Read our latest announcement.
Unitarian Universalist Society of Mill Creek
We are a community that invites you to awaken to love.
IN THIS ISSUE
Click on any topic of interest to jump to that particular announcement.
Or…continue scrolling so you don’t miss anything!
Here’s what’s happening at Mill Creek:
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 and/or email provider.
** Congregational Life
————————————————————
** Upcoming events, meetings and news to know
————————————————————
** Sunday Worship Service Information
August 18, 2024
10:30 am
————————————————————
Do you know some of Universalism’s ties to the birth of the Labor Movement? Join our guest speaker Erica Caldwell when she shares her sermon, “From Pews to Picket Lines.” Discover how Philadelphia’s Universalist congregants spearheaded early labor efforts, led by the visionary William Heighton. His impassioned speeches, labor newspaper, and creation of the first labor political party transformed the political landscape, all fueled by his belief in God’s universal love and the moral fight against injustice. Don’t miss this exploration of the union between our Universalist faith and the roots of labor activism.
Music for this service will be performed by returning guest musician Carlos Espinoza. Carlos is a recent graduate of Cab Calloway School of the Arts in Wilmington where he performed in many concerts and events. He now attends the University of Delaware.
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)
** William (Bill) Headley Memorial Service
————————————————————
Bill Headley, devoted husband of Mill Creek member Roberta Headley and loving father to member Diana Saunders, died on August 7. A memorial service to celebrate Bill’s life will take place here at church on Sunday, September 1. The service will begin at 1 pm and there will be an informal reception afterwards. All are welcome to attend.
A full obituary announcement was sent on Thursday, August 15 .
** Mill Creek School Supplies Drive
————————————————————
This year we are partnering with Breaking Barriers, a nonprofit organization in Newark serving youth, adults, children with physical disabilities, senior citizens, and athletes. Our supplies drive will benefit their partnership with local school districts and community-based organizations. Learn more about this organization HERE (https://breakingbarriersde.org/) .
We are collecting the following basic supplies: loose leaf paper, composition books, spiral notebooks, lead & color pencils, pens, markers, pencil boxes, pocket folders, and binders.
The collection for supplies begins this Sunday, August 18 and ends on Sunday, September 8. Look for the collection box and supply lists in the gathering space.
** Recurring Events
————————————————————
Dungeons & Dragons – This is a tabletop role-playing game where players explore fantasy worlds and embark on epic quests. All are welcome to join the group on Sunday, August 18 at 12 pm in classroom 1. Occurs every 2 weeks on Sundays.. Questions? Contact Tom Vincent (mailto:trv302@outlook.com) .
Drum Circle – This is a great way to create rhythm and energy, no matter what your skill level is. Please bring your own instrument or use what we have available. Open to all ages from 0-94. Join the group on Saturday, September 14 at 4 pm in the sanctuary. Occurs monthly on second Saturdays. See or contact Sara Durham (mailto:saradurham88@gmail.com) with any questions.
** Weekday Kayak Paddle and Hike
————————————————————
Join your fellow congregants for a fun 1-hour kayak paddle followed by a 1–3-mile hike at beautiful Lums Pond State Park on Thursday, August 22. We will meet at church at 9:00 am with the goal of carpooling as space permits.
Bring your own kayak or you can rent one (rental fees are $10/hour for a single kayak and $12/hour for a tandem; rental is on a first come, first served basis; ID is required). Wear a bathing suit or shorts and sturdy water shoes/sneakers you don’t mind getting wet, sunscreen, and a hat. Remember to bring your hiking shoes for the hike, plus a bag lunch and water. Lums Pond State Park parking fees: $4 in-state, $8 out-of-state, free for annual parks passholders.
Reserve your spot for this event – click HERE (mailto:margaret_bodine@comcast.net)
Did you know…? Lums Pond is Delaware’s largest freshwater pond! Learn more about the pond, the park, and the surrounding area HERE (https://destateparks.com/PondsRivers/LumsPond) .
** Dinners for 7 are Back!
————————————————————
The Fun & Fellowship Committee is pleased to announce the return of a favorite social activity. Dinners for 7 are potluck dinners hosted by members of the church at their home. Each dinner will have 7 participants and can be a mix of couples, singles, or families. It is a wonderful opportunity to get to better acquainted with each other in an intimate setting.
Our first dinner will take place on Friday, September 27. If you are interested in hosting or attending a dinner for 7, please see the sign-up sheet in the gathering space or reach out to the committee (click HERE (mailto:fellowship@uusmc.org7) ) by September 1. See or contact Laura Bonner (mailto:laura@dlsk.net) with any specific questions.
** Habitat Presentation and Meadow Tour
————————————————————
Natives Nurture: Supporting Heath, Wildlife, and Combat Climate Change, One Garden at a Time
Habitat Presentation and Meadow Tour
Saturday, September 7, 9 -11 am
Join us in the Mill Creek Meadow!
This family and kid friendly event is presented by the Delaware Nature Society and the Newark Interfaith Green Team. Native plants have been growing in popularity in recent years. Learn about why there is a call to action to garden with native plants and how you can make a difference by creating a wildlife habitat. Hear about the function and application of native plants in our environment and in various scenarios from urban pollinator gardens to schoolyards and the certified wildlife habitat program. Discuss practical ways to begin and maintain a native garden and expand the habitat over time.
Let us know you’ll be there by clicking the email link below to RSVP
(not required to attend, but very helpful – thank you!)
RSVP here (mailto:newarkinterfaithgreenteam@gmail.com)
** Current Share Our Plate Recipient
————————————————————
We regularly donate a portion of our undesignated plate collection to a local charity or non-profit organization. For the months of July and August we are supporting:
Black & Indigenous Birthworkers of Delaware
Supporting Families Throughout the Circle of Life
This organization believes that supporting mothers and future mothers from a whole perspective and connecting families to the lost traditional modalities will create an environment of peace. It is their mission to educate, advocate and support the entire family and community in the areas of fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, self-care healing, end of life, herbal & nutritional wellness.
Learn more about Black & Indigenous Birthworkers of DE HERE (https://traditionaldoula.com/)
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)
** Sound Bath Meditation Returns
————————————————————
Sound Bath Meditation is an ancient practice using instruments (gong, singing bowls, chimes and more) to create a soundscape that can help you relax and meditate. The power of the sound will bathe you and reverberate through your body, awaken your senses, help restore balance, relieve stress and anxiety, and create a soundscape that is both soothing and uplifting.
If you missed the first opportunity to enjoy the benefits of this type of meditation, Jeff Brown returns to Mill Creek on Monday, August 26 at 7 pm for a one hour sound experience that is personal to each participant. Bring a yoga mat or blanket with a small pillow for your comfort. Seating is also available. Cost is $25 per person.
Register and make payment HERE (https://app.ubindi.com/Jeff.Brown)
Have questions? Contact Jeff Brown HERE (mailto:sotsministryde@gmail.com?)
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. Christian Schmidt, Minister
In Office: Sundays & Tuesdays
minister@uusmc.org (mailto:minister@uusmc.org)
979-450-2477 (cell)
To request a teleconference, or an in-person or Zoom meeting with Rev. Christian – CLICK HERE (https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/appointments/schedules/AcZssZ1ETx17XToDEx3GC5293hfnHTj-VJpBMu_m7SpHkuCcHozb-ceUiT3H-hDGLbziPku9hYBquodp)
Debra Damiani, Congregational Administrator
Monday 9 am to 2 pm, Monday-Thursday
administrator@uusmc.org (mailto:administrator@uusmc.org)
302-369-2712
Connect with the UUA, Delmarva Cluster, and Central East Region
** We Are Unitarian Universalists
————————————————————
Are you new to the UU faith? Or would you like to share information about it to family or friends? Perhaps you’d like a refresher, or maybe you’re just curious?
The Unitarian Universalist Association’s (UUA) Outreach and Public Witness Office (https://www.uua.org/offices/staff/communications/outreach) uses communications methods to advocate for an equitable world and spread the inclusive, healing messages of Unitarian Universalist values, while equipping others within the UU community to do the same. They have produced “We Are Unitarian Universalists,” a short but informative video as a tool to help UUs show who we are, what we do, and why it matters.
View and share the video HERE (https://vimeo.com/344862790)
https://www.uua.org/central-east
**
Opportunities for Connection: Central East Region Update
————————————————————
AUGUST 2024
Featured Resource:
Helpful Board Habits Training
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 to learn more (https://www.uua.org/central-east/blog/opportunities-824)
============================================================
** Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/UUSMC)
** Website (https://www.uusmc.org)
** Instagram (http://instagram.com/millcreekuu)
Copyright © *|CURRENT_YEAR|* *|LIST:COMPANY|*, All rights reserved.
*|IFNOT:ARCHIVE_PAGE|* *|LIST:DESCRIPTION|*
Our mailing address is:
*|LIST_ADDRESS|* *|END:IF|*
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can ** update your preferences (*|UPDATE_PROFILE|*)
or ** unsubscribe from this list (*|UNSUB|*)
.
*|IF:REWARDS|* *|REWARDS_TEXT|* *|END:IF|*