of loss and despair.
Join us at 11 a.m., for a service for all ages, a celebration of new life. The service will include a ceremony of child dedication. Families with children in 5th grade and younger are invited downstairs, after the service, for light refreshments and an egg hunt on the church grounds.
No RE classes. Childcare available for ages 5 and younger.
Forum: Compassion Fatigue: When Caring Hurts Too Much, with Cedar Lane member, Janet Cromer.
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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.
Congratulations go out to Michael and Elizabeth Benefiel (Neighborhood 13) with the birth of their third grandchild, Nathan James Sutton Bijur, born on March 26th to parents Rebecca and Jon. Nathan weighed in at 7lbs, 14 oz. All are well.
We also celebrate with Glenn Farley, who grew up at Cedar Lane and served as our Youth Coordinator. Glenn met with the UUA's Ministerial Fellowship Committee and was welcomed into preliminary fellowship. Hooray!
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.
Two Of Your Ministers...
Are now on Twitter:
Follow Rev. Keely @evanvwk
Follow Rev. Janules @revhkjanules |
Music Director's Notes
Dr. Henry Sgrecci
April 1, 2012
On this Palm Sunday morning, just one week from the celebration of Easter, we acknowledge the coming of Passover and we sing of a world that seeks justice for the oppressed. The Choir's Introit, Unidos en el misterio (Come, Spirit Come), is sung to a familiar tune in our hymnal, "Gathered Here." The Spanish lyrics are offered in support of and in preparation for the upcoming General Assembly, which will take place in Phoenix, Arizona, June 20-24, and will lift up positive actions for immigration justice. During the Offertory the Choir will sing Dave Brubeck's I Dream a World. Brubecks's colorful harmonizations and smooth texture bring to light the text of Langston Hughes' poem: I dream a world where man no other man will scorn, where love will bless the earth and peace its path adorn. Our Anthem is the traditional setting of the Palm Sunday hymn All Glory, Laud and Honor, with harmonizations by J. S. Bach.
Concerts at Cedar Lane hosts Carmina, Washington's early music chorale, on Sunday, April 22 at 4:00 p.m. Click here to view the flyer. |
REGISTER NOW!
JPD ASSEMBLY
APRIL 13-15, 2012
REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
Joseph Priestley District Assembly
Looking Backward, Moving Forward: Celebrating
50 Years of the JPD
April 13-15, 2012
Key Bridge Marriott, Arlington, VA
Keynote Speaker:
Rev. Peter Morales, President of the UUA
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The Stewardship Committee is hosting 3 dinners in April!
RSVP TODAY!
Click here to RSVP to attend one of our stewardship dinners. You have three dates from which to choose the best one for you.
The dates are:
Saturday, April 14, 6 p.m.
Sunday, April 15, 5:30 p.m.
Child care is available for this date but you must let us know in advance.
Dinners will include wonderful food from My Thyme. Wine will be available.
Plan on meeting new people, engaging in fun discussions and help your church earn the money it needs to thrive and continue its good work. COME ON!!! Join the fun!! Attending a dinner is the best way to insure that you are helping Cedar Lane grow while having a great time with your friends.
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Around the Church
You are most welcome to join us for the April Community Lunch in the Chalice House following Sunday's second service. This lunch is open to members and visitors. The Music Committee is hosting, with support from the Member Services Committee. Come for a delicious meal and conversation with Music Committee members about Cedar Lane's fabulous Music Program.
On Sunday, April 1, the International Concerns Coalition (part of our Social Justice umbrella) will be hosting an Open House presentation in the library 10 minutes after each service ends. Showing up-close and personal photos, coalition leaders will speak briefly about specific projects we undertake in Afghanistan, DR Congo, India, Kenya, Romania, and Ukraine. Please join us! For questions or to learn more, contact Annette Scarpitta (annettecedarlane@spamex.com.)
Along with 118 other non-profit organizations Cedar Lane has just participated in a bulk electricity purchase organized by Groundswell (formerly the DC Project.) In the process we went from 50% wind power to 100% and reduced our electric bill by 1.8 cents per kilowatt/hour while also contributing to a low-income energy-efficiency and weatherization program. Clean Currents won the bid over four other electricity suppliers. As part of this program, members of the non-profit organizations can obtain their own residential contracts with Clean Currents at very favorable rates ($0.0755 per KWH, or lower.) Cedar Lane will receive $20.00 per family who enrolls in the program.
Please watch for more information on how to take advantage of this green energy, money-saving program.
UU UNSUNG HEROES WANTED!
The Cedar Lane Board of Trustees is seeking nominations for individuals who have made exceptional contributions of their time and talents to ensure that Cedar Lane remains the vibrant community it has been for 60+ years. We need your help in nominating those whose service deserves the title of "Unsung Hero."
Nominees for these awards should not have been honored in this way during the past five years, nor have received compensation for the services for which he/she is being honored. To nominate an Unsung Hero, please contact Board member Debbie Goodwin at 301-340-1935 or by email at goodwink@comcast.net with the name(s) of nominee(s) and an explanation of why you believe that person or persons should be recognized in this way. Deadline for nominations is Friday, May 4. The Board will vote on the nominees at it May 15 meeting, and the Unsung Heroes will be honored at a Sunday service in June.
Why You Should Be a Book Shop Helper
It's amazing how many people stop and talk to you in the lounge on the day you are selling books and magnets and bumper stickers! Some folks you know, more you don't know. Some are members, some just visiting. I never thought I knew enough about the books, but it didn't stop me from being there anyway. One Sunday a month, not a lot to ask. But the rewards are FAR GREATER than the little bit of effort. There aren't a lot of opportunities like that around! If you think you are up to the task, please contact Laura-Leigh Palmer, laura.leigh@asapgraphics.com or ask one of the great people selling books!
Soon to be living in Arizona, Gerry Peterson |
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Beyond the Church
Cedar Lane member is looking for partner(s) for 30' Bristol sailboat, which was in this year's auction. Training is provided but prior sailing experience is necessary for a year commitment to sail 2 weekend days and 5+ weekdays a month from May to October. The boat is at the Holiday Hill Marina in Mayo off the West River, 5 miles south of Annapolis. Call John Ruthrauff at work 202-552-6523, home 301-270-2193 or email to jruthrauff@interaction.org.
Join Fellow Unitarian Universalists at Rally for Justice for Trayvon Martin
What:
Rally for Justice for Trayvon Martin
When:
Saturday March 31 at 12 p.m.
Where:
Judiciary Square, at the corner of 5th and F Streets, NW, Washington, DC (Look for UU Church Banners)
Who:
All who seek justice for Trayvon Martin and for all our children
Attire:
Wear a hoodie, or dress in black. Bring your church banner.
Transport:
Judiciary Square is located on the Red Line, one stop from Union Station.
Click here to learn about some events sponsored by friends of Cedar Lane. |
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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.
Spring RE
Sun Apr 8 Easter services at 11
a.m. for families followed
by egg hunt
Sun Apr 15 Growing Up Year
presentations during
first part of service
Sat Apr 21 Coming of Age Service/
Potluck
Sun Apr 22 Stepping Stone
Ceremony/last RE class!
Sun Apr 29 Spring B begins
Spring B is coming!
Teacher Recruitment
Youth Notes (Grades 7-12)
Young Adults (Ages 18-35)
Adults Programs (AP) Spring 2012
We still have lots to offer this spring!
Our program is open to non-church members, so invite friends! Please register in advance.
Classes beginning soon: Details are in the brochure.
4/7 Bicycling; Dinner & Discussion Express
4/12 T'ai Chi Session II
On-going classes - please drop in!
Three New AP Classes - not in brochure
Brochure corrections
Sunday Morning Forum - program descriptions
Connection Circles Want You!
Click here to read all RE and AP news! |
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Calendar
Please visit the church calendar here.
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Cedar Lane Annual
Congregational Meeting
Sunday, April 15 12:30 pm
Lunch is served!
Plan to attend to VOTE for our MINISTERIAL SEARCH COMMITTEE, new members of the Board, the Social Justice Council and Leadership Development Committee members. We'll HEAR reports from the Board and other leadership committees.
This is an important time in the life of our church. Please plan to participate by attending. |
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The Passport to Adventure is over, and what a trip it was.
But you haven't missed the boat! There is still an opportunity to purchase some wonderful items that were not sold at the auction. You can still enjoy an exciting week in Telluride, CO., or sign up for choice Wining and Dining offerings. For more information or to make a purchase, please call Sara Deshler at 301 493-8300 or email her at sdeshler@cedarlane.org.
Wining & Dining Event date: Price:
Opera with a Twist 5/26 $40
After-Church Brunch 6/17 $40
New Members' Brunch 6/3 $25
Cocktails & Chopin 5/12 $35
Dessert, Decaf & Discussion 6/24 $10
Sushi & Sake Night 5/19 $40
(only 2 seats left)
Jazz Service Brunch 7/1 $25
Fells Point Pub Crawl 6/30 $50
(only 2 seats left)
Pancake Supper 5/6 $25/family
$10/person
Transylvanian Thanksgiving
Celebration 11/4 $35
Int'l Evening of Food,
Wine & Song 4/21 $75
(only 6 seats left)
There also are a number of Useful Treasures for sale. Take a look in the Brides Room after Sunday services. An auction committee member will be there to help you with your purchase. |
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Environmental Task Force
This year, join hundreds of millions of others by switching off your lights for just one hour,
from 8:30-9:30 p.m. this Saturday, March 31st--Earth Hour
Switch it off for Earth Hour
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This week we got an e-mail from a local 5th grade class who said they have been visiting our Green Tips page and love it. They have suggested a few links for Green Tips of their own! Please check some Green Tips for kids that they recommend:
1. Info about endangered animals
2. How children can help conserve water
3. How recycling works and why it's important!
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What's Happening Now?
Monday, April 2nd 7:00 p.m.
Lawyer's Mall, Annapolis
Stand for Health. Stand for Jobs. Stand for Energy Security. Stand Together for Maryland Offshore Wind Power
Join UULM-MD and Marylanders for Offshore Wind Power to form a ring of people around the State House representing our unified support for leaders who have worked to advance legislation this year to build a clean energy wind farm off Maryland's Atlantic coast and to urge all legislators to band together to pass the bill. We'll have glowing, miniature wind turbines for you to hold to increase what will be an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind image of support for clean energy.
Free bus transportation will be available from Baltimore, Montgomery County and Prince George's County. To RSVP and reserve your seat on a bus, go here.
Click here for updated Green Tips and ETF event information!
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Now that the first bulbs are in bloom, and the trees in flower, it's time to spruce up the gardens of Cedar Lane as well as our own flower beds. The Grounds Committee invites you to help.
On Sunday, May 1, from 9:30-noon, the Grounds Committee will host a spring plant sale, so plan to be there! There are always lots of great buys, and the proceeds will be used to further beautify the CLUUC grounds. Please bring cash or checks, as we cannot accept credit cards. We need your plant donations! Please take a look at your gardens, thin out your beds, and bring your donations to CLUUC on Saturday, April 30, from 9-12 p.m.
We look forward to seeing you this spring.
The Grounds Committee
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In This Together from CLARITY*
Food for Thought:
"I don't see race. People tell me that I'm white and I believe them because police officers call me 'sir'."
- Stephen Colbert
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Members and friends of CLUUC who are committed to our work of anti-racism and multi-culturalism are encouraged to become part of our team. If you are ready to join, send a request to CLUUC-CLARITY-subscribe@yahoogroups.com (We use this Yahoo group for CLARITY emails, meeting invitations, etc.)
CLARITY meetings are generally held on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 7:30 in the Chalice House.
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Action in Montgomery (AIM) leaders launch Aging in
Our Community Plan.
County Executive Leggett and County President Berliner heard the demands of 225+ AIM senior activists at an Action on Aging, March 20. These activists believe residents who work and live in our county should also be able to retire in our county. AIM proposes that county government, developers, the business community, congregational leaders and others work together to create the senior community we all want and need. AIM's Plan: Senior Housing: require developers of housing projects built on county-owned land to set aside a portion of affordable and market rate units for 60+ year residents. In addition, leverage where we can senior housing on private projects. Affordable Housing Money: Phase back into full funding to the Housing Initiative Fund (HIF) from general fund property tax dollars and not rely on bonds, starting in next year's budget. A Plan with Yearly Measurable Goals: Create a senior housing plan that includes yearly measurable goals. Transportation: Work on and fund creative senior transportation solutions, so we can Age-in-Place, but don't get stuck-in-place. NEXT STEP: Attend AIM's Senior Issue ActionTeam on Thursday, April 19, 10-11:30 a.m., at St. Mark Presbyterian Church, 10701 Old Georgetown Rd. |
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Sara Deshler and Sara Davidson
Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church www.cedarlane.org 301-493-8300
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