Photo Gallery

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Sunday, June 21, 2026, “Calling in the Light,” Rev. Sue Greer, UUSD Member and Ordained Spiritual Life Minister – The solstice offered us a time to celebrate the light and our relationship to life itself. It was a time to ignite our passion and our conviction as keepers of the Earth, keepers of one another, and keepers of the light. Courage, strength, and dedication rose within us as we came together to honor this ancient ceremony. We dedicated ourselves to life, to all living beings under One Sun here on our One Mother Earth. We joined together hand to hand, heart to heart, to feel the embrace of our abundant earth and celebrate light! This is the light we will carry even into the darkest places, holding it for all. We need one another especially now to restore and strengthen our commitment to life.

Sunday, June 14, 2026, “Life’s Like Sand,” UUSD Director of Music, Julie A. Keefer, and the UUSD Choir – Life is constantly changing—sometimes playful, sometimes uncertain, and sometimes pulling us in unexpected directions. The music that the UUSD Choir shared explored the lessons found in life’s shifting seasons and how to navigate them with wisdom, resilience, and purpose. We are deeply grateful to Julie and our choir members for the many hours of practice, their beautiful voices, and their dedication to sharing meaningful music that enriches our worship experience and touches our hearts. The Annual Meeting was held after the service with all items on the ballot passing, and all candidates being elected to the Board of Trustees and Leadership Development Committee.

Sunday, June 6, 2026, “UUSD Flower Communion: Beauty in the Rubble,” Rev. Cathy Rion Starr – Beauty appears in the most unlikely of places and after even the most devastating disasters. Flower Communion is a Unitarian Universalist tradition begun over a hundred years ago in which we exchange flowers to celebrate spring and reflect on the resilience of nature’s beauty. 

The CFE children gathered before the service and colored in a multitude of butterflies and also shared their joys and concerns. The children were very excited to be helping during the service by bringing in flowers, handing out flowers and collecting the butterflies from congregants. The youth also stepped up and read a letter that included hearing first-hand about the deplorable conditions of the detention centers. The youth also helped before the service by greeting people, gathering and organizing the flowers, and being great role models for the younger children. A wonderful and moving service for all.

Sunday, May 31, “Imagining Libertatia: Paradise, Pirates, and the Work of Mutual Liberation,” Rev. Caitlin Cotter Coillberg – What can we learn from pirates of the 1700s about democracy and coming together across differences to challenge inequity and the forces of capitalism and empire? Rev. Caitlin Cotter Coillberg, Acting Minister of Religious Education for All Souls Church Unitarian in Washington D.C., reflected on Early Modern Piracy. Her message drew on the writings of Michel Foucault and from Rev. Dr. Rebecca Parker and Rita Nakashima Brock’s theological work, “Saving Paradise.” Happy 90th Birthday to long time UUSD member Allan!

Sunday, May 24, “Memorial Day: How We Remember” – Retired U.S. Army Major General Tammy Smith shared deeply personal experiences and insights gained during her 35 years of military service. Her reflections on the white marble headstones marking the graves of U.S. service members in military cemeteries were especially moving during this Memorial Day weekend. We are deeply grateful for her distinguished military service and for her continued contributions following her retirement.

Saturday, May 16, 2026, “A Night at the Library Potluck Dinner” – UUSD Cares and the Auction Committee organized a wonderful evening to gather, celebrate, and turn the page toward an exciting auction! The evening included delicious fare, a photo studio, and a peak at some of the items in the auction. Over 100 people signed up for the event and many attended in a costume of their favorite book character. What a fun way to kick-off the auction! Thanks to Kris, UUSD Cares chair; Adam and BarB, auction Co-Chairs; and their committee members for a wonderful evening!

Sunday, May 10, “Using Your Superpowers,” Allyson Rice: Yes, we all have very real superpowers to help us navigate through the challenges we’re experiencing in the world every day. The service also included information about La Plaza – Delaware (Share the Plate recipient), honoring Kris Acker with the Clara Barton Award, and a shout out to Jim Gervin who is 94 years young.

Allyson Rice is a producer and part-owner of Atomic Focus Entertainment; the author and narrator of the novel, “The Key to Circus-Mom Highway.” She first came to UUSD when her book ban film, “Banned Together,” was screened here, and she did a Q&A after the film. 

Sunday, May 3, 2026, “Service as a Calling,” – UUSD is a vibrant, caring, and relevant community in large part because so many people give their time and energy in countless ways. Much of this work happens quietly and behind the scenes, yet it remains essential to the life of our congregation. During this Jean Charles Service Sunday—designated by the UUSD Board to honor Jean’s deep commitment to our community—the Leadership Development Committee invited four individuals whose contributions are often unseen but deeply felt to share what inspires them to offer their time and talents in service to UUSD. Thank you to Warren Bouton, Ellen Lytton, John Sykes, and Michele Warch for your contributions to UUSD.

After the service signing up for Auction donations was held, along with accepting baskets for the ILYA progrm.

Congratulations to UUSD’s six new Clara Barton Sisterhood Award honorees: Kris Acker, Dianne Conine, Deanna Duby, Susan Goekler, Carol Huckabee, and Joanne Saltzberg. The Clara Barton Sisterhood was created in her name by the UU Women’s Federation as a way for congregations to honor women aged 80 and over for their contributions to their congregations and communities. We couldn’t be who we are without the contributions of these amazing women of our congregation!

Sunday, April 26, 2026, “New Life, Young Energy, New Members, and a Time of Rest—Oh My!” Rev. Heather Rion Starr – Today we held the first Child Dedication Ceremony at UUSD in many years. We also celebrated our Spring New Member Ceremony, and sent our Minister off on her second, and longest 3-month, chunk of her 2025-27 sabbatical so that she can come back to us in August restored and reinspired! 

Sunday Service, April 19, 2026, “Climate-Resilient Communities: How Do We Prepare?” – Rev. Heather Rion Starr Climate change on this, our shared planet and in our local communities, is both inevitable and unpredictable. Perhaps you are already witnessing the impact of climate change on a hyper-local level. Rev. Heather asked how can we engage in the ongoing work of building more resilient, caring, and interconnected communities for these times? After the service, members and friends shared their generosity by bringing in graduation baskets for Delaware ILYA students and contributing items for the Night in the Library Online Auction. It was a joyful time of giving and connection!

Sunday, April 12, 2026,  “Called to Welcome, A Journey into the Immigration Space” – Joanne McAfee, local organizer and activist, reflected on how our proximity to each other can lead to better understanding and advocacy. Joanne is a Delaware native who believes deeply in the dignity of all people. She is a two-time border witness, a dedicated advocate for human rights and immigration reform, and a grateful wife and mother of two grown sons. She has worked in the immigration law field for the past four years, but her advocacy began in 2018 during the height of family separation at the U.S./Mexico border. Since then, she has committed herself to building bridges across cultural, linguistic, and ideological divides, while helping others better understand the complexities and human realities of the U.S. immigration system.

On Sunday, April 12, 2026, for Women’s History Month,  UUSD hosted a showing of Radical Harmonies, a 2002 90-minute documentary about the Women’s Music Cultural Movement. The movement gave birth to an alternative women-led industry that changed women and music forever. The film’s executive producer/director was Dee Mosbacher. It was co-produced by UUSD’s own Dr. Boden Sandstrom., who held a Q & A session after the showing. This showing was sponsored by the Spirit Sisters Covenant Group in a belated celebration of Women’s History Month! If you didn’t attend the viewing of this not-to-be missed documentary, you can view it here.

Sunday, April 5, 2026, “Easter: It’s . . . Complicated,” Rev. Heather Rion Starr and Julie Keefer, UUSD Director of Music Ministries – Julie shared answers to these questions during her reflection: What are broader views of the traditional Christian Easter story?; How and why might we redefine religious language on our own terms?; and What possibilities for spiritual growth might these reflections and efforts open up for us? An Easter Egg Hunt for children and youth followed the service. See those photos here.

Sunday, April 5, 2026, Enjoying the Easter Egg Hunt (It’s fun for adults, too!) – The Easter Egg Hunt offered a joyful opportunity for the congregation to gather outdoors after the service, extending fellowship out into a beautiful spring day. As children and families delighted in the festivities, others enjoyed greeting visitors, reconnecting with friends, and sharing warm, meaningful conversation during a lively and welcoming social hour.

Tuesday, March 31, 2026 – The Transgender Day of Visibility celebration, co-hosted by Sussex Pride and UUSD’s Social and Environmental Justice Committee, brought the community together for an evening of connection, learning, and support. The program featured keynote speaker Commissioner Cora Castle, Chair of Delaware’s LGBTQ+ Commission along with conversations in breakout groups for Trans participants and allies. Attendees also enjoyed a clothing swap; resource tables hosted by local organizations—Camp Rehoboth, Free Mom Hugs – DE, PFLAG Rehoboth Beach, Sussex Pride, and UUSD Welcoming Congregation Team; and time to gather over food and conversation. Thanks to Vienna, Cynthia, and Graem for their dedication and hard work in creating such a meaningful and welcoming event.

Sunday Service, March 29, 2026, “Still I Rise,” Rev. Heather Rion Starr – Rev. Heather shared ways to inspire one another to keep on keeping on, while also appreciating one another’s unique backgrounds and voices. Community, conviction, and art can be used to creatively counter oppression and sing out for good. On this final pledge Sunday, the congregation heard from Linda Lewis and Dave Krantz, co-chairs of the Pledge Campaign. Adults, children, and youth also participated in the annual fire drill.

Sunday, March 22, 2026, “The Women of NOW… and We, the People of Today,” Rev. Heather Rion Starr –What wisdom do we still have to learn and build upon from the women who founded the National Organization for Women in 1966 (60 years ago this summer)? In this Women’s History Month service of reflection and community, we built energy for the times we are in now!

Sunday, March 15, 2026, “Can Unitarian Universalists Really Believe Anything They Want?,” Rev. John Wright – We’ve all heard it: “Unitarian Universalists can believe anything they want.” And while our theologies are broad and inclusive, is the statement accurate? Can humans believe anything simply because they want to? In this service, Rev. John explored these questions and more.

On this third Sunday of pledge month, the congregation gained information on the progress of the “Shine Our Light Pledge Drive” and had an opportunity to make a pledge after the service. The Board of Trustees held a post service chat with a focus on Project LOVE (Leading Our Vision of Expansion).

Saturday, March 14, 2026, Rise Against Hunger Food Packing Event – Once again, UUSD members and friends as well as our children and youth participated in the Rise Against Hunger food packaging event at Sussex Central High. The morning group of volunteers packaged 53,000 meals in three hours! Additional UUSDers and children helped out with the afternoon packing session, supporting the effort to provide fortified, dehydrated, shelf-stable meals to areas of the world identified as food insecure. Thank you to all UUSDers who participated and made difference in impacting the nutritional needs of many people throughout the world.

Morning Group

Afternoon Group

Sunday, March 8, 2026, Rev. Crystal Saiyge, “Give to Gain: Lessons from Black Girl Joy in the Midst of It All” – International Women’s Day fell on March 8, 2026. Their theme this year is “Give to Gain.” When we give, we gain. Give To Gain emphasizes the power of reciprocity and support. When people, organizations, and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase. Giving is not a subtraction, it’s intentional multiplication. When women thrive, we all rise. Whether through donations, knowledge, resources, infrastructure, visibility, advocacy, education, training, mentoring, or time, contributing to women’s advancement helps create a more supportive and interconnected world.

Rev. Crystal Saiyge is a queer Black woman, sex-positive interfaith minister, wife, and mom of four. Her virtual chapel, #Churchofthebando, is a liberated space for global spirituality, thoughtful inspiration, grief counseling, and sex-positive education. Rev. Crystal is the Executive Director of Sister Souurce, Inc., the first and only organization serving Black UU women, girls, and femmes which empowers their presence, amplifies their voices, and creates connections.

Sunday Service, March 1, 2026, “Let Us Shine Our Light,” Rev. Heather Rion Starr – Today we celebrated our tenacious, caring community as we kick off our Annual Pledge Drive for the coming fiscal year. Rev. Heather asked how all of our individual sparks will combine to grow the collective shining light of this community. She discussed what we have learned, and what might be possible. After the service, the attendees had opportunities to visit with a Pledge Committee co-chair, learn more about the UUSD Membership Book, and attend an Adult Faith Exploration session.

Sunday Service, February 22, 2026, “Snowballs in Hell,” Rev. Leika Lewis – Rev. Leika, a UU chaplain, poet, Humanist theologian, and UU community minister, explored the legacy of Black ancestors, examples of resistance, the ways we support each other in practicing resistance today, and how we create space for growth in the midst of challenging times.

Sunday Service, February 15, 2026, “Contemporary Black Voices, Part 3: Choosing Our Stories, Rev. Heather Rion Starr – Drawing upon the wisdom and insight of Ta-Nehisi Coates, Rev. Heather reflected on what stories we lift up, whose stories we amplify, and the power of myth-making and truth-telling in our families, our country, and our world. She spoke about keeping our hearts soft and open to the human experiences that need to be heard, felt, shared, and acknowledged.

Heartfelt thanks to our dedicated audio-visual team, who ensure that each Sunday’s service is shared through livestream, and to Randy, our directory photographer, whose work helps strengthen and connect our community.

February 14, 2026,  UUSD Valentine’s Day Giving Parade: Thank you to our wonderful congregation! UUSD Cares had a very successful Valentine’s Day Giving Parade. We filled three SUV’s with food, two SUV’s with clothing and one SUV with baby products and clothing! The food went to the Milton Community Food Pantry that serves thousands of local residents each year. The clothing went to the Shepherd’s Office in Georgetown. The baby supplies went to our local Baby Pantry.

We had a great starting donation of 20 bags of nonperishable food from Jodye Russell of Seaside Jewish Community. Donna Davis of UUSD met with Jodye to accept Seaside’s donation.

Thank you to our UUSD kids for the beautiful handmade Valentines given to our generous donors and to Cheri Garnet for the treasured glass hearts. We are especially grateful to UUSD Cares for their organization and work.

We hope you enjoy the photos from this special day.

February 8, 2026, “Contemporary Black Voices, Part 2: Creating What Is Needed Now,” Rev. Heather Rion Starr: Drawing upon Cole Arthur Riley’s book, Black Liturgies: Prayers, Poems, and Meditations for Staying Human, Rev. Heather considered what it means to find meaning and create ritual that is honest, creative, contemporary, and genuinely welcoming of all those who commit to having mutual respect for others of different beliefs and backgrounds. She discussed sacred texts for the times and the people we are and want to be, now. On this Scout Sunday, three UUSD youth helped light the chalice. After the service, the new Pastoral Care format was discussed, and visitors/friends had an opportunity to sign the Membership Book. Charlene Willis was available to talk about The Humanitarian Fund for Displaced Children of Gaza, this month’s Share the Plate recipient.

January 25, 2026, “Caravan of No Despair,” Rev. Heather Rion Starr: Due to snow, sleet, and rain, Sunday’s service moved to Zoom, where members, friends, visitors, and pets gathered cozily from near and far. Warm thanks to Rev. Heather, Julie Keefer, Dr. Heather Hamilton, and Lori Rocheleau for a meaningful, beautifully crafted service. Extra smiles and gratitude to Rev. Heather’s daughter for teaching us “soup” (or “macaroni and cheese”) deep breathing—a moment of calm and joy we won’t soon forget.

Sunday Service, January 18, “I Must Resist,” Rev. Heather Rion Starr: On this weekend of celebrations honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we pondered the life and legacy of Bayard Rustin. He was a principal organizer of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Rev. Heather shared what there was still to glean, consider, learn, and be inspired by from Bayard Rustin’s life and stories.

Sunday Service, January 11, 2026, “Yearning,” Jean Charles, Worship Committee Co-Chair and UUSD member:  In her reflection, Jean noted that she could fairly easily describe what she wanted out of life and what she hoped for, however, yearning was presented as something deeper—more tender and more vulnerable. Yearning was said to arise from the innermost chambers of the heart. The congregation was invited to reflect on the question: What do you yearn for?

Sunday, January 4, 2026, “Looking for the Light,” Rev. Heather Rion Starr: On this Epiphany Sunday, Rev. Heather shared versions of the Three Kings/Wise Men’s story. Reflections on getting lost and finding our ways were shared. Each attendee selected a new star bearing a word to light their path and guide them forward in 2026. After the servic, those wanting to become members of UUSD were invited to sign the Membership Book.

Sunday, December 28 – Annual Remembrance Service – Lay Leaders Mac and Susan Goekler, assisted by Peter Schott and Micah Jung, led a celebration honoring both well-known individuals and cherished members of the UUSD community who passed away this year. Joanne Saltzberg shared joyful memories of longtime member Lora Zachow; Alice Casey spoke lovingly of member Tony Codella; and Jean Charles paid tribute to founding member Beryl Martin. Brian Tootle reflected on his memories of Cheryl Hickey, UUSD’s AV specialist, and Susan honored Sorin Dragos Greer-Pinzaro, the grandson of Greer and Ruth Lamothe.

Wednesday, December 24, 2025, “Every Small and Tender Thing,” Rev. Heather Rion Starr – The Annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service celebrated this time of the longest nights by singing carols outside, sharing some good poetry, enjoying one another’s good company, and supporting Members and Friends of this congregation and our larger community through contributions to the Minister’s Discretionary Fund.

Sunday Service, December 21, 2025, “Winter Solstice Service,” Rev. Sue Greer, UUSD Member and Ordained Spiritual Life Minister – Our celebration of the Winter Solstice marked the longest night of the year, when the sun pauses in the sky before turning back to the growing days of light. It is a cycle of renewal, reflection, and a time of honoring the darkness of the winter season and the return of light. Solstice is a time of dancing and singing, time to reflect into the depth of the darkness and awaken renewed with the promise of a growing light. The marking of the solstice is a time of community… a time for storytelling, feasting, lighting of candles, and hanging wreaths of evergreen and holly. These are familiar traditions of our ancestors that continue today. Rev. Greer explored the wisdom our ancestors knew in celebrating the deep relationship we have with the cycles of our living earth and invited everyone to take the day to deeply pause and renew yourself in the promise of light.

Sunday Service, December 7, 2025, “A Tempered Radical,” Rev. Heather Rion Starr – Rev. Heather reflected on what it means to be a “tempered radical” and six other insights of inclusivity as we strive as a community to keep our hearts, minds, and arms open to all earnest, compassionate seekers. The newest UUSD Members were celebrated through our Fall New Member Ceremony! The Social and Environmental Justice Committee collected gifts for children in the Cape Henlopen School District.

Sunday Service, November 30, 2025, “Diversity and Equity in Delaware Schools,”Guest Speaker: Gloria Ho – Ms. Ho noted that a great public school system provides a safe, affirming environment where every student can grow and learn. Schools are not only places of learning, but where students develop empathy, critical thinking, inclusion, and a sense of justice. Today, those very principles are being undermined. Efforts to ban books, censor curricula, erase marginalized histories, and silence educator voices threaten the integrity of our schools—and ultimately, the health of our democracy. We see the consequences every day in our hallways and classrooms. Public schools are where democratic citizens are made and defending them is essential to our nation’s future. Through educator advocacy and community resistance, we can reclaim public education as a space for truth, belonging, and justice.

Gloria Ho is a 27-year public-school educator, union leader, and the 2024 National School Social Worker of the Year. She currently serves as the NEA Director for the Delaware State Education Association and is an editorial board member and contributing writer for Black Voices Magazine with the Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice.

November 27, 2025, UUSD’s Friendsgiving Dinner – Members and friends of UUSD gathered for a joyful Friendsgiving, sharing a delicious potluck meal in the beautiful social room at the Children’s Beach House. UUSD Cares provided the turkey and gravy, while participants brought their favorite side dishes. Smiling faces and warm conversations made it a Friendsgiving to remember!

Sunday Service, November 23, 2025, “This Love Looks Fierce,” Rev. Heather Rion Starr – Rev. Heather asked what we, as white people, were doing to be active allies to Indigenous people in our local and regional communities. She invited us to look beyond the many origin stories and the non-linear evolution of the national Thanksgiving holiday and to consider what it might have meant to walk with Indigenous peoples in this era. She also challenged us to reflect on how, in our own lives and in this contemporary moment, we are taking action beyond simply words. After the service, congregants received UU Service Committee collection boxes and also had an opportunity to sign up to purchase gifts for students in the Cape Henlopen School District.

Thursday, November 20, 2025 – Sussex Pride’s Transgender Day of Remembrance was held at UUSD to honor all who were lost in the past year. The program included a Welcome by Vienna Cavazos, UUSD member, and a cello solo by Rev. Cathy Rion Starr, UUSD’s Affiliated Community Minister. At the end of the service, the names of those transgender people lost were read, and a candle extinguished for each one. Thank you to members of the organizing committee – Vienna Cavazos, Organizing Chair, Randi Johnson, and David Mariner, Sussex Pride Executive Director – for a moving and reflective service.

Sunday Service, November 16, 2025, “Thanksgiving 2025: Gratitude, Grieving, and the Stories We Tell,” Rev. Caitlin Cotter Coillberg – What stories do we tell about the holiday of Thanksgiving, and why does it matter? Rev. Caitlin, Minister of Religious Education for All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church in Washington, D.C., spoke about the complex history of this holiday.

The children and youth joined the congregation in the Sanctuary, where the youth and Dr. Heather joyfully shared a Thanksgiving story using puppets. Afterwards, the children took part in the bread ritual, passing out a delicious variety of breads to everyone present. During the social hour, congregants dropped off donations for ILYA (Independent Living for Young Adults) holiday gifts and signed up for Friendsgiving to be held at the Children’s Beach House.

Sunday, November 9, 2025, “An American Wonder: Predecessors of Our Places, Part 2,” Rev. Heather Rion Starr – Rev. Heather writes that since early-2021, when I realized my family and I would be moving to the Delmarva Peninsula, I have been eager to know more about the life and struggles of Harriet Tubman—one of the most famous Americans in U.S. history—whose life story was so rooted on this Peninsula. As one of the foremost predecessors of this region, how do we invite Tubman into our lives as both historical heroine and genuine source of inspiration for our times?

Sunday, October 12, 2025: “Living Our Dream Forward,” Rev. Paula Maiorano – Today we celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the dedication of our building and sanctuary. Rev. Paula reflected on the journey we’ve shared, the space we’ve created together, and the spiritual values that continue to guide us. The work of cultivating compassion continues to ensure our sanctuary remains a fertile ground for empathy, inclusion, and service.

Sunday, October 5, 2025, “The Gospel According to Animals,” Julie Keefer, UUSD Director of Music Ministries and Rick Welk, UUSD Lay Leader – Tails wag, paws pounce, and birds sing… but did you know they also have lessons for us? We celebrated the joy, patience, and wisdom our animal companions share, and discovered the gospel they preach without words. Members of the congregation shared the names of animals who have touched their lives in the past, as we celebrated all creatures, great and small. After the service, people brought their pets to receive a blessing and get a special photo taken with their fur-baby.

Sign-up for the Craft Fair was held after the Service. It was good to see Giovanni with Rev. Paula.

Sunday Service, September 28,  2025, “The Signals We Give,” Rev. Heather Rion Starr – In her final service before taking a one month sabbatical, Rev. Heather asked and shared information about, “How do we practice pausing in our many relationships and reflecting on what our part in a difficult dynamic might be? How do we work to not escalate conflict, but bring about greater and deeper connection, even when it’s challenging?”

Sunday Service, September 21, 2025, “So Glad We Did It,” Rev. Paula Maiorano – As the Jewish New Year celebration, Rosh Hashanah, approaches, let us celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the first Sunday service in UUSD’s new sanctuary and location on Rte. 9. Rev. Paula Maiorano, who officiated that service, shared analogies with the building of New York’s Brooklyn Bridge. It wasn’t easy, but we’re so glad we did it!

Saturday, September 20, 2025 – The annual New Year Potluck was held on the beautiful UUSD grounds. Thank you to UUSD Cares for organizing this special event and to the attendees for the delicious main and side dishes as well as the fantastic desserts!

Monday, September 15 ,  2025, Emergency Preparedness Seminar – Just in time for hurricane season, the Safer Congregation Committee, in partnership with Sussex Dept. of Public Safety, offered an informative seminar about how to protect your home and community when dangerous weather hits. It was a great session and we learned a lot!

Sunday, September 14, 2025, “The Pull of Water,” – Drawing upon Wallace Nichols’ beautiful book, Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do, we celebrated our annual Water Ceremony and Ingathering service. Participants gathered water from wherever their spirit was nourished this summer. Notice how being by the water, in whatever form, makes you feel!

On Sunday afternoon, September 7, 2025, friends and members gathered for a Paint and Sip Party hosted by Peg Hughes and Kathy Lemann. The painting of a heron against a beautiful sunset was led by local artist, Judy Rioux. Everyone did a wonderful job.

Sunday, September 7, 2025, “A Beacon of Light, in Community,” Rev. Heather Rion Starr – What is it about gathering outside with others in the summertime… that moves us? As we said goodbye to summer and transition into the new school year, we blessed our children, youth, and teachers, and reflected on the transformational power of summer and community. The backpacks that the children and youth brought to the service were joyfully blessed and filled with encouragement!

Sunday Service, August 31, 2025, “Seasons in the Sun,” Marj Shannon, UUSD Member – As we move toward the “Happy New Year!” of a new school (and church) year, we paused to reflect on the seasons of our lives. Some good; some maybe not so much; some joyous; some less so. Winter… spring…summer…fall—we visited them all.

Sunday, August 24, 2025, “Tick, Tock, Tick, Tock, Ti…”, Rev. Dr. Ron Parks, UUSD Member and Minister ordained by the United Methodist Church – On November 15 of next year, the Harbor of Refuge lighthouse off the coast of Cape Henlopen (the white one, not the red one) will mark 100 years of service to mariners. Its presence and service, however, are threatened by the same reality that confronts each of us: Change. Ron shared how we can shine brightly, if only for a moment, and yet trust that our light and life will illuminate the way home for those around us. Let us remember L.I.G.H.T.: Love, Inspiration, Grace, Hope, and Truth as we go forward.

August 23, 2025: Many thanks to Ron, Mike, John, Peter, and Val for leading a lively and fun-filled Campfire Hootenanny Sing-Along, one of our popular auction events! The UUSD Presents: Many Voices, One Heart songbooks—specially prepared by Ron—were filled with a rich mix of folk and popular favorites, complete with chords for everyone to follow along. The music and singing were wonderful, creating a truly joyful evening. A special thanks to the Friends Covenant Group for hosting and providing refreshments, and to Randy for his thoughtful planning that helped make the night such a delight.

Sunday Service, August 17, 2025, “A Vision of our Climate” Rev. Heather Rion Starr and Rev. Cathy Rion Starr – Rising 8th graders, Robin and Aurelia, with support from Rev. Cathy Rion Starr, presented “A Vision of Our Climate” service prepared for the Unitarian Universalist Association’s Climate Justice Revival program. These Youth Leaders shared their contemporary take on growing up in an era of climate change, tragedy, and hope. Special thanks to Julie Keefer, Director of Music Ministries, Finn Sutton, and the vocal and music teams for inspiring music!

Sunday Service, August 20, 2025, Rev. Heather Rion Starr, “Money and… Meaning?” It’s not about the money…except when sometimes, it really is. How do we get more comfortable talking about all the ways that finances do impact our lives? How do we engage with and discuss the monetary aspect of how so much of our society functions? What does money have to do with our values? Be sure to check out Rev. Heather’s heartfelt message as well as Lorin and the music team’s rousing rendition of “Price Tag” on the Past Services page.

Sunday, August 3, 2025, “UUSD’s Fourth Annual T-shirt Sunday,” UUSD Lay Leaders Rick Welk and Renée Rocheleau – As UUSD celebrated the fourth annual T-shirt Sunday, UUSDers expressed their feelings, their passions, their commitments, and especially their opinions. What better way to do that than with a “bumper sticker” for the body! The T-shirts showed what was meaningful to congregants and the causes they believed in. Rick, Renee, and a few fellow UUSDers shared the stories behind their own T-shirts. The membership book was available for signing. Welcome to all!

Sunday Service, July 27, 2025, “More and More and then More of It,” Rev. Heather Rion Starr – How do we decide where to put our energy at any given moment? What drives (or calls) us forward? What is, as poet James Crews calls it, the “evidence of our aliveness”? And is any of it (are any of us) ever enough?

The service included a presentation of a card, gift, and gratitude for our outgoing Office Administrator, Sandy, and a welcome to our new administrator, Norma Jean. Rev. Heather introduced the Committee on Congregational Life’s beautiful new Kudos and Comments Box (made by Jonathan Bartels) and comment cards. Thanks to our dedicated Board of Trustees members for cleanup after the social hour.

Sunday Service, July 20, 2025, “Finding Our Ways,” Rev. Heather Rion Starr – Our second Annual Labyrinth service! Rev. Heather discussed the background, practice, and many ways to learn from the spiritual practice of labyrinths, whether by labyrinth walking, labyrinth drawing, or labyrinth observing and appreciating. There was an indoor canvas labyrinth to walk after the short service. Inserts to the Order of Service included a labyrinth design and a list of 10 labyrinths in Sussex County.

Sunday, July 13, 2025, “Our Welcoming Congregation,” Jean Charles, UUSD Member and Worship Committee Co-Chair – Being recognized as a Welcoming Congregation allows UUSD to open our church as a safe space to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons, to take positions on oppression in our larger communities, and to accomplish outreach. Kate Rocheleau, a new member of the Worship Committee, served as the service associate for the first time and shared a reflection on Hidden Disabilities.

Sunday, July 6, 2025,“Interdependence Day… Embracing True Freedom”, Julie Keefer, UUSD Director of Music Ministries – While July 4th celebrates independence, the deeper spiritual calling is not to stand alone, but to live in mutual connection. Julie explored what it means to celebrate Interdependence Day, a vision rooted in love, justice, and the shared web of life. Julie Keefer has a Master’s of Divinity from Chicago Theological Seminary.

Sunday Service, June 29, 2025, “Words from the Silent Generation,” If you were born in 1945, you are known as a member of the Silent Generation, also known as the Traditionalist Generation. A number of UUSDers are in that category. On Sunday we met some of them as they shared their thoughts on becoming an amazing 80 years young! The CFE children made birthday cards and brought them to the sanctuary to give to the 1945ers.

June 20, 2025 – “Summer Solstice Ceremony and Celebration” To mark the longest day of the year and the official start of summer, Rev. Sue Greer, UUSD Member and Ordained Spiritual Life Minister, led those gathered in celebrating the fullness of Summer in all its abundance, joy, and warmth. Blessings and prayers were offered for our Earth in thanks for all that is generously given to us so we might live in balance.

June 20, 2025, UUSD proudly participated in the Juneteenth Parade in Georgetown to honor the end of slavery in the United States and the freedom of all enslaved people. Juneteenth is a powerful celebration of Black history, culture, and resilience—and a time for reflection on the enduring legacy of slavery and the continued pursuit of racial justice.

Taste of Community Cookout, UUSD’s Annual Picnic, Sunday, June 15, 2025

UUSD Cares organized a fantastic picnic with grill masters Anne Pikolas and Carol Scileppi cooking up hamburgers, hot dogs, and veggie burgers. The potluck featured family favorites such as macaroni salad, baked beans, deviled eggs, salads, and a table full of tasty desserts including cupcakes, brownies, cookies, and key lime pie.

Sunday Service, June 15, 2025, “Connection Sunday,” Rev. Heather Rion Starr, UUSD Member Don Peterson, and the congregation shared one of the great joys of a faith community by connecting with and getting to know one another in meaningful ways. We are a community of all ages, backgrounds, cultures, abilities, concerns, and interests. For the second half of the service, we mixed it up with different activity stations that the participants could choose from. The activities included Bingo Cards – Talking with people and seeing if they could check off any of the boxes, using chalk to create messages on the UUSD driveway, making rally posters with the Social and Environmental Justice Committee, and singing with Julie and choir members.

June 2025 – Roy Parks was a man who believed in living his convictions out loud. To that point, he left a considerable amount of money to be distributed to Sussex County social justice groups, via the UUSD Social and Environmental Justice Committee, to help ease the burden of the underserved in our community. This year’s grants were awarded to the:
Milton Food Pantry: Left to right, Mac Goekler; Jan Daily; Rick Green, Board Member; Donna Muralaski, VP; and Lawrence Bivens, President.
People’s Place in Milford:  Left to right, Mac Goekler; Jan Daily; Blancha Creech, Associate Director; Nancy Castellanos, Program Director; Paola Pacheco, Advocate; and Yamaris Zabala, Latina Outreach Coordinator.

Sunday Service, June 8, 2025 – “The Journeys of Life: Music for the Roads We Travel,”Julie Keefer, Director of Music Ministries, Each of us travels a unique path in life, and our individual journeys shape who we are. This year’s Music Sunday was a time for reflecting, rejoicing, and being inspired as the UUSD Choir performed songs that explored the many types of journeys we experience: Inner, Spiritual, Emotional, Imaginative, and Physical. It was a morning filled with powerful music, genuine connections, and a deep sense of community celebration. Heartfelt thanks to our choir members, musicians, and especially to Julie Keefer, our Director of Music Ministries, for your unwavering dedication, remarkable talents, and the spirit you bring to every note.

June 1, 2025 After the Service – Connection and Information, The social hour was filled with meaningful opportunities to connect—snapping photos with the fabulous Scarlet Masters, reconnecting with friends, welcoming newcomers, and spending time with the children. Informational tables offered resources about the Safer Congregation Committee and UUSD membership, while the Board of Trustees hosted the annual Information Session.

Sunday Service, June 1,  2025, “Out Loud and Proud” – Rev. Heather Rion Starr led the congregation in a joyful celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride and honored the steadfast support of straight allies and advocates. Scarlet Masters gave a moving performance of “Part of Your World” from The Little Mermaid, shared her personal story, and offered meaningful suggestions for action and advocacy. She also took part in a heartfelt Glitter Blessing celebrating the inherent beauty and worth in every individual.

Memorial Day, May 26, 2025 – The Gay Women of Rehoboth hosted a Memorial Day wreath-laying ceremony at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand to honor fallen women service members, service canines, and first responders. Rev. Heather Rion Starr offered a warm welcome and delivered an opening prayer. The ceremony also featured participation from Claire Snyder-Hall, State Representative for the 14th District, along with members of the Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware (UUSD). Retired and former service members from UUSD attended the ceremony to pay tribute to their fallen comrades and loved ones.

Saturday, May 17, 2025, Rose Garden Gala,  UUSD members came together in their finest festive attire for the UUSD Cares Potluck Dinner, marking the joyful kickoff of the UUSD Online Auction. The creative, one-of-a-kind hats worn by both adults and children added a delightful touch to the evening. It was a night to remember—everyone had a wonderful time celebrating at the Rose Garden Gala!

Sunday Service, May 18, 2025, “A Celebration of Unique Beauty, Transition, and Community: Volunteer Appreciation Sunday and Flower Ceremony” Rev. Heather Rion Starr:

Just on a single day, in a single week, there are so many individuals involved in co-creating a thriving community. We celebrated the 102nd year of the Flower Ceremony (which originated in Prague in 1923) and all the ways we are each a part of a greater whole when we bring our full selves forward into the mix. Members, Friends and visitors brought a flower or small bouquet to contribute to the common table, enjoyed chatting on the deck, and checked out the Denominational Affairs Featured Table.

Sunday, May 11, 2025: “Stretching Her Time” Rev. Heather Rion Starr, Do you know the origins of Mother’s Day? As with many holidays, there are multiple origin stories. One among them for Mother’s Day is that of Unitarian writer, mother, heiress, wife abolitionist, peace activist, and lecturer, Julia Ward Howe. Trudy Pechin talked about the work of the Food Bank of Delaware, which is this month’s Share the Plate recipient. Contributions for the Food Bank may be made online at uussd.org or mailed to the UUSD 30486 Lewes Georgetown Highway, Lewes, DE 19958.

Sunday, May 4, 2025, After Service Activities—After the service is always a busy time at UUSD. This week people got silly with Jean, visited the Featured Table (Covenant Group Council), signed the Membership book or grabbed a glass heart made by Cheri, signed up for the Auction Dinner and dropped off items for the Auction, turned in their ILYA donation baskets, attended the Adult Faith Exploration session on the Six Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine, and enjoyed the coffee hour, good times with a sister, and delicious chocolate chip cookies baked by Kate!

Sunday, May 4, 2025,  “Jean Charles Service Sunday,” The service was led by Leadership Development Committee members and other UUSD leaders. Paul Barnette, Joanne Saltzberg, Ruth Lamothe, and Ron Parks talked about how being in a leadership position within UUSD has helped each of them grow spiritually or is an expression of their faith.

The “Jean Charles Service Sunday” was created several years ago by the Board of Trustees to honor Jean’s exemplary leadership and service to the congregation. The Board felt Jean’s unwavering dedication to service was a model for the congregation and deserved to be recognized in a special way. As a result, the “Jean Charles Service Sunday” was created to recognize each year the importance of leadership and service to UUSD. The “Jean Charles Service Sunday” is a reminder that everyone can find ways to serve their congregation and community. By contributing our talents in whatever way we can, we carry our mission forward and strengthen our loving community for generations to come.

Saturday May 3, 2025, A huge thank you to all the amazing volunteers who helped clean up the landscaping around UUSD! Your time, energy, and care have made our grounds look beautiful and welcoming. Now the fairy houses have tidy yards! We’re so grateful for your hard work and community spirit. You truly make a difference—thank you!

Sunday Service, April 27, 2025: “A Call for Compassion: Second Chances in the First State,” Dr. Tanya Whittle reflected on the challenges facing those who re-enter society after incarceration and discussed actions people can take when confronting issues with the criminal legal system. Dr. Whittle discussed the problems with mass incarceration, systemic reform, and the challenges of meeting probation terms. After the service, attendees visited with committee members to learn more about the upcoming auction and the pastoral care program, delivered gift baskets for the ILYA graduation celebration, and learned more about the Cape Henlopen School District’s Mentoring program from Kimberly Stevenson.

Saturday April 26, 2025, UUSD volunteers had a great time cleaning our UUSD “Adopt-a-Beach” of Herring Point South (which is the north end of Whiskey Beach) at the Cape Henlopen State Park. There were 15 volunteers and while the individual bags didn’t seem all that full, combined it was quite a haul! Plus a horseshoe crab was made happy when volunteers righted it and got it back into the water. A perfect day, though a bit windy, for a walk on the beach. Thanks to all who helped!

Sunday Service, April 20, 2025: “A Stranger with Your Hair” Rev. Heather Rion Starr – In this year’s annual Unitarian Universalist pondering of Easter Sunday, Rev. Heather reflected on The Resurrection as a metaphorical experience of Grief. When someone is so imprinted on our hearts that we see them everywhere, even after they are gone, could that be Grief? When an experience was so powerful that we cannot stop talking about it and bringing it forward into our present, could that be Grief? When he/she/they are always with us now, could that be Grief? The service was followed by the annual Easter Egg Hunt and a Q & A session with the Board of Trustees.

On April 13th after our morning Sunday service, UUSD held their annual evacuation/fire drill. All attendees were assisted by the Safer Congregational Committee members, greeters, and ushers. A very important, successful, and orderly drill was completed. Everyone was invited back inside for some warm coffee and cookies! Thank you Safer Congregation Committee!

Sunday Service, April 13, 2025: “For a Glimmer of Hope” – Rev. Heather Rion Starr asked, “Does everyone pray in the end? What is it about the intimate, direct, honesty of prayer? What is the surrender inherent in our understanding of prayer, that some of us embrace, some of us can’t quite let go of, and some of us prefer to avoid? Have we lost something if we’ve forgone a practice of prayer? ”Faye Blake spoke about Pathways to Success, the recipient of April’s Share the Plate offering. After the service, members, friends, and visitors enjoyed fellowship time, dropped off baskets for ILYA,  proudly displayed UUSD’s banner in preparation for the UUA’s General Assembly in June, and learned more about Rev. Cathy’s cello.

Sunday, April 6, 2025 – “Our Days in the Sun” Rev. Heather Rion Starr noted that we fear losing our memories. We witness to and care for our loved ones as they struggle with dementia and related memory loss. She asked how do we hang on to and remember more compassionate times in our country, and how do we maintain Memory? The congregation celebrated meeting and exceeding the Pledge campaign. After the service, our new Membership Team Chair, assisted those interested in signing the membership book. Congregants visited the beautiful Landscape Committee table, CPR and AED training signup table, and attended the AFE forum on Living Intentionally alongside Radical Acceptance.

Over 25 people showed up at UUSD on Sunday, April 6, to assemble 100 backpacks for distribution to people leaving Sussex Correctional Institution with little or nothing. Each backpack contained socks; laundry detergent; a folder with information about resources; a wallet; a bus pass; toiletries including hand sanitizer, toothbrushes, toothpaste, razor, shaving cream, etc.; ear plugs; and a water bottle. Some volunteers also wrote notes of encouragement that were added to the pack. In addition to UUSD, volunteers came from Seaside Jewish Community, the Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice, and the Psi Iota Chapter of the Omega Psi Psi fraternity, Inc. Donations from UUSD’s share the plate, the groups already mentioned, the Lifer’s Group from Sussex Correctional Institution, M & T Bank, PIRCOD (Partnership in Reentry Coalition of Delaware) and many caring individuals made the purchase of backpacks plus most of the included items possible. Teach a Person to Fish Society, TruEarth Detergent, Inc., and Mack’s Earplugs donated items for inclusion as did some individuals. The organizers were UUSD, Seaside Jewish Community, The Way Home, the Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice, PIRCOD, and the Delaware Center for Justice. This was truly an example of a many groups collaborating to care for others — with the Delaware Center for Justice and The Way Home providing staff support. The completed backpacks went to The Way Home, a transitional housing and support nonprofit for people leaving prison in Georgetown, for distribution to those in need upon their release. To learn more about the experiences of those returning to society after serving time in Delaware’s prison, come to the Reentry Simulation on May 10 from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. at DelTech Georgetown. The link to the Reentry registration is: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1281120458779?aff=oddtdtcreator

Sunday, March 30, 2025 – The Blessings of Trust – Rev. Heather Rion Starr noted that we cannot function as if everything could fall apart tomorrow (though sometimes it sure feels like it could). Therefore, we choose to take some action, and then another, and then another. At every point along the way, we put our trust in…what? Who? Members of the congregation who were present were given small stones, hearts, or shells and asked to place them in a bowl to indicate where they put their trust.

March 29, 2025 – Transforming Hearts: Transgender Inclusion in Congregation – Rev. Cathy Rion Starr (they/them) and Eli Scearce (she/they) led a group of 36 UUSD members and friends in a 6-session video, discussion, and reflection course created by Rev. Mykal Slack and Zr. Alex Kapitan (pictured on computer) of the Transforming Hearts Collective. Sessions focused on beloved community, gender, the trans experience, spirituality, and radically welcoming congregations. Additional sessions are being planned. Contact Eli Scearce, e.scearce@uussd.org, for additional information.

Sunday, March 23 – “Building Beloved Community No Matter What,” Rev. Sandhya Rani Jha shared how our movement and theological ancestors have provided some wisdom about creating community in hard times. The message was particularly helpful as many wrestle with what to do in this time of crisis.

March 21 -29, 2025 – The adventurous UUSD travel club members visited Iceland from March 21 to 29. Enjoy these photos from their journey!

March 20, 2025, Drum Circle Celebrated the Spring Equinox, Drummers gathered at UUSD to celebrate the arrival of spring, filling the air with rhythmic beats that echoed the heartbeat of Mother Earth. With drums and other percussion instruments, they came together as a vibrant community, sharing healing energy, joy, and the spirit of creative play. Thank you, Greer!

March 18, 2025 – The Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice, Speak Out Against Hate (S.O.A.H.), and the Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware hosted a forum to share ideas and tactics for fighting against attacks coming from Washington on DEI, racial justice, federal workers, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and more. The focus was on economic boycotts of companies who have ended their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs and supported anti-democratic policies coming from Washington. Attendees learned how to use or refrain from using their dollars to make a difference.

Sunday, March 16, 2025, “Ground and Gather,” Rev. Cathy Rion Starr – These are two things we know how to do: Ground in our faith and gather in community. And yet, when tension rises and chaos reigns, it is easy to forget the things we know. So once again, we gathered together as a collective reminder that another world is possible, even when it feels very far away. The service opened with a lively Irish dance performance by a child from the Children’s Faith Exploration program. Following the service, the Pledge Team was once again on hand to answer questions about the annual pledge drive.

Sunday, March 9,  2025, “Who Knows… Where the Time Goes” Rev. Heather Rion Starr – Some hours of our lives stand out from the rest… or slow down. Our experience of time is fraught with grief and memory, hope and mystery. Time leaps forward to form “timeless” moments and gaps or stretches of nothing much. On the first day of Daylight Savings Time, we reflected on time, memory, and how we measure our days. Members, friends, and visitors were able to connect with each other and representatives from La Esperanza and the Pledge Team during the social hour following the service.

Rise Against Hunger, Afternoon, March 8,  2025, Smiles filled the faces of UUSD Volunteers as they diligently assembled fortified, dehydrated, and shelf-stable meals during the Rise Against Hunger packing event. Held in the Sussex Central High School Cafeteria in Georgetown, the event brought together dedicated individuals committed to making a difference. A special thanks to the afternoon volunteers who carried the effort forward, helping to provide essential nutrition to communities in need across food-insecure regions worldwide.

Rise Against Hunger, March 8,  2025, Once again, UUSD volunteers turned out in full force to support the Rise Against Hunger packing event, making it a tremendous success! This initiative provides fortified, dehydrated, and shelf-stable meals to communities struggling with food insecurity around the world. Together, we have made a meaningful impact! A heartfelt thank you to the incredible UUSD children, youth, and adults who dedicated their time and energy to packing thousands of meals during the morning session. Your commitment truly made a difference!

March 6, 2025 – The Social and Environmental Justice Committee hosted a vigil to remember and honor four transgender individuals recently lost to violence: Sam Nordquist, Elisa Rae Shupe, Tahiry Broom, and Amyri Dior. Speakers addressed the ongoing crisis of anti-trans violence, emphasizing the urgency of this national moment. They reminded attendees of the collective call to action: “When trans rights are under attack, what do we do? Stand up, fight back.” UUSD continues to stand as a beacon of light and support for the LGBTQ+/TGQNB community.

Bus Trip to Philadelphia Flower Show  – On Monday, March 3, 2025, CAMP Rehoboth and the Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware organized a delightful bus trip to the Philadelphia Flower Show at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. This year’s theme, Gardens of Tomorrow, captivated attendees with its stunning displays and forward-thinking floral designs. UUSD members embraced the vibrant colors and fragrant blooms, reveling in the promise of spring’s arrival.

Sunday, March 2, 2025, “Writing Our Next Chapter, Together!” Rev. Heather Rion Starr: We co-create this community anew each week, each month, each year, by sharing our skills, interests, time, talent, and treasure. Those of us here now carry forward and craft something that we truly hope and expect will long outlast our individual lives. What will be your part in our ever-evolving story? What will your chapter be in The Story of this time? This Sunday included the FY26 Pledge Drive Kick-off, the Pledge Team at the Featured Table and an opportunity to sign the UUSD Membership book!

March 1, 2025 – The UUSD Chili Cook-off, combined with the launch of the FY26 Pledge Campaign, brought our community together for a night of delicious flavors and friendly competition. From mild to fiery, vegetarian to meaty, the congregation’s talented cooks showcased their best chili recipes. Congratulations to Jan Daily for winning first place in the vegetarian category and to Carol Scileppi for taking the top spot in the carnivorous category! It was a fantastic evening filled with great food, good company, and plenty of fun.

Sunday Service, February 16, 2025: “A Window into the Wondrous: For the Birds,” Rev. Heather Rion Starr: Wonder of wonders, there is wisdom right around us, when we have the opportunity to pause and soak it in. We celebrated the wisdom from the birds! The service included reflections by Rev. Heather and Warren Bouton as well as beautiful images of birds in the wild by Warren, Dar Sellers, and Rev. Heather.