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Whose Hands Built This Country
Rev. Abhi Janamanchi & the D.C. Labor Chorus
10:30 AM Sunday, September 6
in-person and online at bit.ly/sundayservicelive
Every bridge, every mill, every field, every kitchen carries the fingerprints of workers this nation calls strangers. This Labor Day, with the DC Labor Chorus singing us toward welcome, we ask what it would mean to actually see the people whose labor we depend on.
| 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.
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Children and Youth on Sunday Morning
This Sunday 9/6, children and youth are welcome to join in morning worship in the sanctuary. Nursery care for our youngest (ages 0-4) will be in room 29, downstairs from the Sanctuary.
| | We send healing prayers for Joe Puzzo's sister Vicki. For the next several months, Vicki will be battling cancer. Joe asks for your healings prayers for Vicki. | | |
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.
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Beginners Bridge Club Starts this Saturday
Saturday, September 5, 8:30 - 11am in the library
Come learn and play bridge in a friendly, welcoming group! No experience is needed—instruction is provided. Experienced players are welcome, too, whether you'd like to help newer players, sharpen your game, or simply enjoy another chance to play. Everyone is invited!
Questions? Contact beginnersbridge@cedarlane.org
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Walk With Cedar Lane in the Labor Day Parade on September 7!
We are getting ready to hit the streets of Kensington! 🧡💛
Can you walk with us? We’d love to have a big Cedar Lane crew representing our congregation, spreading smiles, and handing out candy along the parade route.
And there's still one very important job: CANDY! 🍬 We need lots of individually wrapped candy to keep our supply going all the way to the end of the parade. Please bring a bag (or two) to Cedar Lane before Labor Day.
If you're walking, sign up now—and if you can't walk with us you can still be part of the fun by donating candy!
👉 Sign up / donate: tinyurl.com/LaborDay26
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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!
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Mindful Practices: an Adult Faith Formation Class
Friday, September 11, 1:30-2:30 in the Chalice House
Gather with us each Friday for a variety of mindfulness practices, and center yourself in good company. See tinyurl.com/CL26MindfulPractices to save your spot!
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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
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Welcome Wednesday: Come for dinner, stay for the community
Wednesday, September 16, 6:00 - 7:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall
Come share a meal and meet other Cedar Laners at our monthly Welcome Wednesday potluck! Newcomers, longtime members, friends, and families are all welcome. Bring a dish if you can, or simply come hungry and enjoy the company. bit.ly/CLWelcomeWednesday
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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
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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
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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!
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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.
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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
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Chair Yoga is Back!
You're invited to Chair Yoga for ten Tuesdays from 2 - 2:45pm in the Chalice House beginning September 15. Stretching, strengthening and twisting from the chair to exercise legs, core, arms, shoulders. Each class has 10 minutes of optional standing poses, some of which are done at the wall. Register on Realm. Contact Kathleen Holmay with questions
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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.
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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.
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New Member Spotlight
We welcome Sara and Jeremy Rutledge!
Sara teaches physics and chemistry at Gaithersburg High School. She was drawn to Cedar Lane for the way it grounds her each week during these difficult times. Sara is enjoying learning the flora and fauna of Maryland and working on a garden. She loves to run and cycle along Rock Creek. Sara is married to Jeremy, and their son, Ian, is a music student at the University of Michigan.
Jeremy was a longtime liberal minister, most recently in Charleston, SC. He did his doctoral work in religious naturalism at Meadville Lombard in Chicago. Jeremy loves to read and write poetry, go for long Thoreauvian walks, and work with others for social change. He was drawn to Cedar Lane as a community of kindred spirits. Jeremy is married to Sara, and their son, Ian, is a music student at the University of Michigan.
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Corrections to the Alliance September Newsletter
Bob Pechacek is now 94 and received the Alliance birthday card! And, Mary Morse is our new vice president! My fingers were acting like a rogue AI! My apologies to Bobs Harrison and Pechacek, as well as Mary Morse and Helen Pechacek! My thanks to my eagle eyed readers! Download the updated newletter here.
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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.
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Sunday Flower Dedications
Last Sunday's flowers were dedicated by Susan Henry -Remembering Dan
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 - 1st and 3rd Sundays at 9am in room 3 Resumes on September 20
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
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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. | | | | |
Opening milkweed pod with milkweed bugs
Rock art by Jean Schaible
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Please use our online forms to schedule and promote events at Cedar Lane:
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