Here’s what’s happening at Mill Creek:
** 2026 Generosity Campaign Ends this Sunday
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THANK YOU to everyone who has submitted a pledge of support for the 2025 Generosity Campaign. If you have not yet done so, we encourage you to dedicate serious consideration and contemplation to this Campaign, and ask that you give from the intersection of your resources and the value and meaning this church has in your life and the life of the community.
The Finance Team is hoping to have all pledges received by this Sunday, November 30 – this gives them adequate time to prepare the operating budget for 2026. Questions? Contact the team HERE (mailto:finance@uusmc.org) .
Why make a pledge?
Practical Reasons
* Our main source of income: Pledging is the primary way we fund this congregation.
* Budgeting and planning: Pledges provide a predictable income stream; this is important because our expenses are predictable and ongoing even if our income is not.
* Funding ministries: Pledges fund everything from staff salaries & benefits, mortgage & utilities, and facility maintenance expenses to Sunday worship services and outreach programs.
Spiritual Reasons
* Upholding values: Pledging is a spiritual statement of your commitment to the church’s mission and values.
* Community support: Your financial support helps sustain the church as a “beloved community” and enables us to provide a safe and welcoming spiritual home for everyone.
* Shared vision: Pledging allows you to actively participate in building the future of your church community.
* Personal reward: Supporting a cause you believe in can be a personally rewarding and spiritually fulfilling practice.
How to make your pledge of support:
* return your pledge card by mail in the envelope provided, or
* place your card in the offering plate or the collection box in the gathering space, or
* email your pledge to administrator@uusmc.org (mailto:administrator@uusmc.org) , or
* access your Realm giving profile – or click the button below**
If you did NOT receive a pledge card in the mail and would like to make a pledge, you may pick up a packet in the gathering space or contact the church office using the email address above.
Pledge Now! (click here) (https://onrealm.org/MillCreek/give/2026pledge)
**Clicking on the button above will allow you to declare your annual pledge amount AND set up electronic giving. If you do NOT wish to set up electronic giving and just want to declare your annual pledge amount, please do so by submitting the pledge card or let us know by email (administrator@uusmc.org (mailto:administrator@uusmc.org) ).
Thank you for your support.
** Sunday Worship Service Information
November 30, 2025
10:30 am
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As we enter the first Sunday of Advent, we also enter a multi-faith season of exploration—when the nights grow longer and the yearning for healing grows deeper. This week, Rev. Christe invites us into an Advent rooted not in passive waiting, but in courageous readiness: a season that calls us to awaken, to resist despair, and to participate in the hope we long for.
Together we will light the Candle of Hope, explore the roots of Advent, and reflect on how Unitarian Universalists embody hope, peace, joy, and love as acts of justice in a hurting world. This service reminds us that we are the ones we have been waiting for.
Music for this service will be offered by Shianne Ladale and Daille Kettrell.
Shantell, formerly known as Shianne Ladale, is the Empress of Southern Funk! Originally from Dallas, Texas, she has 30+ years of professional experience in performing and writing music of multiple genres, although her mainstay has always been country music. Shianne and Daille have worked together as a duo ever since 2020, although their story began prior to that in Shianne’s original band, Pristine Raeign in 2014. They were instrumental in this group becoming one of the most sought-after groups in the tri-state area of Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Daille is a pianist/composer/vocalist from Camden, NJ who also has worked professionally for 30+ years. Her primary genre is jazz but enjoys playing and writing in many music styles. Now married, they perform and are currently working on their own project, Open4Business. They seek to work not only to entertain, but to build hope in those who are in need. They are creating/producing their own music recording projects. Shianne and Daille
recently returned from a trip to Dakar, Senegal, West Africa where they participated in a recording project as vocalists/musicians highlighting the Senegalese culture–partnering with composer Karen Rege and her husband, griot master percussionist and djembist Papa Dembe Samb. Updates are coming soon for the release of this project, so stay tuned!
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 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) .
** Winter Coat Drive Ends this Sunday, November 30
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The Social Justice Committee is sponsoring a Share Our Warmth winter coat drive for the month of November to benefit the children and parents of St. Michael’s School & Nursery, 700 N. Walnut St. in Wilmington.
This Sunday is the last day we will accept donations of new or gently used coats, hats, scarves, gloves and mittens of all sizes (men’s, women’s and children’s sizes and styles). Look for the collection bin in the gathering space. For more information about St. Michael’s, click HERE (https://www.stmichaelsde.org/) .
Thank you for your contributions!
** Old Time Music Concert
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Brandywine Friends of Old Time Music present Gerry Milnes and Mike Miller in concert here at Mill Creek on 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. A prize-winning fiddle and banjo player, he has a large repertoire of tunes and songs learned directly from old-time players. He has inspired and supported hundreds of players through his work with the Augusta Heritage Center of Elkins, West Virginia. Fellow Elkins resident 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
** 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.
** Smart Phones Wanted
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Paco Samb’s large family in Senegal is in need of smart phones – this is their only means of phone and internet service. Paco will be traveling to Senegal during the first week of December and will be happy to help you avoid the landfill by taking your old, unused or unwanted phone(s) home with him.
ANY smart phone is acceptable, although you will need to remove your data by performing a factory reset, and unlock the phone from the carrier. Phones can be brought to church on Sunday, November 30. If you choose to leave your name, Paco’s family will send back a small gift of thanks. See or contact Paco or Karen Rege, or contact the church office with questions.
** Winter Wonderland 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!
Share in the fun with church members and friends and enjoy fun and fellowship featuring appetizers/charcuterie boards, desserts, winter-themed music, trivia, photobooth, white elephant, and more. Come dressed in blue, silver or white! Everyone is welcome!
** 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, December 26, and will reopen on Monday, December 29. Please plan accordingly.
** Hospitality Team Welcomes New Members
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Every Sunday before and after the service a small crew sets up and later tidies up the coffee hour snack spread. The tasks are quick, simple, and fun to do. It makes a huge difference in helping people linger and feel welcome, and it’s a lovely, low-pressure way to get to know other people in the congregation.
But they can’t do it alone – more volunteers are needed to round out the rotation. If you’re curious but perhaps unsure, just drop by the kitchen on a Sunday morning to check things out. One of the regulars will answer any questions you have and show you some helpful tasks that help keep hospitality running smoothly.
Please consider this opportunity to get more involved in church life. Even participating in just a couple of Sundays a month would be a huge help. See Diane Hofer, or email her HERE (mailto:dianehofer3@hotmail.com) .
** 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 19 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
** A Message of Hope on Transgender Day of Remembrance (and every day)
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The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) recently joined eight other denominations in issuing an interfaith collective statement of support for trans, non-binary, and intersex people, affirming that they “deserve respect, love, and equal rights.”
The collective statement (which can be read in full on the UUA website by clicking HERE (https://www.uua.org/pressroom/press-releases/interfaith-statement-trans-support) or in UUWorld by clicking HERE (https://www.uuworld.org/articles/uua-statement-trans-intersex-nonbinary-rights?fbclid=IwY2xjawOJiRlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFsTlJZM2RTU1MzNVRrVmFic3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHmw6c17Nb5mmEGJecaBwG6vWTo7IODwzS1Fvl6PiHhrJyiRsbSWlVQzPH05Q_aem_9E1v5IjhiZz5P7onP6wpzg) ) “unequivocally proclaim(s) the holiness of trans, nonbinary, and intersex people,” and that the signatories from different religions “share a fundamental belief…that all people hold infinite value and dignity, and we are morally compelled to care for those living under persecution.”
UUA President, the Rev. Dr. Sofia Betancourt, shares a personal video message of care and community connection honoring Transgender Day of Remembrance 2025. Click HERE to view. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNF-k1iclF4)
** Opportunities for Connection: Central East Region Update
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NOVEMBER 2025
Featured Resource:
UU Institute
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-1125)
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