Read our latest announcement.
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Unitarian Universalist Society of Mill Creek
We are a community that invites you to awaken to love.
Sunday Worship Service
October 24th, 2021
10:00 AM
In-Person Outdoor
on the South Lawn of the Church
+
Livestream
Join Rev. Greg this Sunday
when he shares his homily:
“from the deep”
Join Us In-Person
If you plan to attend in person, please respect the requests for social distancing, mask-wearing (N95 masks, available at the church), and vaccination.
Please, too, offer your grace to all who arrive and respect their desires for safety.
Or Connect With Us Virtually
There are several ways to get the Zoom link for livestreaming the service:
* Click the link below (Sunday Morning Live!) and bookmark it; OR
* Access the church calendar (https://www.uusmc.org/news/calendar/) (https://www.uusmc.org/news/calendar/); OR
* Open our Sunday morning email; OR
* Open ANY PREVIOUS Sunday morning email
However you connect with us for livestreaming:
**THE LINK FOR SUNDAY SERVICE REMAINS THE SAME FROM WEEK TO WEEK**
Sunday Morning Live! (https://zoom.us/j/97806427419)
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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** In case you missed it!
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Click the link below to view a video recording of Rev. Greg’s homily from October 17th – “Mud” – available now on our You Tube Channel.
Click here to view (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cr0lNshUrDs)
** COVID, Delta, Mu & UU’s
————————————————————
The Board of Trustees and your Minister continue to monitor COVID data and information regarding variants as we continue to discern safe, inclusive ways of being a community.
COVID transmission rates in our area remain very high, and so our safety protocols tend to be a bit more restrictive than you may be used to in your day-to-day life. So if you plan to attend in person, please respect the requests for social distancing, mask-wearing, and vaccination.
Our primary data source is a site called Covid Act Now (covidactnow.org). This is a joint project that collects and disseminates COVID-19 stats in the United States, broken down by state and county, and is institutionally supported by Georgetown University, Stanford University Medicine, and the Harvard Global Health Institute.
With regard to our worship service the Board of Trustees has established the following thresholds using the daily new case rate for New Castle County. (We also monitor Chester County, PA and Cecil County, MD, as these can be considered part of our wider community. However, our primary focus is on New Castle County where both the physical church is located and where the majority of our congregation reside, work, and play.)
* Our current policy is to have indoor, in-person worship services when the Daily New Case rate falls below 15.
* We will continue to have outdoor worship services (weather permitting, of course) when the case rate is above 15 and below 61.
* In all cases, we will continue Live Streaming.
Each week, a decision will be made by Thursday morning as to whether the coming Sunday worship service will be outdoor, indoor, or live stream only.
The Daily New Case rate in New Castle County as of Thursday, October 21:
32.1
per 100,000
** Considerations for Safe Return
————————————————————
The Board of Trustees, Minister and Staff are in constant communication regarding the current status of the new Covid case rates in our area and how it affects our operations and ministry. We have prepared a document for your review detailing our considerations for safe return which highlights topics such as Opening, Vaccinations, Masks & Distancing, and more. You can read the document in full HERE. (https://www.uusmc.org/wp-content/uploads/COVID-Considerations-for-safe-return.pdf)
** Board of Trustees Meeting Agenda – CORRECTED
————————————————————
TONIGHT: Thursday, 21 October, 6:30pm on Zoom
Opening
Reports
Minister
Rainbow Chorale on March 18, 2022
Treasurer
Streaming
Assessment Committee
RE Coordination
Discussion
COVID-19 Statistics
Board Prioritization of Potential 2021/22 Governance Activities
Background including Normal Operations
Fiscal Positioning
Generosity Campaign
Service Auction
Budget Development
Streaming
RE
Ministry Assessment
Annual Meeting/Midyear Review
Opening Process
CER Support/Initiatives
Attendance/Representation at 26 Oct Mtg.
Adjourn
*Note: the Zoom link for this meeting can be found on the church calendar. (https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/r/month/2021/10/1)
** Tree Planting Days – This Weekend!
————————————————————
When we plant a tree, we are doing what we can to make our planet a more wholesome and happier dwelling-place for those who come after us if not for ourselves.
– Oliver Wendell Holmes
Reversing deforestation is complicated; planting a tree is simple.
— Martin O’Malley
After months of planning and the combined efforts and dedication of our Natural Lands Stewards, Jamie Kegerise and Amy White, Mill Creek Tree Planting Days are finally here – with the largest number of trees ever being planted in our meadows at one time – 25. Prep work has been completed in advance and all twenty-five holes have already been dug. Thank you for everyone who assisted with this phase of the project.
The young trees were delivered on Thursday, October 21st.
Pictured above left (L to R): Jamie Kegerise; Amy White; Don Ross
We are now ready to plant and mulch the trees!
WHEN:
Saturday, October 23rd:
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Sunday, October 24th:
11:00 am (after worship service) to 3:00 pm
It is our hope to get the bulk of the work done on Saturday, and we need as many volunteers as possible to make this happen. Come out for just one day or part of one day – even one hour of your time will be a big help and greatly appreciated! (Many hands make light work…)
While registration is not required, it will be helpful to the team for planning purposes – use the link below and let us know you’ll be there!
I will be there! (https://onrealm.org/MillCreek/PublicRegistrations/Event?linkString=YTc2MmVkZmYtNmEwNi00MzRhLTk1ZDEtYWRiZTAwZDFkNjA3)
Contact Jamie Kegerise (mailto:jamie@dsofurniture.com) or Amy White (mailto:amywwhite@comcast.net) with any questions you have about this project.
** Saturday Evening Campfires Continue
————————————————————
Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all.
– Stanley Horowitz
There’s nothing like an autumn campfire, and we’d love to have you, your family and friends of all ages join us this Saturday evening in the Memorial Grove (unless otherwise noted, and weather permitting). We gather around 7:00-ish. Bring all your comforts (lawn or camp chair, blanket, refreshment, etc.).
We welcome everyone to join us and bear witness to the autumn mosaic in our very own meadow! The Memorial Grove is to the left of the main (back) parking lot as you drive in. (Note: there is a slight grassy incline leading up to the area.) Please be aware that the church building will be closed except for restroom use (by one person or family at a time). Contact Jamie Kegerise (mailto:jamie@dsofurniture.com) or the church office (mailto:administrator@uusmc.org) (302-369-2712) with questions.
** Mill Creek New UU Class Series
————————————————————
We are offering a three-part series of virtual classes designed to introduce visitors, friends, and even current members who might be interested in learning more about the UU faith and the Mill Creek congregation. Attendance is expected for all three sessions. Use the link below to attend, or access it on the church calendar (https://www.uusmc.org/news/calendar/) . All are welcome!
Intro to Mill Creek: Thursday, November 4^th, 6:30-8:30 pm
Part 2 of 3. Rev. Greg leads a conversation about the Values, Beliefs, and Mission of Mill Creek with the intention of helping new folks get to know who we are as a religious community.
Attend the class HERE (https://uuma.zoom.us/j/3909823196)
The Meaning of Membership: Tuesday, November 9th, 6:30-8:30 pm
Part 3 of 3. This session is a conversation about what it means to be a member of Mill Creek. It will provide information and establish our shared expectations for membership.
** Church Member Needs Transportation
————————————————————
A long-time member of our church, residing in Elsmere, Delaware, has a need for transportation to and from physical therapy appointments three time a week.
Our Pastoral Care group is coordinating this effort on behalf of the congregant and is asking for assistance. If you can help in any way, please use the button below to contact the group. Even one trip would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
I can help! (mailto:pastoralcare@uusmc.org)
**
Chalice
Circle
Openings
————————————————————
Chalice Circles at Mill Creek are small groups within our church that provide a supportive environment for people to meet and discuss topics relevant to our lives as well as share our stories, our experiences and our ideas. Circles are an opportunity to get to know each other on a deeper level and develop a rich spirituality. During COVID, some Circles meet virtually, some in person; some meet during the day and some in the evenings.
Women’s Chalice Circles
2nd Tuesday Evening Circle:
Meets monthly, 7:15 to 9:00 pm
Wednesday Evening Circle:
Meets twice a month, 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Chalice Sisters Thursday Circle:
Meets twice a month,2nd & 4th Thursdays, 6:15 pm
Men’s Chalice Circle
3rd Tuesday Evening Circle:
Meets monthly, 7:00 pm
Click the link below to contact Helen Springer for more information,
or call 484-732-8641; or call the church office, 302-369-2712.
Curious about Chalice Circles? Read what people are saying:
“During the pandemic, the circle has been a wonderful means of keeping in close touch with these members of our church. And in ordinary times, the circle meetings provide friendship as well as an opportunity to think more deeply about what our church means to us.”
“Joining a Chalice Circle was the most significant thing I did once I joined this church community several years ago. It is my main source for support.”
“The sisterhood of my chalice circle has been a lifeline for me. We ZOOM every week, sharing our own stories and deeply listening to the stories of others. Such a gift.”
“I have been participating in the men’s chalice circle for over two years now. It has been a wonderful way for me to connect with other members of the church on a deeper and more personal level. It has shown me additional view points and brought me a different set of tools for living my spiritual life. It has also brought me a lot of laughter and a place of emotional support in times of need.”
“The women in my Circle mean so much to me, we care for and about each other in a way I find difficult to achieve away from church.”
Click here for more information about Chalice Circles (mailto:helen_springer@msn.com?subject=chalice%20circles)
** Book Group’s Current Read
————————————————————
Next meeting: Tuesday, November 2nd, 7:00 pm
Schedule: every other month on first Tuesday evenings
Location: meets virtually on Zoom
Selection: Hamnet (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/612385/hamnet-by-maggie-ofarrell/) by Maggie O’Farrell
Questions: contact Deanna Koepcke (mailto:dkoepcke@hotmail.com?subject=book%20group)
The Zoom link can be found below or by accessing the church calendar (https://www.uusmc.org/news/calendar/) (https://www.uusmc.org/news/calendar/). The Zoom link remains the same for each meeting.
JOIN this meeting HERE (https://zoom.us/j/96762479752)
** Newark Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
————————————————————
Newark United Methodist Church (https://newark-umc.org/wp/)
69 East Main Street, Newark, DE
302-368-3774
Tuesday, November 23rd at 7:30 pm
** Share Our Plate: September & October
————————————————————
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 September and October, we have selected Bellevue Art Lab. Located in the Bellevue Community Center in North Wilmington, Bellevue Art Lab is a place for growing artists of many ages and skill levels. It is an open studio setting which allows for exploration rather than strict instruction. The Lab is stocked with drawing, painting, and sculpting supplies as well as digital art, and is set up for jewelry making and metalworks. The Art Lab is a free open studio for youth ages 13-19 during after school hours, Monday-Friday, 3-6 pm. They offer private paint parties, host professional workshops and artist talks, design community art installations, and participate in the Wilmington Art Loop on the First Friday of every month. The Arts is an important way to engage the youth as well as foster bonds between artists and community members.
Use the links below to learn more, and to donate.
LEARN MORE about Bellevue Art Lab (https://bellevuecc.org/art)
DONATE to Share Our Plate (https://onrealm.org/MillCreek/-/give/now)
**Be sure to select ‘Share Our Plate’ as the giving fund**
** Complicated Grief
————————————————————
Part of a series shared by
Rev. Robert Broesler
Soul Meeting Soul
There are many different definitions or interpretations of the word soul. I find it helpful to hold the following:
Soul has to do with a sense of the heart being touched by feelings. An open heart that is grieving is a “well of reception;” it is moved entirely by what it has perceived. Soul also has to do with the overall journey of life as a story, as a representation of deep inner meaning. Soul is not a thing, but a dimension of experiencing life and living. I see soul as the primary and universal essence of our true nature, our life force, or, if you will, our spirit self.
Being soulful as it relates to companioning people in grief is, in part, to acknowledge the need for people to have “safe places” to authentically mourn. It demands that the companion go within oneself and nurture and develop one’s own soul in ways that give expression to our compassion. Whether you are seeking help as you mourn, or are providing comfort to those in grief, this profound yet mysterious connection is essential to a healthy journey through grief.
As an outgrowth of the loss of my son Justin, I believe I have been called to provide counsel to people who are experiencing “difficult grief”, particularly but not exclusively the loss of a child. This also includes those unable to be physically present with their loved one while they died. Below is another in a series of insights which I believe will provide you with the language to be present for a friend in such situations. I hope they are helpful.
-The Rev. Robert (Bob) Broesler
Rev. Broesler is a Grief Counselor and a member of Mill Creek. Connect with him using any of the links below:
Email (mailto:bob@bobbroesler.com)
Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/robert.broesler.52)
LinkedIn (http://www.linkedin.com/in/griefcounselorrobert-broesler)
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!
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)
Debra Damiani, Congregational Administrator
Monday 8 am to 1 pm, Monday-Thursday
administrator@uusmc.org (mailto:administrator@uusmc.org)
302-369-2712
Rachel Sabella, Music Director
Hours by Appointment
music@uusmc.org (mailto:music@uusmc.org)
302-369-2712
** Upcoming events in our local area
————————————————————
** Event: New Castle County, Delaware
————————————————————
Newark Symphony Orchestra begins its 55^th season with an outdoor Halloween Concert on Saturday, October 23rd featuring well-known spooky classics.
St. Barnabas Episcopal Church
Outdoors, on church grounds – bring a chair or blanket
2800 Duncan Road, Wilmington
Find out more from the NSO website (https://newarksymphony.org/events/3pm-10-23-21-halloween-concert/)
** Event: Sussex County, Delaware
————————————————————
31st Annual Sea Witch Festival
Rehoboth Beach
Friday, Oct. 29th thru
Sunday, Oct. 31th
A popular Delaware tradition now in its 31st year, the Sea Witch Festival for 2021 is a 3-day celebration with the main event – the costume parade – starting at 11 am on Saturday. There is something for everyone – check out the packed program HERE (https://www.beach-fun.com/images/SW_Program_2021_Final_TO_WEB.pdf) .
New this year – help name the Sea Witch Balloon! Vote for one of a few pre-selected names or submit your own. Learn more HERE (https://www.beach-fun.com/balloon-name.html) .
Did you know…Delaware’s own Sea Witch Festival was included in HGTV’s ’21 Great Fall Festivals’ article (July 27, 2021). Read about it HERE (https://www.hgtv.com/lifestyle/travel/best-fall-festivals-pictures) .
** Event: Chester County, Pennsylvania
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50th Anniversary of Pumpkinland at Linvilla Orchards
Now through Sunday, November 7th
This year Linvilla Orchards celebrates 50 years of Pumpkinland as a fall destination for generations of families in the Philadelphia area. Pumpkinland features larger than life figures and scarecrows, highlighting local history and some of the many stories of pumpkins and apples. Linvilla offers a variety of autumn activities including hayrides, pick-your-own apples, and mazes, plus a Farm Market, a Garden Center, and more.
Linvilla Orchards (https://www.linvilla.com/)
137 West Knowlton Road
Media, PA 19063
610-876-7116
Check out Linvilla’s events calendar here ()
** Event: Cecil County, Maryland
————————————————————
Weekly Farmer’s Market
The Broken Spoke Winery, a boutique winery on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, hosts The Hub Farmers’ Market every Sunday, 1-4 pm featuring local artisans, craftsmen, musicians, and local food trucks. Peruse items like honey and lavender products, dog treats, nursery plants, soaps, baked goods, and much more.
Broken Spoke Winery (https://www.brokenspokewinery.com/)
942 Glebe Road
Earleville, MD
302-547-6022
Check out The Broken Spoke events calendar here (https://www.brokenspokewinery.com/events)
** News from the UUA, the Central East Region, and the Delmarva Cluster
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** UUA Featured Read
————————————————————
As Long as Grass Grows
The Indigenous Fight for Environmental Justice from Colonization to Standing Rock
by Dina Gilio-Whitaker
This is the story of Native peoples’ resistance to environmental injustice and land incursions, and a call for environmentalists to learn from the Indigenous community’s rich history of activism – available now from inSpirit – the UU Book and Gift Shop. Click the link below to learn more and to order a copy for your own library.
Learn More HERE (https://www.uuabookstore.org/As-Long-as-Grass-Grows-P18634.aspx)
https://www.uua.org/central-east
**
Opportunities for Connection: Central East Region Update
————————————————————
OCTOBER 2021
Opportunities for Connection – click here to learn more (https://uua874.activehosted.com/index.php?action=social&chash=7876acb66640bad41f1e1371ef30c180.5546&s=8983449a6b0e04757c2c9729fa49f044)
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