UU Congregation at Rock Tavern

We invite everyone to participate in this ritual of connection by bringing a sample of water that has meaning to you.

There will also be water available for anyone who would like to participate without bringing your own water.

Concerned about the state of our nation and what is to come? Markly Wilson will facilitate a discussion on Sunday, Sept 7. You are invited to join and share your thoughts and feelings.

We meet on the third Thursday of the month at 7 pm. via Zoom.

On Thursday, September 18, we have chosen Victor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning for our discussion. This is “a psychiatrist's memoir of life in Nazi death camps, with lessons on spiritual survival and finding meaning in suffering.” CNN’s Anderson Cooper says, “This is a book I reread a lot… it gives me hope.” This should be a great discussion! Join us. All are welcome.

On Thursday, October 16, Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy will be discussed. This psychological thriller is set on an island in the sub antarctic where a seed bank is located. The complex characters are clearly drawn as they seek to solve a mystery while in a breathtaking natural setting which is vividly described. We welcome all to joinus.

Use the Zoom link below 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 meet the first Thursday of the month at 7 pm. via Zoom.

For our Thursday, September 4 discussion, we have selected The Penguin Lessons which is available on Netflix. This 2024 film, set in Argentina during the political turmoil of the 1970s, features an Englishman who teaches at an exclusive boys’ school. After he rescues a penguin from an oil slick, the penguin adopts him. We hope you can join us.

Use the Zoom link below 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

Join Markly, Jim, and others, for breakfast on Saturday September 20 at 9 am at the Alexis Diner, Newburgh, corner of Rt 9W and 52. This is a time for fellowship and conversation. They look forward to getting together on what has become a monthly event.

Our September hike will take place on Friday, Sept 26 at 11 a.m. We will meet at Long Dock, Beacon and hike the riverside path.

For more information contact Jan at info.uucrt@gmail.com

The Orange County Psychic Experiences Group is planning to meet on Saturdays Sept 20, 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

We are excited to announce that the UUCRT Green Ministry has been revitalized! Currently consisting of Elizabeth Mehling, Michelle DiLorenzo, and Anne D’Amore, the Ministry aims to encourage sustainable, environmentally-friendly practices within our congregation and in our communities, primarily guided by our 7th Principle: “Respect for the Interdependent Web of All Existence of Which We Are a Part.” Some of these goals, such as composting and dishwashing, have already seen great success within our congregation, and we hope to continue to explore further options for reducing our environmental impact. Currently, we are seeking new members and are open to ideas relating to sustainability and eco-friendly tips or actions. Please stay tuned, great things are coming!
-Elizabeth Mehling

It's back-to-(Sunday)-school time! UUCRT's children's program, Religious Exploration, starts September 7th at 10:30 AM.

We are thrilled to welcome everyone back from summer break! Ms. Bernie, her classroom helper, and the children will explore a different theme each month from the Soul Matters curriculum.

This year's themes include "building belonging", "cultivating compassion", "nurturing gratitude", "choosing hope", "practicing resistance", and "embodying resilience". The Soul Matters curriculum facilitates experiential learning and deep discussion of the weekly theme through stories, crafts, games, and other hands-on activities. Hope you can join us!

Ahead of the first day of RE, we would love to invite all young families with children to a picnic playdate at Wee Tots Playground in Beacon, Saturday, Sept. 6th, 10 AM-Noon! Brunch will be provided: coffee, bagels & fixings, and fruit. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet other young families in the area and learn more about our children's program at UUCRT. Please join us!

Warmly,
Michelle DiLorenzo, RE chair

In June, Bridget, Charles, Jim, Nan, and Nora met and discussed the history of activities done by previous UU Social Action Ministries including letter writing to officials, food deliveries, and financial support for individual groups.

We agreed that there are many positive organizations in existence whose projects we could get involved with. The group decided on investigating two, the Beacon Prison Rides and Rock Steady Farm Collective.

The Beacon Prison Rides organization assigns volunteers who give rides to family members and friends from the Beacon train station to local prisons for visits. Another volunteer arrives at pick up time and drives them back to the Beacon train station.

The Rock Steady Farm began in 2015, and is composed of queer, trans, Black, Indigenous, and people of color who run the farm, which includes a C.S.A., in Millerton, NY.

Information about these two organizations will be researched. UU members will visit the Rock Steady Farm Sept 18 and participate in their Community Day. A report will be given at the next Social Action Ministry meeting.

Recently, Marcia suggested UU members participate in writing messages on postcards that are sent to support progressive candidates running for office this November. She volunteered to look into securing the cards from her contact.
-Nora Gallardo

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 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.

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.

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

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).

RETURNING IN SEPTEMBER! Our 2025-2026Themes are:

• September: Building Belonging
• October: Cultivating Compassion
• November: Nurturing Gratitude
• December: Choosing Hope
• January: Practicing Resistance
• February: Embodying Resilience
• March: Paying Attention
• April: Embracing Possibility
• May: Awakening Curiosity
• June: Flourishing Together

The Soul Matters experience does not only give one a way to practice spirituality, It provides a deeper understanding of what it means to practice. These themes offer opportunities for reflection, personal growth, and building connections within the UUCRT community.

We meet the second Friday of each month at 2:30pm in the sanctuary. The first meeting is Friday, September 12. For those who wish to attend via zoom we have a joint group with the UU Fellowship of Poughkeepsie. They meet the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00pm. First meeting is on September 10th.

Please contact Rev. Diane aa.uucrt@gmail.com or info.uucrt@gma il.com, if interested. There are a few spaces left; the groups tend to fill up very quickly.

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 7^th 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.

Deep Cleaners

A UUCRT "Deep Clean Team" tackled our self-cleaning (the only way to keep our kitchen clean is to clean it ourselves ) kitchen on Sunday, Aug. 17. Great work!