Formed around a shared identity, passion, or purpose, Affinity Groups are one of the opportunities for small group connection at UUCE. 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 spring. To start a new group, click the blue button below.
Affinity Groups
Last Monday each month, 6:00pm – 8:00pm, Social Hall.
Bring a craft or project to work on while visiting with other crafters. We welcome all members, of all abilities, ages, and craft styles to come and share space while creating and learning from each other. Friends and Family from outside the church community are welcome and encouraged to come as well. Craft supplies are not provided unless pre-arranged.
Contact: crafters@uueugene.org
Open to all who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.
We are currently meeting monthly on the second Sunday, after the service from 11:30am – 12:30pm in the Chapel and on Zoom for a discussion that is centered around a theme (e.g. a specific book, something from the media, a particular topic) that the group has selected at the prior month’s meeting.
For more information, contact bipoc@uueugene.org.
Newcomers Welcome. Since 2006 we’ve met every Tuesday morning to look at and learn about birds, followed by breakfast and conversation at a local eatery.
Click here to learn more.
Contact: forthebirds@uueugene.org.
Handy volunteers gather on Tuesdays from 9am to Noon to care for our Building and the Grounds. They begin each morning in the kitchen with coffee and planning, and usually have some snacks!
Weekly activities include making repairs, hanging signs, installing new fixtures and appliances, pulling weeds and digging holes, moving or replacing furniture, painting and spackling things, and so much more. There’s always a way to lend a hand.
To help out, you can just show up! Questions? BAG@uueugene.org
A weekly check-in on Tuesdays at Noon over Zoom. Connect with your community, over coffee, tea, or the beverage of your choice. Bring your joys and sorrows and whatever else is on your heart and mind for this opportunity to connect mid-week with with each other. Facilitation is rotated amongst regular attendees. A guiding question is offered, as is an opportunity to check in generally. All are welcome.
The Pagan Affinity Group meets on Zoom on the second Wednesday of each month for organization and check in. We produce multi-platform events for the eight solar holidays as well as full moon and new moon rituals. The facilitator of the group is Xephyr Burton. Anyone who wants to learn about or participate in pagan-oriented worship and celebration is welcome to join. Click here for more information.
Are you looking for a way to connect with fellow UUs for fun activities? The new FUUN affinity group (AKA UUs Just Want to Have Fun) is the place for you. Join fellow UUs for plays, movie nights, Art Walks, hikes, or maybe help arrange fun activities for the whole church. Suggest your own activity! Suggestions and new ideas are welcome. The first step is to join the FUUN email list.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, transgender, non-binary, queer, intersex, asexual, agender, and aromantic folx ages 18 and over are invited to join us each month for time to connect and reflect upon a topic together.
This group meets on the 3rd Sunday of every month from 11:30am – 1:00pm at UUCE and/or online. Email LGBTQIA-contact@uueugene.org with any questions and for this month’s meeting details.
UUCE Member Jennifer Tucker leads this group in a weekly Mindfulness Meditation practice, starting at 9:30am on Wednesdays. Mindfulness meditation has been shown to help regulate blood pressure, relieve anxiety, improve sleep quality, and ease depression. Join us in this interactive, informative, and enjoyable study. Beginning and experienced meditators are welcome to attend this ongoing group when you are able and interested. Click the image to learn more.
Our men’s groups are open to all who identify as men, inclusive of trans and gender non-conforming men. You are welcome to be part of open discussions on topics that change each week.
We have groups that meet on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.
Click the image to learn more or contact the coordinators at: men@uueugene.org.
We are members and friends of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Eugene who meet monthly to encourage each other in writing poetry. We do so through supportive suggestions, discussion, and sharing ideas and resources. Additional poetry groups can be formed at any time.
Sacred Reading Practices meets each week on Wednesday evenings from 5:30pm – 7:00pm on Zoom.
They choose works of fiction to explore through different themes such as innocence, shame, belonging and more. They also apply different sacred reading practices to their chosen texts to find deeper meaning and personal relevance in texts written for mere pleasure.
Sewing for a Cause is a group of people who love to use their sewing talents to create quilts and other useful fabric items for children in need. Our donations go to Bags of Love. We work at home or at the Bags of Love facility in Eugene. We welcome donations of kid-friendly cottons, flannel and fleece.
For more information on donating or joining us, contact Bonnie Koenig at sewing@uueugene.org.
Sister Circles are ongoing, self-run groups open to all church members and friends who self-identify as women.
Groups can form around ritual, friendship, study or discussion preferences, walking, volunteer activities, etc.
Click the image to the left, or the blue text for more details.
This affinity group connects and gives social support to people who live in or otherwise have an interest in Springfield and the areas East of Eugene with shared UU values and principles.
This group meets monthly on the 1st & 3rd Mondays, 6:30pm – 7:30pm, and is coordinated by Jennifer Tucker and Emily Ciscell.
Questions for this group or requests to join can be emailed to:
springfieldandbeyond@uueugene.org
Join our ukulele song circle for music and fun! The UUketarians! meet every Tuesday from 3:00pm to 4:30pm in the UUCE chapel to have fun, play music, and build community.
Group participants bring songs to share, and we maintain a library of PDF files for print or online reference.
We welcome all skills levels, especially beginners! click for more information
Young Adults (18*-35 years old) are invited to join this group for developing connections within ourselves and with peers who are interested in a free and responsible search for truth and meaning in their lives.
Learn more by clicking the image to the right, or by reaching out to youngadultcontact@uueugene.org
Group Charters
If you’d like to start a new group, gather together and fill out the UUCE Group Charter & Budget Request Form. Use this form even if you don’t need funding. Need help? Contact the Ministry Council, ministrycouncil@uueugene.org
The purpose of the Group Charter is to encourage group identity and autonomy while promoting right relations across all groups and individuals within our beloved community, celebrating our larger congregational covenant while supporting activities and allocating resources when approved by the Board of Trustees.