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Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church
www.cedarlane.org
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eNewsletter Volume 5, Issue 2
August 10, 2012
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Summer services continue this Sunday!
Hytham Younis of the Islamic Center of Washington
Worship Associate: Terry Hoffeld
This service will be presented like a conservative Muslim service, with recitations from the Koran on important Islamic principles and teachings in both English and Arabic. It will not include music. There will be a question-and-answer session in the library at 11:15 a.m., giving members of the congregation time to get a cup of coffee after the service and before the discussion.
Volunteers for the Service:
Ushers: 10 a.m.: Mary Farrar, John Gubbings, Nancy Janssen, & Cedric Powell
Coffee Servers: 11 a.m.: Michael Benefiel
Audio: Jim Weiffenbach
Board Member at the Office Desk: 11 a.m.: Don Bliss
Visitors' Center: 11 a.m.: Michael Benefiel
The flowers in the sanctuary were arranged by Ellen Thompson.
In the Lounge: Alliance Books ◊ Beacon Books Cart ◊ Environmental Task Force ◊ Fair Trade Coffee & Tea ◊ Member Services: Kensington Parade Sign Up ◊ Senior Minister Search Committee ◊ Social Justice Council table sells Palestinian olive oil to support peace in the Middle East! ◊
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Weekly Devotional * August 10, 2012
This past Sunday's horrific shooting at the Oak Creek Sikh Temple just outside Milwaukee is more than just news headlines to Unitarian Universalists. It took place just a week after the four-year anniversary of an unnervingly similar crime, the killing of two and wounding of seven on July 27, 2008 at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church by a lone gunman whose perception of reality was warped by hate. There is much we may never know about Wade Michael Page, the apparent gunman in the Oak Creek shootings, as he was among the dead in the violence he unleashed (apparently by his own hand after being wounded in a shootout with police). Why did he do what he did? Why did he choose that site for this awful deed? We do know that Page apparently participated for years in the so-called "hatecore" music scene, playing in a band called End Apathy that spouted a violent white-supremacist message. Like Adkisson, he imbibed a fearful message of suspicion and denigration of others; like Adkisson, Page's life appeared to be spiraling into a frightening maelstrom of frustration, discouragement, and despair - none of which justifies their dreadful acts, of course, but once again we see a life unraveling into monstrous violence. Could any compassionate intervention have saved these deeply troubled men from themselves? We will probably never know, yet the question haunts. Sikhism, not well known in the United States, in many ways embodies a polar opposite of the evil rage that assaulted our sisters and brothers in Oak Creek: it teaches compassion, the equality of women and men and indeed of all people, and emphasizes social justice and activism. Perhaps those of us who embrace Unitarian Universalism should reach out to the Sikh community not only with compassion for what they have endured, but because we might find ourselves allies with common goals. Prayer O God of all things, you cannot be confined to one religious tradition, one group of people, one truth. Open our eyes and our hearts to allies in the struggle for justice, whoever they may be. And if I encounter any whose life seems to be plummeting toward destruction and self-destruction, may I offer support and point the way toward healing. Amen. |
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Our 2012 Justice General Assembly in Phoenix was a huge success! Now it's time to take those experiences home as we continue to work for basic human rights. Watch the Justice GA video recap, a compelling piece that captures the spirit and focus of our time in Phoenix.
Last month, Rev. Peter Morales, Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) President, wrote an article for The Guardian in which he describes what is happening in Maricopa County and discusses the trial of Sheriff Joe Arpaio.
In addition, we are continuing to work with our local and national partners on issues of social, economic, and immigrant justice. This month, many undocumented workers will be traveling around the country on the "No Papers, No Fear Ride for Justice" to challenge anti-immigrant policies and engage in peaceful civil disobedience. UU congregations and individuals are providing housing, meals, and support for the riders as well as joining them in worship and witness. Read more about the bus tour from the NY Times or follow along on their journey on the "Undocubus" blog and the Standing on the Side of Love site.
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Upcoming Sundays
August 19, 2012, 10 a.m.
Mark Bergel, Executive Director of A Wider Circle of Montgomery County
Worship Associate: Kathleen Reedy
A Wider Circle serves clients from more than 230 social service agencies in our region, which in turn serve families leaving homelessness, fleeing domestic abuse, recovering from fires and disasters, and struggling to build new lives for themselves and their families. A Wider Circle provides beds, dressers, cribs, sheets, dishes and other home essentials to these families and individuals. Dr. Bergel founded A Wider Circle in 2001 and has emerged as a leader in the movement to end poverty. There will be a 50/50 split of the offering that Sunday, with half going to A Wider Circle.
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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 name-tag 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. |
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Position Open:
Membership Coordinator
As named in our previous eNews, Andy Streich has resigned as Cedar Lane's Membership Coordinator. Cedar Lane is now seeking applicants to fill this position. For more information, click here.
Due to the nature of the position, we seek a candidate who is a Unitarian Universalist and is a member of a UU congregation. Cedar Lane members are eligible but we also welcome applications from other Unitarian Universalists in the region. If you know someone from another UU congregation who would make a good Membership Coordinator, we invite you to forward this information to them and encourage them to apply. Deadline for applications is August 24th.
Many thanks!
Cedar Lane's Member Services Committee and Heather Janules, Associate Minister
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Stewardship!
Do you enjoy coffee and tea outside your home? Many of us, myself included, enjoy a Starbucks, Panera or other coffee store specialty coffee one or more times per week. I love lattes and chai teas. They usually cost around $4. In addition to your regular pledge, would you consider dropping an extra $4 in the collection plate each week? Just imagine if even half of the church service attendees each week gave an extra $4 to the collection plate. Let's guess that about 300 people attend the regular services during the regular church year (Sept through Mid-June). Depending on how you count the weeks, we could be looking at 38 to 40 weeks of regular, two-service Sundays. If 150 people gave an extra $4 each Sunday, we would raise an additional $23,000! Now if we could just convince everyone to take the Church out for coffee once a week, we could raise a LOT of money without pinching tight family budgets. Help us out and take the church out for coffee each week!!
Thank you for your consideration,
Ardene Shafer, Stewardship Chair
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Cedar Lane UU Church
Rummage Sale
Saturday, September 22
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
There are so many ways you can help....
*Donate! Clean out your closets, the playroom, the attic, the basement, and the garage! We need donations of clean and usable items. Toys, games, clothes, furniture, books, jewelry, appliances, house wares, sports equipment, bikes, and children's items are needed for the sale. Donations will be accepted at the church on September 19 and 20 from noon - 7:30 p.m. and on September 21 from noon - 5:30 p.m. If you have any questions about what we can accept, please check the web site.
*Volunteer! Consider giving two hours or ten hours to help set up for the rummage sale or work on the sale day. We will need lots of people to help take donations before the sale and work on the day of the sale. You can send an e-mail to Holly Parker at cobbparker@aol.com if you would like to help or sign up in the church lounge on the three Sundays before the sale.
*Bake Something! A bake sale will be held during the rummage sale. Make your favorite cookies, candies, bread, or cake to donate to the sale.
*Come and Shop! Church members and volunteers can come early to shop on Friday, September 2nd from 6-8:00 PM. The official rummage sale will occur on Saturday, September 22nd from 8-1:00 PM.
Please contact Holly Parker at cobbparker@aol.com if you have any questions.
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Partner Church Scholarship Fundraising
We are still accepting donations! Please click here to view the full listing of all of the students we are sponsoring this summer.
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Around the Church
Community Lunch!
Members and visitors are most welcome to join us for Cedar Lane's Community Lunch this Sunday, August 12 in the Chalice House following the Sunday service. Come for fellowship with friends and neighbors and to enjoy delicious enchiladas (inclusive of vegans and vegetarians), with salad, beverages and cookies for dessert.
Second Sunday Signing Ceremony Cancelled for Sunday, August 12Considering becoming a member of Cedar Lane? You can join by signing the membership book in the office; the board member at the desk will be happy to assist. The Member Services Committee (MSC) has cancelled this month's Signing Ceremony since both our ministers (Heather Janules and Evan Keely) are not available this Sunday. The MSC will resume hosting the Second Sunday Signing on Sunday, September 9 following the 9 and 11 a.m. services. Second Sunday Signing is a small welcoming ceremony which is held in the library and involves a minister, members of Cedar Lane's Board, and the Member Services Committee. For more information on joining the church, please contact Chris Garland, Member Services Committee chair, at chris.garland@gmail.com.
Farm Market Stand Open this Saturday, August 11!
Saturdays, 9-1 p.m. in the upper parking lot of Cedar Lane
Sugar Baby Watermelons!Cabbage, kale, swiss chard! Time for stir fry!
We make our own jams and jellies and natural applesauce.
We have BEEF! Our own lean pasture-raised beef grown slooowly the way it should be!
Free range EGGS from our own chickens!
Check out their website for more info :)
Don't forget to check out Cedar Lane! Find us on...
If you would like your event posted on our Social Media, please e-mail us at socialmedia@cedarlane.org. Thanks!
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Religious Education
for All Ages
Karen Lee Scrivo, Interim Director of RE
Vanessa Steck, Senior High Youth Coordinator
Gale Ginther Luce & Jeannette Wilson, Administrators
For information and to register for classes and programs call 301-493-8300 x207 or e-mail RE@cedarlane.org.
READ ALL the RE News Here...
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From the Music Director
Dr. Henry Sgrecci
The service this Sunday will resemble a conservative Muslim service; thus, there will be no music this Sunday. Music will be back next week!
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Volunteers Needed for Church Security and Lockup
Ever wondered how the church gets secured each evening after committees have gone home? A group of over 50 church members volunteer one week a year to come by the church after activities have ended to secure doors, turn off lights, and check for any irregularities. We have members who have done this for 25 years and some novices that began just last year. Due to a number of retirements, moves from the area, and over-commitments, we have several vacancies we must fill. Be assured that this is a very necessary task that must be done to protect church property. Also be assured that it is a safe endeavor that able-bodied adults can easily and efficiently perform. Do you think you'd be interested in helping with this important Cedar Lane job? It would entail just one week per year-guaranteed! To volunteer or to get more information, contact John Daniel (301-946-5509 or email: johnedaniel@comcast.net) or Terry Hoffeld (301-770-4489 or email: hoffeld@erols.com).
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Calendar
Please visit the church calendar here.
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Update from the Senior Minister Search Committee
 Survey Deadline extended to Labor Day
If you're among the 44% of Cedar Laners who have have managed this summer to complete their anonymous Congregational Survey, we thank you.
However, we'd like to hear from more of you. Why not a 75% or 80% response or more? Your views are important and we want to hear them. A larger response to the Congregational Survey will help ministerial candidates understand our priorities and will reflect our collective vitality and engagement.
We've extended the deadline to complete the survey to Labor Day (it was July 31). Please weigh in and be counted. Thanks again to all who have already responded.
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Cottage Meetings will be held in the chapel on Sundays, as follows:
Aug 12: 11 AM -1 PM
Aug 19: 11 AM -1 PM
Aug 26: 11 AM -1 PM
Sept 2: 11 AM -1 PM
Sept 9: 10:20 -11:30AM &
12:20 -1:30PM
Sept 16: 10:20 -11:30AM &
12:20 -1:30 PM
Sept 23: 10:20 -11:30AM &
12:20 -1:30PM
We look forward to seeing and hearing from you at one of the Cottage Meetings!
SMSC members: John Gubbings, Bob Harrison, David Hawver, Emily Mellgren, Ann Meyers, Carolyn Morrissey, Lyn Peters
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Participate in the 2012 Kensington Labor Day Parade! 
Cedar Laners at the 2010 Kensington Labor Day Parade.
Celebrate Labor Day with a Parade and Festival! Parade begins at St. Paul's St. and Plyers Mill. Festival located along Howard and Armory Avenues. Enjoy a day of family entertainment with a parade, live music, arts and crafts, food and kids activities. The CLUUC Member Services Committee is signing up members (and those considering membership) to participate in the Kensington Labor Day Parade on Monday, September 3, 2012. We'd like to have at least 50 people attend to help represent CLUUC during the parade and we welcome kids to parade along with the adults!
We carry a CLUUC banner, wear CLUUC t-shirts, disperse candy to kids, and enjoy promoting CLUUC in the larger Kensington community! For T-shirts, we hope to utilize the remainder of our CLUUC t-shirt stock so when you sign up, indicate whether you have CLUUC t-shirt already. If you don't, indicate your size and we'll provide you with an existing CLUUC t-shirt in that size.
For more information or to sign-up, contact Chris Garland, MSC Chair, at chris.garland@gmail.com or visit our 2012 Kensington Labor Day Parade Sign Up Sheet & Info page on Google Docs at http://docs.google.com and enter the username: msc@cedarlane.org and the password: Membership.
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Environmental Task Force
As Wendell Berry says, "I stand for what I stand on." It is 6 days until the last day of our farm lease, and we are still fighting! Our battle has seen its ups and downs, but we are in a good place right now, have enormous support, and will continue to fight for saving Brickyard Educational Farm and 32 years of organic soil until we have exhausted every possible option.
There are 4 things that you can do this week!
1. Save the date and come to our rally next Wednesday, August 15 from 6-8pm at the farm (8565 Horseshoe Lane). This will be a chance to celebrate what this land has given the community for the last 32 years. We have a children's group coming in the morning, and will be having various community workshops and teach ins on the farm all day. I will send the schedule out as soon as I have it, but make sure you can be there from 6-8pm for the rally and press conference! WE NEED TO HAVE AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE!
Click here to continue...
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Beyond the Church
Au Pair from Finland
The daughter of our family's 1985 CISV Interchange student is looking for an opportunity to stay with an American family for a few months this fall and winter. Inka Ruokonen is 19 years old. She has just graduated from high school and would like to improve her English before studying for her university entrance exams in the spring. This would be an unaffiliated visit, not part of a CISV program.
CISV (Children's International Summer Villages) is an all volunteer exchange program for children from ages 11 and up. Many Cedar Lane families have participated in CISV over the years. It continues to meet regularly at Cedar Lane.
We would like to find a Cedar Lane family for Inka. Please call us if you think you might be interested in hosting her. We have a picture of Inka in her family's past year Christmas card. (We are also available if you have questions about CISV!) Don and Betty May Cleary 301-933-9442.
Cedar Lane Theater Affinity Group
The Invisible Man (based on the novel by Ralph Ellison) at the Studio Theater downtown D.C., matinee performance on September 29, followed by a post-show discussion with the players, and, if interested, dinner. Contact Marlene Berg by August 30, at mgkpberg@gmail.com, or 301-704-8177.
 emma's revolution concert!! Saturday, September 29 at 8 p.m. Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis 333 Dubois Road Annapolis, MD Directions: www.uuca-md.org Fresh from their outstanding performances at the 2012 General Assembly in Phoenix, Emma's Revolution has graciously agreed to give a benefit concert to aid UULM-MD in its work in support of the marriage equality and DREAM Act referenda scheduled to appear on the November 6, 2012 ballot in Maryland. For more information about the group and their music, go to their website, www.emmasrevolution.com. ------------------------------------- Click here to learn about some events sponsored by friends of Cedar Lane.
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Sara Davidson
Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church www.cedarlane.org 301-493-8300
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