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
​January 2026​
Tuesday, January 6: UU Whale Coast Alaska Tours
Join MJ Curry, Jenny Cos, and some fellow travelers to hear about these amazing Alaska tours that are hosted by UU Alaskan congregations. Our presenters will describe their experiences on the tours from 2024 and 2025 and answer questions. These tours are fundraising projects for the Fairbanks, Anchorage, Juneau and Sitka UU congregations and are wonderful opportunities to get to know local Alaskans in their communities. All are welcome for this presentation! ​
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Tuesday, January 13: A NYSCU 2025 Bicentennial Recap
Richard Reed will be re-visiting his time at the Bicentennial weekend celebration of NYSCU, the New York State Convention of Universalists (nyscu.org) which was held in Canton, New York, this past October. ​
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Tuesday, January 20: Open Topic
This week, you have the choice of attending the inaugural onsite ‘Dinner Church’ service in person (details forthcoming from the Church) or you can gather with us in our Zoom drop-in room to discuss whatever issues or topics are on our minds. It’s your choice. John Lukes will moderate our Zoom discussion.
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Tuesday, January 27: Emerson and Transcendentalism
Ralph Waldo Emerson believed in religion without churches or creeds. He believed in a religion independent of churches, creeds or majority opinion. He was a major influence on Unitarian Universalism and on U.S. American culture generally. Phil Ebersole will briefly present his core ideas and lead a discussion. ​
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February 2026​
Tuesday, February 3: Steady State Economy
The capitalist economy of the U.S. has a problem. It has to keep growing to keep from crashing. But growth in the consumption of resources is unsustainable. And so is continuing to grow the population. So what’s the plan here? Hank Stone will present. ​​
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Tuesday, February 10: 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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Tuesday, February 17: How Should A Patriot Act?
Phil Ebersole will lead a discussion about the nature of patriotism and treason. If you are loyal to your country, what are you being loyal to? Its people? Its laws? Its government? If you are disloyal, what are you being disloyal to? Are there loyalties that take priority over loyalty to one's country? ​​​
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Tuesday, February 24: UU Acronyms, Jargon, & Other Terms
What is FIAC, COM, NomCom, UUA? Why do so many Unitarian Universalist churches start with the name “First?” What do our leaders mean by the words Polity, Covenant, Worship, and Faith in a UU setting? Join Rev. Michelle Yates to consider these and more. Bring your related questions and/or email her your questions ahead of time at edu@uuroc.org. ​​​
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In-person Drop-In Discussions:​​​​​​
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. All are welcome. 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
