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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.

Two Ways to Participate!

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).

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

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August 2026

Tuesday, August 4: The Muslim Jesus

Few Christians and humanists realize that Jesus has an honored position in the Koran in many ways equal to and in some ways superior to Mohammed himself. Muslims believe that Jesus was born of a virgin, worked miracles and ascended into Heaven, and that he will return in the End Times. Phil Ebersole will do a presentation and lead a discussion of Jesus in Islam and the commonalities between Christianity and Islam. All are welcome.

Tuesday, August 11: Trusting in the Power of Love

Tonight we’ll watch Rev. Eileen Casey-Campbell’s sermon from February 8, 2026. Here’s what Rev. Eileen wrote about this topic: “In times like these, it can feel like love doesn't have a chance. Are we hopelessly naive to say we're not giving up on love?” John Lukes will moderate our discussion. All are welcome.

Tuesday, August 18: Whose Side Are We On?

Tonight we’ll watch Rev. Eileen Casey-Campbell’s sermon from May 3, 2026. “As we begin the seasonal theme of Solidarity, let us pause to consider how far our loyalties reach. Ours is a faith that might make us reluctant to take sides, but should we? Whose side are we on, and who, exactly, should we be in solidarity with?” John Lukes will moderate our discussion.

Tuesday, August 25: Open Topic 

Let’s have another open topic discussion tonight. Open Topic evenings can be unexpectedly interesting and even encouraging. So even if we can’t solve all the world’s problems, we can be supportive and encouraging towards one another. John Lukes will moderate.

In-person Drop-In Discussions:

Sunday, September 6 at 9:15 am in the Chalice Room *In-Person* - Social and Economic Class

Much is said and written about class, class conflict, and class-ism.  But what do we mean by class?  To what degree is class based on income, and to what degree on education, manners, ancestry, or other metrics?  What makes something class-y or low class?  How does class shape us?  What classes are above us or below us?  I’ll lead a discussion which, hopefully, will help us clarify our thinking about such questions.

Sunday, August 2 at 9:15 am in the Chalice Room *In-Person* - A Hotter World

Global warming, which has been predicted for a long time, is now upon us. Record-high temperatures are being experienced everywhere.  Rivers and aquifers are drying up. Droughts, floods, and severe storms are increasing. Dwight Montague will review the science and lead a discussion about our hotting-up world. 

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!

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.

People at a table with coffee drinks discussing something

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 

dropindiscussion@uuroc.org.

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We acknowledge with respect the Seneca Nation, Keepers of the Western Door and part of the Haudenosaunee People, on whose ancestral land First Universalist Church now stands.

Contact Us

150 South Clinton Ave

Rochester, NY 14604

585-546-2826

office@uuroc.org

Current Office Hours

Tue & Thu 9am-4pm

Closed on Mondays 

Join Us For Service

Sundays @ 10:30am 

LGBTQ Welcoming Congregation
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Staff are advised to work from home if possible when temperatures exceed 85°. They will be available via phone/email on those days.​

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