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
October 2025​
Tuesday, October 7: The Doomsday Machine
Noam Chomsky says there are two existential threats to the survival of the human race - climate change and nuclear war. We hear little about the latter, even though the U.S. government is in an undeclared war with Russia, Iran and other countries and all the treaties and agreements aimed at preventing nuclear war have been dismantled. Phil Ebersole will make a presentation and lead a discussion of the danger of nuclear war.​
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Tuesday, October 14: Have You Had Enough Already?!
Each Thursday afternoon, since DJT was re-elected, Joy Leccese has been hosting weekly live Zoom drop-in discussion sessions to give kindred spirits a safe space to share their concerns and fears about what Trump 2.0 is doing and what we might be able to do about it, even if only in small, seemingly insignificant ways. It’s also a place to share good news we learn about. Staying connected, grounded and focused on how we cope is essential to maintaining our mental health. Join us in sharing the strength of being together on the journey.​
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Tuesday, October 21: Fostering Dogs — Pros/Cons and Benefits
There is a rising need for volunteers to help foster the growing rate of “Pandemic Puppies” being surrendered to animal shelters and dog rescue groups all over this nation. If you have fostered dogs or know people who do, please share your thoughts and experiences with us. Those of us who have or do foster dogs will have an opportunity to share some of the pros and cons, but also some of the benefits, of fostering dogs. John Lukes will moderate.
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Tuesday, October 28: Open Topic
Let’s take another opportunity to discuss whatever is on our minds lately, the challenges facing us and any good news, and to continue our brain-storming around suggestions for discussion topics and presenters going forward. John Lukes will moderate.
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November 2025​
Tuesday, November 4: Your Questions For The Minister
Tonight we have the opportunity to ask Rev. Eileen Casey-Campbell whatever we're curious about. And since it's also Election Night, Rev. Eileen wants to take a few minutes to discuss whatever anxiety/hope/grief/rage we're holding at the moment. All are welcome!​
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Tuesday, November 11: Recovery All Ways: Compassion in Action
Co-founder of Recovery All Ways (RAW), Gary Harding, shares how neighbors lifting neighbors is reshaping Rochester, one meal, one conversation, one act of care at a time. Gary will discuss their Sunday operations, cleanup and outreach, helping those battling substance use disorder, mental health issues, houselessness, and how RAW is volunteer led and run. ​
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Tuesday, November 18: Person Centered Housing Options (PCHO)
Tonight we will learn about who the Person Centered Housing Options. (PCHO) community organization is, what do they, and how First Universalist can help. Presented by Nicholas Coultier ​
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Tuesday, November 25: Railroad Trains: Real & Scale Models
Tonight let’s discuss our relationships with trains and railroads, both real and scale models. How many of us have fond memories of taking train trips? How many of us have or had family members that worked for railroads? How many of us have spent time playing with or watching others play with model trains? Let’s share our train-related stories and perhaps discuss why this nation doesn’t build more railroads instead of more highways. John Lukes will lead.
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In-person Drop-In Discussions:​​​​
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Sunday, October 5 at 9:15am in the Chalice Room *In-Person* - Have We Voted For The Last Time - Is Trump’s Presidency Permanent?
Bill Elwell will lead a discussion on whether elections will be cancelled and Trump successfully assumes all power as a full-scale dictator. He said he’d only be a dictator for the first day, but maybe he was using the term ‘day’ as used in the Genesis Creation Story.​
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Sunday, October 2 at 9:15am in the Chalice Room *In-Person* - Humans Assisting Humans with David Damico
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 will facilitate a discussion related to the slow lessening of religious reliance and a refocusing on humankind. ​
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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
