Formed around a shared identity, passion, or purpose, Affinity Groups are one of the opportunities for small group connection at UU Deland. They provide a space to make new friends, deepen connections, learn & grow, and uphold our values. Our current groups are listed alphabetically below.

Each year, groups complete a charter in the fall, and submit an annual report in the fall for the annual meeting.

Small Group Gatherings

The First UU Church of West Volusia Adult Discussion Group normally meets in person at 9:15 am on the second and fourth Sundays. The meetings are open to all who wish to attend.

Discussions during the group’s existence have included topics in religion, philosophy, society, economics, and science — Earth Day and ecology are examples of the latter. A common approach is for an individual to propose a topic, share a link to a background article, and lead the discussion when that topic is discussed. Frequent attenders consider the meetings religious education even with the wide range of topics.

Meetings are unstructured given their size; typically five to ten participants. As expected with such arrangements, people’s comments reflect their experiences and education. Thus diverse backgrounds expand learning by all. It is a blessing that agreements and disagreements occur in a friendly setting. Minds can expand when ideas are challenged civilly so that no one feels defensive.

If you would like more information about the group, or wish to attend, you can contact the group facilitator by email.

People who love to read and discuss what they read with other book lovers are invited to join our group. We meet (during non-pandemic times) at the Church social hall at 10:30 am. to 12:00 on the fourth Friday of each month. 

Selections to be read are chosen (by a vote) at the first meeting of the year. We must meet virtually, via Zoom at this time. There the schedule will be made. Each person whose book is chosen will lead the discussion of that book. We read mostly fiction, but some biography, and some non-fiction. At this time, we have only women members, but men are welcome as well. It is a good way to get to know others on a deeper level, and to be challenged to read things you might not have chosen by yourself.  

If you would like more information about the group, or wish to attend, you can contact the group facilitator by email.

1st Saturday at 10:00 AM and 3rd Friday at 2:00 PM in the Social Hall. Enjoy an informal gathering of female members and friends. 

If you would like more information about the group, or wish to attend, you can contact the group facilitator by email.

Our Unitarian Universalist Church hosts a Men’s Group at the church. This is considered a UU Covenant Group. We meet one evening per week for an hour and a half to two hours: usually on a Tuesday evening in the Fellowship Hall of the Church.

Originally, the writings of Robert Bly and Joseph Campbell were foundational to such groups. Currently, our themes may include discussions ranging from relationships, health concerns, community service, and current events. Any man is welcome to join us and attendance is not mandatory. Discussions may continue on an ongoing basis, and all discussion is, of course, completely private and limited to group members only with an expectation of confidentiality.

If you would like more information about the group, or wish to attend, you can contact the group facilitator by email.

Our poetry group was started as a social event and poetry appreciation, rather than poetry discussion, group. We believe poetry is meant to be read aloud and shared, and this group allows us to just enjoy, not dissect, poetry!

At present, we meet via Zoom on second Thursday at 2:00 PM.

If you would like more information about the group, or wish to attend, you can contact the group facilitator by email.

2nd Tuesday from 7-9 PM in the Social Hall. Members and friends are welcome to bring their voices and instruments or just come and listen.

If you would like more information about the group, or wish to attend, you can contact the group facilitator by email.

A group of UUers has decided to get together for an open and honest discussion of the highs and lows of being somewhere around 80 years old. We will be shaping our conversation on a book written by UU minister Bruce T. Marshall entitled In Later Years: Finding Meaning and Spirit in Aging. For the first meeting we are focusing on our thoughts and reactions to the first four chapters: the section called “Aging.” Our next meetings are hopefully on May 12, June 9, and June 30. For questions, contact the group coordinator by congregation email or phone.

Note: Email is sent to the congregation, where the secretary will forward it to the corresponding group facilitator.


External Links