UU Congregation at Rock Tavern

December’s theme in children’s RE is “The Practice of Presence”. In a month chock-full of holidays and activity it is easy for children, and adults, to become overwhelmed with everything going on.

The creators of the children’s Soul Matters curriculum identified a major goal of the RE lessons this month is to help our children leave behind the hustle & bustle of the holiday season, as well as escape the all-pervasive consumerist messaging.

Instead, we want them to look around and notice the deeper gifts of the season. Specific lessons will include the following:

• Presence & Attention: Look for the Gifts Already Given! (Exploring Tools to Battle the Busyness of the Season)
• Presence & Gift Giving: Look for What You Love About Them! (Exploring Lessons in
  Gift Giving)
• Presence & Darkness: Look for the Gifts Hidden in the Darkness! (Exploring the Invitation of Winter Solstice)
• Presence & Hope: Look for Hope Even When it Feels Hopeless! (Exploring the Invitation of Hanukkah)

Ms. Bernie and the children will explore this important theme of presence through thoughtfully chosen books, crafts, songs, and games.

We recently had an opportunity to recognize our devoted, volunteer RE teacher Ms. Bernie for her above-and-beyond service to our congregation. We feel so lucky and grateful to have her guiding our children through thoughtful exploration of important topics using the Soul Matters curriculum!
We love you Ms. Bernie!

Movie Club - We Love Movies! We meet the first Thursday of the month at 7 pm. via Zoom

For our December 5 discussion, we have selected The Piano Lesson, which was made available on Netflix on Nov. 22. This is Denzel Washington’s latest film adaptation of the plays of August Wilson. Set in the 1930s, the film is a lively and complex drama about a Black family debating the best way to honor its enslaved ancestors — either by preserving their history as-is or by using their legacy as a way to get ahead.

Use the Zoom link below to join the discussion.
https://zoom.us/j/96634364686?pwd=aklyNStYMVN1T0RoSFZsL0NON0l2dz09

Meeting ID: 966 3436 4686 Passcode: educate

Join by phone: 1 929 205 6099

Meeting ID:966 3436 4686 Passcode: 8282691

Book Club - We Love Books!

We usually meet the 3rd Thursday of the month at 7 pm via Zoom.

Change of date in December - on Thursday, Dec. 12, we will meet via Zoom to discuss One Summer: America 1927 by Bill Bryson. Bill Bryson can turn history into a
fun and educational romp. Taking the many varied, important and not so important events of one summer, he weaves a fascinating story that will hold your attention to the final page.

Join us via the Zoom link below.

https://zoom.us/j/96634364686?pwd=aklyNStYMVN1T0RoSFZsL0NON0l2dz09

Meeting ID: 966 3436 4686 Passcode:educate

Join by phone: 1 929 205 6099

Meeting ID: 966 3436 4686 Passcode: 8282691

If inclement weather forces the UUCRT to cancel services, a notice will be sent via eBlast Sunday morning. No notice will be posted on the website.

The November hike, which was the last scheduled hike of the year, was cancelled due to inclement weather. Hikes will resume in the Spring.

On a beautiful October day, Hollis Kellogg led the group through Madame Brett Park in
Beacon NY. Pictured: Etty, Hollis, Steve and Rose. Photo courtesy of Alan.

What we do! The Caring Ministry provides short-term, physical help to individuals and families within our congregation who are in need. While we cannot offer emergency or ongoing services, we can offer our collective love through support with:

-short term meals
-rides for medical appointments
-check-ins / for those who feel isolated
-cards for celebrations as well as hardships
-connection for those going through a difficult time

Because it is sometimes difficult to ask for help, the Caring Ministry relies upon our entire congregation to identify and communicate the needs of our parishioners. We work with Rev. Diane in confidence, to coordinate care.

If you, or if you know of anyone needing help, please reach out to Linda Manglesdorf or Rev. Diane, please contact: aa.uucrt@gmail.com or info.uucrt@gmail.com

The Stewardship and Finance Ministry would like you to be aware of the following tax planning strategy that may allow you to support the UUCRT and save money on your next tax return. The UUCRT does not intend to give specific tax advice. As with any financial information, you should consult your tax planning and investment teams to determine
the best course of action for your situation.'

Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)
Who should consider making a qualified charitable distribution to the UUCRT? Individuals who are required to take annual distributions from their pre-tax Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA) should read on. Anyone over 70½ is eligible to make a qualified charitable distribution (QCD). Why consider? These required minimum distributions (RMDs) are taxable as ordinary income and thus will increase your adjusted gross income and perhaps your overall tax bracket. To offset the tax impact of RMDs, consider donating funds from your IRA directly to the UUCRT, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization qualified to receive such donations.

Generally, taxpayers can elect to transfer up to $105,000 (which increased in 2024) annually from their IRA directly to charity. By making a QCD, you eliminate income taxes on the amount donated regardless of whether you itemize or take the standard deduction. Unlike other charitable deductions, QCDs reduce your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). This is important because your AGI is a factor in many other tax calculations, so reducing it can also reduce your Social Security taxes and Medicare premiums, increase your medical expense deductions, and help you qualify for certain tax credits. information from 2023 IRS newsletter IR-2023-215)

--Your Stewardship and Finance Ministry Alan Horne, SueAnn Peck and Linda Mangelsdorf

Let’s keep our values alive in the world! Have some ideas? Join us as we jumpstart our mission into 2025. Contact Nancy or Nan

The Rock Tavern Chapter of the Hudson Valley Folk Guild Coffeehouse meets Saturday, Dec. 14 at the UUCRT, 9 Vance Road, Rock Tavern. Admission is $7, $6 members and seniors. Kathy Mark is the featured performer. There hasn’t been a time when music wasn’t a part of singer/songwriter Kathy Mark’s life. As Polish heritage would dictate, her first musical instrument was an accordion, which weighed almost as much as she did!

By age 13, Kathy was borrowing guitars from friends who had lost interest in their own music lessons and was teaching herself guitar basics. An amateur luthier for 25 years,

Kathy is now focusing on “polishing” her music and “building” a rapport with musicians, and music lovers, by playing her own instruments and those of fellow boutique guitar builders.

Kathy is a long time student of international finger-style guitar champion Helen Avakian. She has also been influenced by the musical style of Nanci Griffith, as well as Sungha Jung, Sara Barielles, and the blues legend, Keb’ Mo’. The wonder and awe of guitar never grows old: six strings with infinite possibilities!