Read our latest announcement.
http://eepurl.com/hzmRrf
Unitarian Universalist Society of Mill Creek
We are a community that invites you to awaken to love.
Sunday Morning Virtual Worship
May 30th, 2021
Join us this Sunday when
Rev. Greg
shares his homily,
‘role play’
Connect with us: check your inbox on Sunday morning for links!
IN THIS ISSUE
Click on any topic of interest to jump to that particular announcement. Or, continue scrolling so you don’t miss anything!
*Editor’s Note: if you do not see ‘Opportunities for Connection: Central East Region Update’ as the very last section of this email (look for the little purple map), you’re not seeing the whole email. You may need to click on ‘view entire message’ ‘view in browser’ or something similar, depending on your device.
** Congregational Life
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** Upcoming events, meetings and news to know
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** Budget Q & A Session Tonight via Zoom
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Everyone is welcome to join us tonight at 7 pm for an informal discussion of the upcoming 2021-22 Budget. This is an opportunity to get acquainted with the particulars of the proposed budget which will be up for vote at the annual meeting on Sunday, June 6th. It will be an open question and answer format. Use the links below to preview the budget, and join the meeting.
View the Proposed Budget (https://www.uusmc.org/wp-content/uploads/Mill-Creek-Proposed-Budget_2021-2022-Sheet1.pdf)
Connect to the Meeting (https://zoom.us/j/97416487822)
** This Week’s Campfire Postponed
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There will be no campfire this Saturday evening (May 29th), but we plan to gather again on Saturday, June 5th. We hope you’ll join us!
** Reminder: No Sunday Morning Adult Religious Exploration until the Fall
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The Sunday morning ARE sessions are on hiatus while the program organizers take a well-deserved break. They will be planning new content for the fall.
** Mill Creek Annual Meeting
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Mark Your Calendar:
Sunday, June 6th
11:00 am
The Mill Creek Annual Meeting, held virtually again this year, is scheduled for Sunday, June 6th. The purpose of the annual business meeting shall be to:
* receive reports of officers and staff
* elect new trustees
* elect nominating committee members
* adopt an annual budget
*Keep an eye on your inbox next week for the annual report, followed by our regular Sunday morning email which will contain link to the meeting.
** Difficult Grief:
A Series with
The Rev. Robert Broesler
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MARKING TIME
Often when a child dies, there is only Before and After. There is life Before the death and life After the death. Many grieving parents can tell, without thought or internal calculation, how many years, months and days it has been since their child’s death.
When one sees this behavior, be aware that it is perfectly normal. It is NOT a sign of unproductive mourning, but a new system to mark the earth’s relentless rotation. Someone might say “this Thanksgiving will be the fourth since John died.” They may speak of the anniversary of the death coming up or having just passed.
As a pastor, remember that the statement that can meet every such occasion is “How is this time for you?” Open ended questions allow your congregant to lead the conversation. Their response could be anywhere from “This is such a hard time” to “It helps to keep him in my heart.” All they need from you is eye contact and a listening heart.
One last thought. Please always feel free to call me if you ever have a question. I would be honored to reflect together with you about any person or family you are seeking to help. And, as always, thank you for the remarkable service you give every day.
The Rev. Bob Broesler
Feel free to use the links below to reach out to Rev. Broesler by email, and visit his Facebook page.
Contact Rev. Broesler (mailto:rbroesler@north-star-strategies.com)
Visit Rev. Broesler’s Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/BobBroeslerCounseling/)
** Tech Help Needed on Sunday Mornings
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We could use a few people familiar with conducting or attending meetings using the Zoom platform to assist with our Sunday morning virtual gatherings. Specifically, this involves:
* Managing waiting rooms
* Handling break-out rooms
* ZERO speaking required!
Anyone interested can contact Rev. Greg using the link below.
I Can Help! (mailto:minister@uusmc.org?subject=Tech%20Help)
** Meadow & Grounds Spotlight: What’s in a name?
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Photo courtesy of Amy White.
Baptisia australis is a native perennial plant that is sought after by gardeners for its intense blue color, but it was once coveted by the textile industry for its dye-producing properties. Its common name, Blue False Indigo, is derived from it being used as a substitute for the superior Indigofera tinctoria, or true Indigo. Both plants were used as a dye to achieve blue coloring in garments (like blue jeans) and artwork. True Indigo became the preferred source for this purpose and the need for False Indigo in the textile industry subsided.
While False Indigo often doesn’t bloom until it reaches three years of age, mature plants produce an enormous amount of blue flowers that provide an excellent source of nectar and pollen for native bees and butterflies. This lovely perennial is a host plant for a variety of butterflies: the larval Frosted Elfin, Wild Indigo Duskywing, Clouded Sulphur, Eastern Tailed-Blue, Orange Sulphur, and Hoary Edge It spreads readily in a variety of soils, creating a haven for these pollinators and other wildlife.
May and June. Soft syllables, gentle names for the two best months in the garden year: cool, misty mornings gently burned away with a warming spring sun, followed by breezy afternoons and chilly nights. The discussion of philosophy is over; it’s time for work to begin. –Peter Loewer Writer, graphic artist, photographer, and botanical illustrator
Anyone wishing to help out may join us on any Wednesday afternoon around 5:30 pm…or any other day of your choosing! Contact the church office (mailto:administrator@uusmc.org) with any questions you might have about the work we do.
The Mill Creek Meadow and Grounds – for everyone to enjoy!
** Book Group’s Next Read
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Join us on Thursday, June 10th at 7 pm when we discuss The Mighty Queens of Freeville: A Mother, a Daughter, and the Town that Saved Them (https://amydickinson.com/books) by Amy Dickinson.
Look for the link on the church calendar (https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/r/month/2021/6/1) . Questions? Contact Deanna Koepcke (mailto:dkoepcke@hotmail.com?subject=book%20group) .
** UUDAN’s Support of HB 75
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UUDAN, a union of the five Delaware UU congregations working together to engage in local legislative action, is currently working in support of HB 75 which is the second and final leg of a Constitutional Amendment that will have hearings and votes soon. The Delaware Constitution includes detailed language restricting absentee voting which must be amended to allow No Excuse Absentee Voting. Constitutional Amendments need to pass by a two-thirds vote. Any Delaware members and friends who live in a district represented by Mike Smith (mailto:Michael.F.Smith@delaware.gov?subject=HB%2075) and Mike Ramone (mailto:Michael.Ramone@delaware.gov?subject=HB%2075) are encouraged to contact them to urge their support of this legislation.
CLICK HERE TO CONTACT Mill Creek member Jack Guerin via email with any questions you have about this issue, or UUDAN in general. (mailto:jackguerin7@gmail.com?subject=UUDAN)
** May & June
Share Our Plate
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We regularly donate a portion of our undesignated plate collection to a local charity or non-profit organization. Although we aren’t meeting in person for Sunday services for the time being, contributions are still being received to support this fund and are donated entirely to the selected recipient. For the months of May and June, the Social Justice Committee has selected Wings for Success (https://wingsforsuccess.org/) , located in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, to be the recipient of this fund.
Wings for Success empowers women in need to pursue employment and economic security through apparel, advice and advocacy. They provide immediate clothing needs for a variety of jobs and industries; offer one-on-one support for resume writing, job seeking tips, interview skills and more; and offer workshops and employment resources.
Use the links below to learn more, and to donate.
LEARN MORE about Wings for Success (https://wingsforsuccess.org/)
DONATE to Share Our Plate (https://onrealm.org/MillCreek/-/give/now)
**Be sure to select ‘Share Our Plate’ as the giving fund**
We believe that generously sharing our gifts and receiving the gifts of others grows our compassion. We find our gifts flow from discerning the intersection of our heart’s deepest yearning and the world’s deepest hunger. We know ourselves to be most alive when we honor the earth and all humanity upon it. – from Mill Creek’s Values, Beliefs and Mission statement
https://onrealm.org/MillCreek/SignIn
CLICK HERE (https://onrealm.org/MillCreek/SignIn)
to access your Realm profile!
We encourage you to continue your financial support of Mill Creek during the closure by using one of the following methods:
1. Mail a check: 579 Polly Drummond Hill Road, Newark DE 19711 (staff is present in the office and the mailbox is checked daily). Please indicate on the subject line if this is a pledge payment, a general contribution, or a contribution to a specific giving fund.
2. Give electronically through REALM: https://onrealm.org/MillCreek/Give or use the link below (remember to select a giving fund).
3. Text-to-Give: text MillCreek and the amount [e.g. MillCreek 50] to 73256.
We sincerely appreciate your support of Mill Creek, especially now while we are unable to gather together for the time being. But the work of the church continues! We gratefully acknowledge that there would be no Mill Creek without YOU. Thank you.
**Click here to GIVE now** (https://onrealm.org/MillCreek/-/give/now)
Follow us on Instagram!
@millcreekuu
Mill Creek Staff office hours & contact information
Rev. Gregory S. Pelley
minister@uusmc.org (mailto:minister@uusmc.org)
302-369-2712
Hours by appointment – use the link below to schedule:
– Click here to schedule time with Rev. Greg – (https://calendly.com/gpelley)
Kristen Tosh-Morelli, Music Director
Hours by appointment
music@uusmc.org (mailto:administrator@uusmc.org)
302-369-2712
Debra Damiani, Congregational Administrator
Monday 8 am to 1 pm, Monday-Thursday
administrator@uusmc.org (mailto:administrator@uusmc.org)
302-369-2712
** Upcoming events in our local community
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** DelArt Cinema Drive-in Series
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Presented by Delaware Art Museum
DelArt Cinema Drive-in Series has returned for another season with a blockbuster lineup! Enjoy a classic film from the comfort of your own car. Concessions will be available to purchase on site. Rain dates will be scheduled as needed. Parking begins at 7:15 pm, movie begins at dusk.
Now Showing:
Weekend at Bernie’s: Friday, May 28
Delaware Art Museum (https://delart.org/)
2301 Kentmere Parkway
Wilmington, DE 19806
302-571-9590
DelArt Cinema Drive-In: INFORMATION (https://delartcinema.com/DelArt-Drive-In/)
DelArt Cinema Drive-In: TICKETS (https://checkout.square.site/buy/32AHVEOCLKB64IGZN2WBQ5D6)
** News from the UUA, the Central East Region, and the Delmarva Cluster
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** From the UUA President:
Savoring Simplicity
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In this promising yet challenging time, Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray encourages congregations to start with simple changes so we can learn together.
Know that every congregation has different needs and realities. Take approaches that make sense for your people, staff and context. This is a time to support, not to judge. Let us learn from each other, mindful that circumstances vary greatly. Let us be flexible and compassionate as we go.
–Rev. Frederick-Gray
Click here to read the message in full (https://www.uua.org/pressroom/press-releases/savoring-simplicity)
https://www.uua.org/ga
General Assembly 2021
June 23rd – 27th
(all GA events will be virtual – no need to travel!)
https://www.uua.org/central-east
**
Opportunities for Connection: Central East Region Update
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May 2021
Opportunities for Connection – click here to learn more (https://uua874.activehosted.com/index.php?action=social&chash=add217938e07bb1fd8796e0315b88c10.5217&s=8983449a6b0e04757c2c9729fa49f044)