Unitarian Universalist Society of Mill Creek
We are a community that invites you to awaken to love.
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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** !! Daylight Saving Time Begins this Weekend !!
Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 9, at 2 a.m. when we move our clocks ahead one hour, or “spring forward,” creating an extra hour of daylight in the evening and cutting morning light short by an hour.
Be sure to move your clocks and timepieces ahead one hour before bed on Saturday night (March 8) so you’re not late for church on Sunday morning (or the potluck lunch afterward)!
Who came up with the brilliant idea of moving the clocks forward on the weekend…in the middle of the night? Why not move them ahead on Friday…around 4 pm?? -Anonymous
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** Sunday Worship Service Information
March 9, 2025
10:30 am
Recognizing and acknowledging the unifying link among all peoples, their innate humanness, is a moral imperative that can lead to more than just social and economic policy and practice. Join us this Sunday for Mill Creek member Regina Guarino’s message, “We Are All From the Same Tree.”
Regina has been a member of our congregation since 2014. She transitioned to Unitarian Universalism in her early adult life, having been raised in Catholicism in Philadelphia. She hosts celebrations of the pagan quarters—solstices & equinoxes—here at Mill Creek. (Scroll down for information about the Spring Equinox Ritual & Celebration to be held on Wednesday, March 19.) You can access Regina’s website for scripts of these rituals by clicking HERE (https://meanderingmyway.wordpress.com/seasonal-rituals/) .
Music for this service will be performed by returning guest musician Maria Rusu. Born in Brasov, Romania, Maria Rusu comes from a family of musicians. She began her musical studies at the age of six learning the violin with her mother, Teodora Rusu, and later studied viola; she attended a music school for twelve years in Brasov before coming to the U.S. to continue her musical studies. Maria graduated from the University of Delaware in 2017 with a Master of Music in Viola Performance. She also received a Bachelor of Music in Viola Performance from Bowling Green State University, College of Musical Arts in Bowling Green, Ohio in 2015. She currently serves as Core Faculty at the Music School of Delaware, working in the registrar’s office, teaching violin, viola, jazz voice, as well as string coaching and being the assistant conductor of the Delaware Youth Symphony Orchestra.
Plan to remain with us after the service for a potluck lunch.
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)
** March 9th is Potluck Sunday!
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Everyone is welcome to join our potluck lunch this Sunday, March 9 after the service. Bring a main or side dish, salad, dessert, or beverages to share if you wish.
** Express Yourself with Art
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Check out these opportunities in the Redbird Art Lab:
Wine & Watercolor, Wednesday March 12, 7-8:30pm. This is a free class, just bring your wrists ready for painting and pouring!
Jewelry Box Night, Wednesday, March 26, 7-8:30 pm. Back by popular demand. We’ll have the beads, just bring your creative brain!
Come to the side entrance by mailbox or call Jo Redbird (302-747-6055). Or, for questions prior to either event, contact Jo HERE (mailto:redbirdartlab@gmail.com) .
** Concert at Mill Creek
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Presented by:
Brandywine Friends of Old Time Music
Friday, March 14 at 7:30 pm
Led by wise and witty lead singer and songwriter Ron Thomason, the Dry Branch Fire Squad presents bluegrass in the best tradition: classics and originals, gospel and cowboy songs, heartfelt lilts of equine love, and galloping instrumentals. With impeccable timing, humorous social commentary, catchy lyrics, and song choices from the oldest traditions, this quartet is one of the most entertaining bands in bluegrass today. Learn more about the band HERE (https://drybranchfiresquad.com/home) . Check out their YouTube channel HERE (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcTqpURJvvnhjWG_Ex9MFZw) .
Tickets Sold at the Door:
General Public $25; Seniors $20; Students w/ID $15; Ages 17 & under FREE
** How Anyone Can Support Our Natural Lands
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The time for our annual meadow cutting will soon be upon us, followed by our weekly Wednesday maintenance gatherings. We’ll be welcoming one and all to help in any way possible – but what does that mean, exactly?
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.pdf)
mailto:regina139@msn.com
** Spring Equinox Ritual & Celebration
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Everyone is welcome to join us on Wednesday, March 19 at 7pm. Contact Regina Guarino (mailto:regina139@msn.com) with questions.
** Group Hike
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Save the Date:
Wednesday, March 26
The Fun & Fellowship Committee invites you on a group hike led by Bill Reynolds.
We’ll meet in the church parking lot at 10am on Wednesday, March 26 to hike the Pleasant Hill Paper Mill Loop trail, in White Clay Creek State Park. We’ll hike on dirt trails that are rocky with roots in some areas. The terrain consists of rolling hills and stream crossings via bridges. Poles are recommended if you have or use them. Bring water and bug spray. There will be an opportunity to go out together for lunch after the hike.
Trail Details:
Length 3.6 mi Elevation gain 187 ft
3.6-mile loop trail, generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 75 to 90 minutes to complete – features an early out if needed.
Let Bill know you’ll be joining the group – click HERE to register. (mailto:Wmfxir@gmail.com?subject=church%20hike)
** Dinners (and Lunch) for Seven
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Dinners (and Lunch) for Seven
WHAT: gatherings for lunch or dinner
WHERE: the comfort and relaxed atmosphere of members’ homes
WHY: they provide opportunities for members and friends to gather for a meal and to socialize
WHEN: Saturday, March 29
HOW: see the sign-up sheet in the gathering space, or click the button below
Ask questions or sign up – Click HERE (mailto:fellowship@uusmc.org)
** Mark Your Calendar for Our Annual Fundraiser!
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Tickets will be on sale on Sunday, March 16. When purchasing tickets at the reduced price, please be prepared to let us know what category you will be donating: FOOD (specify appetizer, vegetarian dish or dessert) or BEVERAGE (specify red wine, white wine, or beer).
In the meantime, our donation line is open! Below we share the following resources to assist you:
Unsure what to donate? Need a little inspiration? We found a comprehensive, alphabetized list of *500* gift basket ideas!! (Yes – FIVE HUNDRED). Gift baskets make a wonderful donation—they’re fun to assemble and the sky’s the limit!
500 Gift Basket Ideas! CLICK HERE (https://www.fundraiserhelp.com/500-silent-auction-basket-ideas.htm)
Gift baskets not your thing? Want to do something a little different? We’ve got you covered! We found an “Ultimate List” of 150+ unique donation ideas broken down by categories, like Sports & Fitness, Education Focused, Seasonal & Holiday, Technology – and many more!
150+ Donation Ideas! CLICK HERE (https://www.winspireme.com/silent-auction-item-ideas/)
Have a question and not sure who to ask? Access our Auction FAQ page! CLICK HERE (https://www.uusmc.org/wp-content/uploads/FAQ-Service-Auction-2025.pdf)
Ready to make your donation(s)? CLICK HERE (mailto:david@dlsk.net)
** ***ALL POINTS BULLETIN***
Tables Needed for Service Auction!
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Each year for the auction we borrow tables from the Newark Senior Center; unfortunately, this year their big fundraiser falls on the same day as ours. We’ve made several inquiries at other churches and a fire hall, with no luck.
We’re looking to borrow 16 6-foot tables for this event to be on-site for set-up day: Friday, April 25.
If you can help us in any way or have questions, please contact the church office (mailto:administrator@uusmc.org?subject=tables%20for%20auction) ASAP. Thank you!
** In Case You Missed It…
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Church member Diane Hofer was in the pulpit last Sunday, March 2 and shared her creative and well-received message, “Soundtrack of a Life,” inspired by the timeless music of Harry Chapin. If you missed this inspiring service, you can view it on our YouTube channel – click HERE (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChRFPbSookb9m3PV6DMtbHg) . All of our sermons are available there for viewing. Subscribe to our channel – you’ll receive instant updates as soon as the sermons are uploaded each week.
** Consider General Assembly
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General Assembly (GA) is the annual meeting of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), where participants gather to worship, witness, learn, connect, and make policy decisions for the Association through a democratic process. We’re fortunate this year that GA will be held in our area – at the Convention Center in Baltimore, Maryland.
We have a small group planning on attending – we urge you to check out the GA experience by clicking the button below, and consider joining us for this transformative event!
Click HERE to learn about all things GA! (https://www.uua.org/ga)
** Church Cancellation Procedures and Notification Methods
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We never want to cancel our Sunday morning services, classes, or any event due to inclement weather. However, we also want everyone to be safe, so on occasion, we must – from an abundance of caution – cancel. Board policy leaves the decision to the minster and the board president. We always endeavor to make such decisions in a timely manner.
If the decision to cancel is made we will: send out an email to all congregants, 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!
** 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 March and April we are supporting:
Moms Demand Action – Delaware Chapter
A Volunteer Chapter in Every State
Moms Demand Action is a grassroots volunteer movement of Americans working for public safety measures that can protect people from gun violence. They work to pass stronger gun laws and close the loopholes that jeopardize the safety of our families. Moms Demand Action is a part of Everytown for Gun Safety, the largest gun violence prevention organization in the country with nearly 11 million supporters. Our donation will support the legislative advocacy fund, “Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund.”
Learn more about Moms Demand Action HERE (https://www.everytown.org/state/delaware/)
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 – January and February
We supported Planned Parenthood of Delaware with our donation of $1404.50. For over 90 years PPD has been promoting public policy and understanding that supports reproductive health and family planning. Their mission is to actively promote reproductive health and responsible sexual behavior through the provision of comprehensive high-quality education, counseling, and medical services. To learn more, click HERE (https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-delaware) .
** Recurring Event: D & D
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A fantasy tabletop role-playing game
The Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game is about storytelling in worlds of sword and sorcery. It shares elements with childhood games of make-believe. 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, March 16 & 30 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. Christian Schmidt, Minister
Rev. Schmidt is on leave now through Sunday, April 13. For immediate concerns, you may contact the pastoral care team (mailto:pastoralcare@uusmc.org) , the board of trustees (mailto:board@uusmc.org) , or the church office (mailto:administrator@uusmc.org) .
Debra Damiani, Congregational Administrator
Monday 9 am to 2 pm, Monday-Thursday
administrator@uusmc.org (mailto:administrator@uusmc.org)
302-369-2712
Connect with the UUA, Delmarva Cluster, and Central East Region
** UU Climate Justice Revival Commissioned Song
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Part of It
by Lea Morris and Adam Podd
Commissioned for the 2024 UU Climate Justice Revival, this beautiful song uplifts the truth that the work of climate justice calls us all into deeper connection – with each other, with the earth, with the generations to come.
Watch and Listen HERE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UicUUR3O0yo&t=82s)
** Opportunities for Connection: Central East Region Update
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MARCH 2025
Featured Resource:
Partnership Portal
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-325)
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