Volume 2, Issue 11

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.

March 21, 2010
“The Growth of No Religious Affiliation”
Rev. Roger Fritts
About every 10 years, a survey is taken asking people what their religion is. During the last 10 years, the fastest-growing category has been "No religious affiliation." The sermon will look at this phenomenon. (This is teacher recognition Sunday. Children five years and older should attend the first part of the service.)

Forum: Crossway Community: Providing Housing, Childcare, and Education for Single-Parent Families. Kathleen Guinan, CEO (with husband Ed November 2008 WETA Hometown Heroes) will discuss this initiative created in 1990 to provide low-income mothers with educational opportunities while at the same time providing child-care options. Crossway acts to combine the best aspects of homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters and transitional housing programs into an environment that fosters community learning. The public/private partnerships built by the Crossway Community is a model of how regional governments can support the creation of innovative and community-serving initiatives. Come hear Kathleen's latest success stories of this worthy organization, supported by our own Alliance.

Music Notes: On this day of Teacher Recognition we begin our service with a unique sound from the Youth Handbell Choir, Antiphonal Celebration. Antiphonal is a Greek term referring to opposite voices. In this case the handbell choir can be heard acting as two separate voices, alternating bells with high bells and also varying articulations between long sounds and short abrupt sounds. The Children's Choir sings Natalie Sleeth's original song Hymn of Promise. Composed in 1986 and also known by its opening text "In a bulb there is a flower," the work has become beloved by singers of all ages, telling of the coming of spring, and the infinite wisdom of God. The Youth Choir sings a classic American Spiritual, I Shall Not Be Moved, arranged by the renowned choral composer, Alice Parker. This year the Youth Choir has focused on singing independent part songs and this rich Spiritual gives equal importance to soprano, alto, tenor, and bass voices. The Adult Choir also turns to a contemporary setting of another well-known Spiritual, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot. This work challenges our singers, calling for a mixture of precise rhythm and relaxed nuance. Kevin Miller is featured as baritone soloist. Thomas Guthrie's postlude is a wonderful example of the free form ricercar made popular by Frescobaldi during the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods. The imitative character of Frescobaldi's works was a precursor to the fugues of J. S. Bach.

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.

IN THE LOUNGE- ◊ Alliance Jewelry ◊ Donuts and Bagels ◊ Environmental Task Force ◊ Paper to Pearls ◊ Partner Church Scholarships ◊ Seder Registration ◊ Social Justice Council Lounge Lizards ◊ Teacher Recruitment ◊ UU Book Store- Beacon Press and Skinner House- 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. Glenis Bellais, Debbie Goodwin, Lisa Chernikoff, and Sue Hosford
Coffee Servers: 10 a.m. Kate Harrison
                                    12 p.m. Terry Toot
Audio: Steve Spector
Visitors’ Center:                              10 a.m. Mary Farrar                                    12 p.m. Maryann Dillon
Board Member at the Desk:            12 p.m. Bonnie Beavers
The flowers in the Sanctuary were arranged by Lois Delaha.

Groups of humans beings in families, at school, at work and at church, thrive on gossip. For example, in our church we share caring and concern through chance encounters at coffee hour or at the beginning and ending of church gatherings. Church members share with each other who is in the hospital, who is getting married or divorced, who has just gotten a job or lost a job. Knowing these things, we can be more supportive of each other. If this informal communication were to stop, it would make it far more difficult for us to care for each other.

However, gossip can be healthy or harmful. A church consultant named Speed Leas developed an ethical rule about gossip that I try to follow in my own life. Mr. Leas writes:

"To minimize what is harmful in gossip and not to stop what is helpful in personal sharing about others, I recommend that we encourage people to continue to share with each other, but with the understanding that when information is shared about others it can be shared only with the expectation that your name will go with the message as a person who shared it. The source of the information will also be shared, if you are not the one who originated the thought or news. Thus, nothing gets passed on unless people say who said what. Confidentiality is the behavior to be avoided, not passing the word along."

Healthy gossip is when I say "Joe told me that Betty said that Mary is upset with Harry." Poisonous gossip is when I say "Several people have told me–I can't say who–that Mary is upset with Harry." When others can trace information to its source, I am more likely to take responsibility for what I say, knowing that I am not able to remain anonymous.

I encourage you not to feel guilty when you use your best judgement and decide to share information about other people in your family, at school, at work or at church. Such information sharing is the life blood of a community. Just remember Mr. Leas' ethical principle: When information is shared about others, we should pass it on with the expectation that our name will go with the message as its author. In this way we encourage both communication and accountability.

The tender hearts of our children, no matter how often I notice them, never cease to move me. The most recent opportunity for them to express themselves came at our “Burning Wishes” ceremony, an event that we meant to have outside at Luke’s Circle right after the new year, to burn our wishes (each on a small piece of paper) for the world, to send them skyward – to the atmosphere that is shared by all the world, even though the part above us would temporarily be only in Maryland. Wind, snow, rain, and wet conspired for four Sundays to keep us from the fire pit. Finally, we had our burning wishes gatherings (mostly 1-2 classes at a time) INSIDE, using the 4^th grade’s wonderful “pretend” fire, completed with flashlights covered in tissue paper to create the embers. We read from a story by one of our fifth graders, Tess Rauscher, about a girl who survived the Haiti earthquake and her journey towards “Hope.” Then those who wanted to share their wishes for the world read from their papers. They and others who wanted to keep theirs silent placed the papers in the “fire.” We will eventually truly send them skyward, perhaps at the end of a chapel service on a beautiful day. However, in the meantime, our imaginations took them a good long way!

I want to share just a few of the wishes, to give you a flavor of what is already in the heads, hearts and, in some cases, in the work of the hands of our young ones. These are the folks that will be “in charge,” sooner perhaps than we can imagine. Here are a few of their hopes:

A house for all. . . Planting to keep the world healthy. . . That the bald eagle won’t get extinct. . . World. . . peace. . . Respectful listening. . . Stop global warming. . . Relief for Chile and Haiti. . . Let the cycle of violence be broken. . . Stop hurting animals. . . People to be thankful . . . and so many more!

My natural optimism about the future is renewed daily by these children. My love and respect for them is deepened. I will be happy to see them take places of leadership and service, now and as they grow into adulthood.

One final note: Some of these children are in the midst of projects to help others. Our Chapel-aged children have voted to split their weekly offerings between helping animal shelters and Haiti. If you come to chapel some morning, you may want to bring some of your own coins to join with theirs, to support these needs (Our children are learning that one coin may not buy too much help, but one put with another one and another one can make a difference. Of course, folding money always accepted!)

Our session II second graders just raised $150 for Haiti at their bake sale. The other second graders made cards of love to send to Haiti.

Our enterprising seventh graders (each session has their own foci, chosen by the kids) have raised money for Heifer International, education projects for girls without access to it, and for a project for women victimized in the brutal conflicts in the Congo. They are selling paper to pearls jewelry to support a microfinance project in Uganda. The paper-to-pearls project is currently underway during coffee hour. Stop by to see their wares! Our 7^th – 8^th graders regularly pack food for Manna to keep needed food supplies ready for delivery to families that need them. Throughout this year there have been others, but these are the most current ones.

Many blessings on their fine minds, their gentle hearts, and the work that they do.

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.

Condolences are with Tish, Bill, Sophia and Cecilia King (Neighborhood 2) with the death of Tish’s
mother, Jane Hurford, who died at the age of 80 after a long struggle with cancer.

We rejoice that our own Kristin Grassel received a rating of “one” from the Ministerial Fellowship Committee of the Unitarian Universalist Association on March 18, meaning that she ready and cleared to serve Unitarian Universalism as a fellowshipped minister. Hooray!

A time to gather and remember: As noted previously, Cedar Lane member Frances Willoughby died on November 22, 2009 at the age of 94. A Service in Celebration of Her Life will be held on Friday, April 30 at 2 p.m. in the Cedar Lane Chapel. All are welcome.

We celebrate with Ellen Cosgrove (N13) as her daughter, Lucy Cosgrove, a sophomore at Eckerd College, has been invited to present a paper on April 2 at the National Popular Culture & American Culture Association’s Annual Conference in St. Louis.

               And we are proud to announce the completion of the film “Knights of Glory,” an allegorical story made
               to help children cope with serious illness, featuring our own Juliette Levchenko! (N30) The film will
               be broadcast on-line in episodes in an interactive format so patients can view and respond to the film
               and each other from their hospital beds.

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.

March 21 - On this special Sunday we recognize the contributions of the CLUUC RE teachers, with our young musicians leading us in song. The Youth Handbells will perform a difficult work called Antiphonal Celebration that creates an echo effect within the bell choir. The Children’s Choir sings a wonderful song about spring and God’s infinite knowledge called Hymn of Promise. The Youth Choir again sings in four part harmony with the familiar Spiritual I Shall Not Be Moved. The Adult Choir turns to another beloved Spiritual, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, featuring the fine singing of baritone soloist, Kevin Miller. Thomas Guthrie performs an intricate Ricercar by Girolamo Frescobadi. The Congregation will sing the hymns “Bring Many Names” and “As Tranquil Streams.”

March 28 - We celebrate the music of Palm Sunday and Heather Janules’ final service prior to her sabbatical leave. The Adult Choir will be singing a familiar tune from Southern Harmony, What Wondrous Love, arranged by Clif Harden, Director of Music at River Road Unitarian Universalist Church. The Choir will also sing the familiar melody arranged by J.S. Bach, All Glory, Laud and Honor, with Thomas Guthrie contributing an intricate organ accompaniment. The Choir completes the morning with a wonderful a capella selection in the Gospel tradition, Calling My Children Home. The Congregation will sing “Come, Come Whoever You Are” and “The Lone, Wild Bird.”

April 4, “Easter Sunday” - The Sanctuary will come alive with music on this great morning as we celebrate the arrival of spring and the many wonders of life! A brass ensemble, organ, piano, handbells, tympani, youthful singers and the Adult Choir will gather in the choir loft to lead the music of the day. Following prelude selections by the organ and brass our young singers will proclaim Hear the News This Easter Morn. The Adult Choir will sing the Kyrie from Puccini’s “Messa di Gloria.” Later in the service the Choir will again be joined by the brass and timpani for This Is the Day and the jubilant anthem, People Arise. The Congregation will have the pleasure of singing along with the brass ensemble in the hymns, “Lo, the Earth Awakes Again,” Lo, the Day of Days Is Here,” and Beethoven’s favorite: “Hymn to Joy.” Come early to get a good seat and hear all the Preludes!

April 11 - Gruppo Piccolo and the Intergenerational Handbell Choir will be on hand to support Minister Emeritus, Rev. Kenneth Maclean on this special morning. The IG Handbell Choir will ring an energetic and joyous selection titled Praise Ostinato. Gruppo Piccolo will sing the hymn “Eternal Father Strong to Save” a capella from the front of the Sanctuary. The ensemble will offer additional chamber selections during the service. The Congregation will sing “Spacious Firmament On High” and “O God, Our Help in Ages Past.”

April 18 - Our Children’s Choir and Youth Choir join together for a very special moment during this Worship Service. You’ll have to come and see it for yourselves because it’s a secret (shh!).

April 25 - We will celebrate Earth Day with songs that remind us of the beauty and sacredness of our planet. The Adult Choir leads the morning’s music with a setting by contemporary composer Frank Tichelli titled EarthSong. The Congregation will sing “For the Earth Forever Turning.”

Don’t forget to check out all the extracurricular music happenings at CLUUC this spring! “Round Singing” is part of Adult Programs. Spring B will include both a class called “Everything You Need to Know About Handbells (but were afraid to ask...)” and a Coffee House project led by Steve Jones. Check them all out on the website.

Passover Seder at Cedar Lane
Join fellow Cedar Laners on Sunday, April 11, for an evening of warmth, tradition, reflection, and even a little bit of humor. Cedar Lane has a long tradition of celebrating Passover with a Seder that is influenced by Unitarian Universalist principles, the tradition Passover story, family rituals, and community spirit (not to mention great food). The Passover Seder depends on the generous help of volunteers to ensure success. We need volunteers to: shop for special Passover and miscellaneous needs (a specific shopping list will be distributed); set up tables, food, etc. for the Seder; clean up to leave everything spotless after we are done; and other duties as needed. In addition, everyone will be asked to contribute a side dish (traditional recipes will be available at registration).
Volunteer to help and register you and your family Sundays, March 21, and 28 in the lounge, or in the RE office anytime. Cost is $10/person or $20/family plus a dish to share.

This fun and relaxed intergenerational program is offered for all ages on Sunday mornings with childcare available for ages 5 and younger. Watch for the brochure and registration dates! Watch for the brochure and registration dates!

April 4 Easter Egg Hunt, 12 noon, after the Intergenerational Easter Service at 11 a.m. (See service information on page 1)

June 11-13, 2010
    ALL-CHURCH RETREAT at Camp Tockwogh! Young adults, families with children, couples, elders, EVERYBODY
    welcome! A time for Cedar Laners of all ages to be together in an informal, relaxed atmosphere. Details and registration
    materials coming!

Donate Used Clothing! and Paper to Pearls!
Help the Session II 7^th graders—see details under Around the Church.

Money Matters Cancelled!
We are sorry to have to cancel the Money Matters class scheduled for Sunday, March 21. The speaker, Janet Bodnar, has been called away on another obligation. The Kiplinger committee is exploring other dates and class possibilities as a way to bring important and timely financial information to our teens and their families. Thank you to all who registered, and please be watching for new announcements.

Youth Activity Group (Grades 7 and 8)
Below is the upcoming schedule—make your plans to join us.
        March 30: Manna Food Packing at the new Manna facility in Gaithersburg; we will meet for pizza at Zio's before packing. An announcement will be sent via mail and email this week. Manna needs you to help feed needy families in Montgomery County. Be sure to join us and bring a Cedar Lane buddy.
        April 17: Hike Old Rag Mountain in Virginia. This is a lovely place plus it is a good and demanding hike. Details to follow.
        April 30: Friday: Pizza & Movie at the church or Dinner and Movie at Theater or Mall.
        May 15 & 16 or May 22 & 23: New York City Sightseeing Trip. We are still working to confirm arrangements with a church in NYC. For now put both weekends on your calendar.
        Two other events: As soon as we know the NYC trip dates, we will schedule an all day biking trip (on a Saturday) to Jim Thorpe, PA (yes, there is a town by that name). Also, we will reschedule the orienteering with the Quantico Orienteering Club. Instead of orienteering in a park, we are looking at an adventure of orienteering on the University of Maryland campus at College Park. That sounds like fun. If that sounds interesting let John know.
        The Youth Activity Group is open to 7th and 8th graders at Cedar Lane. If you have questions about the Group or its activities, contact John Daniel (301-946-5509), Kim Clarkson (301-587-3051), or Susan Archer.

Senior High Youth Group (SHYG)
For information on the SHYG (grades 9-12) and SHAG (including parents) 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.

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.

More than a dozen marvelous new Spring 2010 classes will soon be popping up along with the spring flowers. Don’t miss the chance to grow your mind and tone your body. Sign up NOW! Detailed descriptions and fees are in the robin's egg blue Adult Programs Spring 2010 brochure (online at http://www.cedarlane.org/ap/springtext2010-3.pdf). Call the RE office for updates, to register, or if you have questions.

April Classes:
Recapture Your Youth through Bicycling starts with an indoor instructional session for the first class followed by three successive Saturday excursions. Classes meet April 3, 10, 17, 24 (Saturday) from 10 a.m. to noon.
Singing Rounds is for all voice types and talents and only requires a love of singing. Kate Curtis will lead singers through many types of songs from light-hearted to moving. April 5, 12, 19 (Monday) from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
A Guide to Home Energy Savings promises to help you save energy and money by finding out what to look for in new appliances, heating/cooling systems, and even remodeling features. April 7 (Wednesday) from 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Passover Seder is a chance to learn about and celebrate the Jewish observance of their freedom from slavery—a fun evening with a Unitarian influence. April 11 (Sunday) at 5 p.m.
Play Reading will offer readings and discussions on contemporary one-act plays that wrestle with significant issues. April 13, 20, 27 (Tuesday) from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
CSI Crime Forensics will feature an FDA investigator explaining the technologies used to solve crimes, such as those profiled on the CSI television show. April 28 (Wednesday) from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
A Private Tour of the Air and Space Museum will be led by space research pioneer John Dassoulas. April 29 (Thursday). Meet for lunch at noon; tour at 1:30 p.m.
Just Sitting: a time for silent meditation. Tuesdays, 10 to 11a.m., in the chapel. Cedar Lane reserves this time and space for anyone who desires a time for silent meditation with others. At 10:45 a bell will be rung and those who wish can stay for 15 minutes of either sharing or listening to a speaker. You are invited to sit in the pews (which are padded and have good lower back support) or on a zafu or other meditation cushion (bring your own). A basket will be available for donations which go to the church. Drop-in. Registration not required.

Brochure Corrections
      ~~Money Matters~~, March 21, Cancelled
      Ikebana for Beginners has added 2 more sessions on April 13 and May 11, 7:30 p.m. $40/$50.
      Olive Oil Tasting is May 21 (not May 7).

Sunday Morning Forum
Meets between 10:10 and 10:50 in the Chalice House, no registration, just drop in!
        March 28: Finding a New Way Forward in Afghanistan. General McChrystal’s counterinsurgency is unlikely to work because it cannot be executed on behalf of another government and the Muslim world does not want the United States to be its savior. Dr. Douglas MacGregor, retired army colonel, will elaborate on why he believes it would be best for us to withdraw from Afghanistan.
        April 4: Food, Fuel, Water, and Climate Change: Agriculture's 21st Century Challenges. By mid-century, the world population is expected to be 9 billion. Significant challenges face us to provide food, fuel, and water; uncertainties around these are exacerbated by climate change. How does this factor into nation security and ethical eating? Exploring the nature and extent of these issues with Dr. Shafer, USDA-ARS, may help decide what we can do and what policies make sense.
        April 11: Kakenya’s Dream. Kakenya Ntaiya was predestined to live the life of a traditional Kenyan Maasai wife and mother, but she rebelled in favor of getting a good education. Now a graduate student working on her dissertation in international education, she is fulfilling her dream of enabling girls in her home community to get their own education at a school she founded that opened last year.
        April 18: How Will the Merger of Walter Reed and Bethesda Naval Hospital Affect Us? As a result of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, Walter Reed will be closed, with most of its support for military personnel and dependents transferred to the Bethesda Naval Hospital. Visits to the Bethesda facility are projected to almost double. The transfer raises issues of traffic congestion, transit access, lodging for patients and visitors, and housing for additional medical staff. Phil Alperson, BRAC Coordinator for Montgomery County, will explore the impact of this change on Cedar Lane.

In the Passover story, eternal themes of departure, wandering and arriving invite us to consider what it means to leave and discover home. This service will reflect on the shared experiences of wandering and arriving in life, on letting go of the familiar for something new and on the faith it requires to live in the desert for a time.

March 28 Forum: Finding a New Way Forward in Afghanistan. Afghanistan is a country, but it is not a nation as it is composed of four distinct national groups. Three are tied by ethnicity and/or religion to one of the country's neighbors and divided from the fourth by Hindu Kush; the fourth is a collection of loosely confederated tribes. Just as it did not work in Viet Nam or Algeria, General McChrystal's "new" counterinsurgency of "clear, hold, build" is unlikely to work because it cannot be executed on behalf of another government (particularly a weak, corrupt government) by a foreign army. Also, the Muslim world does not want the United States to be its savior; or to be "Westernized " through military occupation regardless of the material benefits American-led Westernization offers. Dr. Douglas Macgregor, retired army colonel, will elaborate on why he believes it would be best for us to withdraw from Afghanistan.

April 4, 2010 Easter Sunday
9 a.m. “The Kingdom of God is Within You”
The Rev. Roger Fritts
For 9 a.m. on Easter Sunday, an adult sermon will explore a Buddhist perspective on Christianity. Music will include the choir, organ, brass ensemble, timpanist, handbell ringers, and a small children’s/youth choir in the loft.

11 a.m. “Alive!”
The Rev. Susan Archer
Joy will triumph this spring morning as we celebrate life in story and song. This service is appropriate for all ages. Like the first service, music will include the choir, organ, brass ensemble, timpanist, handbell ringers, and a small children’s/youth choir in the loft. It will be a glorious sound. Childcare will be available for those under 5, although young ones will be very welcome in the service. Our annual egg hunt will begin at noon!

April 4 Forum: Food, Fuel, Water, and Climate Change: Agriculture's 21st Century Challenges. By mid-century, the world population is expected to be 9 billion. Significant challenges face us to provide food, fuel, and water; uncertainties around these are exacerbated by climate change. How does this factor into nation security and ethical eating? Exploring the nature and extent of these issues with Dr. Shafer, USDA-ARS, may help decide what we can do and what policies make sense.

Support the 7^th Grade’s Social Justice Project- Sundays in the Lounge
Paper to Pearls is coming to the lounge! The 7G session 2 class will be selling spectacular jewelry made of recycled paper--come see for yourself! Paper to Pearls is a microfinance project that empowers displaced women beaders in Uganda to sustain themselves (www.papertopearls.org). In the case of this fundraiser, a full 50% of the proceeds go to the beaders and the other 50% will go to the two social justice projects selected by the class (relief for women in DR Congo and Heifer International). Sale dates will be after each service on March 21 and on April 11, 18, and 25.

Donate Clothing!
Now that winter finally seems to be on its way out, please consider bringing in clothes for all seasons (any condition) that you and your family no longer need. This is a project of the Session II 7^th graders—we are working with Promicrofinance, a group that ships clothes to the Congo, where women (many of whom are trying to get out of violent or abusive situations) use them to begin their own businesses. The box is near the side door in the hallway leading to the chapel. We’ll be collecting until RE classes end on April 25. Thank you!

Join the grounds committee after their meeting on Saturday, March 27 to help clean up after our damaging winter. General clean-up, mulching paths, cutting up downed limbs are other jobs. Those with a special interest in invasive removal will have plenty to choose from.

We’ll wrap up our meeting at 10AM, get right to work. If you arrive a bit early, look for us in Rm 30-31. Otherwise we’ll be out on the grounds.

Everyone is welcome. Bagels, muffins, and beverages will be provided. Hope to see you then!

Several years ago the Endowment Fund Committee of CLUUC made investments in affordable housing in metropolitan Washington. We did this by lending the UU Affordable Housing Corporation, now OpenDoor Housing, substantial amounts of money to be used for short-term, low interest loans to tenant associations and nonprofit and for profit local affordable housing providers. As one of more than 300 institutions and individuals investing in OpenDoor Housing, we have helped the organization to finance thousands of units of affordable housing in this area. When these projects are completed and sold or rented, OpenDoor’s loans are repaid and the money is available to be loaned out again. This allows OpenDoor to preserve affordable housing, prevent foreclosure and finance "green housing".

But how do Cedar Lane’s loans look in this economic climate? The fact we are being paid 3% interest on these loans and that our capital is intact certainly beats the returns over the last several years on almost all of our other investments. What about the financial turmoil in the housing markets and the generally weak economy we are experiencing? OpenDoor has received a clean bill of health from the auditors for the last fiscal year, is well managed, and has not been threatened by these difficulties. In fact, as we come out of the current recession, there will be even better opportunities to help provide financing for affordable housing due to the reduction in the costs related to these housing projects.

I want to urge congregations and individuals to consider a safe and socially responsible investment in OpenDoor Housing. These investments allow OpenDoor to continue to provide critical early stage funding necessary to help create affordable housing for working families and residents with special needs. They can’t do that without your help.

The American Community Survey (ACS) is a sample survey that is taken across the country at different times throughout the year. It replaces the so-called "long form" of the Census. It provides current data to planners at all levels of government (local, state, and national). You can find more detailed information at http://www.census.gov/acs/www/SBasics/What/What1.htm

The 2010 Census is a census (complete count) of the population on Census Day (April 1). It is mailed to every known residential address in the country (NOT to people by name). Every "housing unit" is targeted. Thus, it is not a sample survey.

Everyone at the church should receive a 2010 Census form, although they may not receive an ACS form at the same time. For more information about the 2010 census, people can go to http://2010.census.gov/2010census/

Only those households that do not return their 2010 Census form will receive a visit from a Census taker (enumerator).

The Census form contains approximately 10 questions for a one-person household. If there are two or more persons in the household, most of the questions need to be answered for all the people in the household (e.g., age, sex, race, Hispanic origin).

It is important that people complete and return their Census forms because the number of seats per state in the House of Representatives is determined by the count, and large pots of federal money are allocated according to the count at the community and state levels.

The American Community Survey is important for getting an accurate picture of demographic and economic indicators, but it is not used to allocate federal money or seats in Congress. Feel free to explore the Web sites above for further info.

There is actually a legal obligation to participate in the census.

Cell Tower proposal: As you have likely heard the board rejected the proposal to build a cell tower on our property at a special meeting on January 17. The motion which rejected the proposal was made by the Cell Tower Study Group, and passed unanimously by the Board of Trustees. Reverend Roger Fritts has been asked by some members of our congregation why the board chose to reject the proposal without calling a vote of the entire congregation. Had the board felt that the proposal was worth considering, the congregation would have been asked to vote on whether or not to move forward with the proposal. After extensive study by the Cell Tower Study Group, the board, and Reverend Fritts, including meetings with church members and neighbors, the study group and the board did not feel the proposal was worth consideration. Why is best expressed in the motion itself.

There were two congregational meetings to discuss the proposal. Regarding these the motion states: “Views presented were mixed with some opposition views strongly stated. A review of written and oral comments to the Study Group might indicate a majority support for the proposal, but no strong consensus has yet formed to proceed with the proposed tower.” Regarding neighborhood views the motion states: “A petition presented to Rev. Fritts December 9, 2009 had signatures from 258 people opposing the tower.”

Regarding a meeting with the neighbors on January 11: “The recent open meeting with neighbors was a show of force of opposition to the tower. Thirty or more speakers delivered their opposition views and it appears that all of the 200 or so neighbors attending oppose the proposed tower.”

And finally from the motion: “From the beginning of this process, the Board and Study Group established a benchmark that this matter could not proceed without input from and broad support of the congregation and church neighbors. Out of respect to and in the interest of harmonious relations with our neighbors, the Board of Trustees makes the following decision.

“BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED: The Board of Trustees hereby determines that it will not call a congregational meeting to vote on the cell tower proposal, and will not proceed to negotiate a lease with T-Mobile or any other carrier to place a cell tower on our property.”

Members of the Cell Tower Study Group who worked diligently and thoughtfully for many months and deserve our special thanks and appreciation are: Bob Pechacek, chair, Jim Laurenson, John Daniel, Deborah Scott Goodwin, Charlie Kaylor, and Peter Lowenthal.

Cedar Lane Stage: The board has been in discussions with Cedar Lane Stage (CLS) to examine how to move forward with our mutual relationship that would best suit the needs of both the church and CLS. As a result CLS is in the process of developing a charter to become a formal church committee. The charter will need to be approved by the board. The board feels this approach will assist in reconnecting CLS with the church and will help the church control costs and better coordinate the use of our church building.

Safety and Security: A new ad hoc committee has recently been formed to look broadly at church security and safety. This action was taken in part in response to several thefts at the church over the past year. The committee will broadly review and propose updates to church policies and procedures and will work with existing committees with the goal of improving the church’s ability to prevent and respond to safety and security issues of all kinds.

Peacemaking Statement Of Conscience (SOC): The Board recently abstained, at the recommendation of the Denominational Affairs Committee, in response to the UUA’s request for a vote on whether the proposed Peacemaking SOC should be on the agenda for General Assembly (G.A.) this year. The board agreed that abstention was the best way to send a message to the UUA that there are inadequacies in the SOC.

Farewell to Reverend Heather Janules: The board wishes Heather the very best during her upcoming sabbatical, which starts on April 1st, or thereabouts. Heather: go in peace, relax, learn, have fun, recuperate, and return to us with your thoughtful and bright spirit!

Annual Meeting on April 11 at 12:15 in the sanctuary. I encourage you all to attend. We will be Electing new members of the board as well as of the Social Justice Council, discussing the state of our finances, and there will be an update from the Breakthrough Task Force regarding their exciting process to of soliciting church-wide input into creating an inspiring new vision for our church and goals and action items that support that vision. We need a quorum to make any of our votes valid. Please attend!

I would also encourage you to read the board’s annual report that will be published along with all of our committee’s annual reports for distribution at the annual meeting and later posted on our website.

General Assembly, A Meeting of UU Congregations in Minneapolis, Minnesota, June 23-27, 2010

You'll experience wonderful and uplifting worship services-morning and night-led by some of our best worship leaders, with glorious music and inspiring messages. General Assembly is the way that our faith does business. Actions of social witness are passed at GA, elements that make up future policies are discussed… and YOU have a voice in the discussion.

You'll hear terrific speakers. There will be hundreds of entertaining programs and informative workshops, offering excellent support and learning for leaders in our congregations. You'll be able to join the witness for our faith and values, in moving and exciting ways.

Minneapolis is an ideal setting for GA. It is a progressive, culturally diverse, LGBT friendly city that is rich in cultural arts and has a stunning natural environment. There are 900 lakes and 170 parks within the Twin Cities area. The Local Volunteer Committee has put together four pre-GA tour packages ideal for singles, couples and families. Tour #1 visits 3 local UU congregations and Sculpture Gardens; Tour #2 is a narrated boat ride down the Mississippi River. Tour #3 is an ethnic cook's tour of Minneapolis and St. Paul (if you like to eat this tour is for you!) and Tour #4 is shopping and dinner (on your own) at the Mall of America.

There are many housing options at GA this year and at a variety of price points. The GA Planning Committee offers some scholarships. Air fares deals abound at this time of the year as well. The Denominational Affairs Committee hopes that Cedar Lane will be well represented. If you think you might like to attend, please notify Dino (drudi.dino@bls.gov) or Nancy (nancyjanssen@peoplepc.com). We have some funds available to partially subsidize attendance at General Assembly.

Just a reminder that members of CLUUC will be voting on the following nominees at the April 11 Annual Meeting:

Candidates for Board of Trustees:
               Assistant Treasurer       Michael Lentz
               Assistant Secretary       William (Bill) Zellmer
               Members at large           Betsy Devlin-Foltz, Sandy Shaw, Vicky Strella

Candidates for the Leadership Development and Nominations Committee:
               Marge Dimond
               Cathy Knapper
               Duncan Ferguson

Cedar Lane’s Partner Church Committee oversees and facilitates Cedar Lane’s partnership with the Unitarian church in Dicsoszentmarton, Romania. Transylvania, in northern Romania, is where Unitarianism took root with Francis David’s preaching in the 16^th century. Because of the hardships the Unitarian churches faced during communism, many are now paired with a North American UU partner church. We facilitate cultural exchanges between the United States and Transylvania, including making visits to Dicsoszentmarton and arranging for them to visit us. We also provide important financial support to their congregation.

One way we help is by providing college scholarships for their young people. Though college tuition is usually free in Romania to students who do well on the entrance exams, it is very costly to live in the cities where the universities are located. Our “Joseph Priestly Scholarships” make attending university feasible for the young people of the Dicsoszentmarton congregation. Soon we will begin fund raising for next fall’s group of young scholars. Here is some news from five of our current scholars.

Attila Magyari graduated last summer in computer science engineering and is now studying for a Masters in computer science. He is trying to find a job to work while a student, but is finding it hard for there is much competition. Salaries are low (about $200 - $300 per month) for the job market is “flooded with lots of grads”. But he is hopeful, and that keeps him motivated.

Zsuzsa Miklos is in his second year at Kolozsvar’s Technical University, studying civil engineering. He says that since he was a child he has had a “passion for houses and buildings and how they are made”. After college he will probably go to grad school where he will decide on his specialization. One problem he had was that in high school the language used was Romanian. In college, the language is Hungarian. This is a problem for many of our scholars.

Oszkar Laszlo first received our scholarship in 2007 as a student in cultural anthropology. Fluent in Hungarian, Romanian, English, and French, Oszkar worked as a tourist guide in Hungary for three years before entering college. He now has an MA in sociology. This past year he has been involved in research, fieldwork, and translating data from Romanian to English. He reviewed a book by an American sociologist, Ross Haenfler, “Straight Edge: Clean-living youth, hardcore punk, and social change”. He worked for the Association for Promoting Romanian Business, conducting interviews of company managers and owners about how they became businessmen or women. He found this a most interesting experience, and received “good money for the job”.

Lenke Kertesz is studying Finance and Banking and just finished lots of exams and is happy with her good grades. She will be taking prelims for a two year Masters program in July, and is considering Financial Auditing as her major. She would like to be able to work while attending school, but says there are not many jobs for young people without experience. Lenke spent the last two summers here, working on the Eastern Shore.

Izabella Magyari also just finished a long exam period. She is a third year student in Economics with a major in Marketing. She wants to continue her studies in this field. She is now staying in the Unitarian hostel, and has met many nice people there. Photography is one of her “passions”.

Thank you to the 250+ members and friends that have pledged so far. We are not quite half-way in our pledge/stewardship drive. We have raised $475,000, and are on our way to $1 million. Please turn in your pledges as soon as you can.

If some of you are still having a little difficulty deciding what to pledge, here is another way to look at it. What is the church's time worth? How many hours do you spend at Cedar Lane each year? How many times have you had personal interactions (conversations, phone calls, notes, etc.) with our ministers or staff? For some of you these numbers would be in the hundreds. For others they might be as low as 50. How much per hour do you think those hours might be worth? Would it be minimum wage? ($7.25) Here are some numbers that might be of interest to you based on 50 hours at church and several personal interactions.

$7.25 per hour                        $362.25
$10.00 per hour                     $500.00
$15.00 per hour                     $750.00

Here are the numbers based on 100 hours at Cedar Lane.
$7.25 per hour                       $724.50
$10.00 per hour                    $1000.00
$15.00 per hour                    $1500.00

None of these numbers are very high. Cedar Lane is always here where you need it. Can you be here for Cedar Lane now? Please give generously.

There is something profoundly wrong with a system that separates loving families who have filled out all the paperwork, but still wait for years while the immigration backlog keeps them apart. Immigrant children in our community struggle to access basic heath care and educational resources.

Cedar Lane has pledged to bring 50 people to the Sunday, March 21 Immigration Reform March for America on the National Mall in support of comprehensive and compassionate immigration reform. This interfaith event is promoted by UUA’s “Standing on the Side of Love” as well as Action in Montgomery County (AIM).

People of faith can make a difference for immigration reform! We will demonstrate both moral urgency and broad unity among supporters of comprehensive immigration reform. If Congress doesn't act soon, they probably won't act at all. With elections just around the corner, passing policy will soon lose out to political posturing.

Take action! Be on the bus leaving from Cedar Lane at 12:30 p.m. or go on your own. Please email Nancy Janssen, nancyjanssen@peoplepc.com or Helen Strang, h_strang1@verizon.net, to say you and family/friends will be there! The rally starts at 2 pm; our returning bus leaves DC at 5:30 pm. More info: www.changetakesfaith.org.

Cedar Lane has been accredited by the UUA as a Green Sanctuary! It took us 6 years to meet the criteria and we are excited about it! We are planning celebrations after both services on Sunday, April 25, which is close to Earth Day. Many people throughout the church were involved in making this happen. Please come and bring some food to celebrate the bounty of the earth.

Please let us know:
1. If you will be able to come. We would like you to bring a dish: finger food after first the first service, or a dish for lunch after second service. Please bring and label your food as: vegetarian, vegan, organic, or regular.

2. If you can help plan, execute, and/or clean up after either of the celebrations. We hope that many people will become involved in planning and carrying out the celebrations.

To sign up to come or to help, come to the Environmental Talk Force table in the lounge, or contact Molly Hauck at mollyhauck@gmail.com or (301) 949-0178.

All electricity utility companies serving Montgomery County are offering rebates to their customers, under the Governor's EmPower Maryland initiative, on select ENERGY STAR qualified appliances. Not only will you
get between $20 and $200 for each appliance, you will also lower your energy costs by replacing your older, energy-guzzling models.

The question we asked Mary to address is how RUC can take leadership in supporting justice for the LBGT community in the Greater Washington Area, how we can truly be Open and Affirming, offering More Light.

A feminist theologian with a masters’ degree in theology from Harvard University, a Masters in Divinity from the Jesuit School of Theology Berkeley, she earned a doctorate from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California in Philosophical and Systematic Theology. Her dissertation was on feminist liberation theology.

Mary is the author of Fierce Tenderness: A Feminist Theology of Friendship, New York: Crossroad, 1991. She has edited four books, and has chapters in over fifty publications in addition to countless articles. Mary has lectured and taught around the world. In our country Dr. Hunt has lectured at many colleges, universities, seminaries, and conferences.

Special Event to Celebrate Women’s History Month at Clara Barton National Historic Site
Join the National Park Service for a series of special events in honor of Women’s History Month and American Red Cross Month at Clara Barton National Historic Site on Sunday, March 21, from 12-5 p.m. Explore the historic house from 12-1:30 p.m. and from 3-5 p.m. Reserve your spot to enjoy a performance of “Clara Barton: Red Cross Angel” by award-winning Actor Mary Ann Jung from 2-3 p.m. and learn more about one of history’s most famous women. In addition, a blood drive will be held from 12-4 p.m. on the grounds adjacent to the park. The park is located at 5801 Oxford Rd, Glen Echo, MD. For more information or to make required reservations for “Clara Barton: Red Cross Angel,” please call 301-320-1410. To make advance reservations for the blood drive, please call 1-800-Give Life. Walk-in donors are also welcome.

Shepherd's Table invites you to join them for, “Silver Screen with Cuisine”, a festive afternoon of great food, fun and a wonderful movie, “Julie and Julia” at the AFI Silver Theater in downtown Silver Spring March 21, 2010 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m... In addition to the movie there be a silent auction and delicious food including offerings from: Shepherd's Table chef’s Thierry and Shirley, Chef Egg at Whole Foods featuring Cog au VIN, Olazzo, Eggspectation, Tropical Ice Cream, Kefa Café and more. The cost of the event is $45 per person. Tickets may be purchased by calling Jacki at Shepherd's Table 301-585-6463 or ordering through e-mail, jcoyle@shepherdstable.org. Funds raised through “Silver Screen with Cuisine” will support the on-going mission of Shepherd’s Table. Thanks so much for your support! See you at the movies!

Library Committee	Fri, Mar 19		10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Living with Mental Illness			1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Sr. High Hang Out Time			6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Living by the Heart 1		Sat, Mar 20		8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
ChUUG Meeting				9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Welcome Workshop				10:30 AM – 1:00 PM
UU Singles Movie Night				7:30 PM – 10:30 PM

The Growth of "No Religious Affiliation"		Sun, Mar 21		9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Youth Choir				9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Cedar Lane in 6 Minutes				10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Sunday Morning Forum				10:10 AM – 10:50 AM
Journey Women				10:45 AM – 12:45 PM
The Growth of "No Religious Affiliation"				11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Youth Choir				11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Cedar Lane in 6 Minutes				12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
Music Committee				12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Forum Committee				12:15 PM – 2:00 PM
New Connections Group				12:15 PM – 2:00 PM

Science and Religion		Mon, Mar 22		10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Continuing Yoga				6:45 PM – 8:45 PM
Derby Day Planning				7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Meditation Group				7:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Tuesday Travelers		Tue, Mar 23		9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Just Sitting				10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Quilting				10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Bridge				10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Staff meeting				12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Living by the Heart 2				7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Gruppo Piccolo				7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
The Philosophy Club				7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Ministerial-Congregational Committee				7:30 PM – 9:30 PM

CUUMA		Wed, Mar 24		9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Organ Practice				2:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Pastoral Visitors				4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Adult Programs Committee				7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Quilting				7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Adult Choir				7:30 PM – 10:00 PM

Organ Practice		Thu, Mar 25		9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
T'ai Chi - Daytime				10:00 AM – 12:15 PM
Alliance Film Series				10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Children's Choir				6:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Youth Choir				6:30 PM – 7:15 PM
Connection Circles Steering Committee				7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Handbell Choir				7:15 PM – 8:00 PM
Alexander Technique				7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Intergenerational Handbell Choir				8:00 PM – 9:15 PM

Library Committee		Fri, Mar 26		10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Friday Friends w/ H. Janules				1:30 PM – 3:30 PM

Living By Heart 3		Sat, Mar 27		8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Men's Group				8:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Attitudes Toward Living		Sun, Mar 28		8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Religious Education				9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
To Wander and To Find				9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Cedar Lane in 6 Minutes				10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Sunday Morning Forum				10:10 AM – 10:50 AM
Religious Education				11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
To Wander and To Find				11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Cedar Lane in 6 Minutes				12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
Connection Circles Facilitators				12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Environmental Task Force				12:45 PM – 2:30 PM

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