Here’s what’s happening at Mill Creek:
** Sunday Worship Service Information
October 19, 2025
10:30 am
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This Sunday, as we celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, we honor the call to let compassion—not indifference—guide our way through a world that feels increasingly fractured. Drawing wisdom from the story Ganesha’s Sweet Tooth, Rev. Christe invites us to see how even what is broken can become a source of healing and creativity. Together we’ll explore how Unitarian Universalists are called to bear witness, to act with courage, and to kindle light where suffering and despair too often take hold.
Music for this service will be offered by Aarohi Kulkarni. Aarohi began her musical journey at the age of three and has been training in Hindustani classical music for the past five years under the guidance of her guru, Smt. Dhara Bakshi. Alongside, she has been learning piano for three years and recently started exploring Western vocals. Aarohi has graced many stages with her performances, won accolades, and continues to share her love for music through her YouTube channel. With her passion, dedication, and versatility, Aarohi is a young star in the making!
On this festive occasion of Diwali, Aarohi Kulkarni will present three Hindustani classical pieces that symbolize the essence of the celebration. Diwali is not only the festival of lights, but also a reminder of the victory of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and blessings of prosperity for all. Each song in this presentation connects to one of the stories or traditions behind Diwali.
Prathama Tula Vandito – Meaning “First, I bow to you”, this Marathi prayer is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, who is worshipped before the start of any auspicious occasion. By beginning with this invocation, Aarohi seeks blessings for a successful and joyful performance, just as Ganesha is honored first in every celebration.
Rama Naama Payasakke – A devotional composition by the 15th-century saint Purandara Dasa. The song uses the metaphor of making a sweet pudding (payasam) to explain how chanting the names of Rama, Krishna, and Vittala brings sweetness and fulfillment in life. Here, Rama’s name is the payasam, Krishna’s name is the sugar, and Vittala’s name is the ghee — together creating spiritual nourishment and bliss. This piece symbolizes Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana and Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura, both celebrated as part of the Diwali festival.
Bhgyada Lakshmi Baramma – Another timeless Purandara Dasa composition, this devotional song calls upon Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of fortune and prosperity. The lyrics invite her to enter the devotee’s home, bringing blessings of wealth, wisdom, and happiness. It reflects the tradition of worshipping Lakshmi during Diwali, when families pray for peace and abundance in their homes.
Through these three pieces, Aarohi’s performance will bring together the stories and devotional spirit of Diwali — invoking blessings, celebrating divine victories, and welcoming prosperity.
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
** In Case You Missed It…
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Chili Cookoff 2025
A great time was had by all who attended the Chili Cookoff & Potluck held on Saturday, October 11. Over 50 guests attended, and sampled and voted on 9 pots of chili The evening included plenty of good food along with games, fun and fellowship. Thank you to everyone who attended, prepared and shared food, participated in the voting, and helped with set up and clean up.
The Winner’s Circle!
First Place: Daniel Portillo; Second Place: Susan Klugerman; Third Place: Fran Gulino; Most Original: Chris Reynolds; Fire Breather: Ann Draper; People’s Choice: Fran Gulino.
This event was organized by the members of the Fun & Fellowship Committee.
Thank you for another fun & fabulous event!
** Social Justice Meeting this Sunday
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The committee meets this Sunday, October 19, after church service in the conference room. Everyone is welcome to drop in!
** No Kings Day of Protest this Saturday
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The Unitarian Universalist Association has signed on as an official partner of the No Kings National Day of Mobilization on Saturday, October 18. Building on the momentum from the first No Kings protests in June, we are mobilizing for another mass day of resistance, resilience, and action. Our commitment to building a multiracial democracy shows up in how we resist the abduction and deportation of our immigrant community members; how we resist voter suppression in the legislature and at the ballot box; how we celebrate our LGBTQ+ kin and
communities – and on October 18, shows up in how we collectively cry out No Kings! Use the link below to sign up for a local No Kings event.
Saturday, October 18, 2025
2pm-4pm
South College Avenue & West Main Street
Newark, Delaware 19711
A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action.
** Church Hike this Sunday
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Everyone is welcome to join Bill Reynolds on
Sunday, October 19 after church service (12:15 pm) to hike nearby White Clay Creek State Park on Bryan’s Field and Whitley Farms Trail paths. Hikers can walk or drive to the starting point (paid parking area).
Hike stats:
3.1 mi. Length
219 ft. Elevation gain
1–1.5 hr. Estimated time
Bryan’s Field and Whitley Farms Trail primarily feature packed dirt paths interspersed with roots and occasional rocks. The trail is generally well-maintained, but be prepared to navigate some rocky areas and potentially muddy spots following rainfall. Fauna sightings are also common, with opportunities to observe local wildlife such as birds, small mammals, and insects. Learn more about the hike HERE (https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/delaware/bryans-field-trail) .
Let Bill know you’ll be joining him – click HERE (mailto:wmfxir@gmail.com)
** Best Wishes,
Gladys & Michael!
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Join us in wishing Gladys Smith and Michael Slater the very best on the occasion of their wedding on Saturday, November 1, 2025. Look for the collection box in the gathering space where you may leave a note, letter, or greeting card for the happy couple.
** Spotlight On
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Thank you to the team members who recently refurbished the sanctuary chairs:
Lauri Rickard reupholstered 28 chairs with the fabric remaining from phase 1 of this project
David Bonner took a thorough inventory of chairs currently in use, as well as leftover frames and cushions; David also worked to reinstall the reupholstered cushions along with Roy Draper.
We are grateful for our volunteers!
** Art Class: Needlework
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Come to the Art Lab on Wednesday, October 22 at 7pm for Needlework Night. Bring a project you’re already working on or start something new. Materials for knitting, sewing, and crochet will be available. Tea and cookies included. No RSVP necessary – just drop in, get creative, and have fun!
Questions? Email Jo Redbird HERE (mailto:redbirdartlab@gmail.com) .
** Daylight Saving Time Ends Soon
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Daylight Saving Time ends at 2:00 am on Sunday, November 2. Clocks are set back 1 hour (“fall back”). Sunrise and sunset will be about 1 hour earlier than the day before, but there will be more light in the morning. Since the time changes at 2:00 am, people generally change their clocks before bed on Saturday.
** Tree Planting Day
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Pictured, L to R: Roy Draper, Ann Draper, and Chitra Vaidy, on a tree planting day a few years ago.
Go Native! Bring your tree-hugging friends and all those kids who like to play in the dirt to our tree planting day on Saturday, November 8 at 9am.
Presently we have 15 native trees to plant thanks to everyone who has donated so far. The holes will already be dug so you get to do all the fun work! We’ll show you how to best plant the tree so it can thrive. See Amy White or Jamie Kegerise with questions.
** Artificial Christmas Trees Wanted!
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We are collecting unwanted artificial Christmas trees: any size, any variety, any condition.
Planning to replace your tree this year? Are you downsizing? Upsizing? Have a Charlie Brown tree you’d like to get rid of? We’ll take any tree — no questions asked! We’re also looking for an artificial Ficus tree.
Drop off your donations to the church office at any time – thank you!
** Thinking Ahead:
SERVICE AUCTION 2026
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We’ve reserved Saturday, April 11* for our annual fundraiser. This date is two weeks earlier than last year so NOW is the time to begin the planning!
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 on your calendar!
*This is the updated/corrected date – it was changed from April 18 due to a scheduling conflict.
I can help! (mailto:board@uusmc.org)
** 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 September & October we are supporting:
Kennett Area Community Service
This organization’s mission is to strengthen the southern Chester County community through food, housing, crisis services, and education.
* KACS Social Services Program is not a shelter, but together with the help of partner agencies in Chester County, they connect vulnerable individuals and families with sustainable living solutions.
* The Food Cupboard is the largest food cupboard in Southern Chester County, feeding over 3,000 people every month. They rely on the generosity of the community for donations and a team of over 175 volunteers to provide the life-sustaining, healthy food for neighbors in need.
* KACS Community Education Workshops help to reduce the social costs of poverty by strengthening the workforce and building a more prosperous and sustainable community.
Learn more about Kennett Area Community Service HERE (https://kacsimpact.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)
** Dungeons & Dragons
A Recurring Event
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Sundays, October 26; November 9 & 23
(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.
** Wednesday Evening Meadow Maintenance
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The Land Stewards continue their weekly evening work efforts every Wednesday around 5:30pm, weather permitting, now through October. 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)
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 Real Life Lesson in Karma
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“…it would take several years and a simple happenstance for me to regret dismissing the notion of karma.”
Featured recently in Braver/Wiser, the UUA’s weekly message of courage and compassion, chaplain Rumni Saha (https://www.uua.org/people/rumni-saha) , a proud Hindu and faithful Unitarian Universalist, shares how she reclaimed the age-old karmic principles of her Hindu faith in an eerily meaningful way in her story, “A Mirror of Interdependence.”
Read Rumni Saha’s story HERE (https://www.uua.org/braverwiser/mirror-interdependence)
To learn more about Braver/Wiser and to subscribe to weekly emails of courage and compassion, click HERE (https://www.uua.org/braverwiser) .
** Opportunities for Connection: Central East Region Update
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OCTOBER 2025
Featured Resource:
2025-26 Common Read; No Kings National Mobilization
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-1025)
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** Website (https://www.uusmc.org)
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