Congregational Life
Upcoming events, meetings and news to know
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From the UUA President:
Savoring Simplicity
In this promising yet challenging time, Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray encourages congregations to start with simple changes so we can learn together.
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Know that every congregation has different needs and realities. Take approaches that make sense for your people, staff and context. This is a time to support, not to judge. Let us learn from each other, mindful that circumstances vary greatly. Let us be flexible and compassionate as we go.
--Rev. Frederick-Gray
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Join us for a Saturday evening Campfire!
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And maybe catch a spectacular sunset like the one seen here, captured last summer. We continue our weekly gatherings around the campfire in the Memorial Grove this Saturday, May 22nd** - 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.).
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This is the perfect time of year to enjoy a campfire ... the days have been warming up but the evenings are still 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.
**NOTE: these gatherings are always "weather permitting", and we will post on the Mill Creek Facebook page if the event is cancelled due to weather.
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Last Sunday Morning ARE Session until Autumn
10:00 am to 10:50 am
Soul Matters: Sacred words
This Sunday, May 23rd, we will conclude our discussion around the theme of Story and the sacred word Myth. The Zoom log-in access will be included in the Sunday morning email.
The organizers of our Sunday morning Adult Religious Exploration series will be taking a well deserved break, but will be planning for new content this fall.
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Mill Creek Board of Trustees Meeting Agenda
Wednesday, May 26, 6:30pm on Zoom
Opening
Consent Agenda
April Board Meeting Minutes
Reports Received (Expected)
Finance Committee
Minister
Treasurer
Discussion
Plans & strategies for reopening
Annual meeting update
Adjourn
Interested in Board meetings? Are you curious about how decisions are made at Mill Creek? Feel free to attend a meeting. The Zoom link can be found on the church calendar.
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Difficult Grief:
A New Series with
The Rev. Robert Broesler
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FINDING WAYS TO IDENTIFY, UNDERSTAND AND MOVE BEYOND GUILT
There Is No Defined Timing or Prescribed Process In Grief
It is common knowledge people experience stages of grief: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance. Recent research has added a sixth stage we as ministers can uniquely understand: Meaning.
These insights have done much to free people from judging themselves or others in the grieving process. I believe, however, that we tend to misunderstand or misapply this wisdom. First off, some assume these stages occur in a defined sequence. This is in no way true. Nor does every person go through each stage. No two deaths are ever mourned the same way, in either process or time.
The second confusion is to believe, once one moves past a stage, it never returns. I know in my life, while God has given me renewed meaning, I still experience anger, depression, and despair. While healing will help us better endure it, some pain never goes away.
It is a wise practice to occasionally preach or teach about these concepts, especially as God is often the target of the anger and despair. Such teaching can help in the grieving and loss everyone must endure. Fortunately, we can add that God in Jesus loves us at every moment. God gives us meaning, even when we cannot see it.
Thank you for all you do.
The Rev. Bob 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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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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Meadow & Grounds Spotlight: Weeding
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Photo courtesy of Amy White.
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What is a weed? I have heard it said that there are sixty definitions. For me, a weed is a plant out of place.
-Donald Culross Peattie (American botanist, naturalist, and author; 1898 – 1964)
We have lots of ‘plants out of place’ in our flower beds! As seen in the photo above, they are overtaking a lovely little crop of Bearded Iris. This is but one example of the upkeep required during this time of year. We have a naturalistic approach to our grounds; we propagate and nurture native species of trees and flora; and have dedicated specific sections as Backyard Wildlife Habitat. But we also recognize that regular maintenance must occur to keep everything synergistic and healthy. Our small but energetic and committed crew of Natural Lands Stewards gathers every Wednesday to tackle chores like weeding ... but they can’t do it alone! It is said that teamwork divides the tasks and multiplies the successes. Why not be a part of our team?
Anyone wishing to help out may join us on any Wednesday afternoon around 5:30 pm…or any other day of your choosing! Contact the church office with any questions you might have about the work we do.
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The Mill Creek Meadow and Grounds - for everyone to enjoy!
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Mill Creek Annual Meeting
Mark Your Calendar:
Sunday, June 6th
12:00 noon
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The Mill Creek Annual Meeting, held virtually again this year, is scheduled for Sunday, June 6th. The purpose of the annual business meeting shall be to:
- receive reports of officers and staff
- elect new trustees
- elect nominating committee members
- adopt an annual budget
More details will follow in the coming weeks. For now we ask you to mark your calendar and plan to attend the meeting.
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UUDAN, a union of the five Delaware UU congregations working together to engage in local legislative action, is currently working in support of HB 75 which is the second and final leg of a Constitutional Amendment that will have hearings and votes soon. The Delaware Constitution includes detailed language restricting absentee voting which must be amended to allow No Excuse Absentee Voting. Constitutional Amendments need to pass by a two-thirds vote. Any Delaware members and friends who live in a district represented by Mike Smith and Mike Ramone are encouraged to contact them to urge their support of this legislation.
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April Board Minutes Now Available
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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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Kristen Tosh-Morelli, Music Director
Hours by appointment
music@uusmc.org
302-369-2712
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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DelArt Cinema Drive-in Series
Presented by Delaware Art Museum
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DelArt Cinema Drive-in Series has returned for another season with a blockbuster lineup! Enjoy a classic film from the comfort of your own car. Concessions will be available to purchase on site. Rain dates will be scheduled as needed. Parking begins at 7:15 pm, movie begins at dusk.
May Showings:
Ed Wood: Friday, May 21
Weekend at Bernie’s: Friday, May 28
Delaware Art Museum
2301 Kentmere Parkway
Wilmington, DE 19806
302-571-9590
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News from the UUA, the Central East Region, and the Delmarva Cluster
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UUJEC's Spring Newsletter
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Unitarian Universalists for a Just Economic Community (UUJEC) is a vibrant progressive organization committed to economic justice for all. Their philosophy is rooted in the UU liberal religious tradition - to create a world of justice, equity, and compassion. Their work contributes to a broader movement for social change, in collaboration with the UUA, UU Service Committee and grassroots organizations. They seek to inspire and help UUs to study our society’s economic and social systems and advocate for justice issues.
Use the links below to read their spring newsletter, and learn more about the organization and the good work they do.
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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
May 2021
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