Here’s what’s happening at Mill Creek:
** Sunday Worship Service Information
December 7, 2025
10:30 am
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This week we turn toward Bodhi Day, the Buddhist celebration of the Buddha’s awakening under the Bodhi tree. In our Unitarian Universalist way, we honor this holy day not as observers from the outside, but as partners in a multi-faith season that invites all of us to wake up—to presence, to compassion, to the truth of our interconnected lives.
We will light a candle for Bodhi Day alongside our Advent wreath, continuing our practice of honoring the many sources that guide our shared spiritual journey. Join us for this service, featuring Rev. Christe’s sermon, “The Gift of Presence.”
Music for this service will be offered by Jacob Fullinwider. Jacob is currently pursuing a Masters in Percussion Performance and is a member of the University of Delaware Graduate Percussion Group. Prior to graduate school, he studied percussion at the University of North Texas. During his time at UNT, Jacob was involved in the African Ensemble, Afro Cuban Ensemble, Two O’Clock Steel Band, Gamelan Ensemble, Brazilian Ensemble, South Indian Ensemble, Jazz Chamber Music Ensemble, UNT Studio Orchestra, Lab Orchestra, Baroque Orchestra, and was the Principal Timpanist for the 2023 Symphony Orchestra. In 2022, Fullinwider received first prize for the Percussive Arts Society International Convention Snare Drum Competition and was awarded both the Christopher Deane & Deborah Mashburn Performance Scholarships. While in the Dallas area, he has performed with the Mesquite Symphony Orchestra, Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra, Coppell Community Orchestra, North Central Texas Winds, and the Dallas Brass Band. While in Delaware he has performed with Batalá Philly and The Philadelphia Pan Stars. He has participated in the Warner Brothers Film Orchestra Intensive, the International Timpani Intensive, the Bang On a Can Summer Festival, the American Percussion Seminar, and the Sō Percussion Summer Institute. He has recorded with Tito Puente Jr., and participated in music tours across Ireland and Poland.
Connect with Us In-Person
* Service begins at 10:30 am
* Children’s RE programming is available for ages 4 and up
* Child Care available (infant/toddler, ages birth 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 and easy access on Sunday morning); OR
* Get the link by accessing the church calendar (https://www.uusmc.org/news/calendar/) (https://www.uusmc.org/news/calendar (https://www.uusmc.org/news/calendar/) )
Sunday Livestream – CLICK HERE (https://zoom.us/j/97806427419)
Meeting ID: 978 0642 7419
** Pledge Drive Update
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Our pledge drive had an end date of Sunday, November 30th, and we recognize that, during this busy time of year, not everyone has had a chance to submit their pledge. But it’s not too late!
If you would like to make a pledge, please take a moment to do so by returning your pledge card. If needed, blank pledge cards can be found on the small table in the gathering space. Or you can simply let us know by email – click
HERE (mailto:administrator@uusmc.org) .
Help support our beloved community as we plan for next year.
We are counting on YOU!
** Old Time Music Concert this Friday
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Brandywine Friends of Old Time Music present Gerry Milnes and Mike Miller in concert here at Mill Creek this Friday, December 5 at 7:30 pm.
Gerry Milnes has been collecting and playing old-time music and writing about traditional musicians in West Virginia for over fifty years. Mike Miller plays backup guitar and calls dances across West Virginia and beyond. Gerry and Mike are often seen around West Virginia at festivals, square dances, and community events. Take a listen to their music. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAMXuXggvlE)
Tickets available online HERE (https://bfotm-concert-tickets.square.site/)
Tickets at the door:
General Public $25; Seniors $20; Students with ID $15
Ages 17 & under FREE!
More info: concerts@brandywinefriends.org (mailto:concerts@brandywinefriends.org) , or (302) 321-6466
** Lands Stewards Meeting
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The team meets this Sunday, December 7 after coffee hour in the conference room. All are welcome – including youth – to learn what we’re doing to improve the biodiversity and natural habitat on church grounds.
** Holiday Food Drive Begins this Sunday, December 7
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The Social Justice Committee is sponsoring a Holiday Food Drive to benefit the Ministry of Caring (https://www.ministryofcaring.org/) in Wilmington. Since 1977, this organization has been living their mission to serve the poor of our local community with dignity, respect, and love.
Everyone is invited to participate by donating the following items:
* boxed stuffing mix, instant mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, dry cereal, pancake mix, rice, pasta, gravy mix
* canned vegetables, soup, fruit & cranberry sauce, pie filling, sweet potatoes, meats & tuna
* jarred/bottled peanut butter, jelly, pancake syrup, spaghetti sauce
Look for the collection bin in the gathering space.
Donations are accepted now through Sunday, December 21.
Thank you for your support!
** A Reminder: How to Avoid Email Phishing Scams!
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With the holiday season upon us, phishing scams are on the increase. The most common indicator of a phishing attempt is an unusual or mismatched sender address – when the display name (the sender’s name you see) doesn’t match the actual email address. This was the case with a recent round of emails purporting to come from Rev. Christe. Please keep the following things in mind…
Emails from Rev. Christe will NEVER:
* Ask for money
* Request gift cards
* Ask for a ‘favor’
* Be ambiguous or ask for ‘assistance’
* Ask for help with an unclear ‘special project’
* Be vague or secretive in nature
* Ask for anything to be ‘handled discreetly’
* Ask for the church directory
* Be restrictive in asking that you limit contact to email only (i.e. asks for no phone calls)
* Ask you to purchase ANYTHING
Please note that all of Rev. Christe’s emails concerning church-related matters will come from revchriste@gmail.com (mailto:revchriste@gmail.com) . Furthermore, any requests from Rev. Christe asking for resources will be made IN PERSON – and NEVER by email.
Should you receive an email message purporting to come from Rev. Christe or any staff member and you are unsure about it – CALL THE CHURCH OFFICE TO VERIFY THE MESSAGE IS LEGITIMATE. DO NOT REPLY or click on any links!
** Blue Christmas: Elusive Joy
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Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning [mourning]. – Psalm 30
The holiday season can stir a wide range of emotions—grief, longing, gratitude, and hope, all at once. Blue Christmas offers a sacred space for those who find this season heavy or complex. Through music, candlelight, reflection, and quiet companionship, we will honor the fullness of our humanity—the joy and the sorrow that coexist within us.
Join us on Wednesday, December 10 at 7:00 pm as we gather in the stillness, light candles for what we carry, and allow the soft blue glow of love and remembrance to hold us. Whether your heart is full, weary, or tender, you are welcome just as you are.
** In Recognition
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Every Sunday, our services are wrapped in wonderful music — but despite how it looks, those musicians don’t just pop out of a magical portal in the sanctuary. Behind the curtain, the Mill Creek Music Committee is hard at work scouting talent, booking performers, and coordinating every note that supports our worship.
Led with enthusiasm and dedication by chair Mary Ellen Trusheim, the dream team of Brian Hanson, Karen Rege, Emma Marino, Rudy Nyhoff, and Diane Hofer ensures each week’s music fits the service and offers a delightful mix of styles. And here’s a fun bonus: they’re currently on the hunt for a collaborative pianist — the first exciting step toward bringing the church choir back to life.
Huge thanks to our Music Committee for keeping our Sundays sounding fabulous!
** UPDATED ANNOUNCEMENT:
Winter Wonderland Potluck Party
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Make plans to join us on Saturday, December 13 at 5pm!
The Fellowship & Fun Committee is delighted to sponsor our second annual Winter Wonderland Party!
BRING an appetizer, charcuterie board, or desserts to share, plus your own preferred beverages. The FFC will supply punch, mulled wine, and water.
ENJOY seasonal music, games, and a winter backdrop for a fun photo opportunity.
WEAR something blue, silver or white (optional).
JOIN the White Elephant Gift Exchange by bringing in a small wrapped item, new or re-gift, $20 value or less.
RSVP by clicking the button below. Let us know you’ll be joining us! Include your name, the number of people in your group, what you’ll be bringing, and if you need childcare.
Click HERE to RSVP (mailto:frangu302@gmail.com)
** Holiday Poinsettia Plant Pre-Order Sale
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Now through Thursday, December 18
Brighten someone’s holiday – and your own – with a fresh and beautiful poinsettia plant. Each plant measures about 18” tall in a 7” foil-covered pot. Classic Red and Red Glitter available. $25 each: cash (exact change please!) or check payable to UUSMC. Pick-Up dates: Sunday, December 13 or 21. Must order by Thursday, December 18.
Order forms are in the gathering space, or you may email Diane Hofer with your order – click HERE (mailto:dianehofer3@hotmail.com) .
** Social Justice Committee says, “THANK YOU”
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The Social Justice Committee thanks the congregation for their generosity during their campaign for St. Michael’s School and Nursery. Many coats, hats, gloves, mittens and scarves were donated to keep their community warm.
Also, thanks to those who stayed after the service on November 23 to help prepare 150 bag lunches for the Sunday Breakfast Mission. A special thanks to Kathie Stamm and Chris Reynolds who coordinated these two projects.
** In Case You Missed It
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People of many religions and denominations gathered at Temple Beth El on Tuesday night, November 25, for the 37th Annual Newark Interfaith Thanksgiving Service. Our own Rev. Christe Lunsford was a featured speaker, who said, in part, “On nights like this, we’re reminded that we are not strangers to one another. We’re companions in the great work of being human, giving thanks, grieving what is hard, celebrating what is good, and renewing our commitment to the world that we share.”
Click HERE (https://www.newarkpostonline.com/news/united-across-faiths-newarkers-gather-to-give-thanks/article_411e9945-30aa-4cdf-8e7a-bc5aba30e245.html) to read the Newark Post’s (newarkpostonline.com) coverage of the service.
** Winter Solstice Celebration
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See or contact Regina (mailto:regina139@msn.com) with questions.
** Yoga and Meditation
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Join Margaret for a gentle yoga practice to relax and renew. We’ll explore asanas (held postures) and kriya (flowing through postures) using breath as our guide. We will end with mindfulness meditation practice.
When: Fridays, December 5, 12, & 19 (no 26), 8:30 am – 10:00 am
Where: Church Sanctuary
Bring: Yoga mat, a small firm pillow, water
Requirement: Must be able to get down to and up from the floor
Registration: Required! Space is limited to 6 participants – click the button below if you have questions or to register.
Click HERE to register or with questions (mailto:margaret_bodine@comcast.net)
** Office Closure
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The church office will be closed from Monday, December 22 through Friday, January 2, and will reopen on Monday, January 5. Please plan accordingly.
** Book Discussion Begins in January
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Join us as we explore four powerful books that shed light on racism in America and how we can work toward achieving equity and justice. Together, these books (see below for the list) reveal how racism shapes our society through denial, injustice, economic harm, and backlash, and invite us to imagine and work toward a more just and equitable future as we uphold our Unitarian Universalist values. Tracey Crook will facilitate these book discussions. The discussions will start in January 2026. We will meet on the last Wednesday of the month at 2 pm in the conference room. Sessions will last approximately 60-90 minutes.
January 28
Nice Racism: How Progressive White People Perpetuate Racial Harm by Robin DiAngelo
February 25
Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson
March 25
The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together by Heather McGhee
April 29
White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide by Carol Anderson
Sign up HERE to participate on one or more discussions. (mailto:tacrook@swbell.net)
** Current Share Our Plate Recipient
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We regularly donate a half of our undesignated plate collection to a local charity or non-profit organization. For the months of November & December we are supporting:
YWCA Delaware
The YWCA is proud to be one of the oldest and largest organizations supporting women in the United States, providing services for women and their families in our community.
This organization is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. This is done through:
* Community housing program which provides supportive services in a safe and stable environment for unhoused individuals with children and two-parent families. These services teach life skills and assist families in becoming gainfully employed, permanently housed, and completely self-sufficient.
* Client economic development through counseling, education and training in personal finance management, homeownership, work readiness, and self-employment.
* College and career preparation and diversity and leadership workshops for at-risk youth, gives students an opportunity for an accomplished future. The program challenges youth to become independent thinkers, advocate for their own success, and build self-esteem, social competence, and employability skills.
* Sexual Assault Response Center (SARC) provides comprehensive, free and confidential rape crisis services to sexual assault survivors and domestic violence survivors aged 12 and older and their non-offending family members, friends, and partners.
Learn more about YWCA Delaware HERE (https://www.ywcade.org/)
Support this organization with your online donation HERE. Be sure to select ‘Share Our Plate’ as the giving fund. Thank you! (https://onrealm.org/MillCreek/Give)
** SERVICE AUCTION 2026:
Date finally finalized – finally!
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We’ve reserved Saturday, April 18 for our annual fundraiser. We regret the confusion but the date is now FINAL!
We need a new lead to replace Janice Buckwalter (who chaired this event over the past several years – thank you, Janice!), as well as a team of willing volunteers who are committed to making the auction another grand success.
Reach out to the board (board@uusmc.org (mailto:board@uusmc.org) , or click the button below) if you are interested in participating in any capacity.
Save the date NOW on your calendar!
I can help! (mailto:board@uusmc.org)
** Dungeons & Dragons
A Recurring Event
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Sundays, December 7 & 21
(every 2 weeks)
12:00 pm, Classroom 4
D&D is a role-playing game about storytelling in worlds of swords and sorcery. Each player creates an adventurer (also called a character) and teams up with other adventurers (played by friends). Working together, the group might explore a dark dungeon, a ruined city, a haunted castle, a lost temple deep in a jungle, or a lava-filled cavern beneath a mysterious mountain. The adventurers can solve puzzles, talk with other characters, battle fantastic monsters, and discover fabulous magic items and other treasure. No registration required – just drop in. All are welcome to join the group in classroom 4. Occurs every 2 weeks on Sundays.
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. Christe Lunsford, Minister
Sundays, when preaching: 9am – 3pm
Monday & Tuesday, 10am – 4pm
Thursday by appointment only, click HERE (https://calendar.google.com/calendar/appointments/schedules/AcZssZ08wOXSmX5fNN_vySxfpLP9VL2QqSZF5spIx5_9rxZm3e25LNywCGk4WoIlyFMvdn84osyy8XZl)
Or email minister@uusmc.org (mailto:minister@uusmc.org)
Debra Damiani, Congregational Administrator
Monday-Thursday 9 am to 2 pm
administrator@uusmc.org (mailto:administrator@uusmc.org)
302-369-2712
Margaret Borror, Faith Exploration Teacher
Sundays, and by appointment
dre@uusmc.org (mailto:dre@uusmc.org)
Connect with the UUA, Delmarva Cluster, and Central East Region
** UU World’s 2025 inSpirit Bookstore Holiday Gift Guide
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UU World is invites you to browse their second annual inSpirit Bookstore Holiday Gift Guide.
Featuring great new books from Beacon Press and Skinner House, as well as delightful UU merch, hand-picked with love and mindfulness for all the special people on your list.
Browse the Gift Guide HERE (https://www.uuworld.org/articles/2025-inspirit-bookstore-gift-guide?_gl=1*48mloq*_ga*MjA1ODA4Mzk0MC4xNzYzMDU5ODE2*_ga_CN7F7RET4F*czE3NjQ4NzUxNjIkbzExJGcwJHQxNzY0ODc1MTYyJGo2MCRsMCRoMA..)
** Opportunities for Connection: Central East Region Update
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2025 in Review
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.
News in the Central East Region – click HERE (https://www.uua.org/central-east/blog/news)
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