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
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We want to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to anyone and everyone who participated in the Service Auction in any capacity. It broke all the records and raised over $30,000!
We would not have realized such great success without:
* OUR DONORS! Big, small and everything in-between, every donation made a difference!
* Everyone who made a purchase in the live or silent auction or made a financial donation.
* All who helped with the set up before and on auction day, and the breakdown afterward.
* Anyone who helped sell tickets & distribute paddles.
* Those who recruited and provided childcare.
* Friends who shopped for and/or helped serve the food & drinks.
* Helpers who organized the silent auction offerings & bidding.
* Folks in charge of decorations.
* Each person who assisted with data management & item catalog preparation.
* People who designed and produced posters & tickets.
* Anybody who helped advertise the event on social media or word-of-mouth.
We could not have achieved such wild success with out YOU.
** New Training Series: Democracy Defense & Community Safety
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UU the Vote, a non-partisan project of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), invites you to participate in Democracy Defense and Community Safety, a practice-based training series designed to support our communities to assess, prepare, plan, and respond to the rise of state repression and dismantling of our Democracy. These sessions offer real-time practice and strategizing through scenario-based learning rooted in our collective experiences. Throughout the series, we will expand our shared capacity for election and neighborhood defense.
This series begins on Wednesday, April 29, 7:00 – 9:00 pm.
SIGN UP for the series HERE (https://secure.everyaction.com/7g_VeE1EOU6vIORZgiTJNg2?emci=ccd8d150-623e-f111-8ef2-000d3a14b640&emdi=4d236696-723e-f111-8ef2-000d3a14b640&ceid=25728018)
Click HERE to learn more about this series, plus other UU the Vote initiatives (https://prod.cdn.everyaction.com/emails/van/EA/EA005/1/79085/Thx4ug0z5nKDlr_H3sirSZwWKhyeftugq3jxPZJz3lM_archive?emci=ccd8d150-623e-f111-8ef2-000d3a14b640&emdi=4d236696-723e-f111-8ef2-000d3a14b640&ceid=25728018)
** Reparations Panel: A Virtual Conversation
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What does it look like for congregations to help lead the work of reparations in partnership with local municipalities?
Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) President the Rev. Dr. Sofia Betancourt will host an online discussion to address this question and others, featuring the following distinguished guests: Rev. Dr. Michael C.R. Nabors, Rev. Dr. Oscar Sinclair, and Rev. Eileen Wiviott. Drawing from their experience in faith-rooted justice and community engagement, these leaders will share how congregations are responding to the call for repair in tangible and transformative ways.
This conversation is designed to spark imagination, deepen understanding, and support congregations that are discerning how they can participate in reparative work in their own local contexts. Congregational participation is encouraged!
Thursday, April 30 at 5:30 p.m. EST/2:30 p.m. PST
This is a free event — registration is required.
Click HERE to learn more and register (https://www.uua.org/multiculturalism/reparations-community)
** Sunday Worship Service Information
April 26, 2026
10:30 am
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Hope isn’t easy – it’s messy, tiring work with no guaranteed outcome. Yet every small act of care, creativity and community is a way of hoping on purpose. Where will you find hope in these challenging times? Join us this Sunday when we welcome Rev. Dr. Rebekah Savage.
Rev. Dr. Rebekah Savage is a Unitarian Universalist minister and military chaplain with a strong background in theology and counseling. Raised in Bethesda, Maryland, she and her family attended River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation. She studied Religious Studies at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and earned her Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in New York City. She completed clinical and congregational training in Florida and was ordained in 2003, the same year she began her military chaplaincy, including service in Afghanistan. Rev. Savage later earned a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling, becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor, and completed a Doctor of Ministry in Military Chaplaincy in 2020. She served the UU Congregation of Rockville from 2015 to 2026, including as settled minister, before becoming Director of Ministries and Faith Development for the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA).
Today’s music is offered by Clarion Brass. Clarion Brass has been performing around greater New Castle County since 1995. They can be heard regularly at Bellefonte Cafe, Dew Point Brewery, Kennett Friends Home, and here at Mill Creek. They are listed on the Artist Roster at Delaware Division of the Arts, and can perform live for any venue including school, church, library, business, and private parties and celebrations. Performers include Gordon Roth and Kristen Tosh-Morelli, Trumpets; Frank Gerace, Horn; Tom Hartline, Trombone; Brian Hanson, Tuba.
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
** 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.
On Wednesday, April 29 we will discuss White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide by Carol Anderson. Choose your session: afternoon at 2pm in the conference room or evening at 7pm via Zoom. Contact Tracey Hancock HERE (mailto:trv302@outlook.com) and indicate your attendance option.
Thank you, Tracey, for coordinating this effort.
** Join the Land Stewards in the Meadow any Wednesday
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(And you might see a beautiful sunset like this one!)
Join the Land Stewards this Wednesday, April 29 (and every Wednesday, weather permitting) at 5:30pm and see what they’re doing to improve the biodiversity and natural habitat in the meadow areas. On Wednesday, May 13 they invite everyone to join them after work time for pizza & beverages. This is a wonderful opportunity for fellowship in a natural and relaxed setting.
There are many opportunities to get involved, but It’s not all about getting dirty! 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 and be inspired!
Click HERE for ALL the ways ANYONE can help! (https://www.uusmc.org/wp-content/uploads/How-to-Support-Our-Natural-Lands-2.pdf)
** In Concert:
Erynn Marshall & Carl Jones
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Brandywine Friends of Old Time Music completes their concert series at Mill Creek with the award-winning duo of Erynn Marshall and Carl Jones, partners in life and music. They will perform southern song duets featuring powerful fiddle, guitar, mandolin, and banjo.
Erynn Marshall & Carl Jones
Friday, May 1, 2026 – 7:30 pm
Tickets: general public, $25; seniors, $20; students w/ID, $15; ages 17 & under, free
Available at the door, or HERE (https://bfotm-concert-tickets.square.site/)
Take a listen to their music HERE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdfuYDTSk04)
** Newark Garden Tour
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Saturday, May 16
Artists & Musicians are invited to showcase their talents during this event.
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. Musicians are welcome to perform for just 10 minutes; 30 minutes would be fantastic, 60 minutes would be amazing! 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:
May 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 26; May 10 & 24
(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
* Mondays & Tuesdays: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm in the office; calls and by email after 2pm.
* Thursdays: by appointment
* Sundays (when I preach): 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
* My regular days off are Friday and Saturday, unless I am scheduled for special congregational duties. I answer calls and emails Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. Any non-emergency calls or emails outside of those hours will be answered during the next work day.
* Other times may be arranged by mutual agreement via email: minister@uusmc.org (mailto:minister@uusmc.org) or click HERE (https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/appointments/schedules/AcZssZ08wOXSmX5fNN_vySxfpLP9VL2QqSZF5spIx5_9rxZm3e25LNywCGk4WoIlyFMvdn84osyy8XZl) .
* I joyfully participate in committee meetings when I am able, with particular focus on the Board, Finance, and Worship teams.
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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** Unitarian Universalists Reject Christian Nationalist Theology Underpinning Conflict with Iran
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In a letter released last week directed towards the President of the United States, the Speaker of the House of U.S. Representatives, and the U.S. Senate President, Unitarian Universalists are rejecting the theological reasons that some in the Pentagon and the administration have used to justify the current military conflict with Iran. The letter is signed by Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) President, Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt, along with several other prominent UU leaders and theologians.
Read the letter HERE (https://www.uua.org/pressroom/press-releases/uus-reject-war-iran)
** 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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** Website (https://www.uusmc.org)
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