Congregational Life
Upcoming events, meetings and news to know
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Join us for a campfire this Saturday evening!
The echoes of beauty you’ve seen transpire, resound through dying coals of a campfire.
–Ernest Hemingway
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We continue our weekly gatherings around the campfire in the Memorial Grove this Saturday, June 12th - weather permitting. We gather around 7 pm. Bring your family and friends of all ages, and bring all your comforts (lawn chairs, blankets, refreshments, etc.).
This is the perfect time of year to enjoy a campfire ... the days have been warming up but the evenings may still be cool. Grab a sweatshirt and join us!
EVERYONE is welcome!! The Memorial Grove is to the left of the main (back) parking lot as you drive in. Please note that the church building will be closed except for restroom use (by one person or family at a time). Contact Jamie Kegerise with questions.
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Election Results for 2021 Mill Creek Annual Meeting
Following the Annual Meeting on Sunday, June 6th, the congregation cast their votes. Here are the results:
- The proposed FY 2021-22 Budget was unanimously approved.
- The slate of nominees was also unanimously approved, voting in the following individuals:
- Board of Trustees: Kristina Ellura; Shashi Ray; Pat Thompson
- Nominations Committee: Brian Coleman; Anna Hull; Lemaine Peo
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Mill Creek Board of Trustees Meeting Agenda
Wednesday, 23 June, 6:30pm on Zoom
Opening
Consent Agenda
May Board Meeting Minutes
Reports Received (Expected)
Finance Committee
Minister
Treasurer
Discussion
COVID-19 Statistics
Phased Reopening Plan
Music Director Position
RE Program: Summer, Fall
Annual Meeting – Lessons learned
Departing Trustee’s Sharing
New Board Retreat
Adjourn
Extinguish Chalice
Interested in attending? You can find the Zoom link on the church calendar.
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We invite you to attend the livestream of the UUA General Assembly Sunday Worship Service.on Sunday, June 27 at 12:00 pm ET
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This special service is livestreamed during the Unitarian Universalist Association's (UUA) annual (and virtual) General Assembly. This service takes the place of our regular Mill Creek worship service that day. Make note of the time (12 noon). The link to attend this service will be included in our Sunday morning email on June 27th.
Rev. Greg encourages everyone to join with thousands of UU’s across the world in celebration of our faith.
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Difficult Grief:
The Distinction Between “Treatment” and “Companioning”
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Often, we hear that people who are struggling with grief need “treatment.” It is intriguing to note the word “treat” comes from the Latin root word tractare: “to drag.” Combine that with the word “patient,” and that is where the real trouble begins. “Patient” means “passive, long term sufferer,” so if we “treat patients,” we drag passive, long term sufferers. Not a very empowering concept.
On the other hand, the word “companion,” when broken down to its original Latin roots, means “messmate”: com or “with” and pan for “bread.” Someone you would share a meal with, a friend, an equal. As pastors, we are called to be “companion” our congregants in grief - sitting at Table together, being present to one another, sharing, creating community, abiding in the fellowship of Christ-filled hospitality. Yes, some people certainly need a uniquely gifted companion/counselor, but the most effective care givers companion and empower the grieving person – they do not “treat a patient.”
-Rev. Robert Broesler
Feel free to use the links below to reach out to Rev. Broesler by email, and visit his Facebook page.
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Tech Help Needed on Sunday Mornings
We could use a few people familiar with conducting or attending meetings using the Zoom platform to assist with our Sunday morning virtual gatherings. Specifically, this involves:
- Managing waiting rooms
- Handling break-out rooms
- ZERO speaking required!
Anyone interested can contact Rev. Greg using the link below.
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Meadow & Grounds Spotlight: Seeing the Fruits of Labor
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It is just the beginning of summer and already it's hard to think back 4-5 months ago when our Asian Pear trees were barren of leaves and fruit. To keep them healthy and encourage fruit production, they require regular maintenance (trimming) and the winter months is the recommended time to do this.
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A few energetic and dedicated folks braved a bitterly cold Saturday morning this past winter to prune the trees in anticipation of and high hopes for a good crop of fruit in the months ahead.
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What a transformation - in just a few months the trees have filled in and are bursting with healthy young fruit. They need a little more time for the fruit to fully mature and ripen, but it's a burgeoning bumper crop!
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We are thrilled with the sight of these healthy fruit-bearing trees, but we have much more work to do! We gather every Wednesday afternoon around 5:30 pm to tend to our meadow and flower beds, removing invasive plants & weeds, plus other simple gardening and general maintenance tasks. All are welcome! Bring your gardening gloves - we'll show you what needs doing.
More interested in the scenery? We happily encourage anyone who might be curious about the work we do to stop by on any day of your choosing for a walkabout. Contact the church office with any questions you might have.
It is the month of June, the month of leaves and roses, when pleasant sights salute the eyes and pleasant scents the noses.
-Nathaniel Parker Willis, American author & poet (January 20, 1806 – January 20, 1867)
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The Mill Creek Meadow and Grounds - for everyone to enjoy!
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May & June
Share Our Plate
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We regularly donate a portion of our undesignated plate collection to a local charity or non-profit organization. Although we aren't meeting in person for Sunday services for the time being, contributions are still being received to support this fund and are donated entirely to the selected recipient. For the months of May and June, the Social Justice Committee has selected Wings for Success, located in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, to be the recipient of this fund.
Wings for Success empowers women in need to pursue employment and economic security through apparel, advice and advocacy. They provide immediate clothing needs for a variety of jobs and industries; offer one-on-one support for resume writing, job seeking tips, interview skills and more; and offer workshops and employment resources.
Use the links below to learn more, and to donate.
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**Be sure to select 'Share Our Plate' as the giving fund**
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We believe that generously sharing our gifts and receiving the gifts of others grows our compassion. We find our gifts flow from discerning the intersection of our heart’s deepest yearning and the world’s deepest hunger. We know ourselves to be most alive when we honor the earth and all humanity upon it. - from Mill Creek's Values, Beliefs and Mission statement
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We encourage you to continue your financial support of Mill Creek during the closure by using one of the following methods:
1. Mail a check: 579 Polly Drummond Hill Road, Newark DE 19711 (staff is present in the office and the mailbox is checked daily). Please indicate on the subject line if this is a pledge payment, a general contribution, or a contribution to a specific giving fund.
2. Give electronically through REALM: https://onrealm.org/MillCreek/Give or use the link below (remember to select a giving fund).
3. Text-to-Give: text MillCreek and the amount [e.g. MillCreek 50] to 73256.
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We sincerely appreciate your support of Mill Creek, especially now while we are unable to gather together for the time being. But the work of the church continues! We gratefully acknowledge that there would be no Mill Creek without YOU. Thank you.
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Follow us on Instagram!
@millcreekuu
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Mill Creek Staff office hours & contact information
Rev. Gregory S. Pelley
minister@uusmc.org
302-369-2712
Hours by appointment - use the link below to schedule:
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Debra Damiani, Congregational Administrator
Monday 8 am to 1 pm, Monday-Thursday
administrator@uusmc.org
302-369-2712
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Upcoming events in our local community
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Outdoor Movie Nights Starting Soon in Newark
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Two outdoor movie nights coming up soon!
When: Saturday, July 10th @ 8:30 pm (parking opens at 7:30 pm)
What: Onward, Disney & Pixar’s family friendly animated movie about two teenage elf brothers who get an unexpected opportunity to spend one more day with their late dad and embark on an extraordinary journey.
When: Saturday, August 14th @ 8:00 pm (parking opens at 7:00 pm)
What: RBG, a documentary on Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s life and career as a long-standing Supreme Court Justice.
Admission: $8 per person, per movie; resident discount price is $6
General Info: Both films will be shown at Newark Charter Jr/Sr High School (200 McIntire Drive, Newark). Bring your own chairs & blankets, snacks & refreshments to set up for seating on large grass field. There will be no viewing from vehicles.
Registration: registration is required for each person in attendance for each movie - click the button below. (Note: when accessing the page, scroll down to 'Events'.)
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Local event: Food & Brew Fest
Saturday, July 31st
12 noon - 7:00 pm
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Celebrating the unique relationship between the culinary arts and the brewing sciences!
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Enjoy unique beers, creative cuisine, live music, and more at the 17th Annual Newark Food & Brew Fest. This event showcases more than 40 craft beers paired with creative food offerings from more than a dozen Newark restaurants. Unlike most beer festivals, this event takes place within each participating restaurant. Travel from restaurant to restaurant to sample the featured brews and tasty dishes each location has to offer. Beer tastings and food specials begin at 12 noon and run until 7 pm. This is a pay-as-you-go event – no tickets or reservations required. Must be at least 21 years of age to consume alcohol. Use the link below to find out more about the participating locations and featured brews.
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News from the UUA, the Central East Region, and the Delmarva Cluster
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From the UUA President:
What to expect at this year's General Assembly
Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray shares some of the many highlights of General Assembly this year and invites you to join us online June 23-27 for worship, workshops and much more.
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There is so much happening at General Assembly, and the virtual format makes attending more affordable and accessible.
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General Assembly 2021
June 23rd - 27th
(all GA events will be virtual - no need to travel!)
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Opportunities for Connection: Central East Region Update
June 2021
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