UU DeLand

05/28/2026

This week at UU DeLand

5/31/26 10:30am: From Fear to Facts: Understanding Our Migrant Community
What do the facts really say about immigrants? Sergio Guevara’s talk bridges research and empathy—examining
economic contributions, debunking harmful myths, and calling our community to respond with the dignity, fairness, and
justice every human being deserves. Sergio, Volusia Branch Manager of Self-Help Credit Union, brings 25+ years of
financial expertise across the North, Central and South Americas. He is an MBA graduate and currently a Certificate in
Nonprofit Leadership student at Rollins College and marathon athlete. Patti Rausch will be our service leader.

05/24/2026

05/20/2026

This week at UU DeLand

5/24/26, 10:30am - Power Within: Lessons from the Placebo Effect

Dr. Eric Peden will explore one of science and medicine’s most fascinating phenomena through his dual lens as a
pharmacology scientist and sound meditation facilitator. He’ll trace the history of the placebo effect and reveal what
tools can (and can’t) tell us about healing, meaning, and human perception. This will be a grounded lesson in how inner
expectations and external perceptions integrate to shape consciousness and awareness, influencing how we heal, learn,
and change. With a PhD pharmacology, Dr. Peden's background spans biomedical sciences, drug-medical development
and education along with sound meditation and wellness. Paul Garfinkel will be our service leader.

05/14/2026

"It’s not important where the values come from; it’s important what the values are."

~ Hank Green

05/13/2026

This week at UU DeLand

5/17/26, 10:30am: Homelessness: Root Causes and Rational Solutions
The root causes of homelessness are complex and far from obvious. Potential solutions to this issue are equally elusive,
especially in the current political and cultural climate. Savannah-Jane Griffin will lead us through a reality-based
discussion of this perplexing issue and give us a glimpse into efforts to rationally address it. Ms. Griffin is a nationally
recognized leader specializing in non-profit leadership, strategic planning, and community building. The CEO of the
Neighborhood Center of West Volusia, she holds a BA and an MBA from Stetson University and is a proud mother of two
children, and a loving wife to Army Veteran Christopher Griffin. Mara Whitridge will be our service leader.

05/04/2026

Happening this coming Sunday! Join us.

05/02/2026

Come join us for coffee!

04/29/2026

This Sunday at UU DeLand:

5/3/26, 10:30am: Flower Communion
Deborah McShane will conduct a Flower Communion celebrating the beauty and diversity of our beloved community.
Created in 1923 by Unitarian minister Norbert Capek (Czechoslovakia), this was intended as a symbolic ritual to connect
people. Everyone will bring their own flower and place it in shared vases. After the flowers are blessed, each person
then selects a different flower from the one they brought to enjoy. Deborah received her BA in English and literature
from the Univ. of Hawaii, and her MA in Educational Leadership from the College of New Jersey’s overseas campus in
Mallorca. Cheryl Kellogg will be our Service Leader.