|
|
|
Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church
www.cedarlane.org
|
eNewsletter Volume 5, Issue 14
November 9, 2012
|
|
November 11, 2012, 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
"From Every Mountainside"
The Rev. Evan Keely
Worship Associate: Bob Harrison
On this Sunday after Election Day, we will reflect together on what we have accomplished as a justice-seeking people, and what the future may hold.
Volunteers for the Service:
Ushers: 9 a.m.: Norman Grossblatt, Tod Chernikoff, Joanne Evans, Bob Harrison 11 a.m.: Phil Schwartz & Lyn Peters, Nancy Janssen
Coffee Servers: 10 a.m.: Mike Benefiel; noon: Kate Curtis
Audio: Warren Thompson
Board Member at the Office Desk: 10 a.m.: Ariel Mora; noon: Debbie Goodwin
Second Sunday Signing: 10 a.m.: Lyn Peters; noon: Maryann Dillon
Visitors' Center: 10 a.m.: John Gubbings; noon: Marlene Berg
The flowers in the sanctuary are given by Susan Clark in honor of all who have served in the armed forces. The flowers were arranged by Lyn Peters. The flowers in the chapel were arranged by Isabel Marbury-Mauro.
In the Lounge: Alliance Books ◊ Beacon Books Cart ◊ Donuts & Bagels ◊ Environmental Task Force ◊ Fair Trade Coffee & Tea ◊ Holiday Craft Day Registration ◊ Palestinian olive oil for sale to support peace in the Middle East ◊ Senior Minister Search Committee ◊ Social Justice Council
This Sunday's Morning Forum: The Federal Tax System on the Precipice. Our speaker, Tom Barthold, is chief of staff on the Congressional Joint Committee on Taxation. His talk will describe what an expert sees when he looks over the fiscal cliff.
The 50/50 split this Sunday is to benefit the Cedar Lane Scholarship Fund and will permit us to fund our current student for the second semester at Montgomery College. With scholarship money we have been able to fund a needy student each year for more than 12 years. A year's start to an education is priceless for these students. Please help. You may give cash or pay by check to CLUUC and indicate scholarship fund.
|
|
The Cardinal 5K Race is tomorrow from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
We are contacting the coordinators for further details about how this will effect entry to our building. We will be sending an eBlast out later today, so stay tuned for details if you are looking to enter the building between 8 and 10 a.m. tomorrow. |
|
From the Interim Senior Minister - Rev. Evan Keely
Weekly Devotional· November 9, 2012
I'm starting to think organization is everything. Well, maybe not everything, but everything worth doing needs to be organized well.
The Montgomery bus boycott dismantled an entrenched and absurd injustice and launched a movement that changed the hearts and minds of a nation. This was accomplished not only thanks to the righteousness of the cause, but because it was well organized.
Hitler was able to rise to power in Germany in 1933 for many reasons, but his being entirely unopposed was not one of them. Lots of politicians and citizens in that country were against Hitler and his National Socialist (a.k.a. Nazi) party, but they were not able to organize themselves effectively.
For years, Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church has been part of an interfaith coalition of activists, Action in Montgomery (AIM). Indeed, CLUUC was a founding congregation of AIM. Through the years of shared aspiration and joint effort, trust has been built. The people of AIM know one another and work well together. They played a vital part in the victory of Question 4 this week. Now the DREAM Act can be implemented in Maryland. Meanwhile, there was scarcely any organized opposition to the measure. It passed handily. It passed in no small part because its supporters were well organized.
In our church, in our businesses, in our governmental structures, and even in our personal lives, are we organizing our time, energy and resources so that we might truly live our most deeply held values? The way we organize ourselves is an important component of how we "walk the walk" of our faith.
Prayer
O transforming God, God of changes and evolution, of growth and of the long march to greater justice, greater freedom and greater love, be with us in our struggle not only to know what is right, but in our efforts to understand how do to what is right. Amen.
Follow Rev. Keely on Twitter @evanvwk and as part of the UU Collective of bloggers at Patheos.com.
|
|
Labyrinth Walk this Sunday, November 11 at 2 p.m.!
|
|
Upcoming Sundays
November 18, 2012, 9 and 11 a.m.
"Sitting at the Welcome Table"
Karen Lee Scrivo, Interim Director of Religious Education
Worship Associate: Jim Laurenson
On this Sunday before Thanksgiving, we will explore the spiritual practice of radical hospitality and how we can widen the circle of those we welcome at our table. This service also kicks off the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee's annual Guest-At-Your Table campaign, which fosters awareness of the UUSC's human rights work and our shared belief in social justice. Children and youth will join us for the first part of the service before heading to their Religious Education classes.
Forum: The Federal Tax System on the Precipice. Our speaker, Tom Barthold, is chief of staff on the Congressional Joint Committee on Taxation. His talk will describe what an expert sees when he looks over the fiscal cliff.
|
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. Our hearts go out to Jack and Shirley Welch (Neighborhood 30) with the death of Jack's mother. Winnie Rand Welch died on November 3 at age 91 at her home in New Hampshire. Condolences are with the whole family. We celebrate with Esther and Mort Foxe (N29) with the birth of their first great-grandchild! Charles Isaac Kain was born on October 21 to parents Christopher and Jennifer. Hooray! Update on Carole Rogentine (N5): Unfortunately, Carole has had a setback, requiring a second surgery. She is currently at Holy Cross Hospital but requests that well wishes be expressed through cards mailed to her home until she gains strength and energy. 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. |
|
Volunteer for Cedar Lane's
6th annual rebuilding trip to New Orleans!
January 19-26, 2013 are the dates now set for our work week to help rebuild
NOLA's much needed housing. 1000s of New Orleans home owners still are out
of their homes 8 years after Hurricane Katrina. Personal livelihoods and NOLA's
economic recovery depend on having viable housing to live in. For info, look
for trip veterans in the lounge on Sundays, or email team leader extraordinaire
Mike Burski: mga1960@earthlink.net. Make this your year to be in NOLA.
|
|
Around the Church
TOMORROW!! Grounds Workday on Saturday, November 10, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Come enjoy a fall morning working on the church grounds! All are welcome. Jobs for all ages include raking leaves, mulching, planting groundcover, and removal of invasive plants. Coffee, bagels, and cider provided. Dress appropriately and bring gloves. No need to stay all morning - come when you can! Questions? Contact Carrie Meyer at cmeyer@gmu.edu or Belle Waring at 301-395-4125.
UUSJ MEETING REMINDER:
Sat., Nov. 10, 9:45-12:30 p.m.
WHERE: Cedar Lane UU Church Library
No fee. Coffee and tea will be available.
Join us for a gathering of Social Justice Council chairs, social action leaders and staff, and UUSJ board members for a briefing on UUSJ issue priorities and discussion of possible areas of collaboration and action.
For 2012-2013, UUSJ Issue Priorities are
* immigration reform
* climate change
* growing wealth divide
* marriage equality
In addition, an update on the UUA 2012 Study Action Issue (SAI): Reproductive Choice: and Expanding our Social Justice Calling.
Come, hear the latest information and the resources available to address this SAI.
This is a rare opportunity to meet and learn from our UU social justice community in the Capital Region. Bring a friend, bring a colleague.
Lots of opportunity for discussion, collaboration, and organization of resources and possibilities. DO COME.
Second Sunday Signing
This Sunday - November 11 - 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 library following either of the 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. We look forward to seeing you there!
The deadline for the December paper newsletter submissions is next Wednesday, November 14 by noon! If you have a submission, please keep it succint and submit to newsletter@cedarlane.org. Thanks!
Maryland DREAM Victory!
The leaders of Maryland Industrial Areas Foundation rejoice with our coalition partners, Educating Maryland Kids, MSEA, NAACP, CASA de Maryland, SEIU, Maryland Catholic Conference and others in our historic victory for our youth and nation. Cedar Lane was the election base for Bethesda polling places. Michael Benefiel and Helen Strang (see photo) made sure all volunteers got DREAM materials. Thanks to all!
DUE TO THE VISIT FROM SANDY, this has been RESCHEDULED TO NOVEMBER 15! There will be a presentation by Pam Bailey of Peace Action on at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 15, at Cedar Lane, on the subject of drone attacks, and their devastating impact on the lives of Pakistani civilians. Please pass this information on to anyone you know who might be interested.
Thanks,
Deborah Vollmer (member of Cedar Lane)
The Senior High Youth Group
invites you to join us in a game-a-thon for charity! Sunday, Nov 18, from 12:30-3 p.m. in the Chalice House. Please come and challenge our youth to chess, Monopoly, Settlers of Catan and many more games. $5/person; $15/family. See you there!
So You Think You Can Dance? Sing? Read Poetry?
We think so too, and we're putting on a show. Join us Saturday evening, May 18, 2013 at 8 p.m. in Cedar Lane's main auditorium. The Music Committee is sponsoring a talent show featuring a wide variety of talent people singing, playing an instrument, reading poetry, dancing, hamming it up in a skit, juggling, telling jokes - you name it, we hope to have it. All kinds of people have talent - young people, old people, beginners, polished professionals - and everyone is welcome, even people who are not members of Cedar Lane.
Let us know if you'd like to be in the show - acts should be 2-3 minutes long - by contacting Mary E. Farrar (maryefarrar@verizon.net) or Leslie Backus (backusle@verizon.net). If you have talents that are better used backstage (production, technical support, baking cookies), we'd like to include you too, so send us an email! Admission will be free - we want to build community and show appreciation for talented individuals and groups. Join us for this fun event!
A Win-Win Holiday Gift Idea
Got
a young sports fan on your shopping list? We've got an interesting gift idea that will thrill your young fan and help Cedar Lane too!
Church member Fred Bowen writes sports fiction for kids ages 7-12. (He also writes the weekly Washington Post/KidsPost sports column.) And he has donated 100 of his books to Cedar Lane to sell during the holidays. And here's what will make the gift extra special: between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Fred will try to be around between our two Sunday services to autograph the books (while your kids aren't looking!).
The books are $5 each and 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the Cedar Lane general fund. You will find his books for sale in the book corner in the lounge on Sundays from Nov. 25-Dec. 23.
Farm Market Stand Open this Saturday, Nov. 10! 9-1 p.m.
in the upper parking lot of Cedar Lane
We are taking orders for turkeys. They are $3.99/lb. They are free-range.
Nov. 17 will be their last day at Cedar Lane! So come visit while you can!
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 Cedar Lane's social media, please e-mail socialmedia@cedarlane.org.
|
|
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
Upcoming Calendar:
Sun Nov 18 Service for All Ages,
children go to class after first 15 minutes. Thanksgiving Food Collection
Sat Dec 1 Holiday Craft Day, 10 a.m.
to 3 p.m. Register in the lounge on Nov. 11 & 18.
Welcoming Guest at Your Table
What's in a Name?
November Chapel Schedule
Thanksgiving Food Collection Nov. 18
Holiday Craft Day Needs. . .
Youth Notes (Grades 7-12)
Young Adults (Ages 18-35)
Adult Programs (AP)
Classes Beginning Soon!
AP Brochure Changes
The Sunday Morning Forum
Labyrinth Walk this Sunday!
|
|
Calendar
Please visit the church calendar here.
|
From the Music Director
Dr. Henry Sgrecci
Few Days was an anthem used by the 19th Century political movement popularly called the "Know-Nothings," who were sometimes known more formally as members of the American Party, the Native American Party, or the Order of the Star Spangled Banner. The movement was characterized by extreme xenophobia and anti-Catholic sentiment, which usually targeted the German and Irish Catholics immigrating to the United States in large numbers at the time. Their name came from the fact that they were usually members of a secret society; when they were asked about the activities of the group, they were supposed to reply, "I know nothing." They were particularly powerful in Maryland in the 1850s, where their penchant for violence helped give Baltimore its nickname "Mob Town." The mayoral elections of 1856, 1857, and 1858 were all marred by violence and widespread vote-rigging. Maryland had the dubious distinction of being the only state in the union to vote for the Know-Nothing candidate in the presidential election of 1856.
An Autumn Song, with lyrics by Pat Ubben and music by William E. Melton, Jr., is a meditative piece on inspiration gained from the beauty of the season. All You Need is Love, by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, was chosen to complement this Sunday's sermon topic. Members of the congregation are invited to sing along.
Special thanks to Whatever Four,
a quartet of Cedar Lane members(alto Liz Brinker, soprano Susan Clark, bass Jon Mathis, and tenor Kevin Miller) who enjoy singing a wide variety of music together, and who brought great joy and musicianship to this Sunday's service. Thanks also to Susan Clark for her music notes.
The United States Air Force Singing Sergeants are coming to Cedar Lane on Sunday night, November 18 at 7 p.m. Mark your calendars now for a truly memorable performance by one of our country's finest professional choirs. Admission is free but seats will be at a premium so come early! Click here to learn more!
|
From the Senior Minister Search Committee
What would you like to see in our new Senior Minister?
As we all know, a search for a senior minister is serious business. We have great needs and high expectations. Humorously (we think), someone recently told us that "I want someone who can walk on water but is careful not to skate on thin ice!"
In the surveys and the Cottage Meetings, you clearly indicated that you want an inspiring speaker and an effective leader. You'd like someone who is an effective manager and whose approach to worship is a theological fit for our diverse congregation. Understandably, intelligence and integrity rank very high. You want someone who is approachable, engaging and outgoing. Ministerial experience is important, as are a sense of humor and an empathetic temperament. You'd like someone who is good with children and youth, who appreciates the role of music in our worship life. A commitment to social justice will be a strong asset. There are other attributes and criteria that you cited as important and there are issues and concerns that you have (to be covered later this month).
Next article: Announcing the Beyond Categorical Thinking Workshop.
SMSC members: John Gubbings, Bob Harrison, David Hawver, Emily Mellgren, Ann Meyer, Carolyn Morrissey, Lyn Peters
|
|
In This Together from CLARITY*
"Blacks in The Americas---Current State of Play"
Lunch & Learn with Alison Moses, social economist
Sunday, November 25, 12:15 p.m. in the Chalice House
Alison Moses, having "grown up" in Brazil, will cover race, color and class, social exclusion and social mobility in that country. This is a follow-on to Alison's recent Cedar Lane Adult Programs class.
Lunch is free - all ages, members & friends welcome - no reservations needed.
*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! Join our group distribution list by simply sending a request to CLUUC-CLARITY-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. We use this Yahoo group for CLARITY meeting invitations, minutes, email notifications of events of interest, etc.
Questions? Contact nancyjanssen@verizon.net.
|
Environmental Task Force
Increasingly Severe Weather in Maryland: Tell Your City to Prepare!
Maryland is at risk from the combined threat of shifting precipitation patterns, rising sea levels and warmer temperatures. More extreme weather-such as increased heavy downpours, heat waves and summertime droughts are anticipated as the climate changes, increasing the danger from flooding and heat-related illnesses. The Chesapeake Bay region is ranked the third most vulnerable area in the United States to sea level rise, which poses a substantial risk to shoreline properties and coastal tourism, as well as the state's precious marshlands.
Tell your city to prepare!
Fill out this form to tell your mayor today to prepare for increasingly frequent and severe weather affecting your city by joining the Earth Hour City Challenge.
-----------------------------------------
For the first time in years, our national leaders are talking about climate change as if it was a real threat.
The Do the Math tour will bring together tens of thousands of people over one month to start a historic push to win real solutions to the climate crisis. Can you be there for the stop in Washington DC?
Click here to get tickets.
What: Do the Math, Washington DC
Where: Warner Theater, 513 13th St. NW
When: November 18 - Doors at Noon, Start time is 1 p.m.
Co-presented with the Chesapeake Climate Action Network.
----------------------------------------
|
|
Beyond the Church
Support a Fellow UU Congregation and One of Your Ministers - Donate Miles or Come Visit!
Our beloved associate minister, Heather, has been invited to preach 2 Sundays in February, the 17th and 24th, at the UU Fellowship in San Miguel Allende during her winter sabbatical. San Miguel, a lovely, safe town in the mountains of Mexico where the weather is lovely, is
my new hometown. The UU Fellowship is providing housing for Heather during her stay but is unable to assist with travel expenses. It would be great if someone might be in a position to donate 35,000 frequent flier miles to Heather for this travel. Please contact Heather at hjanules@cedarlane.org if this is possible. Continental and American Airlines serve the airport closest to San Miguel. She could fly on other airlines to Mexico City, just 4 hours from San Miguel by luxury bus.
It would also be great if there are Cedar Laners who might like to take a warm break from chilly Maryland during Heather's visit to San Miguel, a tourist destination. If you are interested in advice about travel and a stay there, contact me at
epgoodwin@hotmail.com. Recent Cedar Lane visitors to San Miguel are Janice and Ralph Kraus and Bob and Helen Pechacek.
- Ellie Goodwin
Saturday, November 17, 9:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m., at Wesley Theological Seminary: Sabeel DC Metro Fall Seminar, Answering the Justice Call: Kairos-Palestine, Kairos-USA and the Call to Action for American Christians. Focus on Kairos USA, a theology-grounded response by American Christians to Kairos Palestine, the urgent call issued by Holy Land Christian leaders to the global community. Speaking are Dr. Mark Braverman, program director for Kairos USA and author of Fatal Embrace, Christians, Jews, and the Search for Peace in the Holy Land;also Prof. Elizabeth Corrie, peacebuilding strategist at Emory University's Candler School of Theology and author of forthcoming study guide to Call to Action: U.S. Response to the Kairos Palestine Document . Registration deadline: Nov. 12. Cost, including lunch: $35 (full-time students $10). To download the registration form, go to
www.sabeeldc.org. More info: Paul Verduin 301-518-5551 or Susan Bell 703-751-5646.
The Transgender Day of Remembrance and Action on Nov. 17 from 6 to 9 p.m. welcomes people of faith, allies, families and transgender persons to an interfaith service, breaking of bread and resource fair at Bethesda United Church of Christ, 10010 Fernwood Rd. 20817. Rev Janules and members of our LGBTQ task force helped to create and will participate in this event. We invite our congregation to come for an evening of remembering, connecting and education. If you are interested in providing bread and/or baked goods for this event, please mark them and leave them for pick-up in the CLUUC kitchen on Nov. 17. Please notify dstaff44@comcast.net if you leave a pick-up. We are also in need of helping hands to serve bread and soup, clean the kitchen and put the church back together for Sunday Service after the event is over. Cedar Lane's LGBTQ task force is small, so our wider CLUUC community is encouraged and invited to help with the above needs and share in this event that will open your eyes and warm your hearts. Additional information: dstaff44@comcast.net.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FLYER!
-------------------------------------
Click here to learn about some events sponsored by friends of Cedar Lane.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sara Davidson
Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church www.cedarlane.org 301-493-8300
|
|
|
|
|
