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EXPLORE THE ETERNAL

Worship Services

Live Stream with us on Sundays on our YouTube Channel!

May 5 | 9 & 11 am “Why I am (Still) Fasting for Ramadan”

Rev. Abhi Janamanchi Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. The fasting is an obligatory act — one of the Five Pillars of Islam, rooted in a commitment to focus and to cleanse mind, body, and spirit. For Muslims, Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, renewal, and recommitment. So, what does curiosity have to do with all this? Come, find out.

The Children’s Choir will sing The Rainbow Connection from The Muppets Show and Bell Canto will ring the Japanese folk song, Sakura. Several choir members will be on hand to sing songs from the Sufi repertoire as we acknowledge the Islamic holy days of Ramadan.

May 12 | 9 & 11 am “A Sanctuary for Families” Rev. Dr. Kristen Harper & Rev. Abhi Janamanchi Families are on an unsustainable treadmill, inundated with perfection and technology. How have we become more and more disconnected to one another and more connected to our machines?

When do we take the time to stop, unplug and just enjoy being with one another; sharing intimate, connecting moments? How can we Unitarian Universalists be a sanctuary from the demands of the world? The service will also feature a child dedication ceremony. The Choir returns to the Loft to sing Brian Tate’s Gospel style anthem We Are One and pays tribute to mother’s with A Gartan Mother’s Lullaby. Rev. Dr. Kristen Harper has served as the minister of the Unitarian Church of Barnstable since 2002. Prior to returning to Massachusetts she served congregations in Lansing, Michigan, and Ormond Beach Florida. Ordained in 1999, this year is her 20th year in Unitarian Universalist parish ministry and she is currently the longest serving senior minister of color in one congregation in our Association. Rev. Harper attended Meadville Lombard Theological School with Rev. Abhi Janamanchi and was only the second woman of African descent ever to be called through the settlement process to a senior ministry position. She lives on Cape Cod with her husband, three cats, and a 19-year old mini-schnauzer, Syd Vicious Harper.

May 19 “Bridging & Coming of Age” Tim Atkins, Senior High, 9th Grade May 19th is the rare Sunday where our two Sunday services will be different. It's our annual Rites of Passages Day! Our 9 am service will feature a service about transitions, especially our high school graduating seniors, as we honor Bridging. Our 11 am service will feature our 9th Grade Coming of Age Class and their creedos for their annual service. The ninth and twelfth grade classes will provide the music, respectively, in the 9 and 11 am services. Silas Hultman, a member of the Youth Choir, will offer a horn solo during both services.

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May 26 | 10 am (one service through Labor Day) “In Memoriam”

Revs. Abhi Janamanchi & Katie Romano Griffin Memorial Day originally became part of our national calendar in the years after the Civil War as a day to honor the war dead. While it still retains that purpose it has also taken on a wider dimension. It has become a time to recall all those lives that have meaningfully touched and blessed our own. The Choir offers songs of patriotism and love during this Memorial Day service honoring our country’s fallen heroes.

On Curiosity Rev. Abhi Janmanchi, Senior Minister

One cannot help but be in awe when (we) contemplate the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day. Never lose a holy curiosity. – Albert Einstein Unitarian Universalism is a faith for curious people. Our principles and purposes assume, affirm, and promote curiosity. For example, our fourth UU principle, “a free and responsible search for truth

and meaning,” denotes that ‘a holy curiosity’ is a core spiritual practice. We search because we are not satisfied with readymade answers to life’s complex questions. We search because we are committed to questioning traditional beliefs, religious doctrines & dogma, binary thinking, religious authority, and uses of power. From the earliest days, we’ve acknowledged that at the core of our faith lies – not answers – but questions. Questions are inherent to the very nature of curiosity. They are both the basis and outcome of curiosity. As the actress Susan Engel said, “Curiosity isn’t the icing on the cake. It’s the cake itself.” A holy curiosity invites us to live in the questions – big and small. It challenges us to be open to where the questions may lead. It bids us to encounter the world with openness, hopefulness, and playfulness. A holy curiosity impels us to continuously explore and find new insights, new truths, and new meanings in our lives. It draws us deeper into life, one question at a time. It moves us into deeper engagement in our relationships. It helps us discover opportunities and beauties for life we never knew existed, to see things in new ways. It shapes and forms us into the beings that life is calling us to be. It is essential to living life more fully. So, do you consider yourself a curious person? If so, what makes you come alive? What nurtures and sustains your holy curiosity? Are awe and wonder a part of your life? Are you open to the possibility of the presence of the holy in your life? If you are, where do you find it? Are you ready to be curious again? Go Shining! Abhi

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Engagement Opportunities

Cedar Lane 101 for Newcomers Sun, May 5, 10:15 – 11 am in the Library For those who would like to learn more about Unitarian Universalism and the Cedar Lane spiritual community. We’ll briefly talk about the historical roots of Unitarian Universalism, and give an overview of pathways to membership. All are welcome! Light refreshments provided.

Mohanji Foundation Spiritual Retreat: Practicing Positivity May 18, 9 - 4:30 pm in the Sanctuary All are welcome. Here is the schedule:

9 – 9.15 am: Welcome and Introduction

9.15 – 10.30 am: Yoga: Basic and simple yoga postures along with breathing techniques with explanation on health benefits. We follow the Himalayan School of Traditional Yoga curriculum. Practice of this yoga has proven to benefit people of all ages. It is an introductory session and all people, even those who have not practiced yoga before, can join.

Tea/Restroom Break

11 am: Meditation: Power of Purity, guided meditation in the powerful and intense voice of Mohanji. This meditation is being practiced by thousands of people around the world. More than calling it a “meditation,” it can be termed as “deep

inner cleansing” helping the practitioner to open up to receive and give love and enjoy the present moment with intensity by focusing on gratitude and blessing. (You could download this meditation at https://mohanji.org/power-of-purity/)

12 – 1 pm: Lunch Break: A simple vegan meal.

1 – 2 pm: Conscious Walk: A dynamic walking meditation, works on multiple levels, bringing the practitioner to present moment awareness.

2 – 3.30 pm: Satsang/Discussion: Positive Living – Mohanji Lifestyle

3.30 – 4.15 pm: Conscious Dance: Free movement of the body with focus on specific chakras, energy centers in the human body – awakening the vertical dimension of our being and experiencing bliss.

4.15- 4.30 pm: End of program – closing Questions? Please email usa@mohanji.org.

Join the Visual Arts Team! Are you comfortable using PowerPoint? Are you ready to give some of your time and talent to the church? Show us some love by helping us create slideshows for worship on Sundays! Templates provided! You are free to sign-up to create as regularly or infrequently as you’d like – depending on your time and bandwidth. Our ministers will be more grateful than you know (this is an understatement.) We would gratefully accept help with creating:

Sunday Announcements Slideshow: This slideshow runs on loop before and after Sunday worship services. This is a series of five or so slides announcing name/date/times/brief overview or call to action for upcoming events/programs. Estimated time: 20-30 minutes per week.

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Worship Slideshow: This slideshow acts as both 1) an Order of Celebration, letting people know what is happening, and 2) a place to read the lyrics for songs so that people don’t need to hold hymnals or try to read the small print in the hymnals! Estimated time: 60 minutes per week.

Sign-up here, beloveds: http://bit.ly/CLUUCVA. Questions? Please contact Assistant Minister Rev. Katie Romano Griffin, kromanogriffin@cedarlane.org.

New Member Brunch Sunday, May 19, 12:30 pm at Cedar Lane member Maryann Dillon’s house Join us as we wind down the 2019-20 church year by celebrating those that have joined us over the course of the last year. We'll meet after the 12 pm worship service for brunch at Cedar Lane member and Membership Engagement Ministry Team member Maryann Dillon's house, very close to the church. All new members and those ready to become members are welcome to join us! RSVP to Sara Davidson, sdavidson@cedarlane.org.

Music Ministry Concert Sunday, May 19, 4 pm in the Sanctuary Come and hear your favorite Cedar Lane ensembles and guest musicians as we cap off the year with a delightful pastiche of offerings and audience sing-along tunes in a joyous afternoon of music!

Tapestry: Intergen Religious Education Experience Sundays, June 9, 16, & 23 after the 10 am worship service On Sundays June 9, 16 and 23, when the 10 am worship service ends... TAPESTRY begins! Our annual, congregation-wide, intergen religious education experience is themed this year around

the UU 3rd Principle: Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth. No need to sign up; just drop in! Activities are planned for all age groups, each lasting about an hour. Please note that there will be different classes each week and more details will be coming soon! Childcare will be provided in the nursery each week for babies and toddlers

NURTURE COMMUNITY

Joys, Sorrows & News

Thank you to all who came to our Easter Egg Hunt! We had about 100/110 participants, with 30ish new faces. During the egg hunt we structure it so that we have kiddos and youth find and bring back empty Easter eggs to trade in for a goodie bag. This waaaay, we all feel content with our efforts and the focus is not rooted so strongly in competition. We hope to see you all again next spring!

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A BIG THANK YOU to all of Cedar Lane's Religious Education Volunteers for the 2018-19 church year! Our annual teacher recognition and appreciation service was held on Sunday, April 14, where we had a special brunch just for our wonderful RE Volunteers. Our religious education program could not happen without the work of this dedicated group of over fifty volunteers and they provide all the work of an essential ministry of our church. Our teachers and volunteers save lives, and we’re not being hyperbolic. Next time you see one of our RE teachers or welcomers, give them a hats off and a thank you! Denominational Affairs presented the following 9 nominees for 2019 UUA General Assembly delegates, which the board of trustees approved at its April 9 meeting: Dino Drudi, Carol Edwards, John Gubbings, Mike Harris (off-site delegate), J Terrell Hoffeld, Cathy Knapper, Mary Means , Gwen Warman, and Alan White. Thank you for representing Cedar Lane in Seattle this year! Lois Delaha has moved to Oakland Manor Assisted Living as of April 14 to be near her daughter JoAnne Jersey's house. Notes and cards are welcomed and appreciated, and can be sent to JoAnne's address. A celebration of life service for longtime member Diane Wallenmeyer will be held on Saturday, May 11 at 10:30 am in the Sanctuary. All are welcome to attend.

On April 24, John Giovanelli entered Suburban Hospital to recover from a fall. Cards and letters are much appreciated.

Announcing Candidates for the Board of Trustees & Nominating Committee

Here are the current candidates up for nomination at this year’s Annual Congregational Meeting to be held on Sunday, June 2, after the 10 am worship service.

Candidates for the Board: Member-at-Large

Tod Chernikoff Tod Chernikoff and his wife Lisa joined Cedar Lane in 2000. He has previously served multiple terms on the Nominating Committee and on the Personnel Committee, as well as being an RE teacher for almost a decade. He is also a member of the

AV Ministry Team. Tod has been involved in the field of records and information management and information governance for over 20 years. He has served as a municipal records administrator and archivist, and a corporate records manager but mostly as a consultant to government agencies and private sector business. He is currently a Managing Consultant for IBM Services, working with US Government clients. Tod, who was raised in the Jewish tradition and first came to Cedar Lane with Lisa while they were dating. Their child, Anne, also a member of Cedar Lane, was raised in the church and has been active here for many years.

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Nate Hultman Nate Hultman and his wife (Ellen Berg) and kids (Linnea Hultman, 15, and Silas Hultman, 13) started attending Cedar Lane regularly in 2008 and joined as members in 2017. The family has enjoyed being part of the CLUUC community, with

the kids growing up with the RE program and children’s/youth choir. Nate taught for one year in the RE Growing Up Year class. He values Cedar Lane’s embrace of open inquiry, mindfulness, and action; our creative and committed ministry team and other church leaders; our growing and supportive community; and our music program. Nate works professionally on climate change policy. He served in the Obama White House, including working on the Paris climate agreement, and is currently a professor and director of the Center for Global Sustainability at the University of Maryland School of Public Policy. A current project focuses on the work that states, cities, businesses, universities, communities of faith, and others can do to contribute to climate solutions. He has a Ph.D. & M.S. from the University of California at Berkeley and a B.A. from Carleton College. Nate grew up in Chicago, and has lived in Minnesota, California, Sweden, and England. He enjoys cooking and gardening, travel, art, and music.

Becky Lupes Becky and her family came to Cedar Lane in 2012 for the RE program and for a community to nurture their souls and stretch their minds. They have

been actively engaged in this wonderful congregation since. After a stint as an usher, Becky moved downstairs and is currently in her 4th year of teaching the 5th Grade Bibleodeon class. She’s

active with the Holiday Craft Fair, in recent years leading the colorful explosion of the gingerbread house room. She’s also part of the recently-formed Children’s Companion Crew, assisting with Cedar Lane guest Rosa’s children when they are in residence. A life-long UU, she was raised as part of the Follen Community Church in Lexington, Mass. She and her husband Matt have two boys, Griffin, 12, and Henry, 9. Professionally, she works on climate change resilience at the Federal Highway Administration. She would be honored to serve on the Board of Trustees.

Rich Madaleno Rich Madaleno joined Cedar Lane in 1996. He and his husband, Mark Hodge, were married at the church in 2001. They have two children, Katie and Jackson, who have participated in our religious education program. Rich served on the Social Justice Council for six years including three as chair, taught 7th grade RE for three years, and served on the Adult Programs Committee for two years. Mark taught OWL for eight years. Rich was appointed Director of the Office of Management and Budget for Montgomery County in December. Prior to his appointment, he served sixteen years as an openly Unitarian Universalist member of the Maryland General Assembly.

Candidate for Assistant Secretary

Judy Rodgers Judy Rodgers and her husband Jack have been members of Cedar Lane for over 30 years. They have two children, Elizabeth and Paul, who are graduates of

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Cedar Lane's Religious Education (RE) program. Judy retired in 2017, after working nearly 40 years as a health policy administrator within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In retirement, she and Jack are enjoying more travel, more time with friends and family, and in particular, more fun with their beloved little 4-year old grandson. Judy's activities at Cedar Lane have included serving on the RE Council, the Adult Programs Committee, the Personnel Committee, and the Search Committee for Tim Atkins (Cedar Lane’s RE Director). Additionally, Judy has been an usher at Cedar Lane for the many years, has managed the Cedar Lane Auction check-in process for several years, and routinely comes to Church on Wednesday mornings to cut vegetables for Shepherd's Table. She is delighted by the opportunity to give back to Cedar Lane through service on the Board of Trustees.

Candidate for Assistant Treasurer

John (Jack) Welch Jack has been a Cedar Lane member with his wife Shirley for about 30 years. He has been a religious education teacher for more than 20 years, mostly teaching the 2nd session 6th grade Growing Up Year Class and most recently the 7th grade Social Justice Class. Jack currently serves on the Financial, Endowment, Governance, and Human Resources Committees and the Safety and Security Taskforce; facilitates Soul Matters and Beloved Conversation groups; and takes turns as a companion to our sanctuary guest. Previously he has served on the Board as Treasurer, on the Search Committees for RE Directors and Ministers, and as a member of other teams. He enjoys participating in a number of adult programs and activities, including the Science and Religion Class, and a continuing connection

circle. Jack retired from for the Voice of America after more than 30 years, where he served as Director of Human Resources and Senior Advisor to the Director and is currently enjoying pottery and photography and a wide range of classes and lectures. He is blessed to be married to Shirley Welch with whom he has a daughter, Jennifer.

Candidate for Nominating Committee

Susan Easterly Susan Easterly is an independent accompanist with a professional background as an accompanist/pianist, and a humanities, music theory, and piano instructor of children and adults. In 2004,

Susan and her spouse, Sylvia Fisher, signed Cedar Lane's membership book and their daughter began attending the CLUUC RE program. Appreciating the breadth and depth of opportunities available at Cedar Lane, Susan has been active in the music program for over 13 years. She has served as a pianist for the Children's Choir, the Youth Choir, and Chapel, has participated as a member of Bell Canto and Ring Out Bells, and was a member of the Music Ministry Team, serving a year as chair. Pursuing other interests, Susan was a member of the LGBT Task Force (2005-10) and was active in the RE program as a member of the RE Council (a Spring B coordinator for 3 years), a RE teacher, and a member of a Lifespan Religious Educator Search Committee. Susan is excited by the prospect of serving in a new capacity as a member of the Nominating Committee.

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Linda Gianessi Linda has been a member of Cedar Lane for over 30 years and was married to Leonard in the Chapel in 1985. Their two children, Bob and Carol, are graduates of the RE Program.

She worked in finance and administration at Resources for the Future and Brookings, retiring in 2014. She served as the Temporary Religious Education Coordinator for 6 months when Susan Archer retired. Among her various Cedar Lane activities, she has served on the Board twice, Human Relations Committee, Finance Committee, Nominating Committee, Grounds Team, RE Ministry Team, and taught RE classes for 25 years.

Mark Zito Mark and his wife, Julia Gorey, began attending Cedar Lane in 1998 and joined in January 2000. Both of their daughters participated in RE and so thoroughly enjoyed the experience that they became classroom aides

upon reaching high school. Jacqueline is now attending college, while Jessica, a high school sophomore, assists in the Growing Up Year 6th grade class. Both are talented musicians and have played during many of the services. Mark taught the 7th grade Junior Seminar class from 2012-18 and refashioned the curriculum to focus on UU identity and social justice, allowing him to further indulge these interests. It was a busy but rewarding experience. Outside of Cedar Lane, he has volunteered at Ford’s Theater National Historic site as a docent and worked as a food safety analyst at USDA. He looks forward joining the Nominating Committee and using the opportunity to get to know more of his fellow Cedar Lane congregants.

Engagement Opportunities

Photo: Members of the Tuesday Sharing Circle decided to plant lenten roses, coleus, and ferns in honor of doña Rosa and the many volunteers who are supporting Sanctuary at Cedar Lane. The idea resulted from the February theme of generosity, but the group had to wait until the ground was warm enough for planting.

Looking for connection? To make some new friends? Join a Sharing Circle!

Sharing Circles are small groups of 10-15 Cedar Laners who meet once a month for a small group discussion about the monthly spiritual theme. It is a chance for you to make an intentional, year-long commitment to get to know other Cedar Laners while you explore your own spirituality. In a large church like Cedar Lane, this is often the best way to form those meaningful connections you may be seeking. If you’ve never joined a small group before at Cedar Lane, or are interested in forming new relationships and a stronger sense of community, we strongly encourage you to sign-up. More information: cedarlane.org/sharing-circles. Questions? Please contact Ashley Del Sole, RE Administrator, at adelsole@cedarlane.org.

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Want a peek behind the scenes at Cedar Lane? Due to several recent retirements, the front desk receptionists are seeking your help once a week either mornings or afternoons in the Cedar Lane office. Tasks include answering the phone, greeting guests, sorting the mail, and helping with a few administrative tasks. If you can’t make a once-a-week commitment, that’s fine. Consider joining our substitutes list--we also need folks willing to jump in at the last minute. For more details, contact Jean Schaible at mjschaible42@gmail.com.

Concert: Phil Wiggins & Eleanor Ellis Sunday, May 5, 4 - 6 pm in the Sanctuary Bring the entire family to our final concert of the season! Enjoy a performance from Phil Wiggins and Eleanor Ellis, soak up fascinating history about cherished artists in America, and dine on fantastic soul food. In 2017, Phil Wiggins was awarded the Distinguished NEA National Heritage Fellowship, only the 3rd harmonica player to receive the honor, and now the only living player of the instrument to hold the prestigious honor of “Master of Traditional Arts.” While rooted in “Tidewater” blues of the Chesapeake, his mastery of the instrument transcends stylistic boundaries. Wiggins will perform with blues singer/ guitarist, Eleanor Ellis. Born in Louisiana, Ms. Ellis is a founding member of the DC Blues Society and the Archie Edwards Blues Heritage Foundation. Learn more about Phil Wiggins: philwiggins.com. Learn more about Eleanor Ellis: eleanorellis.com.

Prior to the concert, at 3 pm, Barry Bergey, retired Director of the NEA Folk & Traditional Arts, will present a talk about Folk Masters: A Portrait of America, a book he wrote with photographer Tom Pich. Folk Masters features 100 artists who, like Phil Wiggins, have received a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowship. Books will be available for signing. Anabel’s Mobile Kitchen will be around after the concert - stop by for some soul food! Free concert / donations accepted / childcare available!

Shared Meal & Vespers Wednesday, May 8, 6 pm potluck in the Lounge / 7 pm vespers in the Chapel Come enjoy a shared meal with a spiritual focus on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 6 pm. We will gather first to center ourselves before sharing a large prepared vegan dish and other potluck dishes. (Vegetarian and vegan dishes are encouraged.) Learn innovative cooking hacks and favorite recipes from Cedar Lane members and friends before settling in for some guided spiritual vespers time. We will conclude at 7:20 pm. All are welcome!

Alliance Lunch & Talk Thursday, May 9 / potluck at noon – talk at 1 pm This month’s speaker: Robert McCaw - Government Affairs Director, Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). Mr. McCaw will discuss the activities of CAIR, a grassroots civil rights and advocacy group. It is the United States’ largest Muslim civil liberties organization. He will talk about CAIR’s government affairs department, which conducts and organizes lobbying efforts on issues related to Islam and Muslims. The department monitors legislation and government activities and responds on behalf of the American Muslim community. CAIR representatives have sponsored a number of activities designed to bring

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Muslim concerns to Capitol Hill. Please bring a dish to share as you are able. All are welcome!

BUILD A MORE JUST WORLD

Thanks to all you passionate Rock Creek cleaners: over 60 children and adults did an amazing job last Sunday sprucing up the park! We collected 41 bags of trash and 8 bags of recyclables in addition to 2 tires, a gutter, a large sheet of styrofoam, metal posts, and a car seat. Thank you - Mother Earth is delighted! Please come again in the fall! This event could not have happened without help from dedicated leader Chris Graham, as well as Mary

Morse and Isabel Marbury-Mauro, who made food and managed the lunch while giving out bags and grabbers! Thanks to all! We are grateful for your time and love.

Social Justice Opportunities

Community Support Needed for Cedar Lane’s Sanctuary Guest, Doña Rosa As Cedar Lane continues our commitment to provide sanctuary to Rosa, we would like to thank the congregation for the ongoing support. To ensure our continued commitment we will need to fill nearly 200 slots each month for companionship and other volunteer efforts to provide services ranging from errands, translators, drivers for the children, English tutors, overnight and daytime companionship, and more. To sign-up as a volunteer to support Rosa, please come by the Sanctuary table in the Lounge on Sundays or email sanctuarysupport@cedarlane.org.

The Cedar Lane Newsletter is published monthly. The next deadline is Thursday, May 23, 2019. Please submit

to sdavidson@cedarlane.org.

CEDAR LANE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH 9601 Cedar Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814-4099 301-493-8300 | office@cedarlane.org | 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 Gail Riley, President, Board of Trustees Jen Morley, Executive Director