Cedars Unitarian Universalist Church still holds its Sunday services at The Island School on Day Road, but for the first time in its 54-year history it now owns a building for its offices and other activities throughout the rest of the week.
After renting in various locations, the church purchased its own condo bay in January at 284 Madrona Way NE, #128, with offices, a kitchen, and large and small meeting spaces. Named Cedars UU Center, the space was purchased with money from a special fund drive to augment the church’s ongoing Capital Fund. “This is a major advance for us,” said Cedars Board president Angie Hoffpauir.
Cedars Church celebrated its growth with a dedication ceremony and potluck picnic on June 2, following the regular Sunday service. “Now we can do things like this,” said Hoffpauir, looking around at 70 members and friends who gathered for the dedication event in the Madrona Commons backyard.
Cedars UU Center dedication party
Donors and volunteers Herb Hethcote, Jane Martin, Barry Peters, Frank Petrie, and Richard Wilson were each presented with a photomontage of the new facility and grateful appreciation from the assembled friends. Then the crowd adjourned into the building itself and filled the renovated and expanded main meeting room and foyer for a blessing ritual. Each member of the congregation held a small gemstone and then added it to a glass bowl at the base of a tall candle, creating the primary Unitarian Universalist symbol of a Flaming Chalice.
The Cedars Choir, with Music Director and Pianist Chris Smellow, performed during the festivities, which were designed and led by Director of Religious Education Candee Cole and Co-ministers Barbara and Jaco ten Hove.
Dedication ritual
Cedars Unitarian Universalist Church is a liberal religious community and an open and affirming Welcoming Congregation, with a stated mission to “Worship with open hearts, nurture a learning spirit, serve justice with compassion, and love without judgment.”
Services are held Sundays at 10 a.m. on Bainbridge Island in the The Island School’s Webster Hall. For more information, call 206-780-0373 or visit www.cedarsuuchurch.org.
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Photos courtesy of Jaco ten Hove.
