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Drop-In Discussions

Sometimes our discussions are based on certain books or articles, but you don’t have to read anything or do any advance preparation to participate. Just drop-in. People of all viewpoints are welcome to make presentations or join in the discussions.

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​​Two Ways to Participate!​​​

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Virtual Drop-In Discussions: 

Virtual drop-in discussions meet on Tuesday nights from 6:30-7:30pm via Zoom.

Zoom Link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87535284436?pwd=ckI4NGdUVXVLVGJKYXdMMEx0RHFZdz09

Meeting ID: 875 3528 4436

Passcode: 665971

 

In-Person Drop-In Discussions: 

In-person drop-in discussions are held on the first Sunday morning of each month

in the Chalice Room on the second floor of our church, starting at 9:15am (during the regular church year, and off during the summer months).​

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Have you read/written a book or article, attended or presented a workshop or talk, or have a topic that you would like to share with us? Is there a topic you would like to learn more about?

Don't hesitate to get in touch with our Drop-In Discussion Committee: dropindiscussion@uuroc.org

​April 2025

Tuesday, April 1: How Compatible Is Atheism with UU?

After summarizing our shared understanding of core UU principles and the concept of atheism, let’s discuss to what degree atheism is compatible with our “free and responsible search for truth and meaning.” John Lukes will moderate our discussion.​

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Tuesday, April 8: Open Topic

Let’s discuss whatever is on our minds. These discussions are often our most interesting and engaging conversations. John Lukes will moderate..​

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Tuesday, April 15: Spiritual Grounding in These Anxious Times

Side with Love, a national UU justice campaign, invites us to ground ourselves before taking action. When the ground beneath is shifting, tactics and response must shift. Join Rev. Lane-Mairead in a discussion to orient ourselves to what is happening and engage in practices to help ground ourselves for times ahead.​​

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Tuesday, April 22: Build Healthy Boundaries, not Walls - How To Raise Your Joy Quotient Even In Turbulent Times

Every day we are subjected to news that either shocks us or depresses us, or both. How do we maintain peace of mind in the face of unprecedented chaos?  Come join the discussion and learn more about simple ways to calm your nervous system and feel better by setting healthy boundaries within.  Experience it for yourself in this session.  Joy Leccese will lead our discussion. 

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Tuesday, April 29: Summer Topic and Activities Planning Session

As the Summer months are closing in on us, let’s brainstorm together on ideas for summer drop-in discussions and possible social activities, such as a suggestion already offered to have an Ice Cream Social after church one Sunday this summer. Bring your ideas and suggestions.

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In-person Drop-In Discussions:​​​​

Sunday, January 5 at 9:15am in the Chalice Room *In-Person* - Reasons for Hope

Folklore reminds us that it is darkest before the dawn. Given the climate challenges, the refugee crisis, the border crisis, the DEI challenges, threats to a liberal democracy, do we have reason(s) for hope? Is there good news out there we hear little about? Is there hope for tomorrow?  Bill Elwell will lead a discussion of these questions. â€‹

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Sunday, February 2 at 9:15am in the Chalice Room *In-Person* - Donald Trump Saves America?

Our country seems to be broken and unfixable. Could President Donald Trump be the medicine we need? Hank Stone will do a presentation and lead a discussion.​

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Sunday, March 2 at 9:15am in the Chalice Room *In-Person* - Do We Need Billionaires?

In the USA, the number, wealth and influence of billionaires increases while average citizens find themselves beset by higher prices and increasing insecurity. Are billionaires the problem?  Should there be a ceiling on wealth? Phil Ebersole will present info and lead a discussion.​

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Sunday, April 6 at 9:15am in the Chalice Room *In-Person* - Restorative Practice

Restorative Practice is a process of dealing with conflict that works with all the parties involved to hear the different points of view, explore the impact and find mutually agreeable solutions. How does this differ from Conflict Resolution and how can we make this an everyday practice? David Damico will lead a discussion.

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Sunday, May 4 at 9:15am in the Chalice Room *In-Person* - Right and Wrong: How Can You Tell?

Is it easy or hard to tell right from wrong?  Are right and wrong matters of opinion or objective truths? If two people disagree, what do they appeal to? Phil Ebersole will lead a discussion on this fraught topic.

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We will meet at 9:15am in the Chalice Room. All are welcome. Drop-in discussions will continue on the first Sunday of the month through June 2025. All are welcome!

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Phil Ebersole is the facilitator unless otherwise mentioned. Topics are subject to change. If you have a topic you would like discussed or, better still, would like to lead a discussion, speak to Phil Ebersole.​

People at a table with coffee drinks discussing something

If you have an outside speaker in mind that you think should be invited, have a topic you’d like discussed or, better still, would be willing to lead a discussion, please contact 

dropindiscussion@uuroc.org.

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We acknowledge with respect the Seneca Nation, Keepers of the Western Door and part of the Haudenosaunee People, on whose ancestral land First Universalist Church now stands.

Contact Us

150 South Clinton Ave

Rochester, NY 14604

585-546-2826

office@uuroc.org

Current Office Hours

Tue & Thu 9am-4pm

Closed on Mondays 

Join Us For Service

Sundays @ 10:30am 

LGBTQ Welcoming Congregation
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