Visit On Sundays

Whoever you are, wherever you are from, whomever you love, wherever you are on life’s journey, and whatever your gender identity, beliefs, or immigration status, you are welcome at Cedar Lane. We are people of many ages, backgrounds, and beliefs. Together, we create a community where love works.

What to wear

As you prepare for the visit, whether in person or online, wear what you please. At most of our congregations, you'll see people in skirts and neckties but also in shorts and jeans, and even biking gear. 

When you arrive in person

Visitor parking is on your left as you enter the drive. The covered walkway takes you to the main entrance. Just inside is the Welcome Center and the Sanctuary. When you enter, most likely you'll be greeted by a volunteer offering you a program -- we call it the order of celebration. If possible, we recommend that you arrive 10-15 minutes early in order to have time to chat with one of our greeters, but if you're running late, it’s okay to slip by and find a seat -- any place that feels comfortable. Your kids are welcome to stay in service or, if they prefer to sample an age-appropriate group, a greeter at the Welcome Center can help you get connected to a classroom that will meet your child’s needs. Families often choose Cedar Lane because we offer a supportive environment for parents, children, and youth. Mixed faith couples are particularly drawn to us because we provide children an orientation to all faith traditions. During the church year (similar to the school year) we offer age-specific Religious Education in our downstairs classes. In the summer months of June, July, and August we provide care for children age 5 and under during the Sunday service. 

When you join us online

Our Sunday services are broadcast live on YouTube and each Sunday you can get the updated link from the eNews (sign up here), from our Facebook page, or here on our website on the Worship page. You decide whether you want to participate in chat during the service - there is no pressure. Links are posted that are referred to during the service, and an Order of Celebration is readily available. People join us online from all over the country, and even the world, regularily; we have friends and members from many places.

What you can expect from service

Universalism's roots are in the radical branches of the Protestant Reformation. Reflecting this heritage, our services are similar in form to Protestant worship and are about an hour in length. They include lively music, hymns, readings, silence for meditation and a reflection. Our ministers’ thought-provoking sermons are about 15 minutes long. You can see some of our most recent services by looking through our archives located here.

Singing

We UUs love singing! The order of celebration -- and the speaker -- will tell you when we sing. Standing is optional. Sometimes we do a short reading together; it’s printed out or the words are on the screen.

Coffee Hour

Following the service in-person, there is a casual gathering where members and visitors can get to know one another in our Lounge. This is an excellent time for newcomers to make connections and find out more about Cedar Lane and Unitarian Universalism in an informal atmosphere.

Accessibility

We welcome people of all abilities and needs. If you’re arriving by automobile to drop someone off, pull up to the curb and the sidewalk ramp just before the covered walkway. On Sundays there’ll be someone there to greet you. Parking for those with handicapped plates is on the right as you come down the drive, and on the left across from the drop off area. Cedar Lane has an acoustical system for those with hearing loss; headphones are available as you enter the Sanctuary.

If my child doesn’t separate well, can my child stay with me during the service?

Sure. Kids are welcome. Since some little ones aren’t happy being still for long, we also stream the service to the adjacent Library, where you’ll find comfortable seating and toys.

How do I meet other people?

You can start by picking up a nametag, available at the Welcome Table in the Lounge and joining us for coffee after the service. Conversation is a good place to start. There are many ways to connect in person or remotely. Talk to one of the greeters or someone you’ve just met about your interests. It’s likely others here share them. If you’re passionate about social justice, so are most of us. We also encourage in-person newcomers to attend our Newcomer Chats in the Library after service each Sunday and attend our drop-in classes for newcomers and returning guests. Newcomers and visitors who join us online or from afar are encouraged to reach out to any of our ministers with questions. We will offer UU 101: An Introduction to Unitarian Universalism once per month and Beginning and Belonging (a joint program with the Potomac Partnership) once quarterly.

How do I get involved?

Cedar Lane has an abundance of small groups that will welcome you. They range from spiritual small groups to study groups, to activists that show up in support of a host of social justice issues. Or you can volunteer -- for a one-time event or for something with a longer time commitment. Everyone has talent, whether it’s singing or playing or organizing or cooking or arranging flowers, or whatever. Please connect with our Membership Teams at membership@cedarlane.org to find ways to get connected in community!

Upcoming Events

March 18 AT 7:30 pm
March 19 AT 10:00 am
March 20 AT 7:30 pm
March 22 AT 2:00 pm