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2912 Club House Road (PO Box 817),
Finskburg, Maryland 21048
410-861-8820
Cedarhurst Unitarian Universalists (CUU) is an open spiritual community in which people develop their own religious philosophy. We draw from many wisdom traditions, including: Judaism, Christianity, Sufism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Daoism and Earth Religions. We also find inspiration in the traditions of science, poetry, philosophy and literature. We are a faith community that is welcoming for all those questioning the meaning of life in a busy and hectic world. We offer an oasis of peace and tranquility through worship, meditation, prayer and reflection. Join us Sunday mornings at 10:30 (9:30 in the summer). Or find out more information about Yoga, Tai Chi, weddings or hall rental by clicking the buttons on the left. If you are searching for a thoughtful and caring community of open-minded people, you have found us!
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| I N F O R M A T I O N F O R N E W C O M E R S T O C U U |
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Welcome to our Website !
From a Unitarian Universalist perspective, each person who visits with us is another
"take on the divine." That makes you a precious gift.
We're delighted you're checking us out. Please let us know of anything we can provide to help you on your spiritual journey. Call with questions, comments or just to talk. We'll be excited to have the chance to get to know you. Many in our congregation enjoy meeting new people and sharing our faith tradition.
Hospitality is the most important work we do as a congregation. Please keep us aware
of how we can better make hospitality for you. As pleased as we are that you're visiting our website. we'll be even happier to see you visit our building. Know that you're always welcome here. We hope the information below will encourage you to consider a visit to CUU soon.
We look forward to meeting you!
Information for Newcomers to CUU
We are so glad you are considering a visit to Cedarhurst Unitarian Universalists (CUU). Our leaders include the following dedicated individuals:
Rev. Henry Simoni-Wastila
Minister
Kelley Gordon
Director of Religious Education
Sharon Kennedy
President of the congregation
What You May Want To Know
Do you welcome everyone?
Absolutely! We welcome individuals and families of all ethnicities, religious backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities. We celebrate and respect our individual differences and similarities. We believe each person who becomes a part of our spiritual community brings his or her own special gifts that will enhance all our lives.
Is CUU handicap accessible?
The main level, which has the worship room, library, and restroom, is wheelchair accessible. The Religious Education facilities are not handicap accessible at this time; however, one of our long range goals is to install an elevator.
What should I wear?
You and your family should wear what feels comfortable. Although most people come casually dressed, some use Sunday as a chance to dress up a little.
What happens when I arrive?
Our ushers will meet you in the foyer and give you an order of service, show you where to hang your coat, and direct you to the Welcome Table which is just inside the worship room. One of our greeters will introduce him or herself, ask you to sign our guest book, fill out a name tag (optional), give you a Welcome Packet, answer your questions, and help you find a seat next to a member of the congregation. This member will be happy to tell you more about us and answer any questions you may have.
If you have children under age 18, the greeter will introduce you to Kelley Gordon or a member of the Religious Education Council. If you arrive at least 10 minutes before the service starts, we will be happy to give you and your children a tour of our Religious Education facilities. We can also give you and your children a tour after the service.
What happens during the service?
Our services last about one hour. We have hymns, readings, meditation, and a sermon. The messages are probably different from what you may have experienced - our sermons do not provide all the answers. Rather, we hope they will encourage you to think and make up your own mind. Most Sundays there is a short period after the sermon for the congregation to respond - agree, disagree, or comment. We end each service by making a circle, holding hands, and singing our closing words. After the service, we have refreshments and time to get to know each other better.
Do you have a nursery?
Yes, the nursery opens 15 minutes before services begin and closes 15 minutes after services end.
Do you have classes for children?
Children usually stay with their families for the first 15 - 20 minutes of the service. During this period, we have a story for all ages. Children may go to the front of the room for the story or sit with you. After the story, we sing as they go to their Religious Education classes. You may walk with your children to their classes and stay with them or return for the service. Children may also spend the entire service with you.
Do you have classes for middle school youth?
Middle school youth are invited to attend the Junior Youth class on Sunday mornings. We also have a Junior Youth Group that usually meets on the second Sunday of each month from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. in the youth room.
Do you have classes for high school youth?
High school youth are encouraged to be active members of the congregation by attending Sunday services, volunteering their time and talents, and participating in the Senior Youth Group. The Senior Youth Group usually meets on the first Sunday of the month from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at members' homes or local restaurants.
What will my children learn in Religious Education Classes?
Our goals are to guide participants as they explore the "big questions" of life and help them develop a strong ethical foundation to support a lifelong search for truth and meaning. We offer diverse, engaging, age appropriate experiences in a safe, nourishing environment. For a detailed description of our Religious Education classes, visit the Religious Education Page on this website.
What happens in the summer?
We have informal services that are led by a member of the congregation. We sit in a circle and discuss a wide variety of subjects. Religious Education classes are combined into one class for all ages during the summer. A different theme is planned each summer.
How do I learn more about Unitarian Universalism and CUU?
Attend one of the "UU and You" classes, which are held periodically during the year
Read the pamphlets in your Welcome Packet
Meet with Rev. Henry Simoni-Wastila
Read "The Companion," our monthly newsletter
Attend one of the newcomers breakfasts, which are scheduled twice a year
Attend an adult education class
Visit the Unitarian Universalist Association website located at www.uua.org
What other activities do you have?
We have several regular activities to help others including:
On July 4th, when local soup kitchens are closed, we have a picnic in Westminster, Maryland
A program that adopts local families for Christmas
Regular collections for the Reisterstown Crisis Center and Shepherd's Staff
Special initiatives for specific causes
We have many fun activities such as:
Yoga and tai-chi classes
Dance and drum circles
Duplicate bridge, daytime trips, art exploration, and men's groups
Dinners and luncheons
We host the Maryland Alliance of Traditions and Earth Religions on the first and third Friday of the month.
All our activities are open to everyone.
We look forward to meeting you!
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| R E L I G I O U S S E R V I C E S |
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Fall, Winter, Spring Schedule--Begins September 9, 2007
Our worship services begin at 10:30 A.M. and are normally led by Rev. Dr. Henry Simoni-Wastila, Ph.D. However, Rev. Henry is currently on sabbatical leave, with a variety of interesting services being led by CUU members and external speakers. Most members dress casually, and our chairs are surprisingly comfortable. Coffee and conversation are available from 11:30 A.M. to 12:00 noon, after services.
All children, except for nursery age children, will participate in the worship service through the Story for All Ages. Then, they will go downstairs to their Religious Education classes which end at 11:30. Classes are followed by a brief Children's Chapel gathering.
A full range of Religious Education classes is provided, including early and upper elementary and junior youth. Nursery care is available from
10:15 A.M. to 11:45 A.M. for children age 4 months to five years.
Upcoming Services (10:30 AM):
May 4 Lindsay Stroh: Sticks and Stones
Contrary to the popular rhyme, names can hurt us. We'll talk about religious discrimination of Americaís non-believers, starting with the forgotten hero, Thomas Paine.
May 11 Gerry Galuardi: When You Come To A Fork In The Road, Take It
The wit and wisdom of Yogi Berra, with help from Chief Seattle, Thich Nhat Hanh, Pete Seeger, and the SKYMALL Magazine from Southwest Airlines. This will be a departure from the usual service. There will not be a 20 minute sermon (Yay!!). Instead there will be a number of readings and mini-sermons reinforced by music. Be prepared for some changes in the order of service (so stay alert -- no watching the cardinal at the window) and be prepared to sing along.
May 18 Dr. Ira Zepp: The Text as Hero
What/who has informed your view of the world? Our personal narrative is rich with such information. Several years ago I was asked to name my heroes. There are important people who have greatly influenced my life. But it turns out that what seems to have made the most lasting influence on me are texts. Those which have been turning points in my personal and intellectual life range from Luke's Gospel to the three Martins. e.g. Luther (Treatise on Christian Liberty), Buber (I and Thou), and King (Strength to Love). Others include Bonhoeffer's Cost of Discipleship, Writings of the Young Marx, Mircea Eliade's Patterns of Comparative Religion, and Paulo Freire's Pedagogy of the Oppressed. The film, How Green Was My Valley and Picasso's Guernica are also included in my talk. In the discussion following, perhaps you could share your own textual heroes.
May 25 Mr. Rich Dean: Godtalk
UUs support a diversity of spiritual paths but are often uncomfortable with traditional religious language about God. This talk will include my own perspective on how God is revealed in UU terms and how to manage language as we speak amongst ourselves and others.
Snow & Inclement Weather Policy
This policy applies for snow, storm or other emergency circumstances which make it advisable to cancel or reschedule services or other events.
If services need to be cancelled, members will be informed by email. Cancellation will also be posted on CUU's website: http://www.cedarhurstuu.org. If you do not have internet access, please call the church number: 410-861-8820 for a message about cancellation. The decision to cancel services should be made by 8:30 am, 2 hours before service.
The cancellation of special events and classes will be determined by the renter or instructor. Lot must be plowed and walkways & exits shoveled for building use.
In the even of snow, members may volunteer to help shovel walkway and exits. Salt is kept in the building as well.
[Summer services, which begin at 9:30 AM, are much more informal, and often led by CUU members presenting topics of personal interest . Neither nursery care or religious education classes are offerred during the summer session.
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| R E L I G I O U S E D U C A T I O N 2 0 0 6 -- 2 0 0 7 |
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A Message from the Director
A Message from the Director
Welcome to all members and friends of Cedarhurst Unitarian Universalistschildren, youth and adults! The Religious Education Council is proud to offer a full range of programming that includes exciting choices for all ages. We are committed to supporting each participants spiritual journey, whether at the threshold of a new life or looking back on decades of experience. As we grow and learn together, alternating in our roles as student and teacher, we are building a compassionate community based on faith, trust and respect.
This program would not be possible without the support of our amazing volunteers. Religious education is a cooperative venture and volunteers are needed to assist with a variety of tasks. These tasks range from large commitments such as leading a class, being an advisor, or serving on the RE Council to less demanding roles like being a classroom aide or helping with a single special event. All parents and other interested adults and youth are encouraged to contact me or any member of the Council to find out which role best suits their time and talents. Together we can find the contribution that will most enhance your journey through the program.
A registration form and the full brochure may be downloaded below. Additional copies are available in the classrooms. All children and youth must be registered to ensure that we have accurate contact information in case of emergency and to indicate any special needs or health concerns of which we should be aware. Please indicate how you would like to support the program. Completed forms may be returned to my mailbox.
Blessings,
Kelley
RE Brochure 2006-07
RE Registration Form 2006
| O T H E R Y O U T H P R O G R A M S |
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CUU is proud to offer these additional programs for the youth of our community;
Junior Youth Group
Students in grades 6-8 are invited to join this group that meets after service on the second Sunday of each month. Three advisors assist the youth in planning special projects and activities throughout the year. They are Erinn Farver, Bob Ciampaglia and Peggy Kern-Payne. Past projects have included sending care packages to US troops overseas, preparing holiday gifts for residents at Springfield Hospital Center, and supporting the Adopt a Highway and Angel Tree projects. They also look forward to annual sleepovers at CUU and fun field trips to places like Cascade Lake. Annual dues of $15.00 supplement the small annual budget and fundraising efforts to support their activities.
Senior Youth Group
This group serves high school youth with an emphasis on empowering them to be youth leaders. The advisors are Teri Ciampaglia and Jeff Ackerman. Their role is to support the youth in planning activities and special events. At this level, youth are encouraged to attend district youth conferences. Past activities have included a dinner and movie night, supporting the Angel Tree project and providing child care at CUU events. This group also has a small budget and supplements it through annual dues of $15.00 and fundraising events. Be sure to ask about their past adventures and plans for the coming year.
Our Whole Lives: This course on holistic human sexuality is offered every two or three years based on the number of eligible youth. It provides accurate, open information to students, teaching them about sexuality in an affirming and supportive religious community. Students are encouraged to make informed, responsible decisions about their sexual health and behavior. Six subject areas are covered, including human development, relationships, personal skills, sexual behavior, sexual health and society and culture. This helps students clarify their values, build skills and understand the spiritual, emotional, social and political aspects of sexuality. Parents must attend an orientation session prior to giving their consent for their child to participate in the course. A small fee will be charged to non-members.
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| A D U L T R. E. |
Lifespan Faith Development encompasses programming for adult members and friends. These programs take many forms, from casual forums to more structured classes, and cover a wide range of topics.
Representative programs include:
Tai Chi (Taiji) Study Group
The group meets every Monday evening from 6:45 8:30 PM at CUU. Practice and continuing instruction are led by Bruce Payne and Maureen Harvey.Sessions include Qi Gong (to help improve internal energy and health) and Old Northern Yang Style (108 Movements) of Taiji Chuan. After each session, all participants are welcome to practice Yang Broad Sword Style as led by Maureen (Mo).The fee is $5.00 per week. For more information, phone 410-795-3117 or 410-526-0533 after 6:00 PM every day except Monday.
Yoga at CUU
Classes have resumed at CUU. See the What's New section for details. You can also contact the instructor, Joe Hahn, by phone at 410-795-5455 or by email at yoga@lifeflowyoga.com.
Qigong Class with Bob Ciampaglia
Thursday evenings from 7pm to 8:30pm at CUU! Qigong is an ancient Chinese form of subtle movements and breathing to strengthen the mind, body, and spirit. Qigong is about relaxation, grace, and harnessing the universal life energy. Qigong is the union of Yin and Yang; stillness through sincere movements to help cultivate energy and union with spirit. Classes are $10 per person and are open to anyone, including children (with adult supervision) Bob Ciampaglia is a Qigong practitioner and certified instructor.
Is UU for You? Rev. Henry leads this introductory session on Unitarian Universalism to explain a little more about Cedarhurst and how it can serve your needs as a religious community. If you are searching for a spiritual home, this session may help you decide if CUU is right for you. Date and time to be announced.
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| D I R E C T I O N S |
Cedarhurst Unitarian Universalists
P.O. Box 817
2912 Club House Road
Finskburg, Maryland 21048
410-861-8820
To get to CUU from the Baltimore Beltway (I-695), take exit 19 (I-795) west towards Owings Mills and
Reisterstown.
At the end of I-795, bear right to take exit 9B toward Westminster on Maryland Route
140. Just after the intersection of Route 140 and Route 91, turn right on Old Westminster Pike, then
immediately right onto Club House Road.
If you are headed east on Route 140, turn left just before
the intersection with Route 91, across Route 140 into Old Westminster Pike, then immediately
right onto Club House Road.
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