​​​May 2025​

Tuesday, May 6: Good and Evil Through The Lens Of Satanism

Let’s explore concepts of Satanism further with Adam Durand, who gave a thought-provoking stewardship statement at the April 6 Sunday Service, which mentioned his finding Satanism at a young age. Adam will provide additional background information and lead us into a broader discussion on our concepts of “good” and “evil,” and how they apply to society and our lives.​ ​​

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Tuesday, May 13: The Power of Three

What is it about the number three? Why do we see it in so many places both sacred and secular? Trinities,  stories, rules for writing essays, jokes, and songs. How does the "Power of Three" help us to feel stronger, more aligned, whole and resilient? Discussion led by Rev. Michelle Yates.  

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Tuesday, May 20: The Cheery Agnostic

Western society has painted both agnostics and atheists as dour people with little hope, but Daniel Chadwick will present four kinds of agnostics represented neither by doctrine nor dogma but by real people who were published philosophers. And while there might be more than four kinds of agnostics, this is a good start.​

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Tuesday, May 27: Our Proposed 2025-2026 Budget

Do you have questions about the proposed 2025-2026 church budget? Join Finance Committee Chair Brian Mumey and Board President Clinton Swingle for our last budget discussion prior to our Annual Meeting on June 1. All questions are welcome!​

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​​​June 2025​

Tuesday, June 3: How To Be An Activist

How can we stay politically engaged for the long haul in the current context ? Join MJ Curry and others for a discussion on ways to get and stay involved at multiple levels of our political system.  MJ will share her own approaches and will ask folks to share their experiences and ideas as well. ​

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Tuesday, June 10: Cheers to the Past, Moving Towards the Future

Let’s take time to reminisce and share memories of the last seven years at First Universalist.  What has happened?  Where have we been?  And Rev. Lane-Mairead for their last drop-in discussion with this church community, they will also share some brief thoughts on the future of this church and churches in general.  All are welcome! ​

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Tuesday, June 17: The Happy Atheist

As with Agnostics, Western society has looked upon Atheists and Naturalists as discredited individuals who attempt to understand this world without invoking God or the gods.  We'll review the different ways that four Philosophers made their arguments for Atheism without resorting to a religious foundation.  But were they happy?  Let’s discuss with Daniel Chadwick. ​

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Tuesday, June 24: Trade War With China?

Do we need to wage a trade war against China?  Can we win?  Phil Ebersole will present some background information and lead a discussion of this controversial topic. ​

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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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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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Sunday, June 1 at 9:15am in the Chalice Room *In-Person* - Whiskers on Kittens and Warm Woolen Mittens . . . What Makes You Happy? 

An introduction to the science of happiness chemicals and how to hack them. Will discussing happiness make us feel happy? Find out! Beth Ares presents.​

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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.​