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
​March 2026​
Tuesday, March 3: Zoom & Related Tech Issues/Questions
The pandemic supercharged our use of technology. We use Zoom for online drop-in discussions, small group ministry, Board and staff meetings, Sunday worship, and events like the auction. This has increased opportunities but also created challenges. How well is tech at First Universalist working for you? How could it be better? Do you have questions/problems/suggestions? Michael Scott will present. ​​
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Tuesday, March 10: FIAC: Whole Church Project
The Faith In Action Council (FIAC) is continuing to gather info from the congregation regarding its passions and energy to choose the Whole Church Project for the 26-27 church year. After a description of FIAC’s efforts, participants will share thoughts on choosing an issue. Presented by Connie Valk, Joy Leccese, and Becky Elwell. ​​
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Tuesday, March 17: Music's Role in Our Spiritual Experience
Theo and Steve Munson will talk about their backgrounds in church music and lead a discussion about music’s role in building community. Dr. Brock’s skill at “Worship Arts” and Theo’s choices of repertoire can be touched upon. Participants will be asked to describe which music and/or hymns move them most. ​
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Tuesday, March 24: How is the Rochester Homeless Outreach Team Unique?
Learn a few tales from Homeless Outreach Team (H.O.T.) members Bill Schubmehl and Elizabeth Osta about their Thursday outreach with our neighbors who are unhoused. The initiative brings together agencies and faith workers to offer compassion and hope to the most vulnerable in our community. If time permits, we'll also discuss ongoing efforts to make H.O.T. more effective in assisting our unhoused neighbors.​
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Tuesday, March 31: The Impending Crisis
The US is a house divided. On the one hand, the Trump admin's goal is an ethnic cleansing involving millions. This is something that is impossible to do within the existing constitutional/legal framework. On the other hand, you have state and local governments and individual citizens willing to defy federal authority. How will this end? Can it be resolved non-violently? Phil Ebersole will present some ideas and lead a discussion.
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In-person Drop-In Discussions:
Sunday, March 1, at 9:15 am in the Chalice Room *In-Person* - Margaret Sanger: Hero or Villain?
At the time of her death in 1966, Margaret Sanger was praised as the driving force behind giving women the right to birth control. Now some condemn her as a eugenicist. Phil Ebersole will do a presentation and lead a discussion about this complex figure.
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Sunday, February 1, at 9:15 am in the Chalice Room *In-Person* - FIAC: Whole Church Project
The Faith In Action Council (FIAC) is gathering information from the congregation regarding its passions and energy to choose the Whole Church Project for the 2026-27 church year. After a brief description of FIAC’s efforts, participants will share thoughts on choosing an issue. Presented by Connie Valk, Joy Leccese, and Becky Elwell. ​
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Sunday, January 4, at 9:15am in the Chalice Room *In-Person* - Humans Assisting Humans
Since the “Enlightenment,” religious thought has refined itself, becoming more secular. As editor of the Universalist Herald, David Damico has noted a wide variety of viewpoints concerning how “Universalism” can be interpreted as a form of Humanism. For Unitarian Universalists, the topic is worthy of discussion. David Damico will facilitate a discussion related to the slow lessening of religious reliance and a refocusing on humankind.
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Sunday, December 7, at 9:15am in the Chalice Room *In-Person* - The Low-Level Trauma We All Live With
Joy Lecesse will do a presentation on dealing with trauma−not just the “Big T” trauma of catastrophic events in our lives, but the “little t” trauma of the background of fear and uncertainty we all deal with in these troubled times. ​
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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.​
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
