Volume 1, No. 16                                                                                                         December 11, 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/en121109.htm where it has been posted as a web page.

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   Board Steps   Pledge Drive   Denominational Affairs   Around the Church    Social Justice Council   Beyond Cedar Lane    Calendar

 

 

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.

10:10 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.

Music Notes: The Intergenerational Handbell Choir leads our musical worship this morning by introducing brand new instruments called “Choir chimes.”  The choir possesses three octaves of these instruments that correspond to the three octaves of handbells.  The chimes are simply large tuning forks with a clapper (like a hammer) attached.  The chimes create a shimmering sound.  We welcome Hanukkah by performing the traditional Hebrew round, Shalom Chaverim, as our Call to Worship.  The song has been creatively set for the chimes in both choral and canonic styles.  Advent Carol, which the choir will ring on handbells as a Prelude, is an extended treatment of the traditional Advent carol, “Veni Emmanuel.”  We will hear Thomas Guthrie perform a contemporary setting for organ of the same carol during the Offertory.  The Adult Choir reprises the popular Appalachian anthem, I Hear the Prophet Callin.’   With tambourine, triangle, handbells ringing, and feet stomping, this contemporary anthem offers a uniquely American essence for the Advent season.

Special thanks to Kevin Miller, baritone soloist in I Hear the Prophet Callin’.

All are welcome to try out a hand chime or a hand bell at the Intergenerational Handbell Choir ‘petting zoo” in the Lounge.

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 ◊ Handbell Choir Petting Zoo ◊ Partner Church Committee- Crafts and Note cards ◊ 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. Marion Carlson                     11 a.m. Maurine and Paul Mink
Ushers:    9 a.m. Norman Grossblatt, Warren Thompson, Gail Riley, and Bob Harrison
               11 a.m. Glenis Bellais, Lyn Peters, Cedric Powell, and Betsy Wilhelm
Coffee Servers: 10 a.m. Emily Holdenried                  12 p.m. Kate Curtis
Audio: Bob Pechacek
Board Member at the Desk: 10 a.m. Mary Karimi               12 p.m. Knick Knickerbocker

 

 

 

Roger Fritts
Do you have a memory of a favorite Christmas? I remember I was twelve the year my mother took me to attend a candle light Christmas Eve service. Apparently, the Unitarian Universalist Church where we were members had not yet started holding a Christmas Eve service, so we went to a service at a Methodist Church on Central Ave, in Phoenix. I remember the minister preached about going to visit his girlfriend in the snow at Christmas, and what a struggle it was. I could only imagine what it was like, because having grown up in Phoenix, I had little experience with snow.

At the end of the service, they turned out the lights and ushers walked down the aisle lighting candles. As a child I did not know why they did this (perhaps the Bible said something about Jesus being born in candlelight?), but I liked it. I also like the service because my mother took just me, not my older sister, or my younger sister or brother.

When we got home, everyone was asleep except my Dad, who was assembling a dollhouse for my sister that she would find on Christmas morning. My mother told my Dad that she had not liked the sermon. Now I wish I had a copy of the sermon and a record of her comments. Although my mother died long ago, in my imagination, I still preach to her and to my father who is also deceased.

Forty-six years later I know that we light candles because it is the winter solstice, the darkest part of the year in the northern hemisphere.

The carols and candles in church on Christmas Eve are my favorite part of the Christmas season. I hope you will join us.

Heather Janules
“It begins,” he said, “with a good amount of silence.” 

I invited a member of our congregation, Maury Merkin, to share his experiences of serving as a spiritual director with one of our support groups. Spiritual direction is a practice where one companions another through examining spiritual issues in their lives. On the surface, a spiritual direction session looks a little like psychotherapy, with one trained leader engaging another person about their personal life. Yet, while people often enter therapy to address a behavior or problem, spiritual direction is not problem-driven. Spiritual direction seeks to increase awareness and space for the sacred – what some know of and call “God” – throughout times of stability and chaos, joy and sorrow. Spiritual direction also differs from therapy as it often includes spiritual practices – prayer, meditation and “a good amount of silence” – along with conversation.

Maury’s words came back to me on Sunday as I watched a clip from the film “What Would Jesus Buy?” The film states that 75% of Americans dread the holidays. If these statistics hold any truth, I suspect that a lack of silence has something to do with this dread – too much food, too much spending, too many expectations, too much travel. Just too much everything. As I get ready for another Christmas, my past experience tells me that there is often a fine line between festivity and too much noise.

Yet, much of my fondness for the holidays comes from my experience of this season as a deeply quiet time. Every year I enjoy moments when the sight of the bare trees, the low whistle of a December wind or the streets, finally still once people get to their places of celebration, make me pause and listen. To me, these times of profound silence are what make this season meaningful. These moments of quiet are what make this time feel holy.

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanza or the solstice, my holiday wish for all of us is that we experience this time with not only our hearts and minds but also our spirits. I hope that each meal, each gathering, each song , each gift, brings us closer to inner wholeness and to the silence that is always with us, no matter how much noise we make.

 

 

 

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.

It is with sadness that we announce the death of Barbara Winslow (N21) who died on November 29^th at age 94. Barbara is remembered fondly by many as a renowned viola musician and music teacher.

Healing wishes are with Burke Peterson (N10) as he recovers from bypass surgery of the carotid artery. Burke is expected to be transferred to the Hebrew Home on Montrose Road in Rockville for rehab care soon.

Our hearts go out to Steve and Ardene Shafer (N18) as they mourn the death of Ardene’s mother, who died on December 8^th 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.

 

 

 

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 at 10:15 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 Notes

Burning Wishes
Children in Grades K-6  will be invited to add their “burning wishes” to our fire at Luke’s Circle (by the playground) during our first Sunday of the new year, January 3.  Classes will be invited to bring paper on which they have drawn or written their burning wishes for the world in the year to come.  There will be a schedule so that groups will not all arrive at the same time.  Susan and others will be there to tend the fire and to lead a ceremony.   If there is too much wind or it’s too wet for a fire, we will postpone this activity.  No separate chapel is planned for that day.

7^TH Graders Rock!
Both sessions had very successful sales at Holiday Craft Day.  Session I was supporting literacy projects, Session II the Heifer Project and another alternative giving cause.  Ryan Young and Annie Schmidt each made an incredible gingerbread house which they donated to be auctioned off as part of Session II's fundraising. Many kudos to both groups who are passionately determined to make change in the world (I happen to overhear one student observing with great excitement that they almost had enough money to send one girl to school!)

Parents of Children Up Through Grade 6
Ever wonder how to respond to those really pesky questions, like “What is God?” or “Why did my cat die?” or “My friend says I am going to hell!?” or so many more?  Do you ever wonder how to help your child or your family develop a sense of spirituality?  Is ritual something that would strengthen your family time together?  What kinds of faith learnings are appropriate at different stages of child development?  Come meet other parents for two sessions with our Minister of Religious Education, Susan Archer, on January 23 and 30, 9:30–11 a.m.  Register through Adult Programs, “Raising UU Kids: Parents as Resident Theologians and Spiritual Guides.” Childcare available if requested one week in advance of program.

Family Calendar
December:

                                                                                                                        20 (Sun.) 9 and 11 a.m.: Intergenerational beginning in sanctuary; Haunting House children process;

               Last RE classes before break.

24 (Thu.) Christmas Eve Services:

               4:30 p.m.: Especially good for families with young children; about 45 minutes; no child care available

               6:00 p.m.: Especially good for families with children; about 60 minutes; includes candle-lighting for       
               new children born or adopted; no child care available

               10:30 p.m.: Especially good for adults and teens; about 90 minutes; no child care available

27 (Sun.) 10:00 a.m.: One service only; no RE; no childcare.

January:

     3 (Sun.) Burning Wishes for Gr. K–6 at Luke’s Circle

 

Youth Notes

Youth Activity Group Youth Activity Group
(7th & 8th Grades)—Busy December
    Ushers are needed for the two Family Christmas Eve Services on December 24.  The services begin at 4:30 and 6:00 p.m., and last about an hour. Ushers need to arrive about 20 minutes before the service begins to get instructions and greet guests, and stay about 10 minutes after to straighten up for the next service. If you would like to join the fun, call John (301-946-5509) to volunteer. 
    Manna Food packing comes up on Tuesday, December 29.  Since we last packed, Manna has moved south of Gaithersburg so we will have a new meeting/eating routine.  The new facility is near Route 355 and Shady Grove Road at 911 Gaither Road.  An announcement will soon be sent to all students about the packing.  This is Manna’s busiest time of the year—there is a bigger need than ever to help Montgomery County’s needy families.  Do your share of helping and join us for packing! 

2010 Events:

January 22 (Fri) –  Pizza & Movie at the church

February 7 (Sun) – CL’s youth-sponsored Super Bowl Party

February 21 (Sun) – Orienteering at Wheaton Regional Park after RE classes

February 26-28 (Fri-Sun) – Ski Trip

Information will be sent to all students before the events.
    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 (301-946-5509) or Kim Clarkson (301-587-3051) or Susan Archer.

Senior High Youth Group (SHYG)      
    There has been lots of fervor around activities for our group—we hope to see all parents and youth at the next SHAG (Senior High Action Group) meeting on Sunday, January 10, at 12:15 p.m. in the Chalice House!
    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.

Upcoming Events:
December                     

        20 Christmas Lights at Brookside Gardens*

January

          3   HangOut

        10 SHAG

*Permission and Contract forms required.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS to YOU and YOURS!

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.
    Join other Young Adults for Brunch: Meet in the vestibule at the back of the sanctuary 15 minutes after the end of the 11 a.m. service. We will car pool to a local restaurant for lunch or brunch and fellowship.

   

Adult Programs Notes

     There is a “Welcome Workshop” coming up on Saturday, January 9, please see the article under Around the Church in this newsletter.  And we are wrapping up the fall session with “Raising UU Kids: Parents as Resident Theologians and Spiritual Guides,” with the Rev. Susan Archer. The description is listed under Religious Education Notes.  Register for these classes through Adult Programs.
    Clear your 2010 calendar to make room for the amazing  programs being offered this spring through Adult Programs!  The ongoing classes are all there, plus lots to expand your mind and strengthen your body. The brochure will be mailed the first week on January.

Sunday Morning Forum
The Sunday Morning Forum meets between services from 10:10 to 10:55 a.m. in the Chalice House.  Everyone is invited.
    December 20 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.
    January 3: “Ethical Eating: Personal in Nature, Global in Reach” with the Cedar Lane Ethical Eating Study Group. The current UUA focus on ethical eating comes at a time when many of us are wondering what more we can do to help our planet and its people. Several positive changes that each of us can make relate to food.  Why does food matter?  Come hear the ideas of the Cedar Lane Ethical Eating Study Group.  They also want to hear yours.  This issue is being studied throughout the denomination and in 2011 will be drafted as the Statement of Conscience to be voted on at the UU General Assembly that year.
    January 10:  Terry O'Neill, President of the National Organization of Women (NOW) will find another platform here at her own church to discuss the mission of NOW, the largest organization of feminist activities in the United States.  Founded in 1966, NOW's goal has been to bring about equality for all women.  How well has it succeeded?  What are its current priority issues? 

Labyrinth
    The New Year’s Eve Candlelight Labyrinth Walk will held Thursday, December 31, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Please wear socks.  There is no charge, but donations are appreciated. For more information, contact Chris Mauro at 703-847-5820 or chris.mauro@baesystems.com.
    The annual Silent Retreat will be held from 7 p.m. Friday, January 8, to 6 p.m. Saturday, January 9, led by the Reverend Heather Janules. It will begin with an ingathering service and end with reflections and refreshments. The labyrinth will be available during the entire event.  Fast if you like, or bring your own food.  Participants may sleep over at church or return in the morning.  Registration required by calling 301-493-8300.  For more information call Miriam Pemberton at 301-495-3429.

Connection Circles
Most Connection Circles are on-going and are welcoming new members.  They are a great way to get to know other Cedar Laners in a small group setting, through worship and reflection.  Register through Adult Programs.

                                 

 

 

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? Service includes the procession of our Haunting House children with their animals. Please bring sweaters, mittens, scarves or other new warm clothing for children and teens at Beacon House.  They will be brought forward as young people leave for their RE classes.

 

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.

December 27, 2009 SERVICE AT 10 A.M. ONLY
“Before and After”
Rev. Heather Janules
Life is a series of transitions, shaped by one grand transition- birth to death.  As we pause on the threshold of the transition from one year to the next, this service will reflect on the many symbols of change in human life and how we can serve as “bridge people,” companioning one another from the places of “before” and “after.”

No Forum December 27.
 

 

 

Happy Holidays from the Board of Trustees to each and every one of you.  No matter who you are, no matter who you love, we wish you a pleasant holiday season.  We are pleased and honored to serve you as your Board of Trustees. 

Board Goal(s):  This year the board is trying something new.  At our June retreat we discussed possible future directions for our church.  Since then we have refined these and chosen one goal and set of sub-goals to focus on.  They are listed below: 

Goal:  Increase the membership of Cedar Lane, with emphasis on:

Subgoal 1: Expanding the role of the youth in the church's services and taking steps to integrate youth into all other church activities.

Subgoal 2: Expanding efforts to attract more young adults into church membership.

Subgoal 3: Fostering a more welcoming, lively and compassionate church - the features of Cedar Lane that are the tangible and attractive manifestations of our spiritual commitment.

Subgoal 4: Redoubling our efforts to welcome visitors and integrate new members into the life of Cedar Lane through close collaboration with the Membership Coordinator and the Member Services Committee, with the BOT liaison as principal contact. 

Subgoal 5: Developing means to increase recognition within the congregation and by the public of instances of compassion within Cedar Lane or between Cedar Lane and the community at large.

We have shared this goal and the subgoals with the committees via committee liaisons, and at the Committee Chair Annual Round Table discussion in November.  At this meeting the committee chairs brainstormed ideas about how we might move toward these goals.  The Board is open to any and all ideas about ways we might pursue these goals.  We value your input.  Please feel free to share ideas with any member of the Board (look for blue name tags at church), or with committee chairs.  You may also contact the board via email at board@cedarlane.org.  Remember this is your church.  The Board and our committees are here to serve you. 

Cell Tower Proposal:  As I hope all of you know by now a committee appointed by the Board has been studying a proposal by T-Mobile to build a cell tower on our site, behind the shed off of the lower parking lot.  I want to say up front that this process is still in the study phase.  Contract negotiations with T-Mobile will not begin unless and until the Board decides that this proposal is worth consideration by the congregation.  If and when the Board makes this decision there will be a congregation wide meeting to discuss and vote on whether to begin contract negotiations.  At the time I write this it appears likely that that meeting will be held in late January or in February, again, if it the Board calls for such a meeting.  (If the Board were to not call for a congregation wide meeting, the cell tower proposal would be dead.) 

The Cell Tower Study Group and the Board of Trustees want you to be informed about this proposal and have sought, and continue to seek, your input.  We had two congregational discussions about the cell tower proposal in November.  To learn more about the cell tower proposal, go to www.cedarlane.org and click on the "Cell Tower Study Group" link near the bottom on the left.  On the website you will find a lot of information about the proposal, including notes from each of the November discussions as well as reports to the Board from the study group.  You will see responses to this proposal from Cedar Lane members and friends.  To provide your own response, and have it put on the website, send an email to the Bob Pechacek, the study group chair, at celltower@cedarlane.org.  We are also asking for input from our neighbors, and responses from our neighbors are also on the website.  We are planning to have a meeting with the neighbors about this proposal in early January. 

This is an issue about which reasonable people can, and do, have differing opinions.  I want all to know that the study group and the Board are taking all input from our congregation, and from our neighbors, seriously.  I believe that people who may favor or oppose this do so with good intentions, and with the best interests of our church, or their community in mind. 

I want to thank each and every one of you for being a part of our beautiful Church Community.  I, and the Board of Trustees, wish all of you a peaceful holiday season. 

Duncan Ferguson
Chair, Board of Trustees 

 

 

Why I pledge............................................................................................................. Susan Clark

I pledge and give to Cedar Lane because it's so rewarding to be a part of this community and some of the many things it does.  Our music inspires me more because I help to make it.  Our labyrinth touches me on a deeper level because I helped create it.  I enjoy the Kiplinger Lecture Series more because I helped to start it.  Making a contribution to our community strengthens my commitment to it, and makes the rewards the community gives to me so much richer.

Why I Love Cedar Lane....................................................................................... Nancy Janssen

It’s the people.

Why I pledge......................................................................................................... Ardene Shafer

The simple answer is that I want to.  I was raised in an extremely fundamentalist, right wing religious home and while I did not end up believing the tenets of my early religious life, I did learn some important lessons about generosity.  My parents never made a lot of money but they were very generous with the little they had.  My father tithed at an astonishing 10% of his income and gave to other causes as well.  We never heard lectures about being generous or giving to the church. My parents just simply demonstrated their generosity in their everyday life.  They both volunteered for various causes and also at the church and they gave their money to supplement their volunteer time. That’s how I feel about Cedar Lane. I don’t feel it is my obligation or duty to give to Cedar Lane; it is my privilege and a true expression of my spiritual life. I give because I want to.

Do you have a pledge story you would like to share?  Please send it to me at srs.ars@gmail.com and I will be responsible for submitting it to the newsletter.

 

 

 

Denominational Affairs Committee (DAC) Co-chair Brian Belanger, has agreed to chair Cedar Lane's Auction Committee, and so is turning over his DAC co-chair reins to Nancy Janssen. (Thanks, Nancy!) Dino Drudi will continue to serve as DAC co-chair.

Two important denominational events will occur during the first half of 2010. The Joseph Priestly District's Spring Meeting will be in King of Prussia, PA on April 16-17. (See www.jpduua.org for agenda information.) General Assembly will be in Minneapolis on June 23-27. (See www.uua.org for agenda information.) We hope Cedar Lane will be well represented at both. Attending such meetings is a great way to learn more about what is happening in our religious faith and more importantly, to come away spiritually recharged.

If you think you might like to attend either event, please let the Denominational Affairs Committee know. The DAC can arrange car pools to the JPD event. The committee has some funds available to partially subsidize attendance at General Assembly, but we need to know with some lead time whether you plan to attend. Notify Dino (drudi.dino@bls.gov) or Nancy (nancyjanssen@peoplepc.com).

 

 

Grieving a Loved One Through the Holidays NEXT SUNDAY
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 p.m. 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.

Cup Washers Needed
Cup washers are needed after both services. It is quick and easy. It will be greatly appreciated if everyone takes a turn to help out.  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 13. Visit http://thebeautyoftransylvania.blogspot.com/ to check them out! All proceeds go to support our Partner Church in Dicsöszentmárton, Romania.

December 20, 5 p.m.
Winter Solstice Vespers Service
Members of the Journeywomen and Living By Heart II Connection Circles.
Music Provided by
Carol Ireland, Harpsichord
Margaret Turner, Blockflote
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. 

             

Welcome Workshop
There is a “Welcome Workshop” coming up on Saturday, January 9, with a class and lunch. It is  especially for new members, although visitors and current members are invited to attend as well.  The class is led by the ministers as an interactive forum to learn about Unitarian Universalism, our spiritual community, how we operate, what we offer, and ways to get engaged.  It is also an opportunity for us to learn about you and for you to meet other new members. It will be offered four times per year.  The next one will be March 20.  Register through Adult Programs.

Gifts of Warmth
Bring new sweaters, coats, hats, gloves, socks and  scarves to put near our tree at the intergenerational beginning of the worship service on December 20.  These will 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.

Save the date! The next Afghan dinner and silent auction to sponsor couples literacy in Afghanistan will be at the church on Saturday evening, January 23. Details to follow. For more information, contact Annette Scarpitta, 301-493-8566.

 

 

 

Time is running out! Representatives of the International Concerns Coalition (formerly Global Task Force) will be selling alternative gifts the next 2 Sundays in the lounge after each service. Make a donation in your giftee's name and benefit your choice of Cedar-Laner- affiliated projects.

Six are officially registered for the Cedar Lane Work Trip to New Orleans (JAN 30-FEB 5): HOW ABOUT YOU? Come join Cedar Laners and Rebuilding Together – Montgomery County in a work trip in New Orleans. All skill levels welcome and needed! This year’s trip will include worship at First Unitarian Church of New Orleans, a self-guided tour plus guided conversations about the impact of race and class on life and the recovery in New Orleans. Travel grants are available to help off-set the costs of transportation, room and board. To learn more, contact Mike Burski (mga1960@earthlink.net) or Heather Janules (hjanules@cedarlane.org) with questions. Deadline to register is December 21.

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 17 at 7:30 p.m.  For information contact Donna Runyan, 301-493-8463, jndrunyan@msn.com.

Free Movie:  “Food, Inc.” TONIGHT
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.