UU Congregation at Rock Tavern

Feel the Music and Help Feed the Hungry Jan. 10 in Rock Tavern

Immerse yourself in classical guitar music while supporting the Hudson Valley Regional Food Bank.

Noted guitar trio Hudson’s Crossing will present a benefit concert on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026 from 3 to 5 pm at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Rock Tavern. Proceeds will go to the food bank. The trio -- Martin Brounstein, Lawrence Levy, and Jeffrey Wilt --  has played together since 2021 and performs throughout the Hudson Valley and northern New Jersey. Their repertoire includes works by Bach, Vivaldi, Debussy, Weiss, Granados, Lennon/McCartney, David Gate and more.

The three musicians have varied, and deep roots in the world of classical guitar. Jeffrey Wilt has been in love with the sound of the classical guitar since the early 60’s when he sat transfixed, watching Andres Segovia’s “Masterclass” television show on Channel 13.

For almost twenty years Martin Brounstein has  attended the annual Mannes Music School Classical Guitar master classes. During these times he's had master classes from the world’s finest educators and concert guitarists.

After piano lessons as a child, Lawrence Levy eventually took up guitar.  He attended Musician’s Institute and the New School’s Jazz Studies program. Over the years he’s played in many different musical styles and ensembles.

Jan. 10 will be a Saturday for the arts in Rock Tavern where attendees can view the paintings of Jennifer Levine, whose exhibit Experiment Wildly will grace the walls of the sanctuary. Her paintings offer a raw and courageous response to chaos and vulnerability—particularly as a woman and mother in today’s uncertain world.

A donation of $20, paid at the door, is suggested for the benefit concert.

Acclaimed Hudson Valley-based painter Jennifer Levine (above) unveiled her latest body of work, Experiment Wildly, at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Rock Tavern, NY. Viewings are available Saturday Jan 10, at 5pm in conjunction with the concert and Sunday afternoons by appointment. Contact: info.uucrt@gmail.com

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

For the December 18 book discussion, we chose Emma by Jane Austen. This classic novel set in early 19th century England explores the themes of love, friendship and self-awareness. Wanting to pick a classic, this Austen classic was chosen because of the holiday scenes depicted.

For those of you who like to plan ahead, the January book will be Ordinary Grace by William
Kent Krueger. Read Ordinary Grace for January 15. We welcome all to join us. Join us via the Zoom link below:

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

Meeting ID: 966 3436 4686 Passcode: educate

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

On December 4, we will discuss All the Light We Cannot See, which is a 4-part miniseries available on Netflix. Based on the Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Anthony Doerr, it is the story set in World War II in France of a blind French girl and a German radio expert who have both been influenced by a mysterious voice on the radio in their childhood.

Watch to see how they become connected in St. Malo as the war ends. All are welcome to join us.
Use the Zoom link below to join the discussion.

https://zoom.us/j/96634364686?pwd=aklyNStYMV N1T0RoSFZsL0NON0l2dz09

Meeting ID: 966 3436 4686 Passcode: educate
Join by phone: 1 929 205 6099 Meeting ID: 966
3436 4686 Passcode: 8282691

Hello all!

Winter may be a time when the Earth goes to sleep, but the Green Ministry is going full speed ahead in January! We want to take this moment to say thank you for your support in the past year, as we continue to grow and meet our sustainable goals. As we move into 2026, we will begin our quarterly reports for the Green Sanctuary 2026 initiative, which will share our progress with the UUA. Some of the goals we plan to report include our composting and dishwashing, as well as analyzing our building to see where we can be even greener than we already are. For instance, one of our interests has been tying into solar power – we’ve received great responses and suggestions from members at the UUCRT, and we want to thank you for offering tips as we move forward!

We are always looking for new ideas, so please do not hesitate to reach out and discuss what you would like to see at the UUCRT that embodies our seventh principle.

Thank you and stay warm!

In January, our children's program, Religious Exploration, will explore the theme "Practicing Resistance." Below is a description from the creators of the Soul Matters curriculum, which Ms. Bernie uses with the children on Sundays: "This month is all about exploring how we can resist some of the traps that pull us away from our spiritual selves and instead lean into choices that reflect our values, even when it’s challenging."

• Ms. Bernie will choose 3 of the following four areas of "resistance" to explore with the children through picture books, songs, games, art/crafts, or other child-friendly activities:
• Session One: Resisting the Pressure to Fit In
• Session Two: Resisting the Unhealthy Parts of Screen Time and Social Media.
• Session Three: Resisting Racism (MLK Day)
• Session Four: Resisting Monkey Mind

The last Sunday of the month is an unstructured RE Play Day for the children. On this Sunday, there is no formal lesson or official teacher. Children are encouraged to connect with one another and strengthen their sense of community through child-led play. They may use the playroom and the games available in the RE room (this includes access to some craft supplies: play-doh, markers, crayons, and paper). Parents provide supervision and support with cleanup as needed on RE Play Days. Hope you can join us!

Warmly,

Michelle DiLorenzo,RE Chair

Newburgh Holiday Table on Dec 25 at the Newburgh Armory. UUCRT is one of the sponsors of this event. Thank you to the members, friends and children who volunteered to wrap gifts ahead of time and to those who spent some part of Christmas day preparing or serving meals at the Armory or delivering meals to people who are homebound.

At the Dec meeting, two new attendees were welcomed. Kayne, who is on the board of Orange County Queer Collective, and John, the founder of a consulting group Public Equity which merged with Focus for Democracy. John invited us to attend the Hands Off Newburgh: Know Your Rights meeting. Date: TBA

Jaye spoke about the upcoming Hudson’s Crossing fundraiser for the HV Hudson’s Regional Food Bank on Jan 10.

Reports were shared about Beacon Prison Rides www.BeaconPrisorides@gmail.com and RAPP (release Aging People in Prison) www.parolejusticeny.com

Parole Justice Advocacy Day in Albany on Jan 21, 2026. A bus will leave from Newburgh. See Nan for more info. In What’s Happening, Charles will continue to provide information about local social action groups.

Next meeting 1/4/25 topics will include discussion of Jim’s idea to resume film showings at the UU & how we can assist the UUCRT’s “Green Team”ministry. Please add your suggestions.

-Nora Gallardo, SAT Chair

Focus for Democracy Action is a nonprofit that helps donors make the most impactful contributions possible to strengthen democracy. Its primary purpose is to rigorously evaluate and support nonpartisan programs. A smaller portion of its work is directed toward programs that advance pro-democracy candidates, where electoral outcomes are critical to protecting democratic values and fundamental rights.

Since 2020, its network of over 20,000 donors has contributed more than $200 million to recommended programs.

FDA's analysts bring decades of experience in assessing evidence-based programs and tactics for the highest-profile elections in the US. They apply rigorous, metric-based scientific research to recommend non-profit organizations and political action committees with the highest impact per dollar spent. At Zoom events, it presents recommendations on specific programs to fund in a clear and digestible way, offering direct links to donate to those organizations. To attend an event, sign up at https://www.focus4democracy.org/join-us.

A contingent from the UUCRT — young and young-at-heart — assisted at the Newburgh Holiday Table Christmas Day at the Newburgh Armory. Michelle and her children were photographed helping out at the craft table while Alan H, Linda M and Rev. Diane helped with the food (top photo). The UUCRT co sponsored the free holiday meal event. About a dozen UUCRT members assisted, including the aforementioned and Sarah and Frankie L, Stephen D, Markly and Gonul W. Birch School affiliated friends Rebecca D, who was an event organizer, and her daughter, Evan, a UUCRT Zoom host, were among the many volunteers. Gift bags were distributed that included Christmas presents (wrapped earlier in the UUCRT sanctuary) as well as snacks and hygiene products. 

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.

Have you been visiting for a while and are curious about membership? Please contact Rev. Diane or Jim Tarvin and explore how our congregation cansupport you on your spiritual journey.

Our 2025-2026 Themes are:

• 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.

Join Markly, Jim, and others, for breakfast on Sat Jan 17 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.

They look forward to getting together on what has become a monthly event.

The Orange County Psychic Experiences Group is planning to meet on Join us on Saturday January 17, 2026, 1:45 to 4:30pm at the UUCRT, 9 Vance Rd., Rock Tavern, NY.

Doors open at 1:30pm 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
Bherbst412@aol.com