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Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church
www.cedarlane.org
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eNewsletter Volume 5, Issue 3
August 17, 2012
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Summer services continue this Sunday!
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 this Sunday, with half going to A Wider Circle.
Volunteers for the Service:
Ushers: 10 a.m.: Glenis Bellais, Fred Bowen, Nancy Janssen, Betsy Wilhelm
Coffee Servers: 11 a.m.: Glenis Bellais
Audio: Jim Weiffenbach
Board Member at the Office Desk: 11 a.m.: Stew Grubman
Visitors' Center: 11 a.m.: John Gubbings
The flowers in the sanctuary are given by Lyn Peters in honor of this Sunday's speaker, Mark Bergel, and his work to end poverty. The flowers were arranged by Cathy Houston.
In the Lounge: Alliance Books ◊ Beacon Books Cart ◊ Environmental Task Force ◊ Fair Trade Coffee & Tea ◊ Member Services: Kensington Parade Sign Up ◊ Rummage Sale ◊ 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 17, 2012
Recent news headlines have forced to the forefront of our collective consciousness the horror of random acts of deadly violence: shooting rampages in Aurora, Colorado and Oak Creek, Wisconsin, and most recently a gunfight in College Station, Texas: a man appears to have shot and wounded several people and killed a constable, Brian Bachmann, and a passerby, Chris Northcliffe, before being fatally wounded when he exchanged fire with police officers. Chris Northcliffe was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Brazos Valley. He was not the victim of a hate crime, like our neighbors at the Oak Creek gurdwara or our fellow UUs in the shooting at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church four years ago; the shooter didn't take the lives of Chris and Brian because of their supposed political views, religious beliefs, or what they looked like. Chris had no apparent connection with the shooter or with any of the other victims. He appears to have simply been in "the wrong place at the wrong time." I appreciate why some people, when faced with the inexplicable, will make comments like, "It's God's will," or "The Lord moves in mysterious ways." I do not share the theology of those sentiments, but they never surprise me: many people would prefer to believe that everything, even terrible events, is part of some divine purpose that we can't comprehend, rather than believing that we simply inhabit a chaotic, senseless universe where dreadful things happen for no damned reason. I don't embrace either perspective. We can't really know why horrible things happen, but they do not render our lives meaningless. Our lives' fragility does not render love, friendship, loyalty, kindness, generosity meaningless. My heart aches for the family and friends of Chris Nothcliffe, and for the countless victims of violence we hear about and those we never know about. Yet I also know that people that loved Chris are gathering in houses of worship to give one another strength. This is why we have churches, mosques, synagogues, gurdwaras. Sunday, September 16, 2001 was a day that most churches in America were filled to overflowing. It's not surprising: in spite of loss, of death, of horror, and of pain, human beings are meaning-makers, and houses of worship are places where we gather with others to make meaning together. Prayer May we find the strength to make meaning out of this mysterious journey from birth to death, knowing that we can do so more powerfully, more courageously and more creatively in community than any of us can alone. Amen. |
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Upcoming Sundays
August 26, 2012, 10 a.m.
Catharine Clarenbach
Worship Associate: Lucy Lowenthal
Catharine Clarenbachis a seminarian studying to be a Unitarian Universalist minister. "Interdependence is the only game in the Universe, and it is a team sport! How do we experience our connectedness with "All That Is?" Catharine is particularly interested in anti-oppression work in the context of UU congregations.
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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. |
From the Church Administrator
Finally! We have successfully implemented proper online giving! After years of research looking for the best system at the lowest cost we finally found and set up E-Giving. This system even allows us to take registrations for events that require payments and reservations for events that do not. Next week we will be sending out an email invitation to all our membership with an invitation to register but if you prefer not to wait you can sign up by going to our website, the link is on the left-hand side near the bottom. Or you can get there with this link. For those who have previously set up paying for their pledge with credit cards Marcia Montanio, our church accountant, will be contacting you next week to facilitate the transition to this system. Rather than having up to 5% of the amount charged go to the bank we are now looking at a charge of 2.5 to 3%. It is also possible to set up withdrawals directly from your bank account at a lower cost, 0.5%. Here's to progress! Questions? Sara Deshler, sdeshler@cedarlane.org.
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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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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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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
The September paper newsletter deadline for submissions is next Wednesday, August 22 by noon!
Calling volunteers for Classroom Cleanup on Saturday, Sept 8 from 9 am - 12 pm.
We want the place to SPARKLE for the start of RE and need help cleaning out classrooms, decorating the bulletin board and organizing supplies.
Helpers of ALL ages are welcome. We are flexible and invite you to give whatever time you can manage.
Please contact Tish King at
or 301-897-8834.
Farm Market Stand Open this Saturday, August 18!
Saturdays, 9-1 p.m. in the upper parking lot of Cedar Lane
GALA APPLES are here! Sweet & crisp!
Sugar Baby Watermelons!
We have pork - steaks, chops and 7 inch links. We now have breakfast links as well! We make our own jams and jellies.
We will also be offering cheese from Whispering Brook Farm. The cheeses are delicious with a short list of ingredients: unpasturized milk, vegetable enymes, sea salt.
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
 Woody Guthrie: Click here for info about his life!
We welcome singer, songwriter and guitarist, Jane Moore, to the sanctuary this Sunday. As a creator of songs, Jane is able to act upon her convictions in ways that most of us can only dream about. While a student at Humboldt State University in the late 1970's Jane performed at many cafes, college events and social justice benefits; and composed the song "Power in Me."
Four-time Grammy award-winning singer and song writer, Tracy Chapman, lends her support to various social concerns that focus on human rights. Like most of her compositions, "Talkin' 'Bout a Revolution" reflects those concerns as she sings, "Don't you know, talkin' 'bout a revolution sounds like a whisper/when they're standing in the welfare lines."
Jane Moore writes the following about the song "Going Down the Road" (feeling bad)" written by Woody Guthrie/Lee Hayes: "Woody was born on July 14, 1912 in Okemah, Oklahoma. This centennial year his life/music is being celebrated from the NY Islands to the Redwood forests. His songs are as relevant today as they were in the 1930's. Some of the subjects of his songs include: the poor treatment of migrant workers, the disparity between have and have-nots, distrust of the government and belief in the working man. Arlo Guthrie wrote that his father had a philosophy that "everyone counts"...in almost every song and book he wrote he reminded people that they're worth something. He was a rambling, self-educated, eccentric, red rabble-rouser, Okie poet who had scribbled on his guitar: "This machine kills fascists." I feel a particular affinity for Guthrie's songs, my own father being an Oklahoma dustbowl refugee migrating to California. I grew up singing many of Guthrie's songs such as "This Land is Your Land," the quintessential campfire sing-along song."
Special thanks to Jane Moore for her talents, creativity, and willingness to sing-out for those causes in which she believes. We are grateful for the enrichment she has provided to this Sunday's service.
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Calendar
Please visit the church calendar here.
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Update from the Senior Minister Search Committee
At Cottage Meetings Share and Discuss Your Best Judgment
You are cordially invited to this Sunday's Cottage Meeting in the chapel at about 11:10 a.m. - immediately after the service.
One of the four questions we ask at each meeting is "what are the attributes you seek in a new minister?" The answers vary. No one has yet said, "I want somewhat who can walk on water but never skates on thin ice." :). But the answers are interesting and give insight into the breadth and depth of our individual and collective expectations and desires. The answers also trigger discussion, not debate, and give participants the chance to hear what others say...and why. Ultimately, answers to this and the other questions will strengthen the warp and the woof of the fabric that becomes the Congregational Record that candidates will study to get a sense of who we are as a congregation after more than 60 years as a religious community.
How about you? What is your answer to this question? Come to a Sunday Cottage Meeting after a service and share in the conversation. Cottage Meetings will be held through September 23.
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Cottage Meetings will be held in the chapel on Sundays, as follows:
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 ForceFrom Tuesday, 8/14
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Montgomery County Court rules in our favor & Governor O'Malley endorses Brickyard Educational Farm!
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Today has been an exciting day! This morning, we released a letter from Governor O'Malley endorsing Brickyard Educational Farm and our vision for education on Nick's Organic Farm. This comes after a meeting that we had last week with Councilmember Valerie Ervin and the Governor where we presented our vision for education on the land. "I believe we are about to make a big mistake in destroying acres of productive farmland and its soils, which could be a priceless asset to the education, health, and well-being of generations of Montgomery students. Specifically, I am writing in regards to Nick Maravell's Brickyard Educational Farm," O'Malley said in a letter to Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett and Board of Education President Shirley Brandman... Click here to continue...
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Beyond the Church
Transylvania in the Fall
Join us as we travel to visit our partners in Dicsoszentmarton, Transylvania, Romania. Some of us will depart September 25 and return October 8. For the first week we will engage in work projects and activities with our historic church---painting its huge iron fence, conducting video interviews with members of the congregation, celebrating Thanksgiving Sunday on September 30, participating in the reunion of our former and present scholars who are recipients of our Joseph Priestley scholarships, and simply visiting with our friends there as well as occasional side trips to the beautiful area surrounding Dicso in the Kukkollo Valley and other parts of Transylvania. Some of us will attend the Second International UU Women's Conference October 4-7 in nearby Marosvasarhely. Go to www.icuuw.org for more information and to sign up online. Fliers about our trip and the conference are available at church. Want more info? Call Charlene Belsom Zellmer, 301.530.8923or email cbzellmer7@msn.com to say you want to join us in fostering, promoting, and perpetuating our partnership!
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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