Here’s what’s happening at Mill Creek:
** Sunday Worship Service Information
October 12, 2025
10:30 am
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Natural forces and processes are at work in the landscape surrounding us, giving shape to this area over the course of millennia. How have humans interacted with nature in this place over time, and what is our own relation to the natural world around us today? How might the deep past help give meaning to the present? Join us this Sunday when our worship leader Stephen Petersen shares his sermon, “Mill Creek: A Natural History.”
Stephen Petersen and his wife Lauren have been members of Mill Creek for more than 20 years, and their two children have been dedicated and have come of age here. Stephen has served on the Worship Committee since 2005. He holds a B.A. degree in Religion, an M.F.A. in Studio Art, and a Ph.D. in Art History, and has taught at the University of Delaware, the University of Pennsylvania, and the Corcoran School of Art at George Washington University. He has written frequently about contemporary art and photography, and has curated several art exhibitions at the University of Delaware Museums, most recently Beat Visions and the Counterculture.
Music for this service will be offered by Lingchin Liao. Lingchin is a native from Taiwan with a Master of Music in violin performance from Temple University. She is a violin teacher at The Independence School, Darlington Art Center, and The Music School of Delaware. Today’s hymns are accompanied by Brian and Jeanne Hanson and led by Emma Marino.
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
** Native Tree Giveaway This Saturday
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The Land Stewards invite everyone to take advantage of a native tree giveaway to supply the meadow with more trees in a continuing effort to improve biodiversity.
The New Castle Conservation District is having a native tree giveaway event this Saturday, October 11, 9am-12pm.
Bring the tree with you when you come to church for the Chili Cook-Off and Potluck!
New Castle Conservation District (https://www.google.com/maps/place/2430+Old+County+Rd,+Newark,+DE+19702/@39.588937,-75.7458423,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x89c7a7d8ac3d6b61:0x783e4392ae477eb6!8m2!3d39.588937!4d-75.7432674!16s%2Fg%2F11cncf3_lq?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDkyMS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D)
2430 Old County Road
Newark, Delaware
Trees can be left by the shed in the rear parking lot.
** Chili Cook-Off & Potluck THIS SATURDAY @ 5pm
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SPICE UP YOUR WEEKEND AT OUR HOT POTLUCK
COME FOR THE CHILI, STAY FOR THE BURN
It’s not too late to RSVP for our fun event happening THIS SATURDAY at 5pm! More than 50 people attended last year, and 10 pots of chili competed for “Chili Master Extraordinaire” bragging rights. We’ll be voting again this year and the chili crown is on the line!
It’s all beans on deck!
Here’s what you need to do:
* Decide what you’ll bring: your fabulous chili, corn-or-other bread, appetizer, side dish, beverage and/or dessert
* Plan ahead: this event is BYOB
* CLICK THE RSVP BUTTON BELOW: let us know what food items you’re bringing and how many people will be with you
* Fire up your stove: stir it to win it!
RSVP HERE TODAY! (mailto:reynoldschristine0@gmail.com)
** 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) .
** 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!
** Church Hike
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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)
** Join Indivisible Newark DE for another No Kings protest!
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The Unitarian Universalist Association has signed on as an official partner of the No Kings National Day of Mobilization (https://click.everyaction.com/k/115338882/569979546/-1463457584?SQF_SOURCE=uua&nvep=ew0KICAiVGVuYW50VXJpIjogIm5ncHZhbjovL3Zhbi9FQS9FQTAwNS8xLzc5MDg1IiwNCiAgIkRpc3RyaWJ1dGlvblVuaXF1ZUlkIjogIjRjYTE0ZGFjLTI4OTMtZjAxMS1iNDg0LTYwNDViZGViNzQxMyIsDQogICJFbWFpbEFkZHJlc3MiOiAiY2hyaXN0ZS5sdW5zZm9yZEBnbWFpbC5jb20iDQp9&hmac=i3ADkNHfgEi92HGUX0BseUmFX3hzmJCaobeSDw-TYlk=&emci=153004c6-1793-f011-b484-6045bdeb7413&emdi=4ca14dac-2893-f011-b484-6045bdeb7413&ceid=25728018) 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.
Click HERE to register (https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/843810/?force_banner=true&share_context=event_details&share_medium=copy_link)
** Thinking Ahead:
SERVICE AUCTION 2026
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We’ve reserved the date of Saturday, April 11* for this annual fundraiser. 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 committee. 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.
And don’t forget to 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)
** Don’t miss your chance to join a
Soul Matters Chalice Circle
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New Groups Forming!
Chalice Circles are our way of deepening faith and building community. In these small group ministries, we practice the sacred art of listening: to one another, to the wisdom of our daily lives, and to that still small voice within. These circles aren’t about debate or quick answers. They are about creating space where our truths can be spoken and heard, where we reconnect with life’s gifts, and where we find companions for life’s journey.
Each meeting we explore a theme together, weaving spiritual threads that strengthen our community and invite us into deeper living.
Join a Chalice Circle at Mill Creek and come home to connection, meaning, and belonging.
Click HERE to join a circle or ask questions (mailto:jeanne.m.hanson@gmail.com)
** Dungeons & Dragons
A Recurring Event
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Sundays, October 12 & 26
(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
** Our Unitarian Universalist Faith
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Unitarian Universalism draws from our heritages of freedom, reason, hope, and courage, building on the foundation of love. We covenant, congregation-to-congregation and through our Association, to support and assist one another in our ministries.
Love is the power that holds us together and is at the center of our shared values. The values we share include all the following, which we hold as inseparable and deeply interconnected: pluralism, generosity, interdependence, equity, justice, and transformation. Click the button below to learn more and explore several resources.
Click HERE to learn more (https://www.uua.org/beliefs)
We Are UU’s – a short video (https://vimeo.com/344862790?fl=pl&fe=vl)
** 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)