Here’s what’s happening at Mill Creek:
** Congregational Life
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** Upcoming events, meetings and news to know
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** Service Auction 2026:
What You Need to Know
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* TICKETS: This Sunday, April 12, is your last chance to buy tickets in advance; this is important because it gives the team the numbers they need to have enough food for everyone. $20 each, cash or check.
* 50/50 TICKETS: Available at the auction, CASH ONLY.
* DONATIONS: Still haven’t decided what to donate to the auction? Or want to donate an additional item or service? We can accept donations for both the live and silent auctions through Wednesday, April 15; click the ‘donate here’ button below.
DONATE HERE through Wednesday, April 15 (mailto:david@dlsk.net)
* ITEM DROP-OFFS: We are unable to accept delivery of physical item donations on Friday, April 17, or on auction day, Saturday, April 18. Please plan accordingly!
* PROXY BIDDING: If you’re unable to attend the auction but would still like to bid, email David Bonner HERE (mailto:david@dlsk.net) with the item numbers you’re interested in (found in the catalog, see below!) and your maximum bid amount (pro tip: consider increasing your max bid amount by $10 or $20 to avoid being outbid!).
* CATALOG SNEAK PEEK: Click HERE (https://www.uusmc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026-Service-Auction-Offerings-260409-DRAFT.pdf) to see what will be on the auction block! (Note that this is a draft copy, not the final version, and is subject to change.)
* CHECKBOOK: Purchases at the auction can be made with cash or check – remember to bring your checkbook!
** Data Center Talk & Discussion
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A Free, Drop-In Event
Monday, April 13
State Representative (and Mill Creek member) Frank Burns, along with the Newark Interfaith Green Team, invite you to attend a talk and discussion regarding Data Centers and their potential impacts on the environment, surrounding community, and our state. Bring a friend or neighbor!
Also available on Zoom, click the button below.
Click HERE to attend Data Center Talk & Discussion via Zoom (https://zoom.us/j/97806427419)
** Sunday Worship Service Information
April 12, 2026
10:30 am
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Humility is more than a state of being to aspire to. It is an active strategy to manage difficult emotions like envy, loss, anger, and disappointment. To engage in an intentional “humble shift” when we feel unrecognized or unappreciated not only moves us to a wider, other-centered perspective, it helps us replace frustration with understanding and irritation with compassion. Join us this Sunday when Steve Mortenson returns to the pulpit.
Steve Mortenson, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Communications at the University of Delaware where he teaches courses in emotional awareness and skilled communication. Steve has been working with ECAN (End Child Abuse and Neglect) in Tanzanian Africa for several years. His work there focuses on empowering youth (especially women and girls), combatting gender-based violence, and training educators in skilled confrontation.
Music for this service will be offered by Carlos Espinoza. Carlos is a graduate of Cab Calloway School of the Arts; he now attends the University of Delaware. Ask him about beginner and intermediate-level piano lessons!
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
* Click the link below: ‘Sunday Livestream’ (bookmark it on your preferred device for quick and easy access on Sunday morning)
Sunday Livestream – CLICK HERE (https://zoom.us/j/97806427419)
Meeting ID: 978 0642 7419
** Pancake & Potluck Pajama Breakfast Service
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Sunday, April 19, 10:30am
Yes, you can wear your pajamas to church! In fact, we’re counting on it.
Dust off your most festive pajamas and come celebrate with us! On Sunday, April 19, we’ll be trading our usual Sunday best for something far cozier — a joyful Pancake & Potluck Pajama Breakfast Service!
Our service will begin at 10:30am with us singing in a new day and lighting our chalice, followed shortly thereafter with our community potluck breakfast. Rev. Christe, Margaret Borror, and our Faith Exploration children will be at the griddle, flipping pancakes for the whole congregation.
It’s a potluck, so bring a breakfast favorite to share — egg bakes, fresh fruit, pastries, juice, etc. — and help us turn the Sanctuary into one big, delicious community table.
We will celebrate this congregation, its generosity, and the wild success of our auction.
**NOTE**
There will will be NO LIVESTREAM for this service.
** Book Discussion Group
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Join us as we explore the last of four powerful books that shed light on racism in America and how we can work toward achieving equity and justice. Together, these books reveal how racism shapes our society through denial, injustice, economic harm, and backlash, and invite us to imagine and work toward a more just and equitable future as we uphold our Unitarian Universalist values.
Book 4 of 4:
White Rage:
The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide
by Carol Anderson
Wednesday, April 29
Discussion occurring afternoon @ 2pm in the conference room, or evening @ 7pm via Zoom.
Click HERE to participate, and indicate your attendance option (afternoon in-person or evening via Zoom). (mailto:tacrook@swbell.net)
** Depolarizing Within Workshop
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The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Newark (UUFN) is hosting a free, two-part workshop called “Depolarizing Within” to be presented on Tuesday, May 5 and Thursday, May 7, 6-8pm. This workshop, designed to help attendees develop skills for civil engagement, is offered by the Braver Angels Delaware Alliance.
During this two-part workshop, you will…
* Become more aware of your own “inner polarizer.”
* Learn how to criticize viewpoints without stereotyping, dismissing, ridiculing, and holding contempt for those who disagree with you.
* Develop ways to speak up in polarizing conversations with peers about people on the other political side.
* Complete a self-assessment exercise, learn to counteract your inner polarizer, and practice communication skills to avoid polarizing conversations.
Click the buttons below to learn more, and to register.
LEARN MORE about the workshop: click HERE (https://www.uusmc.org/wp-content/uploads/BA-UUFN-Depolarizing-Within-Flyer-FINAL.pdf)
REGISTER for the workshop: click HERE (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/depolarizing-within-registration-1984149321031)
Did you know…?
BRAVER ANGELS DELAWARE is a chapter of Braver Angels, the nation’s largest cross-partisan, volunteer-led movement dedicated to bridging the partisan divide by encouraging people with opposing views to participate in civil discourse. Their mission is to bring together individuals with strong, differing beliefs in well-structured settings that promote respectful discussion so that participants come to see each other in a new light. Learn more about this organization HERE (https://de.braverangels.org/) .
** Newark Garden Tour
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Saturday, May 16
We’re hosting!
On Saturday, May 16, 10am to 3pm, we will be hosting a garden tour in our meadow and welcome the musicians and artists of our congregation who are willing to share their talents. Groups and singles are welcome to set up in a nice spot to showcase their music and art in any way they choose. Self-promotion is encouraged! See or contact the music committee (click HERE (mailto:music@uusmc.org) ) or Jamie Kegerise (click HERE (mailto:jamie@dsofurniture.com) ) with any questions.
** Yoga Extended through June
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Join Margaret in the library, 8:30am-10am, for gentle yoga & meditation on Fridays through June – except the last Friday of each month:
April 10 & 17
May 1, 8, 15 & 22
June 5, 12 & 19
To register or with questions, contact Margaret HERE (mailto:margaret_bodine@comcast.net) .
** 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 March & April we are supporting:
Sierra Club – Delaware Chapter
The Sierra Club dates back to 1892 and is the oldest and largest environmental advocacy organization in North America. Their mission is to explore, enjoy, and protect the planet. Since 1992, the Delaware Chapter has blazed trails to protect the environment and to provide opportunities to enjoy and explore the natural beauty of our state.
As a volunteer-run grassroots organization, they work to protect our air and water quality and supporting state legislation and policies to reduce the negative impacts from climate change on those precious resources now and in the future.
Learn more about Sierra Club – Delaware Chapter HERE (https://www.sierraclub.org/delaware)
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)
** Dungeons & Dragons
A Recurring Event
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Sundays: April 12 & 26
(every other week)
12:00 pm, Classroom 4
D&D is a role-playing game about storytelling in worlds of swords and sorcery. Each player creates an adventurer (also called a character) and teams up with other adventurers (played by friends). Working together, the group might explore a dark dungeon, a ruined city, a haunted castle, a lost temple deep in a jungle, or a lava-filled cavern beneath a mysterious mountain. The adventurers can solve puzzles, talk with other characters, battle fantastic monsters, and discover fabulous magic items and other treasure. No registration required – just drop in. All are welcome to join the group in classroom 4. Occurs every other week on Sundays.
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
Sundays, when preaching: 9am – 3pm
Monday & Tuesday, 10am – 4pm
Thursday by appointment only, click HERE (https://calendar.google.com/calendar/appointments/schedules/AcZssZ08wOXSmX5fNN_vySxfpLP9VL2QqSZF5spIx5_9rxZm3e25LNywCGk4WoIlyFMvdn84osyy8XZl) (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
dfe@uusmc.org (mailto:dfe@uusmc.org)
Rob Sylvester, Collaborative Accompanist
Sundays, and by appointment
** Connect with the UUA, Central East Region, and Delmarva Cluster
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** UUA State of the Association Message
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The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) is trying a new format – a State of the Association message meant to update you on the work of your UUA, invite you into further collaboration, and offer the kind of transparency that is required for all of us to hold the heart of the faith together. This 39-minute video from President Sofía Betancourt offers an unprecedented view into programs and planning happening at the UUA, with an invitation into deeper partnership. The message is a reflection on this moment in the faith, the challenges and possibilities that lay ahead, and what it means to hold the heart of Unitarian Universalism today.
Watch the video via YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wc4DQH3Ig70)
UU World magazine brings the full written text of Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt’s State of the Association message together with the full video content to mark the midpoint of her six-year presidency. We hope it can serve as a resource to congregations and leaders in their own planning for programs and ministry.
Read more in UU World (https://www.uuworld.org/articles/uua-president-sofia-betancourt-update-unitarian-universalism)
The UUA’s In Good Faith blog offers a summary of the key highlights of the full State of the Association message. This format is a simple way to share the essential points widely so all congregation and community members can be part of the ongoing conversation about the future of our faith.
Exlplore the Key Themes (https://www.uua.org/pressroom/ingoodfaith/state-association-key-themes)
** Central East Region News Update
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APRIL 2026
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.
Central East Region Update – click HERE (https://www.uua.org/central-east/blog/news/cer-news-0426)
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