Weekly Invitation - July 13, 2023 - Unitarian Universalist Society of Mill Creek

Posted on July 13, 2023 Posted By: Office Administrator Categories: News

Unitarian Universalist Society of Mill Creek
We are a community that invites you to awaken to love.
IN THIS ISSUE
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Or…continue scrolling so you don’t miss anything!

This week, we invite you:

** Congregational Life
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** Upcoming events, meetings and news to know
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** Mobile Food Pantry Comes Again to Mill Creek
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We are partnering again with the Food Bank of Delaware to host a mobile food pantry on Monday, July 31st, 11 am to 1 pm. This event is open to all in need – feel free to share as appropriate.

Volunteers are needed – please arrive by 10:30 am if you’re able to assist.

** PFLAG Wilmington Seeks to Expand Leadership Team
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PFLAG Wilmington has recently announced that long-term president Jim Bianchetta is stepping down from this position effective October 1st. As a result, they are seeking to replace Jim and also increase their leadership. Without an effective leadership team, PFLAG Wilmington will not continue to exist in northern Delaware.

By meeting people where they are and collaborating with others, PFLAG realizes its vision through: Support for families, allies and people who are LGBTQ+; Education for ourselves and others about the unique issues and challenges facing people who are LGBTQ+; and Advocacy in our communities to change attitudes and create policies and laws that achieve full equality for people who are LGBTQ+. They have supported our local LGBTQ+ community in a multitude of ways – read more here. (https://www.pflagwilmde.org/about/what-we-do)
If you have questions about this organization, their leadership, or the work they do – click HERE (mailto:pflagwilmde.pres@gmail.com)
If you’d like to be considered for leadership, click HERE to complete a simple online leadership questionnaire (https://www.pflagwilmde.org/about/E-Board-Search)
Can’t commit to leadership but still want to help in some way? Click here! (https://www.pflagwilmde.org/how-can-i-help)

** How You Can Stay Safe in the Sun this Summer
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“…it’s a smile, it’s a kiss, it’s a sip of wine … it’s summertime!”
-Kenny Chesney
All of us welcome the summer season with open arms and enjoy spending time outside to work in the garden, sit on a beach, have a barbeque, get exercise…and we know that being outdoors helps to reduce stress and gives us that all-important dose of Vitamin D. However, extreme heat or over exposure to the sun can pose a significant health risk, especially for young children, the elderly, anyone on medication, or those with a chronic medical condition.

We’ve gathered a few reminders about how to stay safe in the sun:

Stay hydrated. Begin drinking plenty of water in the morning and continue throughout the day – don’t wait until you feel thirsty. Avoid coffee, alcohol, or sugary drinks before going in the sun.

Protect against sunburn. Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool itself, so protect yourself by liberally applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF factor of 15 or higher – including ears, hands and feet – even if you’re only in the sun periodically. Remember to reapply after being in the sun for prolonged periods. And check the expiration date!

Pay attention to warnings on medications. Many common medications can affect the body’s ability to stay hydrated or dissipate heat – or cause photosensitivity, a chemically induced change in the skin. Look for and heed warnings about heat-related problems on any medicines you may be taking.

Take it easy during the hottest parts of the day. The cooler parts of the day – early morning and late evening – are the best times to exercise or perform physical labor. Take frequent breaks in shady, cool, or air-conditioned spaces.

Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing. Your body needs to cool properly so avoid wearing excess or tight-fitting clothing. Consider wearing long-sleeved but lightweight shirts and/or pants – some have an SPF factor woven into the material. Also recommended: sunglasses and a hat. And don’t forget to cover your feet!

Check the UV Index before going out. The UV Index provides a daily forecast of the expected intensity of UV radiation from the sun.You can check it here by entering your zip code. (https://enviro.epa.gov/envirofacts/uv/search)

Pay attention to signs of heat exhaustion. These include headache, dizziness, nausea, and heat rash. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should immediately try cooling measures such as drinking cold water, taking a cool bath or shower, or applying cool, wet towels to exposed skin. If symptoms do not improve, seek medical attention.

BLOCK THE SUN…NOT THE FUN!

** Religious Education at Mill Creek
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Lead Teacher Wanted: we are looking for an experienced teacher to facilitate a mixed age RE classroom on Sunday mornings. This is a paid, part-time position.

Coming of Age Program: we are planning to offer this program which is designed for teenagers to learn more about the UU faith and help them to articulate their own beliefs.
Click HERE to request more information (mailto:dre@uusmc.org)

** Join us for our next Summer Campfire
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Everyone is welcome to join us for our next Summer Campfire on Saturday, July 22nd at 7:30 pm (weather permitting). Meet us in the Memorial Grove* and bring your favorite lawn or camp chair, or a blanket, and all your comforts (beverages, bug spray, etc.). *Note that there is a slight grassy incline leading to the campfire site.

This is a good opportunity to invite someone – friend, family member, neighbor – to join our gathering and enjoy fellowship, singing, poetry, and storytelling.

Questions? Ask Jamie Kegerise. (mailto:jamie@dsofurniture.com)

Did you know…?

The memorial grove is situated at a very good vantage point to see the sunset as this picture will show; it was taken during summer solstice, 2020.

**
Three Social Justice Opportunities
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Family Promise Mission: To prevent and end homelessness for families by engaging volunteers, donors, and the faith community.
Family Promise of Northern New Castle County (https://www.familypromisede.org/) is a non-profit organization that works to prevent and end homelessness by engaging an interfaith hospitality network. Mill Creek is a support congregation in this network and we are committed to assist in this effort a few times a year by providing meals for families currently receiving assistance.

We will be providing dinners to Family Promise families on Tuesday and Thursday of next week, July 18th and 20th. We need your support in providing meals for 4 families (6 adults & 11 children), and volunteers to serve at the Jesus House Dining Room. If you can help out in any capacity, please let us know by contacting Prakash Vaidy by email – use the link below.
Email Prakash HERE (mailto:prakvaid58@gmail.com?subject=Family%20Promise)

For more than 35 years, Friendship House (https://www.friendshiphousede.org/) has served the Delaware community with the support of volunteers, donors, community affiliates, and faith partners.
Serving more than 10,000 people annually through their programs, they aim to fill gaps and support those experiencing homelessness, houselessness, and both. Regardless of one’s story or how they come to FH, they believe everyone deserves a place to call home.

Here are a few ways you can help Friendship House continue their efforts:
* Volunteer at one of 5 Empowerment Centers (weekdays in Wilmington, Richardson Park, Newark, Middletown, or Dover)
* Volunteer at their Clothing Bank (weekdays in Wilmington)
* Host an ‘Item Drive’ (hygiene items, paper products, cleaning supplies, clothing, school uniforms, underwear & socks, etc.)
* Provide a meal for one of FH’s transitional houses (weekdays/weekends in Wilmington)
* Help tend their gardens (weekdays/weekends in Wilmington)

Want to help? Fill out a volunteer application HERE (https://www.friendshiphousede.org/delaware-homeless/i-want-to-help/volunteer-application/)

First Unitarian Church Becomes Host Congregation for Tanzanian Family – Seeks Volunteers & Assistance
First Unitarian Church Wilmington, working with the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) and its Congregational Accompaniment Project for Asylum Seekers (CAPAS) (https://www.uusc.org/initiatives/asylum-is-a-human-right-uuscs-congregational-accompaniment-project-for-asylum-seekers-capas/) , and Nemours Children’s Hospital, became a host congregation for a mother and son from Tanzania in March 2023.

First U has a Core Team working diligently to provide support for this family along with volunteers who help directly with the family and others that support program administration. Opportunities for support of this project include financial, language/employment training, transportation, and social/spiritual outings. You can learn more about these opportunities here. (https://firstuuwilm.org/2023/05/24/capas-corner-celebrating-the-big-things/)
Volunteer Interest Form – click HERE (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScbQqOVty4467QPUPYxWX2bnnNRqQgVr13hi7jX5zlYGhi4og/viewform)
Have a question for the Core Team? Click HERE (mailto:CAPASAsylumProject@firstuuwilm.org)

** Sunday Worship Service Information
July 16, 2023
10:30 am

Join Mill Creek member Abbie Seifert
for her message…
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This Sunday, Abbie provides an opportunity for us to consider our relationship to feelings, both our own and those of others.

Music for the morning will be performed by returning guest musicians Chris and Jeanmarie Braddock.
Connect With Us In-Person
* 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
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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** Wilmington Street Food Festival this Weekend
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The Wilmington Street Food Festival is coming to the Delaware Riverfront this Saturday, July 15 and Sunday, July 16.

This event will feature the Wilmington area’s best restaurants & food trucks! Food items will be priced at $5 or less in order for guests to sample as many vendors as possible. Also featured: live entertainment, general vendors, free shuttle buses (for parking), axe throwing, mechanical bull riding, free hard seltzer sampling (VIP ticket holders), crazy eating challenges, family-friendly activities, break dancing demonstration, kids fun zone & more!. Click the link below for tickets and more information.

Wilmington Street Food Festival
Tubman Garret Riverfront Park
Rosa Parks Drive
Wilmington, Delaware
Street Food Festival – click HERE (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wilmington-street-food-festival-tickets-635459445307)

** News from the UUA, the Central East Region, and the Delmarva Cluster
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** UUA Bookstore Featured Read
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With a thoughtful story and lush watercolor illustrations, Desmond Gets Free by Matt Meyer introduces young readers to timely and nuanced concepts of justice and liberation in a kid-friendly way. Available now for pre-order at InSpirit: UU Book & Gift Shop.
Get the book HERE (https://www.uuabookstore.org/Desmond-Gets-Free-P19560.aspx?_gl=1*11nx7df*_ga*ODIyNDA0OTE1LjE2ODU1NDQ3NjU.*_ga_CN7F7RET4F*MTY4OTA5MzQ2Mi4yMi4xLjE2ODkwOTM2MjAuMC4wLjA.)
https://www.uua.org/central-east

**
Opportunities for Connection: Central East Region Update
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JULY 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.

This month: Chalice Lighter Program Revamped, Helpful Habits Board Retreat, UU Network Palooza, and more.
Opportunities for Connection – click here to learn more (https://uua874.activehosted.com/index.php?action=social&chash=a92c274b8be496fb05d95033552eeddd.6176&s=8983449a6b0e04757c2c9729fa49f044)

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Weekly Invitation – July 13, 2023

Weekly Invitation – July 13, 2023