Volume 1, No. 15                                                                                                          December 4, 2009

Hello, here is an ENews for the week.  If you have any interest in printing a copy of this please go to http://www.cedarlane.org/enarch09/en120409.html where it has been posted as a PDF.

This ENews has been bookmarked to allow fast access to sections.  To jump to the bookmarked sections please press control and click on the following to access these bookmarks.   Thanks, Sara sdeshler@cedarlane.org  

Sunday’s activities   From the Ministers   We Care   Music Notes   Education for all Ages    Upcoming Sundays   Around the Church    Social Justice Council   Beyond Cedar Lane
Calendar 

 

December 6, 2009
“What Would Jesus Buy?”
Rev. Roger Fritts
The sermon title is taken from a 2007 movie.  The sermon will explore the joys and the limits of shopping.  Can gift giving be a spiritual experience?

10:10 Forum: The USAID DELIVER PROJECT seeks a more just and equitable world by improving the health of under-served communities in the developing world. We do this by increasing the availability of essential public health supplies to health care providers and consumers through procurement and delivery of high-quality supplies, strengthening national supply chains and their police environments, and increasing national and international commitment to supply availability as a critical component off quality health care.

Music Notes: We are grateful to have Kenneth Kreider and Aglaia Koras again share their talents during this morning’s worship services.  During the prelude they favor us with two songs of love that Gershwin wrote early in his career.  My Man Gone was composed in 1935 for what was to become his most famous stage work, “Porgy and Bess.”  It was sung by Serena as she grieved the loss of her husband, Robbin.  The song became a staple of such jazz greats as Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan.  Gershwin composed The Man I Love with his brother, Ira, in 1927 for the movie “Strike Up the Band.”  It also became a hit tune for jazz singers such as Billie Holiday and Lena Horne.  Summertime, undoubtedly Gershwin’s most familiar song, was also written for the opera “Porgy and Bess.”  Historians say that Gershwin was attempting to create his own spiritual in the style of African American folk music that was popular at the time.  With its fluid lines and minor key, Summertime becomes a beautiful medium as an instrumental solo.

               In Advent Message the Adult Choir sings “Come Lord Jesus” as we observe the second Sunday of Advent and the ongoing preparation toward Christmas.  The Choir’s Anthem, Watchman, Tell Us of the Night, describes a glorious beaming star, with its beauteous ray, foretelling the promised day of Israel.

               Our hymns “Let Christmas Come” and “People, Look East” cast an excited glance forward to the magical mystery that is Christmas.

               Special thanks to Aglaia Koras for contributing the postlude in the 11 a.m. service.

Welcome, Visitors to Cedar Lane. We invite you to stop by our Visitors Center in the Lounge service to say hello, find out more about Cedar Lane and Unitarian Universalism, sign up for our mailing list, and/or pick up pamphlets about our faith.

Bagels and Donuts Are Back! The You and UU (9^th grade) classes travel to Boston next March to learn about their UU roots. Support their pilgrimage by buying bagels and donuts.

IN THE LOUNGE ◊ Alliance Books ◊ Alternative Giving ◊ Donuts and Bagels ◊ Environmental Task Force ◊ Partner Church Committee- Crafts and Notecards ◊ Social Justice Council Lounge Lizards ◊ UU Book Store- Bea­con Press and Skinner House Books-Now with Gift Corner candles ◊ We serve fair trade coffee, hot chocolate, and tea ◊

Volunteers for the Service:
Greeters: 9 a.m.: Kay and Tom Bugenhagen                           11 a.m.: Rita Pittillo and Joan Brown
Ushers:    9 a.m.: Carol & Terry Ireland and Dianne and Perry Seiffert
               11 a.m. Sue Hosford, Jane Barton, Harvey Lerner, and Marion Carlson
Coffee Servers: 10 a.m. Carol & Terry Ireland                           12 p.m. Helen & Bob Pechacek
Audio: Bob Pechacek
Board Member at the Desk: 10 a.m. Laurie Richardson    12 p.m. Val Carter
The flowers in the Sanctuary were arranged by Sarah Reese. The flowers in the chapel were arranged by Maria Dinger.

 

 

 

Roger Fritts
Wednesday, Dec 9, will be the last “Conversations With Roger” of the season. We will look at excerpts from the movie "What Would Jesus Buy?" and talk about our own experiences of Christmas.  1:30-3:30 in the Library. Join us.

Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church does not endorse anyone running for public office. However, after someone from our congregation is elected, we celebrate. So congratulations to Cedar Lane member Nancy Floreen on her election for a one year term as President of the Montgomery County Council. Nancy takes over from Council member Phil Andrews, whose parents are members of our congregation. Thank you Phil for your commitment to public service. Best wishes to Nancy as she starts her year as Council President.

President Obama is doing exactly what he said he would do when he ran for President. For example, July 15, 2008: “Obama declared this morning that if elected president, he would redirect attention and US forces to Afghanistan.”

I am not an expert on Afghanistan, but in 2008 I thought Mr. Obama was wrong, and I hoped that he might change after he was elected. He has not changed. I do not believe that anything constructive can come from expanding our occupation. From what I can learn from the news, it appears that we are spending billions of dollars in Afghanistan to defeat a few hundred terrorists, who have moved to Pakistan.

This week I finished reading The Good Soldiers by David Finkel, an account of one military unit's experience in the Iraq War. I was going to use a passage from the book as a reading at the service November 15, but I dropped the idea after I realized I could not read it aloud without crying, perhaps because I have made visits to the Bethesda Naval Hospital.

One passage describes a wife at the hospital. Her husband has a head wound. It is June 2007.  Here is part of the passage: “Her husband was ruined. In seven weeks, she had lost so much weight that her dress size had gone from a twelve to a six, her daughter was now living with a relative, she was now living in a hospital, the doctors were saying it could be years before her husband was better, if ever, and hope, if it existed at all, had to be extracted from wherever it could, from the awful day, for instance, in which he lifted his right hand and placed it on her shoulder, and then tried to move it across her breasts and then started to cry. So many tears in this place . . .”

Let us pray this Christmas season for our President, our soldiers, and for the people of Afghanistan and Iraq.

 

 

 

We Care: A Ministry of Community Support
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. 

Our best wishes are with Eleanor Melville (N9) as she undergoes heart bypass surgery at Washington Hospital Center.

Condolences are with Bannon Preston and John, Madison and Ethan Ruppenthal (N12) with the death of Bannon’s father after a long illness.

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 x204 or hjanules@cedarlane.org. All ministers offer pastoral care to our members so you are also encouraged to contact any member of the ministerial team.

 

 

 

Adult Choir sings for peace
The Adult Choir will sing in a concert for Middle East Peace at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 6 at the 6^th and I Historic Synagogue.  The Choir is the only church music ensemble to be invited and will be singing Dona Nobis Pacem, Meditation on Breathing, and All Lifted Hearts.  Tickets are available at the door - $18 and $10 for seniors and youngsters.

December 6 -  Kenneth Kreider and Aglaia Koras will perform the love songs “My Man Gone,” “The Man I Love,” and “Summertime” by George Gershwin.  Aglaia Koras will also perform Debussy’s “What the West Wind Saw” as the postlude at the 11 a.m. service.  The Adult Choir will sing Advent Message and Watchman, Tell Us of the Night.  The hymns will be “People Look East” and “Let Christmas Come.”

Have you ever held a “tuning fork?”
December 13 - The Intergenerational Handbell Choir will unveil a new set of instruments called “choir chimes.”  The chimes resemble giant tuning forks and produce a tone that will shimmer through the Sanctuary.  The choir will ring Shalom Chavarim on the chimes to acknowledge the beginning of Hanukkah.  The choir will ring Advent Carol (Veni Emmanuel) during Call to Worship.  The Adult Choir will sing I Hear the Prophet Callin’ as the Anthem.  Hymns will include “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” and “Light One Candle.”  Afterward there will be a choir chime “petting zoo” in the lounge.

December 20 marks the Intergenerational service leading up to Christmas and there will be plenty of beautiful music from our young musicians.  The Children’s Choir will sing This Little Light of Mine and Born, Born in Bethlehem.  The Youth Choir will favor us with wonderful three part singing in I Saw Three Ships and the Swahili song, Habari Nzuri.  The Youth Handbell Choir will ring a spirited rendition of Good King Wenceslas and the Adult Choir is preparing a jazz arrangement of Go Tell It On the Mountain.  During the procession of the animals we will all sing “Jesus, Our Brother.” 

Christmas Eve Family Services - The afternoon and early evening family services will feature our Children’s Choir, Youth Choir, and Youth Handbell Choir, singing and ringing many of the same songs from Sunday’s Intergenerational service.

Christmas Eve late service - Sounds of harp and voice will permeate the air as The Adult Choir sings selections from Benjamin Britten’s hallmark composition, “A Ceremony of Carols.”  The service will begin at 10:30 p.m. with seasonal music featuring the Choir, solo harp and violin, and organ.  Plan on arriving early to get a seat.

Concerts at Cedar Lane is gearing up for its benefit concert on January 16, 2010; an all Mozart program with orchestra, the Adult Choir, and special guest, Barbara Wing, performing Mozart’s Piano Concerto in A Major.  The performance is free and all donations will be gifted to John Kelly’s Children’s Hospital Campaign.  To learn more visit CedarLane.org and click on Concerts at Cedar Lane.

Ad Hoc Choir - Start the new year out with a sing-for-all.  Everyone is invited because we love to hear your voices!  The next gathering will be on Sunday, January 10 at 12:30 in the Chapel.  Hope to see you there!

 

 

 

Religious Education

St. Lucia’s Day
Chapel Service this Sunday, December 6, will celebrate St. Lucia’s Day, brought to us by Grade 3, Festivals classes. 10 a.m. and 12 noon, for Grades K-6.  Adults welcome! 

Poinsettias for Sale this Sunday
The Camp Fire scouting group, serving boys and girls ages 5-11, including some of our faith community, will be selling poinsettias on Sunday, December 6.  Plants come in two sizes:  Medium (18" tall with 4-6 blooms) for $15 and Large (36" tall with 7-12 blooms) for $20 and in four colors (red, pink, marble, and white).  They make a nice gift or house decoration.  If you would like to reserve one or more, please e-mail Richard Nugent directly at ranugent@aol.com.  10% of the proceeds will be donated to the 9th graders for their trip to Boston. 

Holiday Play and Potluck for All Ages
Saturday, December 12, 5 – 7 p.m.  
For FUN and fellowship!  This year our children will be acting out “The Grinch Who Came to UUville.” Please bring a dish (serves 10-12) to share at a festive buffet after the program. Drop your food in kitchen before the program.  Last names A-K: Salad or Side Dish; L-S: Main Dish (vegetarian dishes welcome); T-Z: Dessert.  Sign up by December 9, at 301-493-8300 x207.  You’ll be home early enough for later Saturday night events!

Beacon House Gifts for Children and Youth
Bring to church new, unwrapped gifts to share with children and teens at Beacon House.  These are kids who will likely not receive much else during the holidays.  It is great to involve your young ones in this process.  Let them shop with you and imagine what someone else might want!  Donations of gift wrap are also welcome.  There will be donation sites on Sundays both upstairs by the front door and downstairs in the Administration area until December 13.

 

Youth Notes

Annual Ski Trip
The ski trip for our two youth groups, Youth (gr 7-8) and Senior (gr 9-12), will be February 26-28, 2010.  Forms are available at the church and on the website <www.cedarlane.org>.

Youth Activity Group (Grades 7 & 8)
Pizza and a movie night is coming up on Friday, December 11.  Watch for information coming soon.
               The Youth Activity Group is open to 7th and 8th graders at Cedar Lane.  If you have any questions about the Group or its activities, contact John Daniel or Kim Clarkson.

Senior High Youth Group (SHYG) (Grades 9–12)
               Hang-Out is this Sunday, December 6, 12:15 –1:30 p.m.  We will be sharing pizza and conversation (bring ideas for future activities) as well as preparing “Take a Break” (from studying for finals) kits for our Cedar Lane college freshman.
               Our visit to the Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens is coming up Sunday, December 20.  Watch for notices in your mail and email.  Parent drivers are needed.
               For information on the Senior High Youth Group (grades 9-12) contact Archene Turner at 301-493-8300 x205, aturner@cedarlane.org or archene@gmail.com.
Details of activities and permission forms are on our website at www.cedarlane.org.

Young Adults (Ages 18-35)
               The UU Young Adults of Maryland (UUYAM) group plans activities for local UU Young Adults. Visit http://groups.google.com/group/uuyam to join the UUYAM e-mail list and view schedule of upcoming events. For resources and information on Joseph Priestly District (JPD) Young Adult events, visit the JPD Young Adult Network at www.jpduuyan.org.

                                  

 

 

December 13, 2009
“Love and Tradition”
Rev. Roger Fritts
On the Sunday that falls during Hanukkah, the sermon will explore the struggles of couples in Jewish-Christian marriages.  If you are in such a marriage and have any suggestions, e-mail me.

December 13 Forum: Impeached: The Trial of President Andrew Johnson and the Fight for Lincoln's Legacy. The first presidential impeachment, Andrew Johnson in 1868, threatened to become a second civil war as Americans argued bitterly over the meaning of the war and the end of slavery.  With soaring rhetoric, political horse trading, and cold cash, Johnson escaped removal from office by a single vote in the Senate.  Cedar Lane's David O. Stewart will share the story of the constitutional train wreck from his new book, Impeached: The Trial of President Andrew Johnson and the Fight for Lincoln's Legacy.  Copies will be for sale and David will sign them.

December 20, 2009
“The Joy of Santa”
Rev. Roger Fritts
How did Nicholas, the 3rd century Bishop of Myra, Asia Minor, get to be one of the prime symbols of our December culture? And does our love of the Santa myth have a spiritual element?

December 20 Forum: How Can Muslims and Unitarians Talk to Each Other? Our speakers are Zeyneb Salim, a graduate student in the Department of Theology at Georgetown University, and her husband, Salih Sayilgan, a graduate student in the Religious Studies program at the University of Alberta. They share a deep interest in interfaith dialogue and building bridges among religious groups. They will begin with a basic introduction to the Muslim faith, including the Islamic understanding of God, the core ideas of the faith, its tenets and practices, and the role of the Qur'an as scripture in the Muslim community.  Following this introduction the speakers will welcome all kinds of questions.

 

 

 

 

  

 At Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church
Saturday, December 5, 2009
10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

 

Activities: This family-friendly event is for all ages and abilities. Spend a day with family and friends making great homemade holiday crafts that can be used in your own home or given as gifts. At noon, everyone takes a break for holiday music and refreshments.
Cost: The fee covers the cost of refreshments, the majority of crafts, and priceless fun with the family making wreaths, cookies, candles, gingerbread houses, and much more!
·        $10 per person or
·        $20 per family
·        For a few “special crafts,” an extra $3 ticket is required and can be bought the day of the event.

Registration: Pre-registration is required and can be done through the R.E. office

Insider Hints:
·        Come on time on Dec. 5 – slots for the most popular crafts fill up first
·        Bring dollar bills to buy some “special craft” tickets on the day of the event, $3 per ticket
·        Pack a picnic and a blanket to sit on during the music performance at noon
·        Don’t forget a box or large bag to take your treasures home

Wanted: Evergreen Clippings: We could use more evergreen clippings for the wreaths. Please bring them outside the lower level door now. On Holiday Craft Day, bring them upstairs, just outside the lounge. Thanks!

Information: Feel free to contact us with questions or if you want to be a Craft Day helper
·        Chris Black at christineireneblack@hotmail.com or 301-774-0518
·        Celia Nathan at celia_nathan@yahoo.com or 301-326-5886

Cup Washers Needed
The Environmental Task Force needs cup washers after both services. It is quick and easy. We would like every part of the community to help with this--each committee and each person. It benefits the whole church when we use mugs, instead of disposable cups. Please sign up at http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=rgPgty2b6jZ2RSyOFhSb-4w
or let Molly Hauck know if you can do it. mollyhauck@gmail.com

Beacon House Gifts for Children and Youth: Bring new and unwrapped gifts to church to share with children and teens at Beacon House.  These are kids who will likely not receive much else during the holidays.  It is great to involve your young ones in this process.  Donations of gift wrap are also welcome.  There will be donation sites on Sundays both upstairs by the front door and downstairs in the Administration area.

Partner Church Handicrafts and Notecard Sale -- Sunday December 6 and December 13
The Partner Church Committee will be selling handicrafts (including rag rugs) made by members of our Partner Church, along with remaining flower notecards from photos taken in Transylvania, in the lounge following the services on December 6 and 13. Visit http://thebeautyoftransylvania.blogspot.com/ to check them out! All proceeds go to support our Partner Church in Dicsöszentmárton, Romania.

Grieving a Loved One Through the Holidays
At their best, the winter holidays are joyous times with family and other companions. However, the death of a loved one can make the holiday season a difficult time of grief and renewed sadness. On December 20 at 12:30 pm in the Chapel, there will be a gathering of those who wish to share their thoughts and feelings about the people they miss this holiday season.

December 20, 5 p.m.
Winter Solstice Vespers Service
Members of the Journeywomen and Living By Heart II Connection Circles.
Carol Ireland, Harpsichord
Margaret Turner, Alto and Tenor Recorders
The winter solstice marks the longest night of the year and the start of the lengthening days. Come join a vespers celebration with music, accompanied by readings of the mystery of darkness and the joy of light. Following the service, seasonal refreshments will be served. (no dinner). Optional donations for Beacon House will be accepted – hats, scarves, mittens, unwrapped toys, or cash.

Gifts of Warmth
Bring new sweaters, coats, hats, gloves, socks or scarves to put near our tree at the intergenerational beginning of the worship service on December 20.  These will also go to kids and teens through Beacon House.

Lighting Candles for New Babies on Christmas Eve
Once again we will be lighting candles for children or grandchildren of members and attenders of our congregation.  This will take place during the 6:00 p.m. service only.  Please let us know of children born or adopted since December 25, 2008.  Call the church (301-493-8300) and leave the information with the receptionist or RE Office (x207).  Please provide: the child’s full name, date of birth and/or adoption, and the name(s) of parents, grandparents (if they are Cedar Laners) and siblings.

Labyrinth Silent Retreat
The Labyrinth Committee’s annual Silent Retreat will take place this year from 7 p.m. on Friday, January 8, 2010 to 6 p.m. January 9, at the church.  We will begin with an ingathering ceremony and end with reflections and refreshments.  In between we will walk our labyrinth, read, write, meditate, take walks, do whatever the spirit moves us to do. Some participants fast, some bring their own food.  Some bring a sleeping bag, others go home to sleep and return in the morning. The Reverend Heather Janules will lead the ceremonies and be available during the rest of the time.  It’s wonderful (for those who like this sort of thing!) so please consider joining us. $15 for members; $20 for non-members. Call Miriam Pemberton, 301-495-3429 with questions.

 

 

 

50/50 Collection for Housing Unlimited, Inc.  (HUI) – December 6
The Social Justice Council received a very impressive presentation from HUI, a local nonprofit organization which is celebrating its15th year of operation.  HUI‘s mission is to provide independent housing and community integration for very low income adults with psychiatric disabilities in Montgomery County. The focus of HUI is to promote the self-sufficiency and independence of its tenants and to remove the stigma often associated with their illness.

HUI’s facilities are located in all parts of the County and currently serve 123 persons in 41 apartments, townhouses, and single-family homes.  All the units are convenient to public transportation, retail shops, and employment.  Despite the tough economy, HUI acquired five new homes this year.  They currently have a waiting list of over 250 individuals who wish to participate in their programs.  Please give generously.

Alternative Giving Time is Here!
Tired of material gifts for you and your loved ones? Why not diversify things with a donation in honor of a giftee that provides direct aid to a variety of international causes? This year, we have more projects affiliated with Cedar Laners than ever before, including two from each of our 7th-grade RE classes, two from the Environmental Task Force, tried and true Cedar Lane "regulars", and some new ones. Our catalog will be available and you can buy alternative gifts every Sunday from now through Christmas. Holiday cards will also be on sale. For more information, contact Annette Scarpitta at 301-493-8566.

UUA Focus on Ethical Eating
The Ethical Eating Study Group is underway, but new members are always welcome.  Our goals are to study the issues, share what we learn, and act on this information. 

The Study Group was formed partly due to the urging of the UUA but also due to our own interests in exploring the far reaching effects of our food choices.  Each of us defines “ethical eating” a little differently.  What does it mean to you?  Join us at our next meetings on December 3, 10 and 17 at 7:30 p.m.  For information contact Donna Runyan, 301-493-8463, jndrunyan@msn.com.

Free Movie:  “Food, Inc.”
The Environmental Task Force will show the movie “Food, Inc.” in the Sanctuary on Friday evening, December 11.  This thought provoking documentary deconstructs the corporate food industry in America.  Alex Beauchamp from Food and Water Watch will introduce the film and answer questions afterwards.  Come at 6:45 p.m. for a vegetarian potluck.  Bring food to share.  The movie begins at 7:30 p.m.  RSVP to Charlotte Brewer (301-656-0467, jarvischarlot@aol.com) so we know how many to expect.  We need people to wash dishes after the movie.  Please let Charlotte know if you can help.

GREEN TIPS
Environmental Task Force
LOOK FOR THE GREEN SEAL®
From:   http://www.greenseal.org/

The Green Seal® says that a product or service has been tested according to science-based procedures, that it works as well or better than others in its class, and that it has been evaluated without bias or conflict of interest. It means that a product meets cleaning performance and packaging requirements and that the user has been provided with training materials on the proper dilution, use and disposal of the product and the use of personal protective equipment.… Wherever possible, Green Seal standards cite international test methods for evaluating product performance or environmental attributes such as toxicity, and its procedures conform to international standards for eco-labelling.

Look for the Green Seal logo when purchasing such items as:

    * Alternative Fueled Vehicles
    * Anti-Corrosive Paints
    * Cleaning Services    
    * Coated Printing Paper
    * Commercial Adhesives
    * Compact Fluorescent Lamps
    * Degreasers
    * Electric Chillers
    * Fleet Vehicle Maintenance
    * Food Service Packaging
    * Green Procurement Criteria
    * Green Facilities Operation and Maintenance Criteria
    * Household Cleaners
    * Industrial & Institutional Cleaners
    * Industrial & Institutional Floor-Care
       Products
    * Industrial & Institutional Hand
       Cleaners
    * Occupancy Sensors
    * Paints
    * Paper Products Used in the
       Preparation of Food
    * Paper Towels and Paper Napkins
    * Powdered Laundry Bleach   
    * Printing and Writing Paper
    * Recycled Content Latex Paint
    * Re-Refined Engine Oil (GS-03)
    * Reusable Utility Bags
    * Tissue Paper    
    * Windows / Window Films