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Unitarian Universalist Society of Mill Creek
We are a community that invites you to awaken to love.
IN THIS ISSUE
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This week, we invite you:
Editor’s Note:
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** Congregational Life
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** Upcoming events, meetings and news to know
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** REMINDER: Building Access Code Has Changed
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We have implemented a new keyless entry code policy. New codes have been assigned to each category of building access groups: one-time renters, multi-use renters, church membership, etc. The access code for church membership will change every 3-5 years, or as needed to maintain appropriate building security.
The new access code for church membership is now in effect and will not be broadcast – it is available on a request basis by contacting the church office by phone (302-367-2712) or by email (administrator@uusmc.org (mailto:administrator@uusmc.org?subject=keyless%20entry%20code) ).
** Transition Committee Update
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Thank you to those who have responded to Step 2 of our “Virtual Dialogue.” For those who chose to participate, you should have received Step 3, a unique aspect of this process. Step 3 provides a customized, personalized subset of opinions where there is misalignment. Each person will receive a different subset based on your responses in Step 2 compared to others. We are seeking reasoning, insights, and experience to help the transition planning process.
When responding to Step 3, you may find it helpful to read and consider the Mill Creek Values, Beliefs and Mission statement. You can find it on the church website (www.uusmc.org/about/) or you can easily access it here (https://www.uusmc.org/about/) .
The deadline for Step 3 is Sunday, April 16. Thank you for your participation!
On Sunday, April 23, after the worship service, Tracy Morgan will share the results that the Transition Committee will use as it begins planning. The presentation will last approximately 45 minutes. It will also be recorded and featured on the church YouTube channel.
** Thinking about membership?
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** Volunteer Spotlight
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We have a new and sturdy mailbox installed, thanks to David Bonner. Check it out the next time you’re at church.
** SERVICE AUCTION UPDATES
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Donations Needed
We are collecting donations for both the live and silent auctions. After all, without items to bid on, there would be no auction! Contact our auction specialist, David Bonner (david@DLSK.net – or use the link below), today with your donations, or questions.
Click HERE to donate today! (mailto:david@dlsk.net?subject=My%20Service%20Auction%20Donations)
Volunteer Commitments Needed
Friday May 5: table pick-up from Newark Senior Center and unloading (12 tables, truck will be needed); set-up of all tables & chairs.
Saturday May 6: set-up of online auction items for pick-up by winning bidders; ticket sales at the door, including assignment & distribution of auction paddles; beverage table set-up and tending; breakdown & final cleanup.
Monday May 8: return tables to NSC.
Click HERE to let us know how you can help (mailto:jcab621@gmail.com)
Tickets On Sale Now Stop by the table in the gathering space this Sunday to get your tickets at the advance price of $20 each, payable with cash, or by check to ‘UUSMC’ (or pay $25 at the door on auction day). Or….use the link below to purchase yours online.
Click HERE to purchase your tickets (https://onrealm.org/MillCreek/PublicRegistrations/Event?linkString=ZTFjOWRiYzgtNDU4OC00OTQ3LWI3NzAtYWZkYjAwZmQ2YWRj)
If you have any questions about your donations, the process, or anything related to the Auction, feel free to reach out to our Auction Specialist, David Bonner, by CLICKING HERE (mailto:david@dlsk.net) .
Mark your calendar and plan to join us on Saturday, May 6th!
Did you know…? Service Auction tickets make great gifts and are a wonderful way to introduce Mill Creek to others. Purchase extra tickets for your friends, family and neighbors!
** April and May Potluck Sundays – Change in Dates
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Due to the timing of Easter and Mother’s Day, with each one falling on second Sundays, we are changing the dates of our April and May potlucks by postponing them to the following week.
Plan to join us for good food and warm fellowship after the worship services on Sunday April 16 and May 21 when you may bring a main or side dish, finger food, beverage, or dessert to share, if you wish.
** Choir Volunteers Needed for Special Service
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We’re seeking volunteers to participate in Rev. Greg’s final service on Sunday, June 25th when we plan to include a Farewell Choir Send-Off.
If you’ve ever sung in the church choir, or any choir at all, we’d love to have you be a part of this special event to honor Rev. Greg and benefit the whole Mill Creek community! Help us remember what real choir music sounds like and give Rev. Greg a royal send-off with our blessing. We will perform two or three pieces. Some preparation will be necessary, but the music should be fairly easy to learn, and will be familiar to former choir members. Click the button below to let us know you’d like to participate.
I want to sing! (mailto:music@uusmc.org?subject=special%20choir%20event)
**
Current Share Our Plate Recipient
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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 March and April we are supporting:
Conscious Connections, Inc.
Conscious Connections (CCI) is a black-owned urban farm located in Wilmington, Delaware. Their mission is to uplift underserved and marginalized populations through exposure, education, and economic opportunities in the arts and agriculture.
They offer a variety of youth programs and engage young adults in farm-based training and experience which is designed to prepare them for work in agriculture, landscaping, and maintenance. They also offer seasonal Market Fresh Boxes during the summer months, host community workshops such as candle-making using wax procured from their beehive and sell the honey it produces. They give back to the community by having clothing and meal giveaways coordinated with local residents. By their outreach efforts and offering a safe place for local youth, CCI is contributing to the quality of life for many.
Learn more about CCI here (https://www.consciousconnectionsinc.com/)
Support this organization with your online donation HERE. Be sure to select ‘Share Our Plate’ as the giving fund. (https://onrealm.org/MillCreek/-/give/now)
** Sunday Worship Service Information
April 9, 2023
10:30 am
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Join Rev. Greg Pelley
as he shares his sermon:
Music for the morning will be performed by the Giocatore Quartet featuring University of Delaware graduates and undergraduates: Kathryn Tuttle, Violin I; Dorothy Marks, Violin II; Casey Lebkicker, Viola; and Gabrielle Palfi, cello.
Connect With Us In-Person
10:30 am
* Service begins at 10:30 am
* Masking protocol will be posted at each entrance
* Children’s RE programming is available for ages 4 and up
* We are currently unable to offer Child Care (infant/toddler, ages 0 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 & easy access on Sunday morning), OR
* Get the link by accessing the church calendar (https://uusmc.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8c80a09d53a8aec43de675d26&id=a404d3fb3e&e=9e32ea5753) (https://www.uusmc.org/news/calendar/ (https://uusmc.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8c80a09d53a8aec43de675d26&id=3386b49cce&e=9e32ea5753) )
Sunday Livestream – CLICK HERE (https://zoom.us/j/97806427419)
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. Gregory S. Pelley, Minister
minister@uusmc.org (mailto:minister@uusmc.org)
302-369-2712
To request an in-person, teleconference or Zoom meeting with Rev. Greg, use the link below to schedule:
Request a meeting with Rev. Greg – click HERE (http://calendly.com/gpelley)
Debra Damiani, Congregational Administrator
Monday 9 am to 2 pm, Monday-Thursday
administrator@uusmc.org (mailto:administrator@uusmc.org)
302-369-2712
** Happening in Our Local Community
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** Free Tree to Delmarva Residential Customers
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Delmarva Power is collaborating with the Arbor Day Foundation and is once again sponsoring the Energy-Saving Trees Program, which provides one free tree to DPL residential customers.
You read that right – A FREE TREE!
It is a unique program designed to help you better understand where to plant trees on your property for maximum energy savings. The best part is, you get a tree delivered to your home – for free! Their interactive tool helps you to locate the best location on your property to maximize your energy savings.
Trees currently available:
Bald Cypress, Eastern Redbud, Red Maple, River Birch
Click the button below to get started in 4 easy steps. They go fast – reserve your free tree today!
Reserve your FREE TREE here (https://energysavingtrees.arborday.org/?partnerCode=07020#Start)
** Family Promise to Host 5k Run & Walk
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Family Promise of Northern New Castle County is hosting their first 5k Run & Walk fundraising event on Sunday, April 16. The purpose of this event is to bring awareness to the issues surrounding homelessness and Family Promise’s role in assisting those who are experiencing it.
Location: The Green
UD Campus, Newark
Start time: 12 pm (registration & check-in at 11 am)
Click here to learn more, register, or donate (https://www.familypromisede.org/5k2023)
2022 in Review:
148 families served
450 parents & children housed
88% positive outcomes
67 average days to housing
** News from the UUA, the Central East Region, and the Delmarva Cluster
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** A Statement in Response to the Nashville, TN School Shooting
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“Recently, three adults and three children were killed at an elementary school in Nashville, Tennessee in a mass shooting that also left the shooter dead. With rage and heartbreak, we acknowledge this horrific act of violence: both the unique, precious lives taken and the all-too-common manner in which this violence was perpetuated.”
Read Side With Love’s full statement HERE (https://sidewithlove.org/ourstories/2023/3/29/a-statement-in-response-to-the-nashville-school-shooting)
https://www.uua.org/central-east
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Opportunities for Connection: Central East Region Update
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APRIL 2023
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://uua874.activehosted.com/index.php?action=social&chash=2d71b2ae158c7c5912cc0bbde2bb9d95.6022&s=8983449a6b0e04757c2c9729fa49f044)
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** Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/UUSMC)
** Website (https://www.uusmc.org)
** Instagram (http://instagram.com/millcreekuu)
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