Weekly News - January 8, 2026 - Unitarian Universalist Society of Mill Creek

Posted on January 8, 2026 Posted By: Office Administrator Categories: News

** Sunday Worship Service Information
January 11, 2026
10:30 am
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A Zoology of Theology

In these times of great spiritual harm, we need to look deeply into our faith traditions and reclaim our ancestors hard-won wisdom if we are to heal and grow. They bequeathed a rich legacy of religious symbols pointing us toward vital spiritual truths. Engaging with these symbols can lead us to new understandings, and help us to heal ourselves and our communities. This Sunday’s sermon, “A Zoology of Theology,” offered by Rev. Keith Goheen, offers evidence of one way in which this work is being done.

The Rev. Keith Goheen (he/him) is a long-time member of this congregation who often joins in worship while sitting in the Zoom pew. Keith lives in Georgetown, DE with his spouse Margaret and serves as the lead chaplain at Beebe Healthcare. Keith was nurtured into Unitarian Universalist ministry by historically Universalist congregations and continues to practice as a Christian Universalist. His faith and career have been deeply influenced by mystical experiences, and the contemplative path remains his primary spiritual practice in this time of social transfiguration. The clerical collar Keith wears this morning is a symbol of solidarity with the many clergy across the country who, through public and private acts of resistance, lift up hope and the vision of a more heavenly earth.

Music for this service will be offered by Mattie Janis. Mattie is a pianist from Newark, Delaware. He has been a member of Mill Creek since 2006 and has been playing the piano since 2004. He is currently a student at the University of Delaware studying geographic information systems. When not playing the piano, he enjoys nature photography, making art, and spending time with his two cats.
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

** Holiday Wrap-Up
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Many thanks to the small army of volunteers who helped to transform our sanctuary into a sequential multi-faith seasonal celebration by remaining after one or more Sunday services last month to help out, as well as several volunteers who recently joined us mid-week to pack it all away.

Rev. Christe expresses their gratitude for all their efforts, and especially Laura Bonner, who helped coordinate the entire effort.

Thank you, one and all!

** It’s Potluck Sunday!
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Plan to remain with us after the service this Sunday, January 11, for the first Potluck Sunday of 2026. Bring a main or side dish, salad or appetizer, dessert or beverages to share — if you wish. Everyone is welcome to join us for good food and fellowship.

** January Art Classes
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All are welcome to join Jo Redbird in the Art Lab (6:30-8:00pm) for the following creative sessions:

Wednesday, January 14: Vision Board Night. Come for a night of creative fun using mixed media on poster board to create our visions for this year. All materials are provided but feel free to bring inspiration.

Wednesday, January 28: Gifts of Love. Whether you celebrate Valentine’s Day or need a self-love boost, come create a unique and special gift for yourself or the love in your life.

Contact Jo HERE (mailto:redbirdartlab@gmail.com) questions. Please enter the building using the side entrance to attend.

** Join the Discussion
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Pssst….now available on Zoom!
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.

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

Zoom sessions now available!

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)

** We think he likes it here!
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It’s hard to tell if this is the same Red-shouldered Hawk who has been visiting our meadow with some frequency, but it’s safe to say that this one (captured recently by Jamie Kegerise) likes it here. This beauty found a comfortable perch atop the shed.

** Volunteers (still) Needed – yes, that might mean YOU
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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

Please see Margaret with your interest, or email dre@uusmc.org (mailto:dre@uusmc.org) .
Thank you for considering your involvement in this important ministry.

“If you want to touch the past, touch a rock. If you want to touch the present, touch a flower. If you want to touch the future, touch a life.”

** Church Cancelation 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.

If the decision to cancel is made we will: send out an email to all congregants (if possible and time allows), and post notice on Facebook (both the public and private UUSMC pages).

We are also linked with the local SnoWatch system. SnoWatch reports are broadcast on 1150 AM WDEL and 93.7 FM WSTW and are available online at wdel.com (https://www.wdel.com/features/wdel-stormwatch/) and wstw.com (https://www.wstw.com/wstw-stormwatch/) . These links will also be available on the church website, uusmc.org.

So, particularly now through March, if the weather calls for any kind of dangerous precipitation, please check your inbox and/or the above media or call the church before heading out. We want everyone to be safe this winter!

** Diaper Drive Coming in February
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Shop the sales NOW to participate in the Social Justice Committee’s Diaper Drive supporting Catholic Charities Diaper Bank, starting next month.

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)
* Wipes
* Bath Wash
* Bath Cloths

Collection begins Sunday, February 1 and runs through Sunday, March 1.
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.

** 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)
Share Our Plate – November & December
For the months of November and December 2025 we supported YWCA Delaware with our donation of $1563.25. This organization is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Learn more HERE (https://www.ywcade.org/) .

** Dungeons & Dragons
A Recurring Event
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Sundays, January 18; February 8 & 22
(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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** Unitarian Universalist Association Condemns Military Strikes Against Venezuela
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Read about it HERE (https://www.uua.org/pressroom/press-releases/venezuela-action?fbclid=IwY2xjawPHTuNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFPWDRma0t0SDdldW9GNHpYc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHstAqb5yYU5cU94Ie6395ZWCBKzKA1h9qe5eyS626_h1HlXC6GqGXWmnlwTX_aem_Dq-iu7oA2sDZvwVgzTIhXw)

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Weekly News – January 8, 2026

Weekly News – January 8, 2026