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.
Two Ways to Participate!
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).
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
May 2026
Tuesday, May 5: Daily Walks with Andy: Homeless Outreach
Since the beginning of COVID, we have walked the streets of Rochester−same day, same place, same time, year round. We have learned an immense amount about the neighborhoods: both the people living indoors and outdoors. Andy Carey will present.
Tuesday, May 12: Tire Mom 2.0
We are taught only two elements of tire safety—but there are actually six. When I set out to buy a set of tires for someone in every single state, I didn't just learn about the road; I learned how to save lives on it. I’m sharing my journey born from loss and fueled by a mission to keep families safe. Tune in to hear the stories from the road and the safety essentials every driver needs to know. Presented by Diana Hubner.
Tuesday, May 19: Approaches to the Sermon on the Mount
With the four or five different interpretations of Matthew 5-7 or Luke 6, we could have titled this presentation as "The Long and Winding Road" or "Twist and Doubt: What to Do with Matthew 5-7?". But leaving references to The Beatles aside, this talk could be titled, ”How to Apply or Not Apply Jesus' Sermons on the Mount/Plain”. It’s not as simple and direct as some might assume. Come, let’s explore the differences and nuances of these sermons. Presented by Daniel Chadwick.
Tuesday, May 26: The Empowerment Controversy & Modern “Gadfly” Movement
You can tell a lot about a family or system by its controversies. The "family secrets" that are frequently sources of gossip and shame, but if we don't learn from them we may be doomed to repeat them. Let's "spill the tea" about these two controversies in the UU family, separated by about 50 years, but I believe closely connected. If you want more details before we meet online, check out "Revisiting the Empowerment Controversy: Black Power and Unitarian Universalism" among other books by one of our former ministers, Mark Morrison-Reed, which are in the church library. Presented by Rev. Michelle Yates.
In-person Drop-In Discussions:
Sunday, May 3, at 9:15 am in the Chalice Room *In-Person* - The Humanist Manifesto of 1933
Is it possible to be religious without believing in God? Signers of the Humanist Manifesto of 1933 believed so. The 34 signers included 15 Unitarian ministers and one Universalist. What did they believe? Were they right? What was their legacy? Phil Ebersole will present and facilitate.
Sunday, April 5, at 9:15 am in the Chalice Room *In-Person* - Open Forum; Proposed Amendment to Drop-in Covenants
We will have an open forum combined with discussion of a proposed amendment to the drop-in discussion covenants. All are welcome. Phil Ebersole will lead a discussion.
We will meet at 9:15am in the Chalice Room. Drop-in discussions will continue on the first Sunday of the month. All are welcome!
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
