Here’s what’s happening at Mill Creek:
** Congregational Life
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** Upcoming events, meetings and news to know
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** Office Closure
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The church office will be closed for President’s Day:
Monday, February 16.
** Mid-Year Meeting in Review
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Earlier this week, on Tuesday, we sent an email containing information about the mid-year meeting held on Sunday, February 8. This email contained links to view the meeting video, a report comprising committee updates, and how to get connected with Church Center – our new way to access the church directory and calendar. You can access that email HERE (https://mailchi.mp/e17c92c04ad5/2026-annual-meeting-follow-up) .
** How You Can Experience Black History Month
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* Educate yourself about the month-long observance from trusted sources: blackhistorymonth.gov (https://www.blackhistorymonth.gov/index.html) , blackpast.org (https://blackpast.org/) , and nmaahc.si.edu (https://nmaahc.si.edu/) (National Museum for African American History & Culture)
* View Black films and documentaries; invite a friend and have a discussion
* Visit a Black History or civil rights museum or historical site; consider virtual tours
* Attend a Black culture event
* Mentor a Black child in your community
* Support Black-owned businesses and creators
* Talk with Black elders about their past experiences
* Learn about an unsung hero of Black History
* Donate to organizations led by and for Black communities
* Host a Black-authored book discussion group
* Prepare food inspired by African or African American cuisine – make it a dinner party
Click HERE to learn about events in our local area as featured in Delaware Today (https://delawaretoday.com/things-to-do/black-history-month-events/)
** Handy Person Wanted
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Are you handy with tools? Able to climb a tall ladder? If so, Rev. Christe is looking for you to assist with a few small projects. If you’re interested, click the button below.
Hey, Rev. Christe – I can help! (mailto:revchriste@gmail.com)
** Souper Bowl Saturday Potluck Recap
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Over 30 members layered up and braved the elements to join us for last Saturday’s Souper Bowl Potluck, and it turned into the perfect comfort‑food evening. With 10 delicious pots of soup, no one left hungry — and the warmth of community was just as nourishing as the food.
Thanks to everyone’s generosity, our canned soup collection for the Delaware Food Bank filled three large bags, making a meaningful impact beyond our gathering.
A lively mix of Super Bowl ads kept everyone entertained, and our 50/50 raffle raised $175.
The Fellowship and Fun Committee sends a heartfelt thank‑you to all who cooked, donated, laughed, and shared in the spirit of the night – what a wonderful way to chase away the winter chill.
** Reminder: Church Cancellation Procedures & Notification Methods
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Board policy leaves the decision to cancel church service with the minster and the board president. We always endeavor to make such decisions in a timely fashion.
Once the decision is made to cancel Sunday service we will: send an email blast – if possible and time allows (will come from news@uusmc.org), and report closure information to the local SnoWatch system.
SnoWatch reports are available online:
wdel.com (https://www.wdel.com/features/wdel-stormwatch/)
(https://www.wdel.com/features/wdel-stormwatch/)
and
wstw.com (https://www.wstw.com/snowatch-weather-center/)
(https://www.wstw.com/snowatch-weather-center/)
NOTE: we will use the SnoWatch notification method for building closures pertaining to all scheduled meetings and classes held during the week. This includes chalice circles, committee meetings, art classes, music rehearsals, etc.
If the weather calls for any kind of dangerous weather, please check your inbox and/or the above media PRIOR TO any meeting, class, event, or worship service. We want everyone to be safe this winter!
** Diaper Drive Continues
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The Social Justice Committee is sponsoring a Diaper Drive, supporting Catholic Charities Diaper Bank.
Catholic Charities Diaper Bank – an affiliate of the National Diaper Bank Network – helps low-income families keep their young children clean, dry, and healthy by providing much needed supplies at their monthly diaper distributions in Wilmington.
We are collecting the following items & supplies:
* Diapers, all infant sizes; especially toddler sizes (4, 5 & 6 and pullup styles)
* Wipes
* Bath Wash
* Bath Cloths
1498 individual diapers have been collected so far, plus wipes and other supplies, and were delivered to a very grateful and appreciative staff at Catholic Charities.
Donations accepted through Sunday, March 1.
Thank you for your participation!
Did you know…?
* Babies need 10-12 diapers a day; toddlers need about 8 per day.
* Disposable diapers, depending on brand, can cost up to $120 per month.
* 1 in 3 families struggle to provide an adequate supply of diapers for their children.
* Working families must provide an additional supply of disposable diapers to their child care provider.
* Cloth diapers are not accepted at most child care centers.
** Sunday Worship Service Information
February 15, 2026
10:30 am
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This Sunday we gather for a challenging and necessary reflection on our Unitarian Universalist history with Rev. Christe Lunsford’s sermon, “The Gap – Between Words and Welcome.”
We’ll remember the names of Black ministers who built beloved community even when our denomination failed to support them. We’ll examine the gap between the values we proclaim and the welcome we’ve actually extended, from the 1890s through the 1968 General Assembly conflict to today.
This is not an easy story. But it’s one we need to tell honestly if we’re ever to close the distance between our principles and values and our actual practice. And we will celebrate the resilience of Black UUs and the ongoing work of transformation in our faith.
Come ready to learn, to remember, to reckon, and to commit to the beloved community we claim to seek.
Music for this service will be offered by Matthew Vice. Matt is a current second year Master’s student at the University of Delaware, studying Clarinet Performance and pursuing a Masters in Music degree. As a Graduate Student Teaching Assistant, his responsibilities are to help teach Music Education majors clarinet and saxophone in the Woodwind Methods and Materials course. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Clarinet Performance and a Bachelor of Science in Information Science from the University of Maryland, College Park. He has experience performing abroad in Austria, Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and England. Matt Vice is a brother of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity and has performed with the Manassas Symphony Orchestra, the National Symphony Orchestra Summer Institute, and the Sterling Playmakers. Next month, he will be performing the Fin de la Tierra: Land End Clarinet Concerto by Jenni Brandon with the University of Delaware Symphony Orchestra on March 13, 8:00pm.
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://uusmc.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8c80a09d53a8aec43de675d26&id=7e2744c3f8&e=9e32ea5753) (https://www.uusmc.org/news/calendar (https://uusmc.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8c80a09d53a8aec43de675d26&id=938e123965&e=9e32ea5753) )
Sunday Livestream – CLICK HERE (https://zoom.us/j/97806427419)
Meeting ID: 978 0642 7419
** Social Justice Committee Meeting
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The SJC meets this Sunday after church service. All are welcome to attend.
** State of the Vote
Panel Discussion
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Tuesday, February 17
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
All are welcome to attend a State of the Vote Panel Discussion in partnership with the ACLU of Delaware and the Delaware Voting Rights Coalition. This FREE event brings together local experts for a timely conversation about where our state stands on voting protections, including the Every Vote Counts (EVC) amendments and potential updates to the Voting Rights Act.
Guest panelists include:
* Andrew Walchuk, Policy Director of Counsel, Voting and Fair Representation, Common Cause
* Dr. Marlene Saunders, DSW, MSW, Retired DSU Chair of Social Work, DSU Board of Trustees, Vice-Chair of Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice (SDARJ), Vice-Chair of Women’s March Sussex, Divine 9 Member
* Tiffany Lydon, President, League of Women Voters of Delaware (LWVDE)
We hope you will join us in the church sanctuary as we explore these issues, what they could mean for voters across Delaware, and why civic engagement continues to matter.
Click HERE to RSVP for this event. (https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/bvqksnw)
** Congregational Name Change Study Group
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At the Mid-Year Meeting, Diane Hofer introduced a proposal inviting the congregation to explore whether a public-facing name change (such as Unitarian Universalist Church at Mill Creek) could help make our community more visible and accessible to spiritual seekers.
The Board is now forming a broad, representative study group to listen deeply, gather congregational input, and thoughtfully assess this possibility—with no predetermined outcome.
If you are interested in serving on this study group, contact the board HERE (mailto:board@uusmc.org) .
Click HERE to view the name change proposal presentation (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1V8GI3zCZo8)
** Charm Junction Returns to Mill Creek
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Friday, February 20
7:30 pm
Brandywine Friends of Old Time Music brings back Baltimore-based Charm City Junction for their second performance at Mill Creek.
This award-winning acoustic roots quartet weaves together a tapestry of tones spawned in the rolling hills of Ireland through the hollers of Appalachia. They play with an intensity and sensitivity only close friends can have. Since forming in the winter of 2014, the band has rocketed to prominence through their engaging live performances and innovative approach. The band is comprised of four of the most talented roots musicians in the country: Patrick McAvinue on fiddle, Brad Kolodner on clawhammer banjo, Sean McComiskey on button accordion and Alex Lacquement on upright bass.
Tickets online:
Click HERE (https://uusmc.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8c80a09d53a8aec43de675d26&id=f6b6c62a0f&e=9e32ea5753)
Tickets at the door:
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
Learn more about the group and take a listen to their music HERE (https://www.charmcityjunction.com/)
** Composting & Plastic Recycling Event
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* Are you considering composting?
* Do you have questions about plastic recycling?
* Already a composter and/or recycler but want to be sure you’re doing it right?
All are welcome to attend a virtual composting and plastic recycling informational session on Monday, February 23 at 7pm:
Click HERE for the Zoom link (https://udel.zoom.us/j/98738432433)
** Yoga is Back
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Join Margaret in the library, 8:30am-10am, for gentle yoga & meditation.
Fridays: February 13 & 20; March 6, 13 & 20. To register or with questions, contact Margaret HERE (mailto:margaret_bodine@comcast.net) .
** Book Discussion Group
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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. The discussions, led by Tracey Crook, occur on the last Wednesday of the month, January through April, and will last approximately 60-90 minutes.
Discussion 2 of 4:
Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption
by Bryan Stevenson
Wednesday, February 25
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
Each book discussion is available in the following formats:
Afternoon: 2:00 pm in the conference room
OR
Evening: 7:00 pm via Zoom
Click HERE to participate in one or more discussions, and indicate your attendance option (afternoon in-person or evening via Zoom) for the session you’re interested in. (mailto:tacrook@swbell.net)
** Volunteers *Still* Needed
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(Yes, that might mean YOU)
With the increased attendance in the Faith Exploration classroom on Sunday mornings, (while very encouraging), comes the very real need for volunteers.
Help is needed on Sunday mornings:
* supervising play in the nursery (no diapering required!)
* engaging with the kids and helping out with simple projects in the classroom
Thank you for considering your involvement in this important ministry. Please see Margaret with your interest, or email dre@uusmc.org (mailto:dre@uusmc.org) .
Children are great imitators. So give them something great to imitate.
— Anonymous
** 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 January & February we are supporting:
ACLU of Delaware
For nearly 100 years, the American Civil Liberties Union – ACLU – has worked in courts, legislatures and communities to protect the constitutional rights of all people with a nationwide network of offices and millions of members and supporters. The mission of the ACLU of Delaware is to preserve and advance civil liberties and civil rights in the State of Delaware as enshrined in the United States and Delaware Constitutions through education and advocacy without consideration of political association.
Learn more about ACLU of Delaware HERE (https://www.aclu-de.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)
** Unitarian Partnership Pilgrimage
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June 23 – July 3, 2026
Experience the birthplace of Unitarianism and be part of ongoing international partnership with the Unitarian communities of Transylvania.
Join Rev. Andrew Weber, of Main Line Unitarian Church, Pennsylvania, for a transformational opportunity to make deep personal and faith connections with a multi-congregational trip planned by the Hungarian Unitarian Church. All are welcome: clergy, laity, those with partner churches or not. There will be times for spiritual growth in addition to historical education.
Most pilgrimages include a few of the following basic elements:
Kolozsvár/Cluj – János Zsigmond Unitarian High School, Bishop’s Office, statue of Francis David (Dávid Ferenc), Unitarian Church and House of Religious Freedom (Vallásszabadság Háza).
Torda/Turda – Church where the Edict of Torda was debated in 1568 and the Monument of Religious Freedom was erected to celebrate the Edict’s 450th anniversary in 2018. Possible trip to salt mine.
Gyulafehérvár/Alba Iulia – Cathedral of St. Michael, the resting place of notable historical Unitarian figures: John Sigismund Zápolya and his mother, Queen Isabella Jagiellon.
Déva/Deva – Citadel of Déva, where Francis David was imprisoned and martyred.
Specifics can be modified depending on who joins, including possible village church visits.
Click HERE to contact Rev. Andrew with interest or questions (mailto:weberandras@yahoo.com)
For reflections on the power of pilgrimage, click HERE to view a recent worship service from Main Line Unitarian Church in Devon, PA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUaClkLTc-U)
** Dungeons & Dragons
A Recurring Event
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Sundays, February 15; March 1, 15 & 29
(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, Central East Region, and Delmarva Cluster
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** UUA President Arrested During D.C. Protest
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Photo: Brandan Robertson/UUA
Unitarian Universalist Association President Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt was arrested by Capitol Police on Thursday, January 29, 2026, as she protested the Department of Homeland Security budget with leaders from various religious traditions.
Betancourt was arrested at the Hart Senate Office Building, where several hundred people of faith had gathered, and was released about four hours later. Several dozen arrests were made, according to an organizer who was present at the protest.
“There is no moral justification for voting for a budget that will put more resources toward the violation and dehumanization of our neighbors,” Betancourt said, according to a UUA statement. “As religious leaders, we have an ethical obligation to show up and say that this will not be done in our name.”
Read the complete article HERE (https://www.uuworld.org/articles/minneapolis-clergy-march-ice-resistance-unitarian-universalism?_gl=1*12lj19d*_ga*MjA1ODA4Mzk0MC4xNzYzMDU5ODE2*_ga_CN7F7RET4F*czE3Njk2OTkzNDkkbzIyJGcwJHQxNzY5Njk5MzQ5JGo2MCRsMCRoMA..)
** Central East Region News Update
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February 2026
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.
Central East Region Update – click HERE (https://www.uua.org/central-east/blog/news/cer-news-0226)
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