“We enter in celebration, to learn, to share, to grow together…”
We recite these words at the start of every worship service here at Mill Creek. It is more than just recitation, it is what draws us to this community — to celebrate life, to learn better how to act on our principles, to share our very selves with others and to grow as a Unitarian Universalist faith community.
We invite you to join us in reflecting upon all that we share together from the perspective of these powerful words: celebrate, learn, share, and grow.
Please read the story below, written by one of our members about their experience of learning here at Mill Creek. After the story there is a simple chart which represents how the budget of Mill Creek underwrites these four aspects of our life together. It is meant to illustrate that the details — the what of our budget — are but an expression of the purpose — the why of our budget.
Why we are a part of this community.
Why we come back every Sunday.
Why we are so proud to be a part of the story which is UUSMC.
Learning at UUSMC: The quest for truth and meaning
My mother often recalls that when I was little, I would drive her crazy by constantly asking, “why?” After she answered, I continued to ask “why” to her answers! I didn’t stop asking why especially as a teenager. By then, I didn’t always expect my mother to have the answers. Of course, as a teen, if she knew “why” such and such, I didn’t always like her answers. Yet I wanted any insights she had. That desire to question and passion for learning only increased as I got older.
I developed a great love for reading, and soon discovered that the more I learned the more I realized I didn’t know. Learning and reading shaped my desire to become a teacher and share my love of learning.
My students had plenty of ”why” questions about literature, grammar and life in general. I loved listening to their insights and observations. Together we explored all sorts of stories, problems and ideas presented by the literature, entertainment, and the news. My classroom experiences were my wonderful, continuing education.
However, I was not happy with church experiences. I sought a church that allowed me to seek and question without giving me an institutional answer (which only raised even more questions). Fortunately, my best friend invited me to the Unitarian Universalist Society of Mill Creek. Here I discovered the principle of a free and responsible search for the truth and meaning.
Each service began with a chalice lighting signifying hope and the journey toward understanding and purpose. Wanting to join others in this journey lead me to Adult Religious Education. I am delighted to be a part of group that enriches my knowledge and gives me the opportunity to ask my “why” questions. Furthermore, I am able to be with others who are willing to share their life experiences and insights. This is “why” I love Adult Religious Education at Mill Creek.
—Patricia Ferich, UUSMC Member since 2004
We enter in celebration, to learn, to share, and to grow together….
Celebrate $127,655
Learn: The Quest for Truth and Meaning $68,090
Share $46,865
Grow $15,390
Budget total $258,000
These are proportional allocation of costs for building, staff, supplies, utilities, etc.
Pledge cards for the upcoming 2016-17 fiscal year have been mailed to all members of the Mill Creek church. We would like to have completed cards returned by Sunday, June 19. You can place yours in the collection plate, the drop box by the office door, or mail it.
Need a copy of the Annual Budget Drive Financial Commitment Form? You can find it on the Support page.
Questions regarding your pledge can be directed to bookkeeper@uusmc.org
Thank you for your support!