|
|
|
Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church
www.cedarlane.org |
eNewsletter Volume 4, Issue 41
April 6, 2012 | |
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.
Volunteers for the Service:
Ushers: 9 a.m.: Norman Grossblatt, Tod Chernikoff, Joanne Evans, Bob Harrison; 11 a.m.: Phil Schwartz & Lyn Peters, Steve & Ardene Shafer
Coffee Servers: 10 a.m.: Mike Benefiel; noon: Kate Curtis
Audio: Chris Dupre
Board Member at the Office Desk: 10 a.m.: Kathie Bryant
noon: Sandy Shaw
Visitors' Center: 10 a.m.: Brent Garland; noon: Chris Garland
Beacon Books Cart: 10 a.m.: Gerry Peterson
The flowers in the sanctuary are given by Anne Fretz in loving member of her husband, Burton Fretz. The flowers were arranged by Ellen Thompson.
In the Lounge: Alliance Books * Beacon Books Cart * Environmental Task Force * Fair Trade Coffee & Tea * Social Justice Council * Stewardship Dinner Sign-Up *
Sunday Morning Forum: Compassion Fatigue: When Caring Hurts Too Much, with Cedar Lane member, Janet Cromer.
|
|
Weekly Devotional · April 6, 2012
My family had no religious affiliation for the first years of my life; Mom and Dad joined a Unitarian Universalist congregation when I was about seven. I remember as a very little boy asking my mother about the box on the calendar that said, "Good Friday." "That's the day to remember when Jesus was killed," she explained. So I deduced that this is a Christian holiday. This puzzled me immensely. If Christians like Jesus, I wondered, why would they call the day he died "good"?
"Vicarious atonement" is the phrase theologians use to describe the concept of the redemptive effect of Jesus's sacrifice - that "he died for our sins." There is a long tradition in both Universalism and Unitarianism of questioning this idea. By the end of the nineteenth century, many Unitarians were more interested in the life of Jesus than his death, and many Universalists put their hope in a God who loves for love's own sake rather than because of any atoning sacrifices. Many religious liberals are troubled by the notion that a benign deity would require blood in order to be appeased.
Yet the death of Jesus is an ever-timely and powerful set of images in the Gospels' narratives. In Golgotha, "the place of a skull" where Jesus is executed, we find echoes of the balcony of the Lorraine Motel or the Birla Bhavan, places where the living bodies of prophets of justice and peace were felled by the forces of hatred and fear. It is both the lives and the deaths of messengers of truth that inspire us: their lives by their meaning, and their deaths by the depths of their devotion.
Prayer
O God, give me the strength to devote my whole life to that which is most worthy, so that when I come to die, my life and my death will proclaim the power of truth and love. Amen.
Follow Rev. Keely on Twitter @evanvwk.
|
|
Are You Coming to Justice GA?
Join Sarah Deshler, Glenn Farley, John Gubbings, Cathy Knapper, Mike Harris, Mary Beth Nowinski, Gerry Peterson, Sandy Shaw and our ministers at the UUAGeneral Assembly, Phoenix, AZ, June 20-24!
Things are heating up in Arizona -- between the Department of Justice investigation of Sheriff Arpaio of Marcipa County and the expected Supreme Court ruling on the constitutionality of SB1070 sometime in June. There will be many opportunities to make a difference in Phoenix. Early registration is going on now until April 30th at www.UUA.org. Let Sara Deshler (sdeshler@cedarlane.org), our Church Administrator, know if you're coming so you can get your Cedar Lane delegate credentials.
Click here to continue...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
2012 UUA JUSTICE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
ORIENTATION & BRIEFING FOR PROSPECTIVE GA ATTENDEES
(Sponsored by the Chesapeake UU Growth (ChUUG) Committee)
Saturday, May 12, 2012, At Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church
9601 Cedar Lane, Bethesda, Maryland
(in Chalice House above main building)
11-11:30 a.m.: FREE Coffee, juice, bagels and fruit,
as well as some lunch type food.
11:30-1 p.m.: GA Preview, Orientation, Q&A
Leader: Natalia (Natty) Averett (UUA Trustee)
Click here to view flyer |
Attention New Members!
If you have formally joined CLUUC as a new member by signing the membership book and have not yet been recognized as a new member during a Sunday service, you and yours are invited to attend Cedar Lane's Welcome and Recognition for New Members held as part Sunday services, April 22, 2012. This is a joyous occasion in the life of the church in which the congregation, the Ministers, and representatives of the Member Services Committee will speak in recognition of your new membership. During this celebration you and other new members will be invited to come forward to receive a small gift. Cake will be served in the lounge after the service.
To help us prepare, if you have not been participated in one of these and can attend on Sunday, April 22, please let our membership coordinator Andy Streich know by 5pm on April 11 which April 22 service (9 or 11) you will be attending -- astreich@cedarlane.org or call him at 301.312.4962. If you have children they are encouraged to be recognized with you.
If you are shy or uneasy about being recognized like this, please note: Being a member of Cedar Lane is a very special thing. While each person is responsible for their own spiritual path, we are together as a community to support each other in our individual spiritual growth, to celebrate our joys, and to share our sorrows. To do these things together we need to know and acknowledge everyone who is part of our community, and with more than 800 members that isn't easy. Our little ceremony on Sunday is a way to formally acknowledge new members and for the congregation to state their commitment to including them. Please be a part of this even it is a bit of a personal stretch. |
|
|
Upcoming Sundays
April 15, 2012
9 a.m. and 11 a.m. in the sanctuary
"Growing Up"
The Rev. Evan Keely
Worship Associate: Lucy Lowenthal
What are the characteristics of real maturity, in individuals and in communities? A congregational meeting will follow the service.
Forum: Two Years of Extreme Weather in Washington, DC: What's Behind It? with Washington Post weather editor, Jason Samenow.
|
|
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.
We have no news to share.
Be well, everyone!
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 8, 2012
On this joyful Easter Day our music moves from meditative to energetic and resonant. The contemplative preludes performed by Thomas Guthrie and Bell Canto allow us to reflect on nature's beauty, quietly unfolding before us on this Easter Day. Bell Canto rings a beloved 15th century carol which, in its original text, resonates with the refrain Allelulia, Alleluia (we know this tune as #296, O Ye Who Taste That Love is Sweet.) American composer Amy Bernon's Alleluia, Alleluia! seemed a perfect choice as today's Introit. It is rhythmic, joyous, energetic, and includes a text that everyone can embrace.
Click here to continue reading...
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. |
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.
|
|
Around the Church
Ya'll ready for this??
Cedar Lane is leaping into the 21st century...
Easter Sunday is Our Second Sunday Signing!
This Sunday, April 8, is Cedar Lane's Second Sunday Signing, sponsored by the Member Services Committee. If you have decided to become a member of Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church, please plan to join us in the Chapel following either the 9 a.m. or 11 a.m. services to sign the membership book. While you can join anytime, Second Sunday Signing provides a special opportunity to participate in a welcoming ceremony with a minister, the Membership Coordinator, and members of Cedar Lane's Board and Member Services Committee.
Alexia Prochnicki and Connie Nissley at the SJC table the first Sunday that Palestinian olive oil was available for sale.
Save the Date! On Sunday, May 6, at 5:30-7:30 p.m., members of the Board of Trustees will be flipping and serving (pancakes and assorted accompaniments) for members of the Cedar Lane community. Individual tickets are $10. Family tickets are $25. To purchase in advance (which will help us know how many to expect), please contact Sara Deshler or a board member in the office on Sundays.
|
|
Beyond the Church
How to Make Peace in the Holy Land Workshop sponsored by Sabeel DC Metro on April 21, 2012, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Kresge Center (Refectory) at Wesley Theological Seminary, 4500 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. Cost: $15 (includes lunch). Registration deadline April 16. Mail check, payable to Susan Bell/Spring Workshop, 1324 Kingston Ave., Alexandria, VA 22302. Please include your name, address, phone, e-mail, and name of your congregation (optional). For questions about registration, call 703-751-5646. If you feel called to work for peace and justice, come participate in this workshop.
�� Beacon House Featured on Hero Central: Beacon House got some well-deserved recognition this past week when it was featured on TV Channel 9 WUSA's Hero Central, Monday, February 20. Check out J.C. Hayward's story on Beacon House and Rev. Robinson by clicking here.
�� Beacon House Featured in UU World. Read the article here.
�� Become a Fan of Beacon House on Facebook. You can now stay up-to-date with the events at Beacon House via Facebook.
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.
Click here to learn about some events sponsored by friends of Cedar Lane. |
|
|
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
Easter Sunday with egg hunt...
Coming of Age invitation...
Spring B is coming!
Spring B runs from April 29 through May 20. Register for classes on Sundays, April 15 and 22. Hope you will join us!
Teacher Recruitment...
7th grade, Session 2, Social Justice Project
Youth Notes (grades 7-12)
Youth Activity Group (grades 7-8)
Sun Apr 8 Egg hunt, service
project
F-Sat Apr 20-21 Sleepover w/sharks
S-S May 5-6 NYC
Senior High Youth Group (grades 9-12)
Tu Apr 17 Stress Busting
Workshop, 6:30 p.m.
Sat Apr 21 COA Ceremony and
Dinner
Young Adults (18-35)
Adult Programs (AP) Spring 2012
We stll have lots to offer this spring!
Our program is open to non-church members, so invite friends! Please register in advance.
Classes beginning soon...
On-going classes-drop in!...
Three NEW AP classes...
Brochure Corrections...
Sunday Morning Forum...
Connection Circles...
READ ALL the RE News Here... |
|
Calendar
Please visit the church calendar here.
|
|
Cedar Lane Annual
Congregational Meeting
Sunday, April 15, 12:30 p.m.
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. |
|
Auction Update
There is still an opportunity to purchase some wonderful items that were not sold at the auction. You can still enjoy several vacation and At Your Service opportunities, as well as choice Wining and Dining offerings. Email Sara Deshler at sdeshler@cedarlane.org or call her at 301 493-8300. |
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
|
|
|
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 9:30-12:30 p.m., 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
|
|
|
|
In This Together from CLARITY
For details on upcoming events, see the CLARITY
|
LGBT Winter/Spring Film & Discussion Series
Friday, April 13, 7-9:30 p.m.
Cedar Lane Library
Two Spirits
Two Spirits interweaves the tragic story of a mother's loss of her son with a revealing look at the largely unknown history of a time when the world wasn't simply divided into male and female and many Native American cultures held places of honor for people of integrated genders.
Fred Martinez was nádleehí, a male-bodied person with a feminine nature, a special gift according to his ancient Navajo culture. He was one of the youngest hate-crime victims in modern history when he was brutally murdered at 16. Two Spirits explores the life and death of this boy who was also a girl, and the essentially spiritual nature of gender.
Two Spirits mourns the young Fred Martinez and the threatened disappearance of the two-spirit tradition, but it also brims with hope and the belief that we all are enriched by multi-gendered people, and that all of us - regardless of ethnicity, gender, sexuality, or cultural heritage - benefit from being free to be our truest selves.
A facilitated, interactive discussion will follow the film showing.
$5 (suggested contribution) at the door. Refreshments will be served.
For further information contact Catherine Schuler (cschuler@umd.edu); Marge Dimond (margeryjd@aol.com); or Stephen Colgan(smcolgan@hotmail.com.) |
|
|
|
|
|
Sara Deshler and Sara Davidson
Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church www.cedarlane.org 301-493-8300
|
|
|
|
|
