Volume 1, No. 17                                                                                                        December 18, 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/en121809.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. 

Our next issue will be coming out Wednesday, December 23. Please send all submissions to newsletter@cedarlane.org by Tuesday, December 22.

 

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

We will not be making a decision about whether to close the church until tomorrow. Please call the church (301-493-8300) and if we have decided to cancel services there will be a voice recording saying this. You can also check our website (cedarlane.org) and we will do our best to post any cancellations there as well.

 

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.

10:10 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.

Music Notes: This morning we are grateful for the wonderful array of music that is being presented by several different ensembles.  Good King Wenceslas, as performed by the Youth Handbell Choir, offers a jazzy, rhythmic treatment of a classic Christmas carol (keep your ears perked for the drum beat in the middle of the song).  Our Children’s Choir sings in collaboration with guest cellist, Amanda Rees, to give us a reflective setting of the spiritual This Little Light of Mine.  During the Call to Worship the Youth Choir introduces a new Swahili Christmas song,  Habari Nzuri, which translates to “Good News!”  During the Offertory the Children’s Choir sings a rock-like setting of the birth of Jesus called Born, Born in Bethlehem, and the Youth Choir sings one of their all time favorites, Carol of the Bells.  Up in the loft the Adult Choir delivers a  jazz/Gospel infused interpretation of the spiritual Go Tell it On the Mountain, with solos from Susan Clark, Donna Simonton, and the entire bass section.  Thomas Guthrie’s organ postlude is based upon the familiar melody “Waltham,” which we know as I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.

Special thanks to Miss Amanda Rees, her cello, and the wonderful contributions she has made to our Children’s and Youth ensembles this morning.   

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 Jewelry ◊ Alternative Giving ◊ Donuts and Bagels ◊ Environmental Task Force  ◊ 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.  Sharon and Frank Adler                     11 a.m. Cammie Burnight and Anne Gralla
Ushers:    9 a.m.  Dawn Steinfeld, Laura Pillette, and Jack & Judy Rodgers
               11 a.m. Phil Schwartz, Debbie Goodwin, Lisa Chernikoff, and Vicky Taplin
Coffee Servers: 10 a.m. Kate Harrison                          12 p.m. Terry Toot
Audio: Bob Pechacek
Board Member at the Desk: 10 a.m. Bonnie Beavers         12 p.m. Dusty Kreisberg
The decorations were arranged by the Flower Committee.

 

 

 

Roger Fritts
People’s feelings are often intense during the December holidays. We feel joy, but (as Charles Dickens pointed out) some people also feel mean at Christmas. One example is Garrison Keillor. Thursday Dec 17, in a column in the Chicago Sun-Times he wrote:

“You can blame Ralph Waldo Emerson for the brazen foolishness of the elite. He preached here at the First Church in Cambridge, a Unitarian outfit (where I discovered that ‘Silent Night’ has been cleverly rewritten to make it more about silence and night and not so much about God), and Emerson tossed off little bon mots that have been leading people astray ever since. ‘To be great is to be misunderstood,’ for example. This tiny gem of self-pity has given license to a million arrogant and unlovable people to imagine that their unpopularity somehow was proof of their greatness. . . .

“Unitarians listen to the Inner Voice and so they have no creed that they all stand up and recite in unison, and that's their perfect right, but it is wrong, wrong, wrong to rewrite ‘Silent Night.’ If you don't believe Jesus was God, OK, go write your own damn "Silent Night" and leave ours alone. This is spiritual piracy and cultural elitism and we Christians have stood for it long enough.”

My friend and colleague, Rev. Stefan M. Jonasson, wrote an excellent reply:

“Garrison Keillor's audience should no longer be deluded about his attitude toward Unitarian Universalists: his acerbic comments are neither good-natured banter nor insightful satire but simply thinly-veiled hatred. That's always been the case, so the real news here is actually that he's also a poor literary and musical scholar, whose awareness of the traditions of the Yuletide season are as shallow as they are sentimental. If he were really concerned about the purity of ‘Silent Night,’ he would sing ‘Stille Nacht’ instead, for the hymn he professes to love is a translation, not an original composition. As such, it is open to differing interpretations. There were no fewer than eleven English translations of the German original in popular usage before the end of the 19th century, so I'm left to wonder which one he thinks is the authorized version. His argument here is akin to that of the ignorant souls who insist that the King James Version of the Bible is authoritative, blissfully unaware that the English-language Bible is itself a translation! This outrageous article shows Mr. Keillor at his lowest -- guilty of the very faux brilliance of which he accuses others. Shame on him for this nasty piece of drivel; and shame on The Chicago Tribune for publishing it!”

So there Mr. Keillor!

Each of us has control over our grumpiness. Let us enjoy this wonderful December holiday. I encourage you to join me in saying “I will not feel grumpy!” Do something nice for someone. Say “thank you” when they do something nice for you. And join us in singing “Silent Night” and many other wonderful carols on Christmas Eve.

 

 

 

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 healing wishes remain with Eleanor Melville (N9) who has entered rehab care at Stella Maris, outside of Baltimore.

            We also extend our love to Vanessa Steck (N26) who is recovering at home from surgery to heal a broken    
            ankle. 

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.

 

 

 

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 

How will I know if RE is cancelled?
               In an emergency, if there will be no RE classes, members of the RE Council will contact teachers, teen assistants and room parents.  Room parents will call all families on their class list.  We know this means that some families will get multiple calls.  Please be patient!  If there is no power in the Cedar Lane buildings, we will cancel classes because of safety concerns.  There may still be an informal church service for those who happen to come anyway.  If you think there might be class cancellation, you can call the church office.  If there is no answer, the power is out and you can assume there are no RE classes.  We also will attempt to put information on the answer message and on the website.  Power issues could prevent that.  In the meantime, stay home, safe and warm, and make pancakes! 

NO RE CLASSES on December 27.  Regular classes resume on January 3. 

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.

Teacher Renewal
               Teacher Renewal will be held Sunday, January 10, 4-7 p.m., for all teachers, assistants, and youth group leaders.  There will be a special program “The Power of Story,” with a wonderful outside facilitator, followed by light supper. Mark your calendar, you won’t want to miss it!

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.

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)
          We are still looking for ushers for the Christmas Eve services.  Our 7^th and 8^th graders traditionally hold these positions.  Call John Daniel if you can join us.
Manna Food Packing, Tuesday, December 29!
            We have a NEW plan for the evening since Manna Food has moved to a new location in Gaithersburg. We will be meeting for dinner at Zio’s Italian Restaurant, 9083 Gaither Road, at 5:30 p.m., or if students need a ride from church, let John know AND be at Cedar Lane by 4:45. Bring: $6 for food and drink; and a completed permission form. Packing should end about 8 p.m. and we’ll be back to church about 8:30 p.m. We always need lots of packers—join us and bring a buddy.  Hope to see you there!  Community Service forms will be available.
               The Youth Activity Group is open to 7^th and 8^th graders at Cedar Lane.  If you have any questions about the Group or its activities, contact John or Kim Clarkson. 

Senior High Youth Group (SHYG) (Grades 9–12)
               Our visit to the Garden of Lights* at Brookside Gardens is this Sunday, December 20.
               The next Hang Out is Sunday, January 3, 12:20 p.m., Chalice House.
               The SHAG (Senior High Action Group) meeting will be Sunday, January 10, at 12:20 p.m. in the Chalice House.  This is our time for parents and teens to come together and plan our spring activities. Hope everyone can join us!
               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.
* Permission slip required. Download the flyer here.

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.      


Adult Programs 

Labyrinth
        The New Year’s Eve Candlelight Labyrinth Walk will be held Thursday, December 31, from 6 to 9 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 Ellen Swinford. 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 is required by calling 301-493-8300 x207.  For more information call Miriam Pemberton at 301-495-3429.

Sunday Morning Forum
        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.

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.

Winter/Spring Adult Programs
               Look for the new brochure in your mail the second week in January!  Registration for programs will be held after worship services on January 24 and 31.

                                   

 

 

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.

January 3, 2009
“What Gives Life Meaning”
Rev. Roger Fritts
A New Year. A time to recall what is really important.

January 3 Forum: “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.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

This is Webster’s dictionary definition for stewardship.  We are all stewards for Cedar Lane. It is our spiritual home.

stew·ard·ship
Pronunciation: \ˈstü-ərd-ˌship, ˈstyü-; ˈst(y)u̇rd-\
Function: noun
Date: 15th century

1 : the office, duties, and obligations of a steward
2 : the conducting, supervising, or managing of something; especially : the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one's care <stewardship of our natural resources>

 

 

 

Grieving a Loved One Through the Holidays THIS 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

Last Chance:  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 Sunday both upstairs by the front door and downstairs in the Administration area.

This Sunday, 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 Ellen Swinford 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 this Sunday 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 Monday, December 21.

50/50 Offering – A Wider Circle
Our Christmas offering this year will be shared with A Wider Circle in Bethesda.  AWC receives 250 calls each day.  As of December this year they have furnished the homes of 7,412 children and adults.  AWC also offers a Life Skills adult education program including: Nutrition, Stress Management, Resume Writing, Interviewing Skills, and Money Management.  The Catalogue of Philanthropy named AWC “one of the region’s finest small charities.”  Members of Cedar Lane are active volunteers at AWC.  Please give generously.  Pledging members may feel free to write checks directly to “A Wider Circle.”