Cedar Lane eNews your weekly update cedarlane.org

Join us for Worship

Bound By a Shared Promise

Rev. Abhi Janananchi

10:30 AM Sunday, October 18

in-person and online at bit.ly/sundayservicelive


We are not a creedal faith bound by shared belief - we are a covenantal one, bound by a shared promise about how we'll treat each other and stay in relationship even in disagreement. This Sunday, we explore what it costs, and what it makes possible.

Quiet Callings with Kathleen Holmay

9:30-10:15 am in the Chalice House


This in-person space provides an opportunity for quiet gathering with music, meditation, and community.


Theme: All Our Parts

Share the Plate: Repairers of the Breach


Founded by Bishop William Barber II, Repairers of the Breach is a national organization building a broad, inclusive moral movement to address poverty, systemic racism, and the assault on voting rights and human dignity. Their work embodies the conviction that our deepest moral and religious values demand we care for the most vulnerable among us. They train moral leaders and organize across race, class, gender, faith, and other divisions, working toward what they call higher-ground moral values that move beyond left and right. Their mission spans voting rights, labor rights, healthcare, LGBTQ+ rights, immigrant justice, and more, all rooted in the belief that systemic change begins with people of conscience showing up together in the public square.


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 before travelling to the Chalice House for Maker Space. Grown-ups should pick up their children there after the service.


Nursery care for our youngest will be held on the top floor of the Chalice House as well.

Community Joys & Sorrows

We are sad to announce that Captain Garrett Pearson, son of John and Maria Pearson, brother of Ashley Pearson, and grandson of Cedar Lane founding members Jack and Jeanne Pearson, died during a Marine Corps training exercise in Key West on October 3. Garrett took RE classes at Cedar Lane from preschool to grade 9. He was married to Autumn Pearson and had 2 daughters, ages 3 and 8 months.


Events and Happenings

Towards Peace, Justice, and Ecology

Saturday, Oct. 17, 2:00 - 4:00 pm in the Chalice House


Integrating social analysis and Buddhist philosophy, this talk explores the roots of the global crisis and an alternative path toward peace, justice, and ecological sustainability. Save a seat at tinyurl.com/CL26TowardsPeace

Cedar Lane joins NO KINGS Vote Early rally

Saturday, October 17, 10:30 am, Rockville Pike and Marinelli Rd.


Cedar Laners will join the NO KINGS VOTE EARLY rally. Voting early makes our voices heard on our own terms.

10:30 am: Gather at the corner of Rockville Pike and Marinelli Rd.

11:00 am: Walk to the rally at 5500 Marinelli Rd.

Inquirers Series: Worship and the Congregational Year

Sunday, October 18, 12:00 - 1:30 pm in the Chalice House


Curious about Cedar Lane and Unitarian Universalism? Explore how and why we worship, the rhythms of our congregational year, and what's ahead at Cedar Lane. Led by Rev. Abhi Janamanchi. Come to one Inquirers session or several! Signups appreciated; drop-ins welcome. Learn more at qrs.ly/Inquirers

Teen Hangout - Sunday Night Campfire

Sunday October 18 6:00-7:30pm at the Cedar Lane Fire Circle


High Schoolers - Join us for a fall campfire Sunday night. We will provide the fire and sticks, sign-up to bring something to share

Alliance Used Book Sale

Sunday, October 18, before and after service in the fellowship hall



Stop by the fellowship hall and pick out your next read! We will be selling mysteries and poetry books donated by Kathleen Reedy and many other books in good condition. You may also donate books in good condition during the sale. Please bring cash.

Let's Love Forward Together with Bishop William J Barber II

Sunday, October 25, 10:30am in person and on YouTube


Invite a friend to join you for an extraordinary service next Sunday. Honored guest Bishop William Barber will inspire us to put our feet to our prayers, protect our democracy, and stand in solidarity with our Haitian neighbors in Salisbury, MD. Learn more at cedarlane.org/calendar/love-forward-together

Monthly Board of Trustees Meeting

Tuesday, October 20, 7:00 - 9:00 pm in room 2


The Cedar Lane Board meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM in room 2 on the lower level. Meetings are open to Cedar Lane members.

Welcome Wednesday Potluck & Newcomers Soul Circle

Wednesday, October 21, 6:00 - 7:30pm in the Fellowship Hall


Join us for our monthly Welcome Wednesday potluck at 6pm! Bring a dish to share and enjoy dinner and conversation. At 7pm, newcomers are invited to join the Newcomers Soul Circle for meaningful conversation and connection. Come to one or both! Everyone is welcome. bit.ly/CLWelcomeWednesday

Writing Alone and Together

Thursdays now through December 17, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm on zoom


Take some time to slow down, reflect, and connect with others in a welcoming, supportive setting. Each gathering explores the spiritual theme of the month and invites you to spend a few quiet moments journaling and listening to your own thoughts. tinyurl.com/CL26Writing

Hospitality Retreat: Creating Hope Together Through Hospitality

Saturday, October 24, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall


How do we create a welcoming community where people feel they belong? Join our Greeters, Ushers, Coffee Team, & anyone interested in hospitality for a morning of reflection, sharing, & practical ideas for welcoming people at worship & congregational events. All are welcome! RSVP here.

Trunk or Treat

Sunday, Nov. 1 After service


Cedar Lane invites you to a spooktacular community celebration: Trunk or Treat! Bring your family, wear your costumes, and enjoy safe, family-friendly trick-or-treating — right from car to car!


Decorate a trunk, donate candy, or just have fun! RVSP here: tinyurl.com/CL26TrunkOrTreat  to join the fun.

Texture, Technique, Tradition Come Alive

A Member and Friends Fiber Art Show

Opening on Sunday November 8


Today is the deadline for submitting fiber art and we're thrilled to say we have a large number of varied and beautiful pieces of many sizes and types to show off our fabulous artists who work with different materials. You can see it all on Sunday November 8 and for the next two weeks. Go to cedarlane.org/arts for more information and to submit your work. Thank you for participating in this exciting exhibit. 

Concerts at Cedar Lane: Chamber Players of the DMV

Saturday, Nov. 11, 7:30-9:00 pm


An evening of delightful music performed by musicians from the American Federation of Musicians (Washington D.C. Union Local 161-710), many of whom have faced challenges to their livelihoods during the closing of the the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.


Learn more and reserve your seat at cedarlane.org/concerts

Save the Date! RSVP for the All-Congregation Luncheon on November 15


Join us for a buffet luncheon right after the service on Sunday, November 15, as we celebrate 75 years and the members, past and present, who created this community. Please RSVP here so we can plan food and seating. We hope to see you there.

Updates and Announcements

Ready to Join Cedar Lane?


If Cedar Lane is becoming your spiritual home and you're ready to become a Member, we'd love to welcome you! Join us for New Member Recognition during Sunday's service as we celebrate those taking this step into our community. Curious about membership? Reach out to learn more to membership@cedarlane.org

Register Now: Cedar Lane's All-Congregation Retreat

Friday April 30 - Sunday May 2



Save your spot for Cedar Lane's annual all-congregation retreat at Camp Letts! Enjoy a weekend of community, connection, and time together on the Chesapeake Bay. Bring your family, reconnect with familiar faces, and meet fellow Cedar Laners. Registration is now open!

Candidate Action for an Affordable Maryland

Sunday, October 18, 2:45 - 4:30 pm at First Baptist Church of Guilford, 7504 Oakland Mills Rd, Columbia, MD 


Meet candidates for MD elective offices. We'll ask them how they will make MD affordable, sustainable and safe. Register here: tinyurl.com/maryland1018


Questions? Want more information? Email AIM@Cedarlane.org

Save the Date: December 5 is Holiday Craft Day!


Mark your calendar for Cedar Lane's annual Holiday Craft Day on Saturday, December 5! More details and registration information are coming soon. We hope you'll join us for this festive community tradition.

Support, Community & Respect


October is LGBTQ+ History Month, a time to celebrate, learn, and show support. This week, we recognize Spirit Day on October 15, standing with LGBTQ+ youth; National LGBT Center Awareness Day on October 19, celebrating vital community centers; and International Pronouns Day on October 21, affirming respect and inclusion. Throughout October explore inspiring stories and powerful educational materials.

Voices and Visions: Palestinian Artists Celebrate Their Homeland


Saturday, October 17, from 4:30-6:00 at Hyattsville Mennonite Church - Join Palestinian artists as they raise their voices in song and poetry! Event will be emceed by Zeteo journalist Mohammad Abdelbary. RSVP here.

75 years of Memories, Moments and Stories


The celebration of our 75th anniversary year includes you and your experiences! We are collecting memories from Cedar Lane member and would love to hear from you! Write a personal recollection of Cedar Lane or a brief history of a program or event you were involved in. Send memories to anniversary@cedarlane.org.

New Member Spotlight


We welcome Archana P. and Todd G.


"I am excited to join and support Cedar Lane! I was raised nominally Hindu, but I haven't practiced any religion in my adult life. I have participated in Hindu rituals and ceremonies over the years, but they feel very inaccessible and removed from who I am as a person. My parents are immigrants from India, and I was raised in the Midwest, although I have lived in the DC area since 2008. I'm interested in exploring spirituality, gratitude, and other eternal themes with people who share my values. I am driven by curiosity and am not so much seeking answers as much as I am seeking fellowship with others who ask questions. I am also just seeking out community and friendship with likeminded folks. 


My husband, Todd, has been participating in Unitarian Universalist services for several decades and he introduced me to Cedar Lane. I feel a sense of belonging and comfort at Cedar Lane because of Minister Abhi and other South Asians who are part of the congregation. I like the fact that Cedar Lane incorporates Indian/South Asian traditions and celebrations alongside Unitarian Universalist practices - that these traditions are compatible with each other, not in conflict. This makes Cedar Lane a particularly good fit for me. 


Todd and I want to raise our young son, Vikram, with a strong grounding in kindness, compassion, ethics, and justice. He is enrolled in the Haunting House Sunday School class this year. I work in communications for a higher ed advocacy organization. I enjoy gardening, cooking, reading, and look forward to meeting and connecting with other Cedar Lane members." 

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 - 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

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.

Ringneck Pheasant in Iowa Cornfield



Rock art by Jean Schaible



In case you missed it...

Quick Links

Alliance Newsletter 

Cedar Lane Marketplace

Flower Dedications

Give to Cedar Lane

Make a Pledge

Transportation for Cedar Laners

Please use our online forms to schedule and promote events at Cedar Lane:

Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Congregation

9601 Cedar Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814

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

Connect with us

Youtube  Facebook  Instagram