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Religious Exploration Ministry
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!
Inclement Weather Information
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.
Vogel and Kellogg to Perform Holiday Music on Dec 14
Violinist Elfin Vogel and pianist Hollis Kellogg will fill the sanctuary of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Rock Tavern with holiday music on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 3 to 5 p.m. This concert will benefit the food bank of the Hudson Valley.
Vogel and Kellogg have been performing together for over 8 years. Most musicians cannot make a living performing, especially if they perform classical music. So Vogel has worked as a dealer and consultant in string instruments, and Kellogg worked as an Occupational Therapist.
They both have been in love with music since childhood and are keen on sharing their love of good music with others. They have performed in churches, assistive living homes, and any place that has a piano and an appreciative audience.
The UUCRT has been their home base for some time. So please come and enjoy music by Handel, Schubert, Scott Joplin, and Kellogg!
The UUCRT is located at 9 Vance Road in the New Windsor hamlet of Rock Tavern. For further information email holliskellogg@yahoo.com.
UU Hikers
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.
Caring Ministry
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
Rev. Diane Diachishin to Offer Pastoral Care
available to offer pastoral care for people who are struggling with loss, grief, or other challenges. Pastoral care differs from therapy or counseling in that it does not attempt to fix problems or address mental health issues. Rather, it provides a loving, accepting, hopeful presence, and, in doing so, makes it easier for people to get in touch with their own inner wisdom and strength. Most of all, pastoral care is simply being
present
for you. It brings the love and care of our entire congregation to those in need.
You can contact Rev. Diane to inquire about pastoral care using this link: https://forms.gle/Social Action Ministry
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
Hudson Valley Folk Guild
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!
Monthly Newsletter
Click here to read our latest Newsletter - the UUCRT Chalice Light
Pot Luck After Service on December 1
Join us for conversation, comradery, coffee and food immediately after the service!