​July 2026​

Tuesday, July 7: Iran - How Did We Get Here?

The US war with Iran has dominated headlines this year, has had far-reaching impacts around the globe, and is unlikely to be fully resolved in short order. How did we get here? We'll present a quick overview on the history of Iran, including some key moments since 1900. Together we'll then discuss current challenges and barriers and what we might foresee in the coming years, both realistically and idealistically.  Justin Wilson will host and facilitate the discussion.​

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Tuesday, July 14: A Fool’s Errand

Tonight we will watch the video of Rev. Eileen Casey-Campbell’s first sermon as our new minister delivered on August 24, 2025. Here’s what she said about this sermon: “A service on the beauty and gifts of embracing the persona of the holy fool. You are invited to step off the edge, into the unknown, like the tarot image of The Fool, to choose the spirit of my favorite holy fool Ms. Frizzle for this new ministry: take chances, make mistakes, and get messy.” John Lukes will moderate our discussion.​

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Tuesday, July 21: What Mischief Are We Going To Do Next?

Tonight we will watch the video of Rev. Eileen Casey-Campbell’s second sermon as our new minister delivered on September 7, 2025. Here’s what she said about this sermon: “In a time when we may feel politically powerless, small, or ineffectual, we could turn to despair. Or to the sort of mischief that chips away at the edifice of empire and brings a different sort of power to the small and the vulnerable. Let us imagine some good trouble-making together.” John Lukes will moderate our discussion.​

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Tuesday, July 28: Open Topic 

Let’s have an open topic discussion tonight. Open topic evenings have often been unexpectedly interesting and even encouraging. Let’s find ways to encourage one another, if nothing else. John Lukes will moderate our discussion.

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​August 2026​

Tuesday, August 4: Trusting in the Power of Love

Tonight we’ll watch Rev. Eileen Casey-Campbell’s sermon from February 8, 2026. “In times like these, it can feel like love doesn't have a chance. Are we hopelessly naive to say we're not giving up on love?” John Lukes will moderate our discussion.​

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Tuesday, August 11: The Virtue of Skepticism

Tonight we’ll watch Rev. AJ van Tine’s sermon delivered to the First Unitarian Church of Rochester on February 22, 2026. "Today’s Unitarian Universalism is indebted to the skeptics of previous eras for questioning the accepted ‘truths' of their day. In our current moment of multiple institutional crises, discovering and preserving that which is true requires guarding against advertisements, government propaganda, deep fakes and ‘AI’ fabrications. How do we cultivate a virtuous skepticism that is not merely contrarian and obstinate, but is a consistent servant of truth and freedom?”  John Lukes will moderate our discussion.​

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Tuesday,August 18: Whose Side Are We On?

Tonight we’ll watch Rev. Eileen Casey-Campbell’s sermon from May 3, 2026. “As we begin the seasonal theme of Solidarity, let us pause to consider how far our loyalties reach. Ours is a faith that might make us reluctant to take sides, but should we? Whose side are we on, and who, exactly, should we be in solidarity with?” John Lukes will moderate our discussion. ​

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Tuesday, August 25: Open Topic 

Let’s have another open topic discussion tonight. Open Topic evenings can be unexpectedly interesting and even encouraging. So even if we can’t solve all the world’s problems, we can be supportive and encouraging towards one another. John Lukes will moderate. ​

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In-person Drop-In Discussions:

Sunday, August 2 at 9:15 am in the Chalice Room *In-Person* - The Muslim Jesus

Few Christians and humanists realize that Jesus has an honored position in the Koran in many ways equal to and in some ways superior to Mohammed himself. Muslims believe that Jesus was born of a virgin, worked miracles and ascended into Heaven, and that he will return in the End Times. Phil Ebersole will do a presentation and lead a discussion of Jesus in Islam and the commonalities between Christianity and Islam. All are welcome!

 

Sunday, July 5 at 9:15 am in the Chalice Room *In-Person* - Masculinity, Femininity, and the LGBTQ+ Spectrum

From sexual orientation to gender identity, from pronouns to assigned sex, from toxic masculinity to gender roles, there is a lot of new terminology and public debate about the question, "Who am I?". We will give a brief primer, watch a short comedy video debating the sexuality of kitchen utensils, and discuss what it means to live authentically in our current times. Justin Wilson will lead the discussion.

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Sunday, June 7 at 9:15 am in the Chalice Room *In-Person* - Ancient History Mysteries

Scientists are discovering that ancient history is older and more complicated than anyone thought. For example the Sphinx in Egypt is 5,000 years older than the pyramids. What? Then who built it, and what happened to them?  As we consider what comes next for human civilization, it may be helpful to expand our thinking beyond the stories and assumptions of our time. Hank Stone will lead the discussion.

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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.​​

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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!

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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.​