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First Unitarian Church
of Wilmington Delaware
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Love and Compassion. Growth and Discovery.
Freedom and Justice. Wonder and Joy.
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Sunday worship is available in the building and online.
For information about our worship schedule,
please click here.
Click here for streaming information.
You will also find the live stream on our YouTube page.
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This Sunday, January 19
Worship 10:30 a.m.
“Our Dreams for America” – Rev. Dr. Larry Peers, Susan Boyce, Gianni Maiorano
This week, in our country, we celebrate the living legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr and we embark on the inauguration of a new president. MLK’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech almost didn’t occur. It was prompted by a woman on the stage who said to him, “Tell them about your dream, Martin.” How might we prompt each other this weekend to share our dreams for America?
Worship Associate: Jacqueline R. Kairis
Music: Kathy Harris with Linda Henderson, First U Choir
Children and Youth
Children’s Choir: 10:00 a.m. in Music Room
Nursery & Chalice Children (newborn - 1st grade) Youth Center
Seekers (2nd - 5th grade) Room 29
Jr. Youth (6th - 8th grade) Room 30
Youth Group (9th - 12th grade) meets in Room 27 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
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Next Sunday, January 26
Worship 10:30 a.m.
“Visions of Justice from Unexpected Sources”
Rev. Paula Maiorano
Writing in England between the twentieth century's two World Wars, Dorothy L. Sayers created a vision of justice with her Lord Peter Wimsey murder mysteries. They became a literary genre which she turned into an art form during the Golden Age of Mystery Writers. Her novels and also her life offer hints and a few outright guides, if we wish to pursue our everyday activities as if our own lives and vocations are an art form with a vision of justice.
Worship Associate: Ed Scott
Music: Donna Beech, Rebecca Fisher
Children and Youth
Children’s Choir: 10:00 a.m. in Music Room
Nursery & Chalice Children (newborn - 1st grade): Youth Center
Seekers (2nd - 5th grade): Room 29
Jr. Youth (6th - 8th grade): Room 30
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Office Phone Issues
As of January 17, we have signed a contract to replace our office phone system. We do not have an installation date yet. In the meantime:
If you need to reach anyone in the church office, please use email. The general office email is officemgr@firstuuwilm.org. Or, reach out directly to one of our staff people on our contact us page.
During office hours M-F from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., you can call Chrissy on her cell phone at 302-229-2717. This will also allow her to open the garden door if you are visiting the church during office hours or if you need to speak with someone urgently.
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Thanks to all who have sent in donations for our Spring Frolic First U Goods & Services Auction!
Keep them coming!
The Auction will run online from Sunday, March 30th through Friday, April 4th, followed by a celebration party with food and drinks and selected auction and raffle items on April 5, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Proceeds from the auction support the ongoing mission of First U!
The cost to attend the celebration is only $10 per adult, children free; registration will be required so we can plan appropriately.
There’s still time to make your donation. Church groups are encouraged to make donations, also, and get some publicity at the same time! Donations may be services, food, dinners, excursions, vacation homes, tangible items, art, music performance, gift cards, etc. Our event will be intergenerational so consider donations that families with children would love to win!
Here are some of the donations that have come in since last week:
- 2 opportunities for a 1-hour massage at Heaven & Health
- Original artwork by church members
- Homemade goodies – Christmas Pudding (Plum Pudding), Homemade Citrus Marmalade, Homemade Granola (always a hot item), 2 ½ lbs. of Natural Peanut Butter, Homemade Cranberry Chutney
- Hand crocheted Blue Peruvian cotton shawl
- Philadelphia Orchestra tickets to three different performances
- Two opportunities for Tapas with friends
- $50 gift card to Longwood Gardens
- Scenic Hike with Bill Hardham
- Wine Tasting Plant-based Hike
All tangible items must be NEW (no used items accepted). All art (painting, crafts, knitted or crocheted pieces, photography, etc.) must be the work of the donor. For ease of scheduling, we recommend you specify the date of any option with multiple buyers, such as dinners and excursions.
Please submit the details of your donations in our donation form online: Auction 2025 Spring Frolic Donation Form
We will be accepting donations until March 18, but the sooner the better!
Your Auction Team organizers, Nancy Pinson,
Linda Sanders and Pam Finkelman
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Conversation with the Board
The Board would like to invite you to the first “Conversation with the Board,” event, to be held after the service on January 19, 12-1:15 p.m. This will be an opportunity for interested people to get to know the board members better as we discuss pertinent topics and concerns. Bring your questions.
This is not a congregational meeting but an informal discussion. We will be meeting in the Sanctuary. Snacks and childcare will be provided. Not a ZOOM meeting so you have to come in person. No registration is necessary.
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Centering Sundays
Sunday, January 19
Noon to 1:00 p.m. – Room 25
Judy Govatos and Susan Boyce
No Registration Required for In Person – Please register for Zoom option
Crises surround us, causing many to fall prey to denial, and despair. Grief, anger, and fear are healthy responses to the harsh realities of our time, and when honored through the perspectives and practices of Johanna Macy “Work that Reconnects’ they can free us from paralysis and move us toward creative action. In this group we will explore movies, music and podcasts that support the teachings of Joanna Macy from her book Active Hope. We’ll have time for meditation, discussion and organize for actions that we believe can make a difference. You are free to join us when you can. Prior participation isn’t required. The meetings will be guided by Judy Govatos and Susan Boyce. Please register at this link.
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Church Office Closed
Martin Luther King Jr Day
The church office and building will be closed on January 20 2025 in honor of Martin Luther King Jr's birthday.
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Monthly All Ages Movie Night - Free!
The first showing will be
Saturday, January 25 - 7:00 p.m.
Bring your friends, grandchildren, and children! Free vegan butter flavored popcorn and lemonade will be provided, but you are welcome to bring snacks/beverages to share. Children are invited to bring blankets or sleeping bags if they would be more comfortable on the floor. Adults are welcome to bring and play board/card games in Parish Hall.
We will be having regular movie nights for all ages each month. Due to copyright laws, we cannot advertise outside the church or on the internet which movie we will be showing. Please sign up at this link to get an email each month with the next date and film.
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Creativity Matters Pop-Up Art Show
Sunday January 26 at Coffee hour
We want to see your art! Bring your art reflecting on this month's Soul Matters theme of Story and for a pop-art show during coffee hour. You take your art home with you! Any kind of art is welcome, but if you need inspiration, here are some ideas:
- Pick someone you love or a memory that you have numerous pictures of. It can be a person or a pet. And then pick five photos that tell the story of the person/pet's: ● their personality ● their loves ● a relationship they have with a hobby, a child, etc. ● what kind of parent they are ● how they have changed, grown or developed. Possible memories: ● Your story of the pandemic ● Your story of a holiday over the years ● The story of a cross-country trip you took ● The story of the cars you’ve owned (or that your family has owned)
- Poet George Ella Lyon wrote a beautiful poem called, Where I’m From. Over the years, thousands of writers, students and religious groups (including Soul Matters groups) have used her poem’s structure to write their own version. It’s become a powerful way to explore and gain new insight into one’s story and the story of where you are from. Read the poem here.
- Take a picture of each room in your house and then write a paragraph about a memory that happened there and/or what it meant to you. Make a page for each picture with the paragraph underneath it. Then assemble them all into something akin to a scrapbook.
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Creating Your Estate Plan
Sunday, January 26 – 6:00 p.m. – Parish Hall
Elizabeth Darling – Financial Planner
Jaclyn Quinn – Estate Planning Attorney
Registration Required
It's a topic people tend to put off or ignore, but one of the most important things you can do is develop a sound plan for your estate. Doing so lets you take a giant step toward a more secure future for yourself and generations to come. Elizabeth Darling is a financial planner with Edward Jones and a member of First Unitarian Church of Wilmington. Jaclyn Quinn will be joining us from DCRAC (Delaware Community Reinvestment Action council) to talk about the work that she does in the community and provide her professional insight as an estate attorney in the planning process.
Attend our Creating your estate plan presentation and you'll learn more about:
• What to consider when creating your will
• The benefits of trusts in estate planning
• How to help reduce taxes on your estate
• How insurance can help protect your family.
Register for this and other Lifestream at First Unitarian Church at this link.
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“Poverty, By America” – Book Groups
Julie Brewer and Becky Laster
Registration Required – Zoom option available
We will meet to discuss the themes in the book “Poverty by America” by Matthew Desmond. The group will meet three times and participants will read a third of the book ahead of each meeting. We will learn about why poverty persists in America and about some individual and collective actions we can take. UU principles support poverty abolition and we can raise awareness and advocate for change with some local social structures.
Group B will be in-person only and facilitated by Becky Laster, Sundays, January 26, February 2 and 9 12:30-2:00 p.m. in Room 25
Both Julie and Becky became interested in the book “Poverty, by America” through the housing justice focus of First U’s Human Rights Task Force (HRTF) and housing advocacy work with the Unitarian Universalist Delaware Advocacy Network (UUDAN). In fall 2024, Julie and Becky facilitated a similar book group with participants from UU churches, Peace Week Delaware, and the Poor Peoples Campaign.
Register for this and other Lifestream at First Unitarian Church at this link.
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Youth Group Fundraiser
Vegan Chili Cookoff
Saturday February 1st at 5:30 p.m.
Come warm up on a cold winter night with a bowl of chili! Please join us in Parish Hall on Saturday, February 1st at 5:30 p.m. for a Vegan Chili Cookoff!
$10 entry fee goes to the Youth Group for a future service trip. Max $20 per family. Come and enjoy trying different vegan chilis, or bring a bowl of chili to join in the competition. Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.
Register below or bring $ the night of the event. Cups will be provided for the tasting. Drinks and cornbread provided as well. Bring some cash for the 50/50 raffle. Come out and support our youth while having a healthy plant based meal! Sign up at this link.
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Poetry as a Tool for Wellness
Wednesdays, February 5, 12 and 19
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Room 25 - Rev. Dr. Larry Peers
Registration Required - Zoom option available
Drawing on practices from the Institute of Poetic Medicine we will explore poetry as a way to express our own responses to poems and to the theme introduced in the session. No background is needed. This is a safe and creative circle to explore themes and connect to others.
Register at this link
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Poetry Reading: Hearts Alight:
From Shadows to Light – Once Invisible
Tuesday, February 11 – 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Dielle De Noon
Registration Required- only Zoom available
Join us for this online poetry reading with Dielle De Noon from her collection, “Hearts Alight: From Shadows to Light – Once Invisible.” Through a blend of evocative poetry and compelling prose, the book captures the essence of resilience, determination, and the power of community.
Register at this link
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Pastoral Care
Grieving is different for everyone. Pastoral Care can be a listening presence for your journey during a memorial service and beyond.
In January, our Pastoral Care Associate will be Kathie Stamm. You can reach her at KathieS@firstuuwilm.org.
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June Jenkins Peterson's Celebration of Life
June Jenkins Peterson passed away on December 26, 2024 at 97 years old. June joined the church in 1955 and was actively attending services or participating in small groups until most recently. Rev. Larry was able to visit her the week before. During that visit, she shared how pleased she was to be part of our congregation, and she shared some reminiscences about the church and her connections with our members.
The Celebration of Life for June Peterson will be held on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. at the Auditorium at Cokesbury Village, 726 Loveville Rd, Hockessin, DE 19707
Cokesbury will reserve two rows of visitor parking (marked as P1 on the map at this link) for the time of the service on January 21. When folks come through the welcome gate, they will probably be directed there.
If you are planning to attend, please carpool with friend(s) since parking is a bit limited.
Other parking at Cokesbury:
P2 - 3 or 4 parking spots along the road in front of the main building
P3 - Employee parking, but there might be a couple of spaces; a bit of a walk to the front door of the main building
P4 - 4 spaces, if available, behind the building, just past the ambulance pick up area. No access to the building without walking around to the front
P5 - a number of parking spots behind the building - many of them handicap spots - same issue with being behind the building and having to walk a distance around the building
To view her obituary go to this link.
Condolences may be sent to:
Bruce Jenkins, 15752 Oak Valley Rd., Ramona, CA 92065
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Welcome New Member - Beverly Payton
I first attended this church in early November when I was devastated by the results of the national election and felt that I had lost faith in my fellow Americans. I strongly needed a community of people who shared my values and were similarly concerned about the future of our country and exploring ways to counter the harms that the new administration promised to inflict. I found that community here.
I jokingly describe myself as a “recovering Catholic,” having grown up in a Polish Catholic neighborhood in Philadelphia and having attended Catholic schools from elementary through high school. After I married and had children my family joined a local Lutheran church and remained members until my youngest child entered college.
However, the older I get, the more liberal my religious views become, and I gradually found myself in strong disagreement with many of the sentiments expressed by the pastor, and other members of my Lutheran congregation. Until now, I have been “unchurched,” pursuing an independent spiritual path.
I am retired after a career as a newspaper journalist and, later, a public relations consultant.
I’m 71-years old, married with four children and six grandchildren. In my spare time I enjoy bicycling, kayaking and scuba diving.
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Welcome New Member - Jacki Aguirre
My name is Jacki Aguirre, I am 48 years old and I have lived in Delaware for 20 years but I am originally from New York. My husband and I will be married for 20 years in July of 2025, and we have three children. Juliette (18), Noah (15), and Adan (11).
I worked as a paralegal for fourteen years and then transitioned in 2023 to doing settlement administration after getting terribly and overwhelmingly burned out in that career. I work for a company that allows me to work from home and be more present for my family. In another life back in NY I was a staff photographer and writer for a publishing company but after having kids I pushed myself to do more "practical" work, for better or worse, so I could help support my family. I have always been drawn to the spiritual and I love reading, and writing, and exploring different religions and beliefs.
I was raised Catholic but cannot align myself with so many practices that the Catholic Church promotes. I love the routine and socialization that comes with having a church service, but I got tired of trying to mold myself into practices that don't suit me. My son recently became very drawn to some online "preachers" and I am afraid that he doesn't get a balanced view just looking through a screen and I want to give him more perspective on the world and real life, and the need for compassion and community.
My daughter and sister are members of the LGBTQ community and I know that faith and being LGBTQ do not have to be mutually exclusive, so I get deeply angered by some rhetoric in many faith-based communities. I am a Reiki practitioner, I've visited a Buddhist Temple, practiced yoga, gone to Native American Pow-wows and events, and I adore the smell and feel of old buildings and churches. I have realized that the pulse and drive behind all of my exploring has always been the people I explored with and that is what I feel has been lacking in my life, that connection. I found this congregation online during COVID and enjoyed the sermons. I also have friends who are UU's (out of state) and just never took the time to explore it in "real life". So here I am, and I am hoping to pull this into my family as well in any way possible. :)
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Welcome Table Volunteers Needed
Do You Remember What It Was Like To Be A Newcomer to First U? Was it easy to learn more about First U after your first worship service? Did you wonder where to go or what to do next?
Every Sunday, new people find First U and visit for the first time. With prominent signage, information about First U and a friendly volunteer, the Welcome Table invites newcomers to learn more and find activities that interest them.
We have the table. We have the information. What we need are more friendly folks to sit or stand at the table and to be a welcoming presence for all. All you need to do is sign up to cover a Sunday when you can. You might enjoy it so much you decide to sign up once a month, or you may only be able to cover a couple of times a year. Volunteer alone, as a couple or with a friend.
But what do I have to do?
Immediately after worship ends, head over to the Welcome Table and be friendly! When coffee hour is over, drop off filled out visitor forms in the “membership” mail slot, just outside the copier room in the church office. Not everyone will want to fill out a visitor form, that is OK! Your primary job will be friendliness and enthusiasm about First U.
Your presence can make a huge difference for newcomers. This is a great volunteer job for new members as well as seasoned volunteers. You can sign up here or email Marilyn Hyte at hyte1@comcast.net if you have questions.
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Room Rentals and
Building Use at First Unitarian
Rentals plus church activities are keeping our calendar full. If you have an interest in using space in our building, it pays to plan ahead!
Can my church committee meet in the church building?
Yes! You can reserve space for your church activity by filling out the reservation request form at this link. The form asks useful questions to help our staff determine size of room, AV needs, set up, etc. Or, you can email Marina, our Business Manager at marina@firstuuwilm.org with your request - just be sure to include any details you have to help us recommend the right space.
There is no rental charge for church activities or for outside organizations that are partnered with a First U church group. Custodial fees may apply on Saturdays but may be paid from the groups budget or other designated fund.
Rites of passage for church members are also rent free, although a custodial fee may apply for a Saturday event and be paid by the family.
Can I use a space at the church for a personal party or meeting for an outside group?
Yes! We charge rent for personal non-church events such as private parties or other activities. Church members receive a reduced rate on rent. Custodial fees apply to Saturday events. Apply using the form at this link. Room rental rates are available here. Last page lists reduced rate for church members.
Our church building is here for our members and our church community. For more information, or questions, please email Marina in the church office.
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Coffee Sales
You can support farmers, farm workers, and artisans with Equal Exchange. Equal Exchange is a fair trade organization founded on the vision of creating a closer connection between farmers and consumers.
We have a variety of Equal Exchange coffees, teas, hot chocolates, chocolate bars, and even baking cocoa, for sale here at the church. Start your mornings right with a mug of rich, aromatic Colombian coffee, or treat yourself to a refreshing bar of lemon ginger dark chocolate. Stock up for Holiday gifts and celebrations!
Steve is in Parish Hall most Sundays selling coffee and other Equal Exchange products. Online sales are always available. If interested, please contact Steve Marek at smarek19@aol.com for product availability and purchase.
Please click here to see photos of some of our products.
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First U Sunday Volunteers | |
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Thank you to all our volunteers on this
Sunday, January 19
Thank you to the MANY volunteers who contribute their time and talents preparing for and participating in the Sunday Service experience. They support our talented staff to make it all possible.
USHERS:
Greg Griffin, Janet Hall, Dale Stratton, Deb Haskell
WORSHIP ASSOCIATE:
Jacqueline R. Kairis
PASTORAL CARE:
Kathie Stamm
FIRST U LIBRARY:
Open Sunday mornings 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Second Floor
Randy & Judy Windle, Rich & Joan Carter
CHILDREN RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION:
Susan Cicala, Matt & Katie Converse, Crystal Oswald
AV TEAM VOLUNTEERS:
Travis Laster, Phil Krape, Rich Carter, Mickey Meyer
WELCOME TABLE:
Marilyn Hyte
COFFEE SALES:
Steve Marek
HOSPITALITY:
Board of Trustees
POPCORN:
Steve Cohen
INDEPENDENT LIVING FOR YOUNG ADULTS:
Crystal Oswald
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Calling all Dog Lovers!
As part of the Pink Haven Project (associated with UUSC) members Susan Boyce and Kevin Stone have welcomed a family into their home while the family seeks medical care for their teenage transgender children. They came from Nebraska where the laws recently changed to prevent medical care for minors. As part of their family came their four dogs. Susan and Kevin are having no difficulty with the humans, but do need assistance with the dogs. If you know of anyone who might be able to foster them (in pairs) or some assistance group who might be able to help with the dogs, please let Susan know by contacting her at 732-939-1091 or sjb@sjboyce.com. The dogs are large – over 70 lbs per dog. Thanks for any help you can provide.
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Transgender/Non-Binary Monthly Gatherings
This is a wonderful community led space that is truly multigenerational. Many trans UU’s are searching for a way to connect to other trans UU’s and Adrian Ballou has taken on creating this space. Children attend with their parents and there is breakout space for children and youth. This program is completely in line with the UUA’s youth safety guidelines.
Hello beloved community,
Are you, a loved one, or someone you support in your UU community trans/nonbinary? Together, trans and nonbinary UUs are creating a space just for us to gather and build community–and it’s a cozy, caring, affirming time that restores and renews. There’s lots of interest and we’re still growing, and we want you with us! Group meets on the 4th Tuesday of the month.
For more info (including info on accessibility and children/youth registration) click here. Registration links are also available on the same page.
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Unirondack 2025!
Unirondack’s 2024’s trip season was groundbreaking! We had 3 times as many trips and 4 times as many campers as any previous spring + summer. Here’s what you can look forward to in our 2025 season:
- Mini-trips (3 days) for youth camp were a huge success, and we’re excited to continue offering this format for summer 2025.
- Summer Youth Camp trip dates are changing! In 2025 campers can now choose to go on a week-long trip without missing their regular Parker or Ballou Session.
- Spring and fall seasons of 2025 will feature 4 exciting trip camps for adults, including: Artists and Creatives trip camp (canoe), Oswegatchie Expedition (canoe), 90-Miler Blueway (canoe), Peak Queerness (backpack)
- New in 2025: Family Trips - - a customized Adirondacks trip for whatever ‘family’ means to you, fully outfitted, guided, and fed by Unirondack.
Learn more at this link.
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Ulster Project
Ulster Project Delaware (UPD) is currently seeking adventurous teens aged 14-16, for its annual month-long peace, service, and leadership project in July 2025.
American teens and their families host Protestant and Catholic teens from Northern Ireland as they seek to learn tolerance, build understanding and gain lifelong friendships. All teens participate in day trips to NYC, DC, Philadelphia, Hershey Park and the beach; service projects; leadership and team building events; visits to various places of worship; and fun local outings. Teens of all faiths and nationalities are encouraged to apply. The cost is minimal and the experience is priceless!
Learn more at our Virtual Information Session on 1/28 at 7:00 p.m. at meet.google.com/yac-udsy-bzw
Applications are now being accepted. Visit www.ulsterprojectdelaware.org for more information and email any questions to applyupd@gmail.com or call 302-333-7313.
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