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On the cover: Some photos from our Building Our Vision Kick-off Luncheon on March 3, 2018 at The Woman’s Club of Chevy Chase. Over 250 Cedar Lane members and their families and friends gathered to officially launch the start of our combined Annual/Capital Campaign. See page 5 to see how much we’ve already raised for both the Annual and Capital Campaigns!
March Worship
March 4 | 9 & 11 am "Building Our Vision" Revs. Kenneth Torquil MacLean, Abhi Janamanchi, & Katie Romano Griffin The service will reflect on the role of Cedar Lane in a world which needs so badly to move beyond “winners and losers” to an embracing vision of hope that embodies justice, love, and service.
March 11 | 9 & 11 am “Breathe In. Breathe Out.” Rev. Katie Romano Griffin Balance begins to take shape in our lives when we become more present to our own being-ness as we seek to bring many opposing forces into alignment. Together we will investigate and experience just how to do this work. March 14 | 6:45 – 7:15 pm in the Chapel “A Vernal Vespers” Norman Allen, Intern Minister Join us for Vespers on Wednesday, March 14, as we approach the Vernal Equinox and contemplate the miracle of renewed life through the spiritual practices of song, meditation, prayer, and silence. March 18 | 9 & 11 am "Keeping Calm & Carrying On" Rev. Abhi Janamanchi Anxiety is a fact of life. How we use it makes all the difference. We tend to see anxiety as negative, as a sign of weakness, so we do whatever we can to avoid it. The service will explore the uses of anxiety and how it can support living a balanced life.
March 18 | 3 – 5 pm “Holi & The Colors of Spring” (part of our Spirit Experience series) Rev. Abhi Janmanchi Join us for a joyous celebration of the Hindu festival Holi with Tvameva - a music group that includes musicians Arvind Venugopal, a trained
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Carnatic (South Indian Classical) vocalist, Bennett Crawford, drummer, and Reis DeBruyne, aka, Pretty Turkish, a multi-instrumentalist. We will worship together with music and dance, and then head to the courtyard for the throwing of the colors! Free event for all ages.
From the Senior Minister Rev. Abhi Janamanchi, Senior Minister
In his book of meditations entitled The Centering Moment, the great black preacher and educator Howard Thurman wrote:
“We wait in the quietness for some centering moment that will redefine, reshape, and refocus our lives. It does seem to be a luxury to be able to give thought and time to the ups and downs of one's private journey while the world around us is so sick and weary and desperate. But . . . we cannot get through to the great anxieties that surround us until, somehow, a path is found though the little anxieties that beset us.”
This, it seems to me, is the challenge of any attempt to lead what one might call a ‘religious life.’ It is to find a balance between being and doing, to let the being guide our doing. It is recognizing the truth that we can transform our own circumstances into a life of inner and outer service.
To do this without being overwhelmed, we need to create a life of balance. The first step, according to Buddhist teacher Jack Kornfield, is to learn to quiet the mind. He writes, “If our actions are born from anger, grasping, fear, and aggression, they will perpetuate the problems. . . . Only when our own minds and hearts are peaceful can we expect peace to come through the actions we take.” In the same article, Kornfield shares the example of Mahatma Gandhi who, even while he was immersed in the difficult and dangerous work of dismantling the British Empire in India, would spend one whole day a week in silence. Kornfield writes, “[Gandhiji] meditated so that he could act from the principles of interdependence, not bringing harm to himself nor another. No matter how pressing and urgent the political situation, the day he spent in silence allowed him to quiet his mind and listen to the purest intentions of his heart.” Just imagine how our lives would feel different if we followed Howard Thurman’s or Jack Kornfield’s advice or the Mahatma’s example. The rush and pressure to do more would be tempered by a commitment to cultivate stillness and calm. Our culture of individualism and self-interest would be balanced by a deep appreciation of community, relationship, and love. And all the stress and anxiety that so often come from the need and the pressure to do more and buy more would find an antidote in the simple joys of rest, laughter, and being mindful. If we want to live a life of balance, we need to start now. We need to turn off the constant chatter of tweets and texts, meditate, take long walks or go hiking, and begin to make ourselves a “zone of peace.” When I returned from my almost three-week trip to India, I was amazed that the news was pretty much the same as when I left. We already know the plot, we know the problems. Sometimes
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we need to let go, go deeper within, and learn to listen more deeply. To live a life of balance is not just a good idea. Not just a philosophy. It is a way a being. It may be the hardest work in the world. No, it is the hardest work in the world – at least to sustain balance. And if we are to come alive to the wisdom that lies within and around us, if we are to live a life of inner and outer service, of passion and compassion, we must do this work. Each of us know how to do this. Let’s try this together. And see what happens. Namaste, Rev. Abhi
Confessions of a Seminerdian Norman Allen, Intern Minister
As I finish the final semester of studies for my Masters of Divinity at Wesley Theological Seminary, I’m diving deep into our Unitarian Universalist heritage through courses specific to UU History and UU Theology.
I fear we sometimes lose track of that heritage as we fight for the contemporary issues that move us so deeply. What I’ve learned, though, is that knowledge of our spiritual and theological ancestry brings greater resonance and greater strength to all that we strive toward today. I’ve always been proud, and deeply moved, by the fact that Michael Servetus (1506-1553) – one of the great figures from our past – was considered so radical in his views that he was burned in person at the order of the Calvinists and in effigy at the order of frustrated Roman Catholics. Servetus is one of the earliest figures in a long line of theological heroes and heroines who challenged the idea that humanity was born into original sin and lifted up, instead, the idea that we are born into original blessing. It’s hard now to imagine what it was like to live under that weighty, Calvinist world view with Hell as a near certainty. It’s even harder to imagine the soul-broadening relief that must have come with an embrace of the alternative view offered by our theological forbears. Some of their names may be familiar: Joseph Priestly, William Ellery Channing, Theodore Parker, Ralph Waldo Emerson, to name a few. In recent weeks I’ve especially enjoyed discovering the woman theologians of that same 19th century era – figures that may, sadly, be less familiar. While women like Margaret Fuller and Olympia Brown are likely to be lifted up in any discussion of UU history, it’s Judith Sargent Murray (1751-1820) who has become my personal favorite. In “On the Equality of the Sexes,” written in 1790, she says to her male readers, “Yes, ye lordly, ye haughty sex, our souls are by nature equal to yours; the same breath of God animates, enlivens, and invigorates us.” And later, “Strange how blind self love renders you men; were you not wholly absorbed in a partial admission of your own
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abilities, you would long since have acknowledged the force of what I am now going to urge.” What Murray goes on to “urge” is Eve’s admirable search for knowledge in contrast to the weakness of character found in Adam – not to mention Abraham, Moses, David, and Solomon. I find echoes of Judith Sargent Murray and Michael Servetus’s radical call for new perspectives – and new action – in the presence of Cedar Lane youth and staff this past month’s rally against gun violence at the Capital. I see it in the church’s call for us to join the March for Our Lives on March 24. Remembering the names of these great ancestors – and so many like them – can only make us stronger and better prepared for the challenges of our own times.
Building Our Vision Kick-Off Luncheon The Woman’s Club of Chevy Chase (Cedar Lane’s first home!) was filled with good fellowship and inspiration at our Combined Annual/Capital Campaign Kick-off Luncheon on March 3. More than 250 Cedar Laners were present as our youngest members lined up to reveal the campaign results to date. With 10% of households participating in the early phase of the Campaign, contributions to the Annual fund total $309,160 and Capital contributions are at $2,534,080.
Photo: Total for Annual Fund to Date
Photo: Total for Capital Fund to Date
We’re truly off to a wonderful start! The Visiting Steward Team would like to visit every Cedar Lane household to find out more about your dreams and interests and answer your questions about plans for improving and expanding our spiritual home. So please “Say Yes” when a Team member contacts you to schedule a visit. You may also contact Campaign Consultant Mel Kalagian at [email protected] to request a visit. Find out more about the campaign, keep up-to-date on our progress, and view some great photos by clicking the Combined Annual/Capital Campaign link at the very top of our www.cedarlane.org homepage.
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Pathways to Membership Rev. Katie Romano Griffin, Assistant Minister
The most thriving spiritual communities embrace the following membership requirements:
1) Participate in a small group spiritual program. At Cedar Lane, we have Soul Matters Sharing Circles. 2) Participate in one or more faith-deepening workshop or class each year. 3) Volunteer monthly for four or more hours. 4) Make a Financial Pledge with the goal of reaching 5-10% giving level as soon as able. 5) Participate in leadership development training and consider serving in leadership.
Some people are worried or intimidated by these suggestions. I remember when I was new to Unitarian Universalism, I was a single mother with two small children and was barely making ends meet. I often worried that I wasn’t giving enough or able to do enough. The Rev. Ken Hurto stated, “sometimes you hold your church community, and other times your community holds you.” He encouraged our congregation to keep that in mind
as we engaged at the level we were able to and helped us stay accountable to giving more of our time, talent and treasure when we were able. He reminded us that active engagement is what shapes our community and helps us shape a better world. The result was a very vibrant community full of engaged and connected members. What would Cedar Lane be like for you if you were more active and involved? What would it mean for you if others were more active and involved? I would love to hear from you this month regarding what membership means to you. Please email me at: [email protected].
Soul Matters Group Ministry
Getting Connected to the March Soul Matters Theme of Balance The monthly Soul Matters theme for March is Balance. On our website, you may find monthly packets that center on the theme that we hope you will use throughout the month. You may find poems, video links, etc. on our Facebook page that are drawn from the packet, and we encourage Ministry Teams and other groups to use words from this packet for chalice lightings before your gatherings. You may find the packets for this month on our Soul Matters ministry section of the website: www.cedarlane.org/small-groups.
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Soul Matters Sharing Circles Looking to connect spiritually in a group? These groups are a great way to connect with other members of Cedar Lane and our monthly spiritual theme, whether you're a newcomer or a long-time member. Groups meet for a limited basis and then new sets of groups are formed. Learn more at www.cedarlane.org.
Member News
We hold in our hearts Susan McNelis and Regina Simms who have both had great losses this month. Susan McNelis’ mother passed away last week. She was 91. Please hold Susan and her family in your hearts and prayers. They are headed to Chicago for her memorial. Cards are welcome. Regina Simms’ brother passed a week ago. The Memorial Service is 3/12. Cards and calls are welcome. A service in celebration of the life of Cedar Lane member Cheryl Zocchi will be held on Saturday, March 17 at 2 pm in the Chapel. Rev. Abhi will officiate. All are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations in Cheryl's memory may be made to Cedar Lane UU Church.
We’re Hiring! Cedar Lane in looking to hire an Administrative Coordinator, who will report to the Accounting and Office Manager, Jen Morley. This will be a 35 hr./week position. Overall job responsibilities include: Functioning as Cedar Lane’s database expert, responding to staff and member inquiries/requests for information, providing training, and consistently updating the database. Assisting with maintaining the network and computers as well as implementing new software programs. Scheduling church events and rentals of church buildings, and frequently acting as the
public face of the church for external groups. Performing administrative duties for Facilities Department. For more information view our “News & Publications” page under the “About” tab at www.cedarlane.org.
Young Adults Convening We’re having an open meeting for young adults in their 20s and 30s on Tuesday, March 13th at 7pm in Rooms 32-35 (on the lower level.) Tim Atkins, Director of Lifespan Religious Education and Sara Davidson, Director of Communications & Membership Engagement, will be hosting the session to hear what sort of programming you might like to see at Cedar Lane and to begin the conversation on beginning a Young Adult group. We hope you can join us and feel free to bring a friend! Refreshments will be served!
Family Board & Bingo Game Night!
Join us on March 24, from 7 – 9 pm, in the Sanctuary. With bingo caller: children’s author Fred Bowen! Going to the March for Our Lives? Come spend the evening with us; you’ll be glad you did? $15/individual; $25/family at the door. All proceeds go to the great work of Cedar Lane!
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Jewish Affinity Group
Did you know that Cedar Lane now has a Jewish Affinity Group? If you have an interest in or connect with Jewish religion, culture, or other aspects of Jewish identity, please feel free to join the group for a potluck lunch on March 25, 2018 after the 11 am service.
Families Weathering the Storm Support Group
A drop-in support group for families with children struggling with mental illness and addiction continues on Wednesday, March 28, and continues on fourth Wednesdays through the coming months. Join Intern Minister Norman Allen in the Library from 7 to 8:30 pm for a time of reflection, sharing, and companionship. Information about other support groups offered at Cedar Lane may
be found on our website, www.cedarlane.org – click on “Small Groups” under the “Connect & Serve” tab.
Get Out the Vote for Immigrants & Refugees
It Starts Now! - A coordinated, sustained, focused campaign by Cedar Lane and 22 other congregations and schools to compel Montgomery County Council to greatly increase vital support for our immigrant neighbors, regardless of their status. If this is your passion, then you are needed on March 13! Learn more at cedarlane.org.
Environmental Film & Discussion
Join us for our next potluck, film, and discussion on Friday, March 16, in the Chalice House Main Room. Potluck at 6:30 pm (please bring a dish to share); film at 7 pm. Discussion with Theodora Scarato, Executive Director of Environmental Health Trust following the film. If you’d like to get involved at Environmental Justice work at Cedar Lane, stay up-to-date with our upcoming films, ecostudy group, and other events at www.cedarlane.org/service-
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and-justice. You can also save the date for our next Rock Creek Clean-Up which will be on May 20, 2018!
March for Our Lives
Join us on March 24 in Washington, DC. Details are still in the works for this event according to the official website and Facebook page. Please hold the date. A Cedar Lane contingent will be attending!
ACT to End Racism Rally on the National Mall
Join Rev. Abhi Janamanchi, Senior Minister of Cedar Lane for this important event at the National Mall in DC. Rev. Janmanchi will be offering a prayer at the interfaith service on the 50th anniversary of Dr. King's assassination on April 4, 2018. A rally will follow the service. More details to come.
Special Needs of Families of Incarcerated Persons Talk
Join us on April 8, 2018 from 12:30 to 2:30 pm in the Chalice House Main Room for our next People of Color & Indigenous group speaker series. The speaker will be Mr. Tony Regusters. He will speak to his experience as the oldest son of his formerly incarcerated father. Mr. Regusters’ presentation will focus on the terrifying personal effects, strength building support from family, teachers, church officials and community, and the results and impacts of the aftermath, and his father’s eventual spiritual and psychological restoration and recovery. All are welcome. We hope to see you there.
The Cedar Lane Newsletter is published monthly. The next deadline is Thursday, March 22, at noon.
Please submit to [email protected]. Editor: Sara Davidson
CEDAR LANE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH
9601 CEDAR LANE, BETHESDA, MD 20814-4099
301-493-8300 / fax: 301-897-5713
www.cedarlane.org
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
________________________________________
The Rev. Abhi Janamanchi, Senior Minister
The Rev. Katie Romano Griffin, Assistant Minister
Tim Atkins, Director of Lifespan Religious Education
The Rev. Archene Turner, Affiliated Community Minister
The Rev. Kenneth Torquil MacLean, Minister Emeritus
Dr. Henry Sgrecci, Director of Music
Jim Anderson, President, Board of Trustees
Sara Deshler, Executive Director
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