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
​February 2025
Tuesday, February 4: Presidential Pardons
The Constitution gives U.S. Presidents the “Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offenses against the United States, except cases of Impeachment.” Phil Ebersole will give some background information and lead a discussion on how this power may be used and abused. ​
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Tuesday, February 11: Open Topic Nite with Rev. Lane-Mairead
This month Rev. Lane-Mairead will begin by quickly reviewing our drop-in discussion covenants and then take questions, comments, and suggestions regarding the life and ministry of First Universalist of Rochester. All are welcome to gather in the spirit of a free and responsible mutual search for truth and meaning. ​
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Tuesday, February 18: Religion & Superstition–What’s the difference?
How many times have we heard the criticism that Religion is merely a form of Superstition? But is there more to this question that might benefit both the Religious and the non-religious among us? Daniel Chadwick, professor of Religious Studies, will define terms and lead a discussion.​
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Tuesday, February 25: Open Topic
On the day in history when Pope Pius the Fifth excommunicated Queen Elizabeth I, Enrico Caruso and George Harrison were born, and the Cold War officially ended, let’s have another Open Topic discussion about where we are and where we might be going. All are welcome to participate. ​
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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. ​
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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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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.​
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
