Unitarian Universalist Society of Mill Creek
We are a community that invites you to awaken to love.
Sunday Worship Service
November 21st, 2021
10:00 am
In-Person Indoor
+
Livestream
Join Rev. Greg this Sunday
when he shares his homily:
“Bananas”
Connect With Us In-Person
Registration is required for in-person indoor attendance. See below for more information.
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**
Click here for LIVESTREAM (https://zoom.us/j/97806427419)
Click here to REGISTER for IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE (https://onrealm.org/MillCreek/PublicRegistrations/Event?linkString=MWQwNjJkMjItY2RkNS00YWYxLTg2ZTctYWRlMTAwZTg2NmQ4)
Click here to REGISTER for CHILDREN’S RE (https://onrealm.org/MillCreek/PublicRegistrations/Event?linkString=YTk4MjE5MjktYmVkYi00OTE1LThhODMtYWRlMzAxNTkxYTc1)
IN THIS ISSUE
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Editor’s Note:
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** Congregational Life
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** Upcoming events, meetings and news to know
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** You Make the Call Sunday
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is November 28!
(next Sunday)
Click below for more information and to Vote!!
You Make the Call Ballot (https://us19.list-manage.com/survey?u=8c80a09d53a8aec43de675d26&id=ba318027af&e=*|UNIQID|*)
** In-Person Indoor Services Continue
Register Now
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This Sunday we invite you to join us for in-person gathering in our Sanctuary for worship service.
Please note the following:
* Service time remains at 10:00 am
* Seating will be limited to 35 guests
* Registration is required for attendance every week
* Child Care will NOT be available
* Children’s RE programming is available on a limited basis**
* Wearing N95 masks and vaccination will be mandatory
* Services will continue to be offered livestreamed
Use the links below to learn more about the registration process and to register.
Detailed Registration Instructions (https://mailchi.mp/afdc1dc8e0a5/mill-creek-sunday-registration)
REGISTER here for SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21st (https://onrealm.org/MillCreek/PublicRegistrations/Event?linkString=MWQwNjJkMjItY2RkNS00YWYxLTg2ZTctYWRlMTAwZTg2NmQ4)
**We are working to create a safe space for our children and youth to re-connect with one another by hosting children and youth (age 4 and up) in Room 1 for a mostly unstructured time of play, art, and connecting – on Sunday, November 21^st at 10:00 am. A detailed message about our process and how to register your child was sent yesterday. Please refer to that email for more information – or you can access it here (https://mailchi.mp/281d5c8d921a/mill-creek-sunday-registration-6175406) .
If you’re ready to register your child(ren), use the button below.
Click here to REGISTER for CHILDREN’S RE (https://onrealm.org/MillCreek/PublicRegistrations/Event?linkString=YTk4MjE5MjktYmVkYi00OTE1LThhODMtYWRlMzAxNTkxYTc1)
** Child Care Workers Needed
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We are working to re-establish a child care team. We need a minimum of two workers for every Sunday, and a coordinator who makes sure child care is in place each week. (Note that the coordinator position need not also be a child care worker.)
Here are the details:
* High School age (or older) preferred
* Must be vaccinated
* Able to care for children ages 0 to 4
* Hours are 9:45 am to 11:15 am, Sunday mornings
* Position pays $10 per hour; OR volunteer hours can be certified
Contact Rev. Greg if you’re interested or have questions.
Contact Rev. Greg about Child Care HERE (mailto:minister@uusmc.org?subject=child%20care)
** In case you missed it…!
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Have you missed a particular sermon or homily? Is there one you’d like to see again? Click the link below to access our new You Tube channel where we upload videos of our Sunday messages.
Now available:
Encounter – Nov. 14th (Rev. Pelley)
It’s Complicated – Nov. 7th (Heather Petit)
Click here to access our You Tube channel! (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChRFPbSookb9m3PV6DMtbHg)
** Considerations for Safe Church Operations
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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)
** 2022 Generosity Campaign Underway
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The Mill Creek 2022 Generosity Campaign is underway! The Generosity (pledge) Campaign runs from January through December 2022. Pledge cards have been mailed to members and friends. (If you haven’t received yours in the next few days, please let us know.)
You can make your pledge of financial support in one of the following ways:
* return the pledge card by mail in the envelope provided; OR
* access your Realm profile (https://onrealm.org/MillCreek/SignIn) , go to your Giving page and select the +Pledge button, then click on 2022 Generosity Campaign; OR
* email the church office (mailto:administrator@uusmc.org) with the amount of your pledge; OR
* Click on the Pledge Now button below
Did you know?
Electronic giving through Realm is easy and secure.
What it offers you: the opportunity to schedule your pledge payments over time. You can set up a recurring weekly, monthly or quarterly schedule to suit your budget.
What it offers your church: a constant and predictable source of income.
However you decide to make your pledge, we hope to have all commitments by Monday, November 22nd. Contact the church office (mailto:administrator@uusmc.org) with any questions you have.
Thank you for your support!
Use the easy link below to make your pledge today!
Pledge Now (https://onrealm.org/MillCreek/AddPledge/2022generosity)
** 2021 Generosity Campaign Ends December 31st
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As we gear up for our new Generosity Campaign, now is a good time to see where your are with your current pledge payments. Check your giving profile in Realm, or give us a call at 302-369-2712, or contact the church office using the button below.
Click here to contact us via email (mailto:administrator@uusmc.org?subject=2021%20Generosity%20Campaign)
** Financial Report for Period Ending October 31, 2021
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For the month of October, 2021, Mill Creek ran a deficit of $6,015 of expenses over income. This brings us to a fiscal year-to-date deficit of $20,233.
With 33.3% of the budget year elapsed, we have thus far earned 21.23% of our projected income, but have spent 30.24% of our projected expenses.
We are receiving rental income from The Music School which will contribute to the $9000 projected (budgeted) income for all rentals. It is expected that the Home School may begin again in January, but that is not yet definite.
At the end of October, there are 53 open pledges remaining for the 2021 Giving Campaign, totaling $43,504. This is a decrease of 10 open pledges and about $9K in payments during October. Rev. Pelley reported at the Finance Committee that he believes approximately $35K is fairly likely to be collected before the campaign ends.
At the time of the Finance Committee, approximately $68K had been pledged for 2022 Giving Campaign.
The Finance Committee will prepare a mid-year budget review of the 21-22 budget for the Congregational meeting in January.
The procedures and timelines for producing a budget for 22-23 were reviewed at the Finance Committee meeting.
Submitted by Ann Draper
** Board of Trustees Meeting Quick Look Report
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Wednesday, 17 November, 6:30pm on Zoom
Consent Agenda
September Board Meeting minutes
Reports
Treasurer
Discussion
COVID-19 Statistics – New Castle’s COVID cases are on the increase
The board welcomed our new member, Steve Selph
The Board created the Goal Team responsible for the annual meeting presentations on ministry
Interest in Children and Youth RE will be determined via registration
Second Sabbatical Communications meeting will be held in early December
Midyear Review assumptions were developed for the finance committee
2021-22 Budget Assumptions were reviewed
Status of Generosity campaign and schedule for follow up calls
Adjourn
** Share Our Plate: November & December
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We regularly donate a portion of our undesignated plate collection to a local charity or non-profit organization.
For the months of November and December we have selected:
Life Lines Program at West End Neighborhood House.
Established in 1979 and based in Wilmington, West End Neighborhood House offers a wide array of support services throughout the state of Delaware designed to resolve complex social challenges. Their outcomes-driven programming includes education and employment programs, financial services, housing, and much more, including services for foster care youth through their Life Lines Program.
This program offers services for foster care youth ages 18-23 through intensive case management. For 20 years they have offered housing, education, and employment training to youth both in and emancipated from foster care. They are expanding their program through the construction of their Drop-In Center. When complete it will serve unaccompanied homeless youth, including those who have experienced the foster care system, as well as those who identify as belonging to the LGBTQ+ community. It will offer 33 beds including an ADA-compliant efficiency unit. While not a homeless shelter, the Center will provide supportive services these youth need to reintegrate into society and become self-reliant, including education, physical and mental health services, drug & alcohol prevention & treatment, job training & placement, and more.
For more information about the program, click on the link below:
LEARN MORE about Life Lines Program (https://westendnh.org/programs/life-lines-programs/)
For more inspiration, click the link below to watch a short video:
WATCH the video here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jN8Tto-thoE)
To support this program, click on the link below to donate:
DONATE to Share Our Plate (https://onrealm.org/MillCreek/-/give/now)
**Be sure to select ‘Share Our Plate’ as the giving fund**
** Newark Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
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Tuesday, November 23rd – 7:30 pm
Newark United Methodist Church (https://newark-umc.org/wp/)
69 East Main Street, Newark, DE
302-368-3774
Seed Gathering and
Tree Care Event
Sunday, December 5th
Immediately after church service, 11:15-ish
Highlights:
* Hunt, collect & spread seeds
* Seed swap
* Tree care
Everyone is welcome to join us when we search our meadows and woodlots for seeds to collect and scatter to encourage the growth and spread of more native plants and flowers. We will be looking for Milkweed (as shown above), Goldenrod, Aster, Joe Pye Weed, Brown-Eyed Susan, Butterfly Milkweed, Mountain Mint and Cardinal Flower to name a few. We’ll show you what to look for!
To help improve conditions for wildlife, birds, and pollinators in our area and to promote the importance of backyard habitats, some of the seeds we collect can be taken home to encourage participation in this effort. Conversely, we are interested in other native tree and shrub seeds that you may have in your own yard for a seed swap! We are especially interested in White Oak, Red Oak, American Beech, Sycamore, White Pine, Red Maple, Tulip, Viburnum, or whatever you may be able to offer.
We will also be providing necessary care and attention to our trees, especially the 26 trees we planted last month. This may include weeding, watering, mulching, cage repairs, etc. We’ll show you what needs doing!
Bring or wear appropriate clothing for the weather, including possible messy conditions. Please bring work gloves, gardening tools, and a bucket or other container for collecting the seeds.
Please contact Amy White (mailto:Amywwhite@comcast.net) or Jamie Kegerise (mailto:jamie@dsofurniture.com) with questions or for additional information.
With names like butterflyweed, milkweed, ironweed, and Joe Pye Weed, you can be sure these plants were not named by a marketing person.
-Neil Diboll
**
Chalice
Circle
Openings
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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.
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 Evening Circle:
Meets twice a month, 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 6:15 pm
Thursday Afternoon Circle
Meets twice a month, 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 12:30 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 Next Read
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Join the book group on Tuesday, January 4th at 7 pm on Zoom for a discussion of Janesville: An American Story by Amy Goldstein (http://www.amygoldsteinwriter.com/janesville/) .
The Zoom link can be found on the church calendar (https://www.uusmc.org/news/calendar/)
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
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** Upcoming Events in Pennsylvania
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Electronic Recycling Day
Anything with a plug!
Saturday, November 20th
9 am – 12 pm
Registration Required
East Goshen Township Park is holding an Electronic Recycling Day to recycle obsolete electronics. They will accept just about anything with a plug: from cell phones, cameras, keyboards, and calculators…to fax machines, printers, dehumidifiers and small appliances. (No large appliances or smoke detectors will be accepted.) Services provided by eForce Recycling (http://www.eforcerecycling.com/Home/tabid/877/Default.aspx) . Some fees may apply, use the links below to find out more and to register.
East Goshen Township Park (https://eastgoshen.org/park-and-rec/)
1661 Paoli Pike
West Chester, PA 19380
(610) 692-7171
LEARN MORE about Recycling Day here (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/electronic-waste-recycling-registration-163866871223)
REGISTER here (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/electronic-waste-recycling-registration-163866871223)
ANNA Family Reunion
Saturday, December 11th
7:30 pm
Free Concert!
ANNA Crusis Feminist Choir (formerly ANNA Crusis Women’s Choir, learn about their recent name change here (https://annacrusis.org/annas-evolution/) ) invites you to a live performance in Center City, Philadelphia featuring familiar favorites along with new selections. The concert is free with an opportunity for a freewill offering. Use the link below for all the details, including information about their safety protocols and accessibility
Venue:
The Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion (https://www.lc-hc.org/)
2110 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA
215-567-3668
Concert details here! (https://annacrusis.org/anna-family-reunion/)
** Upcoming Events in Delaware
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Christmas in Odessa
Saturday, December 4th
10 am to 5 pm
The town of Odessa welcomes all to the 57th annual Christmas in Odessa, a self-guided walking tour of private homes and public buildings, many dating from the 18th and 19th centuries, all decorated for the holidays. In addition to the tour there is a Christmas Craft Shop at one location and freshly cut greens for sale at another, featuring wreath making demonstrations. Use the link below for ticket information and other details.
Info: Christmas in Odessa (https://www.christmasinodessa.com/)
New Castle County Art Studio offers classes year-round for artists of all ages, skill levels and abilities. You can register for single-session workshops or multi-session classes on weekdays or weekends. Classes include potter, drawing, painting, weaving, mixed media, fibers, jewelry, Saturday child and teen classes, family classes, summer camps, and more.
The Art Studio is having a pottery sale just time for holiday gift giving where you’ll find beautiful pieces of handmade pottery. Visit the Studio Monday, December 6th through Wednesday, December 8th from 10 am to 8 pm to browse and shop. Use the link below to find out more about the Art Studio, the classes offered, and how to register.
New Castle County Art Studio
310 Kiamensi Road
Wilmington, Delaware
302-995-7661
Learn more about the Art Studio and how to register for classes ()
** Upcoming Event in Maryland
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https://waterfowlfestival.org/
Chesapeake Inn
605 Second Street,
Chesapeake CIty, Maryland
(410) 885-2040
Don’t feel like cooking this year? Put Chesapeake City in your navigation app and prepare yourself for a Thanksgiving buffet featuring all the traditional favorites with some Eastern Shore staples included. Reservations are required for seatings 11 am to 7 pm. Adults: $49.95; Children: $12.95 (5-12 years); 4 and under are free. Use the links below for more information including the mouth-watering menu, and for reservations.
More information & Menu (https://www.chesapeakeinn.com/menu/thanksgivingmenu/)
Reservations (https://www.chesapeakeinn.com/reservations/)
** News from the UUA, the Central East Region, and the Delmarva Cluster
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** Our Whole Lives:
OWL Facilitator Training Sessions Available
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Our Whole Lives (OWL) is a comprehensive, lifespan sexuality education curricula that helps participants make informed and responsible decisions about their relationships, sexual health and behavior. This program provides accurate, developmentally appropriate information about a range of topics, including relationships, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, sexual health, and cultural influences on sexuality.
The OWL program requires trained facilitators to offer the curricula. BuxMont UU Fellowship in Bucks County, Pennsylvania is hosting an in-person OWL training event for grades 7-9 and 10-12, on Friday, December 3rd through Sunday, December 5th. Registration fee is $300.
Use the links below to learn more about the training session, to request the registration form, and learn more about OWL program.
LEARN more about the TRAINING EVENT here (https://www.uua.org/re/owl/trainings/calendar/owl-facilitator-training-7-9/10-12-warrington-pa)
REQUEST the REGISTRATION FORM here (mailto:dre@buxmontuu.org?subject=OWL%20facilitator%20training%20reqistration)
LEARN more about the OWL PROGRAM here (https://www.uua.org/re/owl)
** UUA Updated Gathering Guidance
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We continue to turn to the public health professionals who have been advising us throughout the pandemic.
The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) has updated their gathering guidance as of October 21, 2021.
Click here to learn more (https://www.uuabookstore.org/Default.aspx)
https://www.uua.org/central-east
**
Opportunities for Connection: Central East Region Update
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NOVEMBER 2021
Opportunities for Connection – click here to learn more (https://uua874.activehosted.com/index.php?action=social&chash=17f98ddf040204eda0af36a108cbdea4.5575&s=8983449a6b0e04757c2c9729fa49f044)
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