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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​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,” “evil,” and how they apply to society and our personal 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: 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 approaches and ask folks to share their experiences and ideas as well. ​
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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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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