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Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church
www.cedarlane.org
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eNewsletter Volume 6, Issue 7
September 27, 2013
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September 29, 2013, 9 and 11 a.m.
"A Holy Curiosity"
Rev. Abhi Janamanchi
Worship Associate: Travis Ploeger
What are the commitments a religious community makes to awaken, excite, and nurture the spiritual lives of children and youth? The service will investigate.
Volunteers for the Service:
Ushers: 9 a.m.: John Gubbings, Mary Farrar, Rob Larew
11 a.m.: John Daniel, Dian & Brian Belanger, Betsy Wilhelm
Coffee Servers: 10 a.m.: Mary Farrar; noon: Martha & Joe Merenda
Audio: Chris Dupre
Welcome Center: 10 a.m.: John Gubbings; noon: Allison Cox
Board Member at Office Desk: noon: Ariel Mora
The flowers in the sanctuary were arranged by Ellen Thompson. The flowers in the chapel were arranged by Cathy Houston.
 The Sunday Morning Forum meets at 10:10 in the Chalice House between services.
This Sunday: National security challenges facing the Obama Administration this fall include the reemergence of an Egyptian military dictatorship and the prospects of negotiating a "nuclear program freeze" with Iran while attempting meaningful progress in the revived peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. These immediate challenges take place with the background music of the continued conflict with Al Qaeda and its allies, with the use of targeted killings, and the execution of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. Senior national defense specialist, Peter A. Wilson, will update the interesting talk he gave for the Forum last January.
Click here to check out our upcoming Forums.
 This Sunday, September 29, will be a 50/50 split plate with Interfaith Power & Light (IPL):
Interfaith Power & Light (MD * DC * NoVA) works with hundreds of congregations of all faiths across Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia to save energy, go green, and respond to climate change. IPL helps congregations educate, incorporating environmental concerns into worship, teaching, and preaching. IPL helps congregations go green, by supporting them in saving energy, purchasing clean power, going solar, and shifting other aspects of their institutional purchasing and practices to minimize environmental impact. IPL helps congregations speak out as part of local and national advocacy efforts to protect Creation. We are part of a network of local Interfaith Power & Light groups across the country. Together, we are building a national religious response to the climate crisis.
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Events this Weekend:
Join us TONIGHT for Fun, Food & the Future, 6-8:30 p.m. (Friday, 9/27)! All ages invited - lifespan religious education happens upstairs and downstairs! The Interim RE Task Force invites you to give feedback on your hopes for the future leader of our lifespan RE program. Focus groups will take place in the library starting around 6:15, 6:55 and 7:35 p.m. Please come for part or all of the evening! Help us shape lifelong learning at Cedar Lane through our youth, Adult Programs and multigenerational activities. Pizza, healthy snacks and soft drinks will be provided in the sanctuary. There will be teen helpers and excellent entertainment courtesy of Jon & Henry Watkins.
 Our esteemed organist and accompanist, Thomas Guthrie, is leaving us. This Sunday, September 29, marks his final services. Please join us in the lounge following services to toast Thom and wish him well.
 The Kenny Rittenhouse Quintet performs this Sunday afternoon, September 29, for Concerts at Cedar Lane. The performance begins 4:00 p.m. Bring your friends and come early to get a great seat! Admission is free. Click here to view the poster.
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Congregational Meeting next Sunday, October 6!
 There will be a Congregational Meeting of the Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church on Sunday, October 6, 2013, at 12:45 p.m. in the sanctuary. Business to be conducted at this meeting will include a vote to approve members of the RE Search Committee. The Board of Trustees will also report on financial and other matters.
All those who have (a) signed the church membership book no later than April 6, 2013, (b) have contributed at least $100 in support of the church this last fiscal year (or obtained a waiver from one of the ministers), and (c) are at least 16 years of age, are entitled to vote at the Congregational Meeting. Members unsure of their eligibility to vote should consult with Sara Deshler.
A light luncheon will be served after the second service and prior to the beginning of the Congregational Meeting.
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Next Sunday
October 6, 2013, 9 and 11 a.m.
Rev. Peter Morales
Worship Associate: Genevieve Wall
We welcome the Rev. Peter Morales, our UUA President, as we join congregations around the country to celebrate 'Join The Move' Sunday. 'Join The Move' provides an opportunity to celebrate our UU community and our connections to one another and to the larger association of which we are a part. A special offering will be received to support the UUA's new Heritage and Vision Center, an innovative and cutting edge space dedicated both to our Unitarian Universalist history and to our future.
Forum: Alcohol/Drugs and Teens in Montgomery County. Learn more about the teen social scene and what they're up against--alcohol, K2, spice, Molly. Know how to spot a problem and how to find help. Beth Kane Davidson, Director of the Addiction Treatment Center at Suburban Hospital will share what she has learned over the years.
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Calendar
Please visit the calendar here. If your group would like to schedule an event, email Sara Davidson.
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Caring Community
Cedar Lane is a Caring Community. One way we support one another is through the We Care ministry.
We Care is a network for short-term pastoral needs, led by lay volunteers. Examples are food delivery, a ride to a doctor, or listening during a difficult time. Cedar Lane is organized by geographic neighborhoods, with chair-persons who coordinate support. Neighborhood numbers are listed on name tags, and shown on a map in the church office. Contact the church to determine chairs in your region.
As we do not have community joys and sorrows to share this week, we spotlight one of Cedar Lane's support groups, Living with Mental Illness. This group has been meeting for a few years and offers a supportive, non-judgmental environment for those who struggle with mental health challenges. As articulated in our Adult Programs brochure, our conversations are guided by a group covenant which helps the group in creating and maintaining a safe environment for participation. To join, one must be under the care of a mental health professional-therapist, psychiatrist or other trained clinician. Discussions may include reflections on many aspects of health and personal growth from a liberal religious perspective.
Living with Mental Illness will soon be moving its meetings to a new day and time, likely Thursday mornings. If you are interested in participating, please contact Heather Janules at hjanules@cedarlane.org or x204.
In addition, Cedar Lane offered a support group in the past for families and caregivers of people with mental illness called Sharing Stories, Sharing Hope. There may be interest and forming this group once again. If you are interested in participating, please contact Heather Janules at hjanules@cedarlane.org or x204.
If you learn of a congregant in need, please do offer assistance, asking how you might support the situation. If the person would like church response, or you have a concern to share, please contact Heather Janules, Associate Minister and Minister for Pastoral Care or Abhi Janamanchi, Senior Minister.
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Together
Special "Faith Night" performance of "The Laramie Project" (Thursday, October 10 at 7:30 p.m.) at Ford's Theatre in DC - sponsored by "TOGETHER" (our new Cedar Lane diversity team). A block of 15 tickets has been purchased (at a cost of $13 per ticket), which includes a play performance plus admission to a special post performance faith based discussion and to a related photo-text exhibit "Not Alone: The Power of Response."
For questions and/or ticket purchase requests contact Marge Dimond at margeryjd@aol.com.
"The Laramie Project" play presents a complex portrait of a community's response to the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard, a young gay man living in Laramie, Wyoming. In a series of poignant reflections, the residents of Laramie react to the hate crime and surrounding media storm with anger, bewilderment and sorrow. The play portrays the seismic and deeply personal impact Matthew's death had on this small town while also demonstrating the power of the human spirit to triumph over bigotry and violence.
Fifteen years later, Matthew Shepard's story still reverberates, urging us on with its clarion call to confront the destructive power of bullying and hate, in all forms.
Faith Night discussion - Following the performance on October 10, Dean Gary Hall from the National Cathedral will be part of a post-show discussion, which will focus on issues raised by the play and how the faith community can promote tolerance and inclusion.
Special Exhibition - Not Alone: The Power of Response - Following Matthew's attack, Judy and Dennis Shepard received letters from strangers all over the world sharing their condolences, outrage, grief, love and support. This exhibit pairs a selection of these letters with a hauntingly beautiful composite photograph (Where Matthew Lay Dying) by Jeff Sheng to explore the themes of empathy, community response, and personal responsibility.
The exhibit is housed in the Ford's Theatre Center for Education and Leadership (across the street from Ford's Theatre). The Center is open until 5:30 p.m., and visitors should plan to arrive by 5 p.m. Show tickets will serve as free entrance passes. |
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Environmental Task Force
Recommended Green Events:
Free Rockville Screening of Triple Divide
Want to find out what is at stake for Maryland if we open our borders to unsafe fracking? Join CCAN for a screening of an eye-opening new documentary on the impacts of fracking in Pennsylvania. Click here to watch the trailer.
When: Thu, Oct 3, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Where: UU Congregation of Rockville,
100 Welsh Park Dr. Rockville, MD 20850
GreenFest is a FREE, fun-filled day for all, featuring great speakers, green business vendors, environmental non-profits, interactive performances, games, music, and educational opportunities. GreenFest will be on Saturday, October 5, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Silver Spring Civic Center and Veterans Plaza.
The address is:
Silver Spring Civic Center and Veterans Plaza
One Veterans Place
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Learn how you can join with your community to save money and switch to clean energy!
Anyone who pays an electricity bill in Maryland or DC has the power to choose where their electricity comes from. This choice creates an opportunity for us to come together and collectively purchase clean electricity. Through combined purchasing power, Groundswell, a non-profit, working with Cedar Lane and other communities in DC and MD negotiates reduced prices for energy. This is an opportunity to save money and have a positive social impact.
Michael Reed of Groundswell will speak with participants about how you can join with your community to switch to clean energy and save money this fall.
Organized by the Environmental Task Force.
Questions? Contact Michael Reed at michael.reed@groundswell.org.
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Beyond the Church
 Washington DC Chapter No.1,
Ikebana International
SPECIAL EVENT OCTOBER 25, 2013
Demonstration by Ricardo Bansho Carrasco
October will soon be upon us. Ricardo Bansho Carrasco, Headmaster of the Banmi Shofu Ryu, and two of his apprentices will give a demonstration program of Banmi Shofu. The hallmark of Banmi Shofu Ryu is the use of driftwood, not as an artifice, but as a way of connecting with the spirit of driftwood in creating ikebana. In addition, Banmi Shofuuses natural materials in ways to provoke movement, and symbols to achieve serenity and tranquility.
The Demonstration will be Friday, October 25, at Cedar Lane, and the Workshop will be Saturday, October 26, at the Mason District Governmental Center in Annandale, VA.
If you would like more information, please send email to ctfo@comcast.net. Reservations must be received by October 18, 2013.
The Third Act for Women
Finding Meaning, Fulfillment and Joy over 50
A One Day Workshop at RRUUC
For women over 50, we are entering a period of life that is virtually uncharted, a time in which we are free from social expectations and reduced family obligations, perhaps considering "retirement" from a career, with the freedom, resources and desire to engage in new activities with meaning and purpose. This interactive workshop provides an engaging, meaningful, and fun inquiry that will enable participants to intentionally create the next phase of their lives. Many tools, resources and guidance will be offered.
When: November 2, 2013, 9:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Where: River Road UU Congregation,
6301 River Rd, Bethesda
Cost and registration: $100.Send your check payable to Kim Weichel to 6306 Valley Rd, Bethesda, MD 20817 to reserve your spot. Please include name, address and email address. Apply now, space is limited to 30.
For more info contact: Joanne -
jhuskey@iL2L.org or Kim - kim@kimweichel.org.
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Religious Education for All Ages
Karen Lee Scrivo, Interim Director of RE
Linda Gianessi, Temporary RE Coordinator
Cynthia Taylor, Coordinator of Youth Ministry
Gale Ginther Luce, Administrator
Corinne Woodward, Adult Programs Coordinator
For information and to register for classes and programs call 301-493-8300 x207 or e-mail
Fri, Sept 27: Fun, Food &the Future; 6 - 8:30 p.m.
Sun, Sept 29: Celebration for Thom Guthrie
Sun, Oct 6: Time for All Ages; families start
together in sanctuary then kids
go to class.
Donut sales begin,
Congregational meeting after 2nd
service
Sun, Oct 20: Blessing of the Animals service,
No RE classes; childcare provided
Full Classes! There are several full classes in first session, and we're asking new families to register for second session if any of their children are in those classes. Linda Gianessi is working hard trying to alleviate issues and offer options. Thank you for your patience, flexibility and understanding if your child/ren are affected. If you still owe us paperwork, bring it on Sunday!
The Adult Programs Fall Brochure is ready!
Kiplinger Lecture: Our 13th Annual Kiplinger lecture will be held on November 2 at 2:00 p.m. "Ethics, Fairness and Bias in the Changing World of Journalism," will be given by Edward Schumacher-Matos, NPR Ombudsman. Brochures will be mailed to homes this week! Register through the RE office at anytime. $10/ticket.
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Candidates for the RE Search Committee Announced!
The Leadership Development and Nominating Committee is excited to announce the candidates for the RE Leader Search Committee. During August, the LDNC carefully reviewed the nominations received from the Transition Coordinating Committee which had surveyed the congregation in the spring and early summer and selected 6 dedicated Cedar Laners who will join Rev. Janamanchi in choosing our next RE Leader.
Please join us on October 6 for a special congregational meeting (after the second service) to meet and vote on our slate of candidates for the RE Leader Search Committee.
Click here to see who the candidates are!
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From the Director of Music
Henry Sgrecci
Some years ago Thomas Guthrie met the jazz pianist George Shearing at a workshop. Thom has always loved playing the music of Shearing, a British-born pianist who was born blind. With his immigration to the U.S. in 1947 Shearing became a giant in the jazz world. He passed away in 2011 at the age of 91. His jazz settings of William Shakespeare's "Songs and Sonnets" are a novel reflection of his heritage. Who is Sylvia is taken from "Two Gentlemen of Verona."
Come Let Us Sing is an original choral anthem from UU composer Ryan Marvel. With a rock beat, syncopation, and nonsense syllables, this work bursts with energy and spirit while reminding us of how much fun it is to sing - especially as a child!
Belgian composer Flor Peeters first composed his aria as the slow movement of a three movement sonata for trumpet and piano in 1943. Two years later, Peeters made slight revisions and set the work for solo organ, giving it the title "Aria, Opus 51." Both Henry Sgrecci and Thomas Guthrie have been performing the work on their respective instruments for decades. This Sunday morning they perform the original version with the trumpet offering the floating melody against the piano's soft, pulsing chords set in the myxolydian mode.
Charles Vidor's Toccata is one of the most beloved works in the repertoire of the classical organist. Resplendent with technical displays and brilliant orchestration, it is a tour de force for the organist. Thank you Thomas Guthrie for the vast musicianship and artistry you have given us from the console. We will miss you!
Our esteemed organist and accompanist, Thomas Guthrie, is leaving us. This Sunday marks his final services. Please join us in the lounge following services to toast Thom and wish him well.
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International Concerns Coalition
Harambee
Huh-what? Huh-ROM-bee! Swahili for
all pull together. In this case, it means coming together for the cause of helping the Cedar Lane Congo Kids education program in the DR Congo. If harambee is too much to remember, just know that Annette Scarpitta will share stories, photos, and short video clips from her social justice mission to the DR Congo in May. Add to that Ghanaian traditional linguist Sonia Amo-Akonnor, who will weave together a tale of Cedar Lane as a village reaching out to Congolese villages; Cedar Laner Chris Mauro on djembe drums; and a brand-new African crafts fair, which will include the debut of handmade items from Congolese women with physical disabilities. Families with older children are welcome and no child care will be on hand. Any questions, contact Annette:
Don't pencil in the date; ink it in! Friday night, October 18, at 7 p.m. in the Cedar Lane sanctuary. Admission is free, but it is hoped that those who can afford to donate to Cedar Lane Congo Kids will do so. Here are some of the kids whose education we're trying to support:
Photo of the week:
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Upcoming Events!
On Monday evening, September 30, at 7:30 p.m. in the chapel, the Social Justice Council is sponsoring a talk by Mr. Paul K. Chappell, a West Point graduate and Iraq veteran who is now working as the Peace Leadership Director for the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation (NAPF). He lectures around the world to dispel the myths of war and share his ideas for using nonviolent methods and strategic and tactical planning to effect change in creating a culture of peace. His work is based on the work of Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King. His intelligence, message, scholarship and vision resonate strongly with Unitarians and he has been very well-received at the many UU churches where he has spoken. For an excellent interview that was recently published online see
www.guernicamag.com/interviews/waging-peace/.
Hold the date! And sign up in the lounge after services on Sunday to help with the...
New to You Rummage Sale, Oct. 11 - 12
Yes, we are having a Rummage Sale, with your help and your items. Save the date, and save your stuff! Questions? E-mail them to
newtoyourummage@cedarlane.org.
Sign-up for October Circle Dinners by Wednesday October 2: Would you like the chance to meet new people or renew old acquaintance? Have time for conversations deeper than possible during the rush of coffee hour? Sign up for Circle Dinners! Circle dinners are monthly social dinners held at a volunteer hosts' homes. Sign up each month to be placed in a group. Families are encouraged to sign up too. To give us time to coordinate, sign up by Wednesday, October 2, for the October 12 and 13 dinners. Sign up on the church website (www.cedarlane.org/family-circle-dinners.html) or from the Circle Dinner email. Questions?
Contact Membership Coordinator, Allison Cox, at
membership@cedarlane.org or 301-493-8300 x305.
 7th Annual Rebuilding Mission to New Orleans:
February 15 - February 22, 2014
Sign up for and get information about our rebuilding trip to New Orleans at the Social Justice table in the lounge on Sundays. Or email our trip leader, Mike Burski or manager Dianne Seiffert. Last sign-up is December 31, but best airfares are now.
Celebrate the Crafts of Afghanistan and Support Afghan Literacy and Orphanages at the Benefit Dinner and Silent Auction
Friday, November 8, 2013 - 6 p.m. at Cedar Lane
Tickets, $50 per person
Featuring:
- Authentic Afghan dinner
- Alrene Muskovich'es Film on Afghan Women & Literacy
- Kabultec founder Nasrine Gross, 2013 activities
- Raffle of unique Afghan handicrafts (tickets, $10)
- Silent Auction of hand-crafted items from large and small textiles, ethnic clothing to jewelry, pottery, woodcarving, and metal work-all from bazaars and women's groups throughout Afghanistan
- Latest books on Afghanistan and Afghan women in English - on sale
Proceeds will support couples literacy classes and several orphanages in Afghanistan through Kabultec. Nasrine has been working on Afghan women's rights since 1996.
Reservations:
Deadline is Tuesday, November 5, 2013, but tickets may sell out sooner.
Mail checks made out to "Kabultec" (a 501(c)3 organization) to:
Eleanor DePaola
7941 Inverness Ridge Rd.
Potomac, MD 20854-4010
Tel: 301-299-6236
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Around the Church
We're hiring for an accompanist/pianist/
organist! Click here for the job description.
Orchard Country Produce Farm Stand at Cedar Lane: Open 9 - 1 p.m. every Saturday through November 16 in the upper parking lot at Cedar Lane. Click here to view a full list of what we'll have this Saturday!
Notice about submission deadlines:
eNews: 12 p.m. each Wednesday
order of service: 12 p.m. each Thursday
monthly newsletter: The next deadline is noon on October 23. Please send submissions to sdavidson@cedarlane.org.
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eNews: Sara Davidson; Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church: www.cedarlane.org; 301-493-8300
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