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Join us for Worship

Transitions

Cedar Lane Worship Associates

10:30 AM Sunday, August 30

in-person and online at bit.ly/sundayservicelive


As summer begins to fade into fall, join us for a lay-led service reflecting on transitions big and small. Together, we’ll reflect on how we embrace change, turn the page, and discover new meaning in the seasons of our lives. Led by our worship associates, this is a moment to pause, reflect, and ready ourselves for what’s next.

Quiet Callings will resume on September 13.

Share the Plate: We Are CASA


We Are CASA is a Maryland-born movement of over 155,000 members across 46 states, organizing alongside immigrant and working-class communities on the belief that those closest to injustice are best equipped to lead the response. We Are CASA is also a longtime partner of Cedar Lane, one that has taught us what solidarity really asks of us. At a time when immigrant families in our own community live with real fear, We Are CASA's work spans legal representation, English and citizenship classes, financial literacy, workforce development, and a rapid-response network keeping neighbors safe amid rising immigration enforcement. Having recently secured Maryland's Data Privacy Act, We Are CASA reflects our own UU commitment: not aid handed down, but power built up, together. Thank you for your generosity and support.


You may give online (now with Google Pay), via Paypal, by texting 'CLUUC $[Amount]" to 73256, or by mailing it to Cedar Lane.

Children and Youth on Sunday Morning


This Sunday, children and youth will start in the Sanctuary for morning worship, then move with our volunteers to the Chalice House for Maker Space. Adults should pick up their children there once the service concludes.


Nursery care for our youngest (ages 0-4) will be in room 29, downstairs from the Sanctuary.

Community Joys & Sorrows

Events and Happenings

UU 101: Discover Unitarian Universalism

Sunday, August 30, 12:00 - 2:00 pm in the library and on zoom


Join us this Sunday for a fascinating introduction to Unitarian Universalism! Explore our faith, values, history, and community, and bring your questions. Light lunch provided; drop-ins welcome. In person or on Zoom (register to get the link). Sign up at tinyurl.com/UU101August

Maker Space!

Sunday, August 30, 10:45 - 11:45 am in the chalice house


Join us in exploring the big questions at Cedar Lane's Maker Space! On Sunday 8/30, children and youth will meet in the Chalice House for creativity and community.


Ready to volunteer? Get involved at tinyurl.com/CL26MakerSpaceVolunteers

We, The People of India: A Conversation with T.M.Krishna

Saturday, September 5, 10:00am on zoom


Join Rev. Abhi Janamanchi for a conversation with T.M. Krishna, acclaimed Indian musician, activist, author, and public intellectual, whose work challenges assumptions about culture, caste, inequality, and democracy.


In his new book, We, The People of India: Decoding a Nation’s Symbols, Krishna explores how India’s national symbols came to be and what they reveal about the idea of India and its democracy today.

All are welcome. Learn more and register here.

Beginners Bridge Club Returns!

Saturday, September 5, 8:30 - 11am in the library


After a summer break, our friendly Beginners Bridge Club is back! Whether you've never played before, want to brush up your skills, or simply want more opportunities to play, you're warmly welcome. Come learn, play, and enjoy good company. Cedar Laners and friends alike!


Questions? Contact beginnersbridge@cedarlane.org

Walk With Cedar Lane in the Labor Day Parade on September 7!


Have you ever wanted to be part of the fun inside the Kensington Labor Day Parade? Come walk with us! We’ll wear our bright Cedar Lane shirts, carry our banner, greet our neighbors, and hand out candy along the route.


No parade experience required—just bring your smile and your community spirit! Families and friends are welcome.


🍬 We also need candy! Please consider donating a bag (or two!) of individually wrapped candy for us to hand out. Drop it in the special candy collection box in the Cedar Lane lobby or bring it with you on parade morning.


Sign up to walk or donate candy: tinyurl.com/LaborDay26


Check back next week for another photo from a past Cedar Lane parade!

Alliance Luncheon

Thursday, September 10, 11:30 - 2:00pm in the Fellowship Hall


Becoming Americans:1774: Sandra Heiler from Montgomery History will talk about how, in the spring of 1774, men met in Rockville to sign resolves to boycott trade with Britain in response to her retaliation against Boston for the "Tea Party" in 1773. See the program here.


Join the Alliance on the Second Thursday of each month September-June we host a monthly luncheon where participants come together over good food, engage in lively conversation, build relationships, and learn from one another and a stimulating guest speaker. All are welcome!

Mindful Practices with Barb Warman

Friday, September 11, 1:30-2:30 in the Chalice House


Join our first Adult Faith Formation class of the year! Participants will engage in a variety of mindfulness practices including deep relaxation, guided meditation, walking meditation, breathing practices, and deep listening.


Share and sign up at tinyurl.com/CL26MindfulPractices

Ingathering Potluck Lunch

Sunday, September 13 after service


Stay after worship for a joyful all-congregation potluck as we begin a new congregational year! Bring a favorite dish to share if you can, or simply stay for lunch and fellowship. Everyone is welcome! 


RSVP and sign up at tinyurl.com/IngatheringPotluck2026

Sunday Morning Faith Formation Volunteer Training

Saturday, September 19, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall


Save the date! The Faith Formation Volunteer Training for the 2026-27 school year will be held Sept 19. This training is required for anyone who works directly with children and youth in our congregation. Lunch provided, childcare upon request. Please RSVP at tinyurl.com/CL26Volunteer

Fall Grounds Clean Up

Saturday, September 19, 9:00 am - Noon


Please join us to make the Cedar Lane grounds shine this fall. Calling all members of all ages, Cedar Lane Nursery School, neighbors, and friends. Come ready to meet new people, to get some exercise, and maybe to get a little dirty. We need all volunteers no matter if you have gardening experience. Dress for the weather. Bring work gloves and garden tools if you have them. 

Questions? Contact Linda Gianessi at groundsteam@cedarlane.org 

Concerts at Cedar Lane: Emma's Revolution

Saturday, September 26, 7:30 - 9:30pm in the sanctuary


Emma's Revolution returns to Cedar Lane to launch the 2026-27 Season and to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Cedar Lane. They are an American Folk Music and social justice activist duo, consisting of songwriters Pat Humphries and Sandy Opatow.


Reserve your seat now!

TEXTURE, TECHNIQUE & TRADITION: Members & Friends Art Show

Opening on Sunday November 8


If you work with fiber, we’d like to display it! Cedar Lane will be showcasing all the wonderful ways we work with textiles: spinning and weaving, knitting and crochet, rug hooking and punch needle, embroidery and sewing, felting and quilting, macrame and tapestries, batik and paper - anything that can be hung on walls or displayed on a shelf.  


RSVP for the Opening Reception and tell us about your submission on this form - the deadline to submit is October 16.

Updates and Announcements

Register for Family Faith Formation


Let's get ready for a new year of faith formation at Cedar Lane! If you'd like your children or youth to participate in Sunday School, Maker Space, or any of our many events throughout the year, go to cedarlane.org/children-faith-formation to register. 

Concerts at Cedar Lane, 2026-27 Season


Music and community come together to help us reflect, connect, and imagine a more just and compassionate world. Each concert is an invitation to experience the transformative power of music in a welcoming and reflective environment. Learn more about this season's line up and get your tickets at cedarlane.org/concerts

It's Almost Fall and the first 26-27 Alliance Newsletter is Here!


Open here to start reading. Meetings start in September.

75th Anniversary Task Force Seeks Members!


Help guide the celebration! Cedar Lane's Board of Trustees has established a 75th Anniversary Task Force to guide congregational events and activities celebrating the our 75th anniversary. If you would like to join the task force, please contact Peter Henderson and Devin Luce at anniversary@cedarlane.org.

Save the Date for the Congregational Retreat!

April 30 - May 3 2027 at YMCA Camp Letts


Join your fellow Cedar Laners for a weekend of connection, fun, and relaxation at Camp Letts on the Chesapeake Bay! Registration opens soon. Mark your calendar now & visit tinyurl.com/CLUUCretreat for more information.

Huge Thanks!


Two boys ages 4 and 5 from one of the Afghan families we support started K and pre-school this week with backpacks and supplies from generous members. Thank you!  The family still appreciates non-perishable foods and cleaning supplies. More thanks for your continued help. 

If You've Remembered Cedar Lane


Many of our members have decided to leave a legacy gift to Cedar Lane by way of an estate plan. If that's you, we would be grateful to know of your intentions.


You can inform Abhi Janamanchi, Senior Minister, or Jen Morley, Executive Director, of your plans and if your situation changes at a later date, we understand your commitment may need to change. Knowing of your plans helps us anticipate our financial picture in the years ahead and lets us quietly express our gratitude now for remembering Cedar Lane.


Information about legacy giving at Cedar Lane is available on our website or contact Jen if you would like a brochure mailed to you.

New Member Spotlight


We welcome Cristy Novotney!


I am excited to join Cedar Lane and look forward to participating in social justice efforts, caring for our community and connecting deeper by joining Soul Circles! I moved to the area after living in Seattle for five years and found Cedar Lane when looking for a spiritual community that aligned with my values. Professionally, I am a psychotherapist who works with adults. I am looking forward to getting to know everyone!

Online Monday Meditation class 

Every Monday from 7:30 -8:30pm on Zoom


This drop-in meditation class focuses on finding peace of mind and stress reduction through the teachings of the Buddha on mindfulness and compassion. Contact Carole Rogentine at meditation@cedarlane.org for more information and to join on zoom.

Sunday Flower Dedications


Did you know you can dedicate a Sunday service flower arrangement in honor or memory of a family member, significant other or friend, or in celebration of an event? Sign-up for a date here.

Ongoing Engagement Opportunities

Alliance Book Club 1st Fridays from 11am-1pm in the library

Alliance Bridge Club Tuesdays 10am-noon in the Fellowship Hall

Alliance Luncheon 2nd Thursdays 11:30-2 in the Fellowship Hall

Diverse Voices book club 4th Tuesdays of each month, 7:00pm on Zoom

Fiber Arts Club Fridays, 2-4pm, online; register to receive the Zoom link

Journeywomen - on break until September

Meditation Online Class Mondays, 7:30pm, on Zoom

Men's Group 2nd & 4th Saturdays, 8:30-10:30am on Zoom

Science & Religion Group Mondays, 10am-noon, online

8PEG monthly meeting 3rd Saturday of each month, on zoom

Connect with Cedar Lane

Did you know you can become a member at any time by virtually signing the book?


Please contact Rev. Abhi Janamanchi at ajanamanchi@cedarlane.org if you would like to know more.

Please know we are here to provide whatever spiritual sustenance we can, and reach out to Rev. Abhi Janamanchi, ajanamanchi@cedarlane.org, 301-493-8300, ext. 203 directly if you need emergency financial assistance. The Ministers' Discretionary Fund provides confidential assistance to those facing emergency financial needs.

Historic Hawkeye Street underpass. Nora Springs, Iowa.



Rock art by Jean Schaible



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Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Congregation

9601 Cedar Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814

301-493-8300 | office@cedarlane.org | cedarlane.org

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