In January 1996, three families agreed to establish a Unitarian Universalist congregation in Sussex County and began meeting in each other’s homes. Representatives attended a New Congregation Training program provide by the Unitarian Universalist Association and applied for a grant to move forward.
A year later, UUSD began monthly services at the Boys and Girls Club in Milford, Delaware, and the first Religious Education Director was hired. Public meetings were held in Milford, Killens Pond, Dover, and Rehoboth Beach to identify a large mailing list of people with potential interest in a UU church and newsletters were sent to those who were interested.
In 1998, first interim minister was hired, and services began at Lewes Middle School on Savannah Road in Lewes, the home of “The Blue Whale.”
On January 24, 1999, after numerous planning meetings and retreats, Charter Sunday was held at St. Peter’s By-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Lewes. Over 50 people signed the membership book.
It is this special day we celebrate this year with multiple activities, joy, and gratitude for those that were instrumental in the creation of our beloved community!
Upcoming Events and Activities
Spring ongoing — The Searching for the Future Task Force will be making their report and offering ways to prioritize our planning for UUSD’s next 25 years.
June: Sunday, June 2 — the 3rd History Display will be presented, reflecting our years at our current location. Once again, members will have the opportunity to add to the heartbeat line the day they first came to UUSD, or when they became a member, and add their own memory notes.
June 16 — Following the service will be our Annual All-Community Picnic!
September: Sunday, September 15, 10 a.m. — Annual Ingathering and Water Ceremony service
October: Saturday, October 19, 7 p.m. — Emma’s Revolution! “Keep On Moving Forward” concert.
Sunday, October 27, 10 a.m. — All Souls Day service, especially honoring our congregational and denominational ancestors.
January 2025: Sunday, January 5, 10 a.m. service — Rev. Heather Rion Starr, “Looking Back and Looking Forward!” All the 2024 History Panels will be up in the Sanctuary.
Previous Events and Activities
Sunday Service March 3, “Deep Roots—New Growth”
Our FY25 Pledge Drive was started. the beginning of supporting UUSD’s next 25 years! Additional visual memories of UUSD were presented on History Display #2 and members were able to sign when they first came to UUSD and add their own pictures and comments!
UUSD Hosted a Potluck & Movie: “Streetlight Harmonies”— February 24 in celebration of Black History Month and UUSD’s ongoing support of civil rights and social justice.
There was discussion with special guest, Lois Powell, who is an original member of the Chantels, one of the first major girl groups in American pop music. Learn more about Lois here.
The movie is “Streetlight Harmonies,” which is about youthful street corner groups of singers in the 50’s and 60’s. Included are many groups that went on to record their music and lay a foundation of harmony for generations to come.
See the article in the Cape Gazette.
Honoring “The Pioneers”
Sunday, January 28, 2024, 10 a.m., “Jean Charles Service Sunday,” Jean Charles, The Pioneers, and Lay Leaders
What made 14 congregants from UUSD take a leap of faith to purchase a property and hold it until UUSD decided to purchase the land from them (or not)? It’s an amazing journey, not only for the “Pioneers,” but for UUSD. This is what service is all about!
Kick Off — Service and Reception, Sunday, January 21, 2024, 10 a.m., “Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Charter Sunday,” Rev. Heather Rion Starr and Special Guests
Join us in celebrating UUSD’s 25th Anniversary of Charter Sunday! In January 1999, 55 people signed the first pages of the Unitarian Universalist Society of Southern Delaware’s Membership Book. What led them to take that action on that day? What charge from those days do we carry forward now? Join us in remembering, celebrating, and continuing to live out the dream of a progressive, multigenerational Unitarian Universalist community in southern Delaware. All are welcome! There will be a special reception following the service.
