** Sunday Worship Service Information
August 3, 2025
10:30 am
————————————————————
Join us this Sunday for the third of our “Poolside Theology” sessions featuring two church members in conversation.
While Stephen Petersen interviews Callie Tyner, we’ll relax “poolside” to learn more about Callie’s spiritual journey and what brought her and her family to Mill Creek. As a relatively new member, Callie will share her reflections on the authenticity and acceptance she has experienced within our church community.
Callie Tyner lives in Newark with her husband Daniel Portillo and their children, Emi (age 4) and Leo (age 2). They’ve been members of Mill Creek since 2024. She works as a researcher at the University of Delaware, with a PhD in clinical neuropsychology. For fun she enjoys going to the beach, watching indie films, reading mystery novels, and listening to electronic music.
Music for this service will be performed by The Nearly Valentines: Jeanmarie Braddock, violin and voice, and Chris Braddock, guitar and ukulele. Chris works as a soloist and also with several area ensembles, including Mosaic String Duo, Second Opinion, and The Nearly Valentines. He teaches at The Music School of Delaware, where he serves as Master Faculty and Guitar Department Head. Chris received his classical guitar performance degree from the University of Delaware and is a past recipient of an Individual Artist Fellowship in music composition from the Delaware Division of the Arts. Jeanmarie is active as a violinist throughout Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. She has taught string music in northern Delaware for over twenty years and is currently a director of elementary school orchestras in the Brandywine School District. A graduate of West Chester University, Jeanmarie holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology from the University of the Arts. Chris and Jeanmarie have
performed together since 2002.
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
** Farewell, Rev. Christian
————————————————————
On Sunday, July 27, the Mill Creek congregation gave a fond farewell to Rev. Christian Schmidt, who has served our church for two years. We wish him all the best as he moves on to serve Unitarian Universalists of Gettysburg (PA). Best wishes, Rev. Christian!
** Where Love Leads: A Welcome to Rev. Christe
————————————————————
From bluegrass roots and sacred song they rise,
Ordained by hearts in Louisville’s warm skies.
With voice and vision, grace and open hand,
They journeyed forth to serve and understand.
Through Meadville halls and Rockford’s faithful care,
A call to love grew stronger, bold and rare.
With music deep within both heart and voice,
They made a sacred vow, a faithful choice.
In fellowship, affirmed and truly known,
Their path of ministry took root and grown.
A life once lit by stage and song and light
Now shines with spirit, justice, truth, and might.
Rev. Christe comes with wisdom finely spun,
A weaver of the many into one.
To Mill Creek’s doors they bring a soul profound—
Where love transforms, and sacred truths resound.
With Dianna dear and Blue by their side,
They come to walk with us in hope and pride.
Two children grown—still tethered by the heart—
Their family whole, though living far apart.
From Fort Wayne now, they journey with delight
To Delaware, where welcome burns so bright.
So may we greet them with a joyful flame,
And build new dreams in Unitarian name.
Together now, let’s rise, and let love lead—
For Reverend Christe’s come to plant new seed.
Rev. Christe Lunsford (they/them), Mill Creek’s new minister, begins their service with us on Monday, August 4. Their office hours are Mondays and Tuesdays, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm; other times available by appointment. You can reach Rev. Christe at minister@uusmc.org (mailto:minister@uusmc.org) or revchriste@gmail.com (mailto:revchriste@gmail.com) .
– MARK YOUR CALENDAR –
Rev. Christe’s first sermon in the Mill Creek pulpit will be Sunday, August 10.
We plan to wish Rev. Christe a very warm welcome with excellent attendance and a potluck lunch reception afterward. Be sure to join us – and bring a dish to share!
** Yoga Class
————————————————————
Limited spaces now available for upcoming Gentle Yoga and Meditation with Margaret Bodine
In this time of strife and stress, join Margaret for a gentle 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 — August 1, 8, 15 and 22, 8:30 am – 10:00 am
Where: Church (exact location in the building may vary)
Bring: Yoga mat, a small firm pillow, water
Requirement: Must be able to get up and down from the floor
Registration: Required! Space is limited to 6 participants – click the button below if you have questions or to register.
Contact Margaret HERE (mailto:margaret_bodine@comcast.net)
** 85 Pounds
————————————————————
(…and counting!)
85 pounds of socks have been collected so far, inching ever closer to our goal of collecting 100+ pounds of socks by the end of the year. Help us bypass the landfill by cleaning out your sock drawer and bring in clean, unwanted socks: any type, condition, any material.
The SmartWool company is giving old products new life to eliminate the need for new materials and keep perfectly good materials from being thrown away and destined for a landfill. They have developed Second Cut, a process to refabricate discarded socks into new products they sell on their website. We are collecting clean, unwanted socks of any type, any condition, and any kind of material. We will then send them to the SmartWool company, giving them new life.
** Church Pool Party
————————————————————
Fran Gulino & Joe Snader welcome everyone to their home in New London, Pennsylvania on Saturday, August 23 at 3pm for a potluck pool party!
Fran and Joe have a big backyard with an inground pool and a beautiful new gazebo they built themselves – a must-see! They look forward to a relaxed gathering poolside with church members and friends.
Who can come: Everyone – adults AND kids!
What to bring: Swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a dish (or dishes) to share.
RSVP: Click the button below to connect with Fran – let her know the number of people in your group and what food item(s) you plan to bring; Fran will respond with their home address & phone number.
YES – I/We will be there! (mailto:frangu302@gmail.com)
** Join us for a celebration!
————————————————————
Everyone is welcome to join us in the gathering space after church service on Sunday, August 24 when we celebrate Mill Creek member Kathie Stamm’s 90th birthday. We’ll have cake, ice cream, and plenty of good wishes for the birthday girl.
The celebration is not a surprise, and Kathie requests ‘No Presents Please.’ Instead, in Kathie’s honor you may make a donation to UU Society of Mill Creek by clicking HERE (https://onrealm.org/MillCreek/-/form/give/now) ; or St. Michael’s School and Nursery, 700 N. Walnut Street, Wilmington DE 19801, or by clicking HERE (https://www.signup82north.com/beventLive.aspx?EventID=NBI95542700) .
** Current Share Our Plate Recipient
————————————————————
We regularly donate a half of our undesignated plate collection to a local charity or non-profit organization. For the months of July and August we are supporting:
Unitarian Universalist Delaware Advocacy Network (UUDAN)
This organization supports Delaware state legislation that aligns with UU principles. This includes affordable housing, criminal justice, protection for marginalized groups, environmental protection, climate justice, and more. UUDAN’s operating budget of approximately $1000 per year is shared by the 5 UU congregations in the state of Delaware in a rotating cycle. This is Mill Creek’s year to offer support.
Learn more about UUDAN HERE (https://www.uudeladvo.org/wp/sample-page/)
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)
** Recurring Events
————————————————————
Wednesday Evening Meadow Maintenance
The Land Stewards continue their weekly evening work efforts every Wednesday around 5:30pm, weather permitting. You don’t need to be a meadow worker bee to come out and enjoy some social time with us in the meadow. – everyone is welcome to simply walk around and enjoy our natural native habitat.
It’s not all about pulling weeds – there are many opportunities to get involved! We’ve put together a list of suggestions for ways anyone can help – from minimal effort, to moderate activity, to using shovels and pulling weeds. Check it out by clicking the button below.
Learn more – click HERE (https://www.uusmc.org/wp-content/uploads/How-to-Support-Our-Natural-Lands-1.pdf)
The D & D role-playing game is about storytelling in worlds of swords and sorcery.
In the Dungeons & Dragons game, 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. All are welcome to join the group on Sunday, August 3, 17 & 31 at 12 pm in classroom 1. Occurs every 2 weeks on Sundays. Questions? Contact Tom Vincent (mailto:trv302@outlook.com) .
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
Monday & Tuesday, 10am – 3pm
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
** We Are UUs
————————————————————
The Unitarian Universalist faith tradition is diverse and inclusive. It grew from the union of two radical Christian groups: the Universalists, who organized in 1793, and the Unitarians, who organized in 1825. They joined to become the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) in 1961. Across the globe, the UU legacy reaches back centuries to liberal religious pioneers in not just the U.S. but also in England, Poland, and Transylvania.
A short video has been created which is ideal to share with others who might not know about the UU faith, or who want more information. Click the button below to view.
View the video HERE (https://vimeo.com/344862790?fl=pl&fe=ti)
** Opportunities for Connection: Central East Region Update
————————————————————
AUGUST 2025
Featured Resource:
Helpful Board Habits Training
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 (https://www.uua.org/central-east/blog/opportunities-824)
============================================================
** Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/UUSMC)
** Website (https://www.uusmc.org)
** Instagram (http://instagram.com/millcreekuu)
Copyright © *|CURRENT_YEAR|* *|LIST:COMPANY|*, All rights reserved.
*|IFNOT:ARCHIVE_PAGE|* *|LIST:DESCRIPTION|*
Our mailing address is:
*|LIST_ADDRESS|* *|END:IF|*
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can ** update your preferences (*|UPDATE_PROFILE|*)
or ** unsubscribe from this list (*|UNSUB|*)
.
*|IF:REWARDS|* *|REWARDS_TEXT|* *|END:IF|*