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Join us for Worship

Want a different ethic? Tell a different story

Rev. Dr. Jeremy Rutledge

10:30 AM Sunday, August 23

in-person and online at bit.ly/sundayservicelive


As we bless the backpacks of our returning students, Jeremy Rutledge will offer a reflection on education during these trying times. What does it mean for us to continue on the path of listening to and learning from our experiences in this moment, knowing, as Emerson did, that what we seek “cannot be received at second hand”? 


Jeremy and his partner, Sara, joined Cedar Lane earlier this year. Before moving to Montgomery County, he served as senior pastor at the Circular Congregational Church in Charleston, South Carolina. 

Quiet Callings will resume on September 13.

Share the Plate: IMPACT Silver Spring


For 26 years, IMPACT Silver Spring has built trust-based relationships across Black, Latino and immigrant MoCo residents. From resident-led circles that grew into a formal cooperative, to entrepreneurship classes that turned into ongoing peer-support sessions, their work aims at strengthening individual and collective agency so people can drive their own economic opportunity, racial equity and leadership initiatives. 


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 our Backpack Blessing, then walk with our volunteers to the chalice house for Maker Space. Parents and caregivers should pick up their children from the chalice house after the service concludes.


Nursery care for our youngest (ages 0-4) will be held in the upper floor of the chalice house.

Community Joys & Sorrows

We hold Cathy and Stew Grubman in our hearts as they mourn the loss of Stew's stepfather, Irwin Klein, who passed away in Florida last month. Irwin was a talented civil engineer and devoted husband to Stew's mother for many years. He was also a wonderful step father to Stew and doting grandfather to Julia, David, and Jennifer and their children - Jamie, Lane, Rose, and Ziggy. 


A Celebration of Life service for longtime member Carol Bertatut will be held on Saturday, August 22 at 2:00 PM EST (11:00 AM PST) at Mt. Diablo UU Church in Walnut Creek, CA, and livestreamed for those joining online. Read Carol's obituary here.

Please note the updated service time of 2:00pm EST

Events and Happenings

Backpack Blessing

Sunday, August 23 during worship


This Sunday bring your backpack, your laptop case, or any kind of bag that could use a blessing! We'll welcome in the new school year together with a ritual for all the learning ahead.

Cedar Lane Choir Retreat for existing and new singers

Saturday August 22, 9:30am - 12:30pm


The 2026-27 Choir Season at Cedar Lane is upon us! It's time for us to recalibrate, reconnect, and welcome new choir members. Coffee and light snacks served at 9:00am prior. RSVP: mholmes@cedarlane.org

Soul Circles Fall Retreat

Saturday, August 22, 1:00 - 4:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall


Let's welcome in a new season of Soul Circles at our Fall Retreat! Whether you've been part of Soul Circles for years or you'd like to know more about our monthly small group discussions, we invite you to join us on Aug 22nd. RSVP at tinyurl.com/CL26SoulCirclesRetreat

Soul Circles Signup Closing Soon!


Mon 8/24 is the last day to register for Soul Circles. If you're interested in small-group discussions rooted in our shared values and worship themes, don't miss this chance to join. See cedarlane.org/soul-circles for more information, or attend our Fall Retreat this Saturday at tinyurl.com/CL26SoulCirclesRetreat

Maker Space Returns!

Sunday, August 23 and 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 8/23 and 8/30, children and youth will meet in the Chalice House for creativity and community. Ready to volunteer? Get involved at tinyurl.com/CL26MakerSpaceVolunteers

SplashDown Waterpark Youth Outing

Saturday, August 29, 11:00 am - 7:00 pm

Meet at Cedar Lane, carpool to SplashDown Water Park


Enjoy a fun afternoon at SplashDown Waterpark, reconnect with friends and make new ones as the school, faith formation, and youth group year starts! Youth entering 9th through 12th grade can sign up at tinyurl.com/CL26Splashdown

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!

Sunday Morning Volunteer Training

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


Save the date! Our 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 

Walk with us in the Kensington Labor Day Parade on September 7!


Signups are now open for our Labor Day Parade contingent on September 7. Join us as we walk together in our orange and yellow shirts, spread goodwill, and invite neighbors to learn more about Cedar Lane. https://tinyurl.com/LaborDay26

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 begin planning your submission. Submissions accepted from September 4 through October 16.

Updates and Announcements

Summer ValUUes: A Whole-Congregation Faith Formation Opportunity

On the theme of Equity, Lori Stone (they/them) explains "Progressive Stack is a technique used by the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) during meetings, board sessions, and the annual General Assembly. It prioritizes speaking opportunities for individuals from historically underrepresented or marginalized groups to promote equity and dismantle systemic power imbalances."


Summer ValUUes is a whole-congregation project to find our shared UU values in the world around us. Check out all our photos at cedarlane.org/summer-valuues

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. 

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.

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 Eileen Dilauro! Eileen grew up in Trenton, New Jersey the middle child of five children of immigrant parents. She moved to Bethesda in 2021 from Long Island.


Her career was spent working for a nonprofit agency as a special education principal. She developed and ran several residential schools which serve severely disabled children and young adults.


Her daughter, Meaghan, is 34 and lives in South Jersey. Meaghan loves animals, cooking, reading, and the shore.


Eileen is now retired and is an active member of her community. She enjoys organizing community events, traveling, walking, yoga, reading, live music, and attempting to swim.


Eileen continues to be an advocate for those who are vulnerable and marginalized. She is an activist for social justice. 


Eileen is excited to be a member of CLUUC, which she joined this past spring two months after her sister Margaret who was featured in last week’s New Member Spotlight.

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


The August 16th arrangement was dedicated by Usha Charya:


Expressing A heartfelt Thank you and Gratitude for the CLUU Ministers, Caring Ministry Team members,and entire Congregation for the loving support and prayers for my daughter Neelima who was hospitalized.


Arrangement by Angela Wall

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.

Back view of grandkids



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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