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:
** Congregational Life
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** Upcoming events, meetings and news to know
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** Pride Service and Campfire
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Everyone is welcome to join us this Saturday, June 24th at 6:30 pm for a special Worship Service to celebrate Pride and learn about its history. The service will be followed by a Pride Campfire at 7:30 where we will share stories about Pride, LGBTQIA history and coming out. Contact Jenn Broomfield (mailto:jennbroomfield@gmail.com?subject=Pride%20Service%20%26%20Campfire) with any questions.
** Church Office Closure
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The church office will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, July 3 and 4, for the Independence Day holiday.
** Mill Creek Annual Report
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The Annual Report can be Read HERE (https://www.uusmc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023-mill-creek-annual-report.pdf)
** Wanted: Lead RE Teacher
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Click HERE for specific job qualifications (https://www.uusmc.org/wp-content/uploads/UUSMC-RE-teacher-qualifications-June-2023-1-2.pdf)
Click HERE to contact the Religious Education Team (mailto:dre@uusmc.org?subject=Lead%20RE%20Teacher)
** In Need of a Digital Detox?
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(We can help with that…!)
Electronics are a part of everyone’s life – from young kids to senior citizens. The obvious advantages include providing a source of news and entertainment, making it easier to purchase the things we need, and helping to maintain contact with family and friends.
But there is growing evidence showing the negative effects of too much screen time on adults and children, including:
* Obesity
* Sleep problems
* Behavioral issues
* Chronic neck and back pain
* Depression and anxiety
* Struggles with academic performance
* Impaired vision
But the GOOD NEWS is there are several ways to break the cycle of overuse, such as reading books and magazines, having dedicated family game nights, connecting with people in real life and seeking out face-to-face interaction, developing a hobby, or working on a home improvement project. But most experts agree the number one way to successfully reduce screen time is to avail oneself of the natural world – GET OUTSIDE!
You can work in your own yard, visit a local park, work in a community garden…or join our Natural Lands Stewards when they meet every Wednesday afternoon around 5:30 pm (or slightly later) to water and tend to our young trees and maintain the health and vibrancy of our meadows and grounds. We encourage everyone drop by – no gardening experience or knowledge is required. Bring gardening gloves & tools and a kneeling pad if you have them.
Contact Jamie Kegerise (mailto:jamie@dsofurniture.com) or Amy White (mailto:amywwhite@comcast.net) for more information.
** Collection for #2, #4 & #5 Recyclable Plastics Continues
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We are continuing our collection of clean, dry, empty plastics stamped with #2, #4, and/or #5 to support our park bench project. See Ann Draper or Janice Buckwalter with questions.
We have placed an order for 9 park benches with Eco Plastic Products of Delaware, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that recycles eligible plastic and transforms it into consumer products. They use recyclable plastic marked #2, #4 and #5 ONLY in their process. Learn more using the buttons below.
Learn more about this organization and the work they do. (https://www.ecoplasticproducts.org/)
What plastics can be used for this project? Click here for a quick guide. (https://www.ecoplasticproducts.org/about-recycling)
** Coming of Age Program at Mill Creek
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CONTACT us about this program HERE (mailto:dre@uusmc.org?subject=Coming%20of%20Age%20Program)
LEARN more about the UU Coming of Age Ritual HERE (https://www.uua.org/worship/holidays/coming-age)
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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 May and June we are supporting:
Urban Bike Project
Located on North Walnut Street in Wilmington, Urban Bike Project (UBP) supports Wilmington communities by providing access to bicycling as a healthy, affordable, and practical means of transportation and recreation. Bicycles provide reliable, healthy, and emissions-free transportation. UBP’s work is guided by three core principles: open access for all Wilmington residents, opportunities for residents to build self-sufficiency, and community-driven programming that is responsive to resident needs. UBP offers a wide array of services: open-shop hours for repairs; retail-only hours; youth-only shop hours; a free bike program; several youth programs including build-a-bike summer camp; instruction classes; and a variety of other services, events, and networking opportunities.
Learn more about UBP here (http://www.urbanbikeproject.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
June 25, 2023
10:30 am
Join Rev. Greg for his final sermon as our minister :
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Join us this Sunday when Rev. Greg shares his final sermon with us. A special choir has been assembled to perform for this service. Everyone is welcome to join us as we bid a fond farewell.
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
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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** Clifford Brown Jazz Festival:
Now through Saturday in Wilmington
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Each year, the city of Wilmington remembers a brilliant trumpet player, unforgettable composer, and dynamic entertainer whose name and legacy are celebrated at the annual Clifford Brown Jazz Festival, which has grown into the largest FREE jazz festival on the East Coast.
The multi-day celebration of the music, culture, and art of jazz takes place in Wilmington’s Rodney Square, located just a few short blocks away from “Brownie’s” childhood home, and features jazz artists from all over the world.
Get all the info about the festival HERE (https://cliffordbrownjazzfest.org/)
** News from the UUA, the Central East Region, and the Delmarva Cluster
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** Rev. Susan Frederick-Grey Bids Farewell
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Rev. Frederick-Grey reflects on her tenure as UUA President:
I am proud of the work we have done to advance cultural and institutional change at the UUA, to nurture and sustain an increasingly diverse UUA staff, and to provide guidance rooted in our values and care for the most vulnerable throughout the pandemic. I am also tremendously proud of the work across our Association to invest in Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities in Unitarian Universalism, to defend democracy, expand UU organizing work for justice, and provide inspiration and spiritual care through these times of enormous challenge and change.
I’m also incredibly excited for what comes next. The pastoral and theological depth of our nominee for President, the Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt, is the leadership we need. I know the amazing transformative work of the UUA will continue with Rev. Sofía’s leadership.
I also know the road ahead is not smooth – our leaders and our next President will need your support, your prayers, and your generosity. I ask that you support the next President as fully as you have supported me and more so!
We are at an important moment in our country, across the planet, and as Unitarian Universalists. This is a time to come together, in covenant and care, as we navigate all that comes next. I am grateful for the continuity and steadfastness we have in this moment of transition – for all the religious professionals, leaders, groups, and congregations who continue to move this faith forward every day. And I am especially grateful for the dedicated work of UUA staff, who tend to, and sustain our web of interconnection with courage and commitment.
It has truly been my honor to serve alongside you all. Thank you for your generous support of me and of the UUA throughout these years. We have done amazing things, and I know this work will continue. I share this video message as a loving farewell.
View the video message HERE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWoNriK1yuU)
https://www.uua.org/central-east
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Opportunities for Connection: Central East Region Update
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JUNE 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=b1f62fa99de9f27a048344d55c5ef7a6.6064&s=8983449a6b0e04757c2c9729fa49f044)