Here’s what’s happening at Mill Creek:
** Sunday Worship Service Information
September 7, 2025
10:30 am
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Join us this Sunday for our annual Ingathering Service and Water Communion, and Rev. Christe Lunsford’s homily, “Building Belonging: A Tapestry of Many Waters.”
As we gather for our annual Water Communion and Ingathering, we return to a ritual that reminds us of who we are and what we can become—together. Each drop of water represents a journey, a story, a hope. When we pour them into one shared bowl, we create something larger than ourselves: a living symbol of community.
This month’s soul matters theme, Building Belonging, invites us to go deeper into the heart of Unitarian Universalism. Our faith calls us not only to welcome diversity of belief and identity but to actively weave a fabric of connection where every voice matters, every story counts, and every person knows they belong.
Bring water from a place meaningful to you—whether from a summer adventure, your own kitchen tap, or a symbol of the waters that have sustained you. Together, we will bless these waters and recommit ourselves to the work of inclusion, justice, and love that defines who we are as a people of faith.
Join us for this sacred beginning to a new church year, as we celebrate the many sources of our lives flowing into one shared stream of possibility.
Children are invited to remain in the sanctuary for the majority of the service, and are encouraged to participate.
Music for this service will be performed by musician, composer, arranger, producer and conductor Aaron Graves.
Aaron Graves was raised in Reidsville, North Carolina. He learned to play various instruments including piano, bass, organ, and drums, in the church where his father, a great musician with a musical family, was pastor. Aaron eventually moved to Washington, D.C. at the age of sixteen to play bass guitar with Richard Smallwood and attended The Duke Ellington School for the Performing Arts where he began hearing the art form that some call jazz. After touring with various artists, Aaron entered Howard University and received a Special Talent Scholarship. After two years of study, he transferred to the University of the District of Columbia to study with Jazz Master Calvin Jones. While studying at UDC Aaron auditioned for a National Endowment of the Arts grant, was accepted, and studied with Jazz Master Kenny Barron. He has also studied with Jazz Masters Barry Harris and Stanley Cowell. Aaron has been blessed to perform and/or record with many musicians; he possesses a multitude of
television credits and soundtrack recordings to his name; and he has served as a conductor for numerous Broadway and theatrical productions.
Connect with Us In-Person
* Service begins at 10:30 am
* Children’s RE programming is available for ages 4 and up
* Child Care available (infant/toddler, ages birth to 3)
Connect with Us Virtually
Here’s how to get the Zoom link for livestreaming the service:
* Click the link below: ‘Sunday Livestream’ (bookmark it on your preferred device for quick and easy access on Sunday morning); OR
* Get the link by accessing the church calendar (https://www.uusmc.org/news/calendar/) (https://www.uusmc.org/news/calendar (https://www.uusmc.org/news/calendar/) )
Sunday Livestream – CLICK HERE (https://zoom.us/j/97806427419)
Meeting ID: 978 0642 7419
** Sock Recycling
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We can accept unwanted socks until
Sunday, September 7 – this is your last chance to drop off any clean, unwanted socks of any style, any material, any condition and we will send them to the SmartWool company for recycling into new products – and bypass the landfill in the process.
** Fellowship & Fun Committee (FFC) Activities
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The FFC announces several planned and coordinated events this fall!
First up: Hike/Tour of Brandywine Springs State Park on Saturday, September 10 at 11am. This is a guided tour of the grounds of the early 20th century Amusement Park. Click HERE (mailto:wmfxir@gmail.com) to let the hike leader know you will be attending.
Next: Dinners for 7, Sunday, September 21. A wonderful opportunity for fellowship over a shared meal in a relaxed home setting. Click HERE (mailto:laura@dlsk.net) with questions or to sign up (or see the sign-up sheet in the gathering space).
After that: Chili Cook-Off and Potluck, Saturday, October 11 – 5:00 pm.
Please click HERE (mailto:reynoldschristine0@gmail.com) to register your dinner contribution (chili, cornbread, appetizer, beverage, dessert) and how many people you are bringing.
For additional information about these events and others, click HERE (https://www.uusmc.org/wp-content/uploads/FFC-planned-events-fall-2025-v2.pdf)
** Join a Soul Matters Chalice Circle
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New Groups Forming – join one today!
Chalice Circles are our way of deepening faith and building community. In these small group ministries, we practice the sacred art of listening: to one another, to the wisdom of our daily lives, and to that still small voice within. These circles aren’t about debate or quick answers. They are about creating space where our truths can be spoken and heard, where we reconnect with life’s gifts, and where we find companions for life’s journey.
Each meeting we explore a theme together, weaving spiritual threads that strengthen our community and invite us into deeper living.
Come join a Chalice Circle at Mill Creek and come home to connection, meaning, and belonging – click HERE with questions or to join. (mailto:jeanne.m.hanson@gmail.com)
** Autumn Equinox Celebration
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Contact Regina HERE with questions or RSVP (mailto:regina139@msn.com)
** Local Garden Club Tours Meadow
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Members of the Moonflower Garden Club enjoyed a lovely and informative evening in the Mill Creek Meadow on Wednesday, September 3. Meadow stewards Jamie Kegerise, Amy White, and Anita Sgrignoli led guided tours and provided plant identifications. Club members learned about the meadow’s genesis, its challenges with invasive species, the wildlife it benefits, and future plans for the “Woods for the Wild” area. Most members were surprised that such a hidden treasure exists in the Mill Creek area.
The Moonflower Garden Club is grateful for a glorious evening in the Meadow and the time spent with the dedicated tour guides.
** Mill Creek Membership Class
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Are you curious about what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist?
Are you interested in learning more about becoming a member of Mill Creek?
We invite all curious people to join our upcoming Membership Class on Saturday, September 27, 2025, 9:00am – 1:00pm in the MacArtor Library. Prospective and even current members are encouraged to attend. RSVP to Rev. Christe (minister@uusmc.org (mailto:minister@uusmc.org) ).
If you have any questions before deciding if this class is right for you, feel free to contact the Chair of the Membership Committee, Suzanne (mailto:suzannedsmith3@gmail.com) . Suzanne and Callie, along with several other members, will be available after the service in the coming weeks to answer questions about the class and membership in general during coffee hour.
** OWL Classes at First Unitarian Church Wilmington
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First U is offering Our Whole Lives (OWL) classes for the following grades:
:
Grades 8/9 – deadline for registration is Sunday, October 5.
Grades K/1 – deadline for registration is Tuesday, December 14.
For much more information including dates & registration links, click HERE (https://sites.google.com/firstuuwilm.org/firstuuwilmcyre/about-our-programs/owl)
** Square Dance at Mill Creek!
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Returning for their fourth year, Independence Squares, Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ Square Dance Club, had a real hoe-down in the sanctuary on Saturday, August 23.
Members of the club enjoy the space here at Mill Creek and have already booked the date for their 2026 dance. You can learn more about the club HERE (https://independencesquares.org/wp/) .
** Current Share Our Plate Recipient
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We regularly donate a half of our undesignated plate collection to a local charity or non-profit organization. For the months of September & October we are supporting:
Kennett Area Community Service
This organization’s mission is to strengthen the southern Chester County community through food, housing, crisis services, and education.
* KACS Social Services Program is not a shelter, but together with the help of partner agencies in Chester County, they connect vulnerable individuals and families with sustainable living solutions.
* The Food Cupboard is the largest food cupboard in Southern Chester County, feeding over 3,000 people every month. They rely on the generosity of the community for donations and a team of over 175 volunteers to provide the life-sustaining, healthy food for neighbors in need.
* KACS Community Education Workshops help to reduce the social costs of poverty by strengthening the workforce and building a more prosperous and sustainable community.
Learn more about Kennett Area Community Service HERE (https://kacsimpact.org/)
Support this organization with your online donation HERE. Be sure to select ‘Share Our Plate’ as the giving fund. Thank you! (https://onrealm.org/MillCreek/Give)
** Wednesday Evening Meadow Maintenance
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The Land Stewards continue their weekly evening work efforts every Wednesday around 5:30pm, weather permitting. You don’t need to be a meadow worker bee to come out and enjoy some social time with us in the meadow. – everyone is welcome to simply walk around and enjoy our natural native habitat.
It’s not all about pulling weeds – there are many opportunities to get involved! We’ve put together a list of suggestions for ways anyone can help – from minimal effort, to moderate activity, to using shovels and pulling weeds. Check it out by clicking the button below.
Learn more – click HERE (https://www.uusmc.org/wp-content/uploads/How-to-Support-Our-Natural-Lands-1.pdf)
Realm is our church management software program. We use it exclusively for accounting, pledge data, membership, registration events, and more. Use the button below to access your Realm profile to make sure we have your most recent contact information, and make pledge payments and contributions.
Access your Realm profile HERE (https://onrealm.org/MillCreek/SignIn)
Fun fact: you can use Realm to set up recurring online monthly pledge payments using a credit card or your checking or savings account!
Mill Creek Staff
Rev. Christe Lunsford, Minister
Monday & Tuesday, 10am – 3pm
Other times by appointment, click HERE (https://calendar.google.com/calendar/appointments/schedules/AcZssZ08wOXSmX5fNN_vySxfpLP9VL2QqSZF5spIx5_9rxZm3e25LNywCGk4WoIlyFMvdn84osyy8XZl) or email:
minister@uusmc.org (mailto:minister@uusmc.org)
Debra Damiani, Congregational Administrator
Monday-Thursday 9 am to 2 pm
administrator@uusmc.org (mailto:administrator@uusmc.org)
302-369-2712
Margaret Borror, Faith Exploration Teacher
Sundays, and by appointment
dre@uusmc.org (mailto:dre@uusmc.org)
Connect with the UUA, Delmarva Cluster, and Central East Region
** All Ages Trans Spiritual Care Program
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The Woodlands is a monthly online gathering designed for trans children, youth, and adults—as well as the parents and caregivers of trans people. Each session will begin with a shared message and grounding ritual, followed by breakout rooms tailored to different communities within our circle, and we come back together for a release. Sessions will be about an hour and a half.
Each breakout room—co-facilitated by two chaplains—will offer space for meaningful check-ins where we can honor our grief, celebrate our joy, and support one another. The spirit of each room will reflect the people within it. The first gathering is on Sunday, September 7 at 4:00 pm EST. The sessions will occur monthly on the first Sunday thereafter.
Register HERE (https://uua.wufoo.com/forms/qg4n6y51ssh46e/)
** Opportunities for Connection: Central East Region Update
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SEPTEMBER 2025
Featured Resource:
New leadership, UUA president’s message, and MORE
The 1000+ Unitarian Universalist congregations in North America are grouped into 5 regions: Pacific Western, MidAmerica, Southern, Central East, and New England. The Unitarian Universalist Society of Mill Creek (UUSMC) is part of the Central East Region. To learn more about what’s happening in our region, click the button below.
Opportunities for Connection: click HERE (https://www.uua.org/central-east/blog/opportunities-925)
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