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Unitarian Univeralist Congregation Rock Tavern
Wonder who we are? Play this 3 min video!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Potluck after Service - Sunday 7/6
Together Onward
Concerned about the state of our nation and what is to come?
Markly Wilson will facilitate a discussion on Sunday, July 6. You are invited to join and share your thoughts and feelings.
We Love Books!
We meet on the third Thursday of the month at 7 pm. via Zoom.For Thursday, July 17 we selected Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier, the story of how one woman’s gift transcends class and social prejudice to lead to some of the most important discoveries of the 19th century.
On Thurs Aug 21 (during Hurricane season) our selection is The Ship and the Storm by Jim Carrier. Using exhaustive research and hundreds of interviews, the author explores the ship Fantone and Hurricane Mitch from every angle. All are welcome.
Use the Zoom link below or to join the discussion.
https://zoom.us/j/96634364686?pwd=aklyNStY-MVN1T0RoSFZsL0NON0l2dz09
Meeting ID: 966 3436 4686 Passcode: educate.
Join by phone: 1 929 205 6099
Meeting ID: 966 3436 4686 Passcode: 8282691
We Love Movies!
We meet the first Thursday of the month at 7 pm. via Zoom.
For our Thursday, July 3 discussion, we selected The Theory of Everything which portrays Stephen Hawkin’s tremendous mind and his ability to engage the public in understanding the creation of the universe while battling a life decapitating illness.
Available on Netflix.
The Aug 7 movie, Past Lives, about 2 Korean childhood sweethearts separated then reunited 20 years later, one fateful weekend, as they confront destiny, love and the choices that make a life.
Available on Netflix. Join Us!
Use the Zoom link below or on the uucrt.org website to join the discussion.
https://zoom.us/j/96634364686?pwd=aklyNStY-MVN1T0RoSFZsL0NON0l2dz09
Meeting ID: 966 3436 4686 Passcode: educate
Join by phone: 1 929 205 6099
Meeting ID: 966 3436 4686 Passcode: 8282691
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Orange County Psychic Experiences
The Orange County Psychic Experiences Group is planning to meet on Saturdays, July 19 & Aug 16, 1:45 to 4:30 pm at the UUCRT, 9 Vance Rd., Rock
Tavern, NY.
Doors open at 1:30 pm for anyone who would like to come early and help set up. The group will share spiritual or metaphysical experiences, discuss any upcoming events of interest, break for refreshments and reconvene for a group meditation to send out positive energy to ourselves, each other and the universe.
We ask for a donation (suggested $5) to cover the use of the building and coffee/tea/supplies. Everyone is welcome to bring refreshments to share, if they wish. In the event of inclement weather that causes us to cancel, we will send out an email as soon as we make that decision.
Hope to see you there!
Thank you,
Brian Herbst
Religious Exploration Ministry
Children’s RE classes are on summer break and will start again in September when school resumes. Our RE teacher, Ms. Bernie, became a grandmother a few weeks ago (congratulations Ms. Bernie!) and is taking some time to focus on her family. A big thank you to Mr. Keith, who stepped up in Ms. Bernie's place to teach the remaining RE classes in June!
During the summer months, the playroom is available as an option for children to use during service (with a sound system for adults to listen in on the service). Simple arts and craft materials, games, and outside toys are also available for children to use with their adults' supervision and help to tidy up as needed.
Warmly,
Michelle DiLorenzo, RE Chair
Social Action Ministry
Suggestions Needed for Social Action Committee. Let Nora Gallardo know your ideas and suggestions. Following your input, we will meet briefly after a service (to be announced). Also messages can be left: info.uucrt@gmail.com
The Work of Citizenship: Of late, congressional switchboards have been flooded with calls. If you would like to add your thoughts on any topic, here is a link that will provide you with the names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses of all members of Congress. https://www.congress.gov/
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
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
Pastoral Care
Rev. Diane Diachishin is 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.
Contact Rev. Diane aa.uucrt@gmail.com or info.uucrt@gmail.com if you, or you know of someone who might benefit from pastoral care.
Stewardship & Finance Ministry
We are very grateful to all who donated generously to enable our congregation to continue as a liberal religious voice in Orange County, NY.
Huge thanks to Linda for spearheading the Pledge Drive along with Sue Ann and Alan. And to Fred for creating a Treasure Chest to receive your pledge cards.
-Nan Dempster, on behalf of Board.
Welcoming Committee
Greeters play a crucial role on Sunday mornings, welcoming both familiar faces and new visitors. They provide a friendly greeting, name tags, newsletters, and contact information to help us stay in touch with newcomers.
We are arranging the schedule for Sunday Greeters for the upcoming congregational year. Current and potential new Greeters should contact Nan in person or info.uucrt@gmail.com to express interest or obtain more information. Training for Greeters will be available in August.
Young Families Brunch to be scheduled in August.
-Jim Tarvin, Chair, Welcoming Ministry
Video/Social Media Project
The UUCRT Board, in conjunction with Elizabeth Mehling, will produce a short video for our website and social media platforms to highlight why people visit and then decide to make UUCRT their spiritual home. Members and Friends are asked to think about their responses, and if so moved, to speak with Elizabeth or Nan. Elizabeth will set up her camera and recording devices on particular Sundays in Jan-Feb (TBD).
Soul Matters
Zoom Group on Wednesday, June 11 at 7pm.
The Sanctuary Group will meet on Friday, June 13 at 2.30 pm.
Contact Rev Diane for more information.
Let’s Wash the Dishes for a Sustainable Future
A few years ago, the congregation used very few disposable products. Our cupboards are stocked with lots of dishes. We received those as a gift from a fellow UU congregation as we replenished our kitchen when our building was rebuilt after the fire.
Over the years we have gotten out of the habit of using regular crockery and utensils during coffee hour and Pot Luck Lunches.
Our 7th Principle, “The respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part” emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living things and the environment, recognizing that our actions have far-reaching consequences within this web.
To promote sustainability and reduce waste, we are turning the page and wish to re-establish the practice of using our crockery, utensils and mugs, currently hanging on pegs to the left of the kitchen hatch. (Pick a mug, Make it yours for Sundays!!)
To facilitate the dish washing tasks, we will need a few volunteers on Sundays. Please see Sign Up sheet hanging near the coffee.
Art Ministry
The Arts Ministry is looking for artists who would liken a space to display their work, i.e. the walls of our Sanctuary. If you know of someone, please refer them to Mike or Hollis.
Poetry Day is all about you!
Poetry Day is all about you! The poems you wrote or the poems you like. We’ll take turns reading poems to each other. Doesn’t that sound delightful? Normally Rev. Diane leads us the first Sunday of
the month but she’s on vacation, have fun Diane!
***Important Changes
To join using computer, tablet or smartphone: https://zoom.us/j/94071188132
To join by phone:+1 929 205 6099 US Meeting ID: 940 7118 8132
Inviting Bell
Musical Prelude – Selection by Hollis Kellogg
Opening Words – I think it’s a deep consolation to
know that spiders dream, that monkeys tease predators, that dolphins have accents, that lions can be scared silly by a lone mongoose, that otters hold hands, and ants bury their dead. That there isn’t their life and our life. That it’s just one teetering and endless thread and all of us, all of us are entangled with it as deep as entanglement goes. Anonymous
Welcome and Announcements
Chalice Lighting - We light our chalice as a symbol of the Light within us and the life that flows through the world around us.
It is our beacon as we search for truth.
It is the warmth in our hearts for love.
And it is the energy that propels us to action.
May we be kindled by our time together.
Opening Song – Selection by Hollis Kellogg
Offering and Offertory
Time for All “As you Go
As you go may joy surround you, as you go may you grow, know our love is with you always, as you go, as you go.
Sharing of Joys and Sorrows
Moment of Silence – 2 Minutes
Sermon – Poetry Day, bring your poems to share.
A poem you wrote or a poem you like, all poems welcome.
Closing Song – Selection by Hollis Kellogg
Closing Words - Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a
listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have a potential to
turn a life around. It’s overwhelming to consider the continuous opportunities there are to make
love felt. Leo Buscaglia
Closing Fellowship Circle
Extinguishing the Chalice – Extinguishing the Flame by Elizabeth Selle Jones
We extinguish this flame but not the Light of Truth,
The Warmth of Community, or the fire of Commitment.
These we carry in our hearts until we are together again.
Please join us for coffee and snacks in the Fellowship Hall after the service.
Worship Associate: Rose O’Neill
Musician: Hollis Kellogg
Zoom host: Elizabeth Mehling
Join Us for Happy Hour: Fridays at 5pm

Monthly Newsletter
Click here to read our latest Newsletter - the UUCRT Chalice Light
Thoughts from the Board
- New UUCRT Board Elected May 28, 2025
- Notes from the Board May 28, 2025
- President’s Message May 28, 2025
- President’s Message April 28, 2025
Community Postings
- Is UU for You? March 31, 2025
- UUCRT Board Backs Knights Out on Disbanding of LGBTQ+ Affinity Group February 28, 2025
- Members Rally in Albany for Stalled NY Health Act, Medicare For All Bill H.R. 1976 February 1, 2025
- Water Ceremony October 4, 2024
Please Check Doors Before Leaving
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