UU Congregation at Rock Tavern

•We covenant to protect Earth and all beings from exploitation.
•We will create and nurture sustainable relationships of care and respect, mutuality and justice.
•We will work to repair harm and damaged relationships.

Donna Deming came to the UUCRT in 2017. While working as a social worker for hospice she began looking for a spiritual community and found her way to our beloved UU community. Donna is currently a psychotherapist in private practice, working with clients all over NY via Zoom. She has a keen interest in neuroscience and Buddhism and infuses her psychotherapy practice with mindfulness, meditation and cognitive behavioral therapy. She often ponders the mystery of being on our beautiful planet earth amidst this vast universe moving through space. Donna currently serves on the UUCRT Board.

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

For the February 19 discussion we have chosen Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith by Anne Lamott. “Lamott's faith isn't about easy answers, which is part of what endears her to believers as well as nonbelievers.” Her quirky and funny take on the challenges of everyday life are what make her so readable and relatable. All are welcome to join the discussion.

For those of you who like to plan ahead, 2 very popular and sometimes hard to borrow books are planned for March and April so you might want to get on a wait list soon. The March 19 book will be The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. The April 16 book will be Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell.

Join us via the Zoom link below:

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

Meeting ID: 966 3436 4686 Passcode: educate

We meet on the 1st Thursday of the month at 7:00 pm. via the zoom link below.

For the February 5 discussion, we have chosen Good Night and Good Luck, which is available on Netflix. This is a stage play filmed live about journalist Edward R. Murrow’s confrontation with Joseph McCarthy whose spreading of fear and propaganda was engulfing the country in the 1950s.

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

Meeting Highlights – Jan 4, 2026

Newburgh Holiday Table (12/25/2025):
Ten members and friends assisted with meal service, children’s crafts, and community engagement. Approximately 200 meals were served or delivered.

• Building Safety & Security: Updates were shared on safety initiatives inspired by other UU congregations. Volunteers are sought for a UUCRT safety workgroup. Recent security measures have been reviewed.
• Green Team: Current environmental initiatives were outlined, including exploration of solar power. The team encourages collaboration with other congregation groups.
• Local Advocacy: Upcoming action is planned regarding the proposed ICE Detection Center in Chester. A potential speaker may be invited to UU.
• Parole Justice: An Advocacy Day in Albany supporting Elder Parole and Fair & Timely Parole was announced, with transportation available from Newburgh.
• Communications: Charlie will continue contributing a monthly column to Chalice Light.
• Movies in Sanctuary: Technical preparations are underway to offer occasional Sunday movies after services.
• Community Engagement: Members are encouraged to check Mobilize or Indivisible for local action opportunities.
  -Nan Dempster, SAT

For advice or questions regarding ICE . . .

Catholic Services Immigration Legal Services

• They're known for answering quickly and giving clear guidance.
• Orange County office: 845-562-4736

For the Many

• They’re not lawyers, but they’re deeply connected to immigrant-support networks and can point someone to the right place quickly.
• Phone: 845-481-0703
• Charles Isaacs for UUCRT Social Action Together

Winter/Spring 2026 Film Screenings and Community Discussions at Old Dutch Church, 272 Wall St.Kingston. Co-Sponsored by Jewish Voices for Peace HV.

For more information : mecr@mideastcrisis.org
Sun Feb 15, 2-5pm- Featured film: Gaza Fights for
Freedom (2019)

Greetings everyone!

Winter and summer tend to see a considerable spike in household energy usage, and the increase in weather instability due to climate change means that this usage will grow. Here are some eco-friendly tips for keeping the temperatures up, and your energy bill down:

-Keep drapes open during the day to let in sunlight and close them at night to keep out drafts.
-If your place of living uses ductwork for heating, ensure that there are no leaks.
-Investigate weather stripping for windows and doors, or insert draft blockers to keep the heat in and the cold out.
-Consider using non-toxic substances to de-ice your sidewalk and driveway, such as clean cat litter and fireplace ash.
-If you use a wood-burning appliance for heat, never burn household garbage, colored paper or ink, or any type of plastic, foam, or other artificial materials. Burning these can release harmful chemicals!
-Save your fireplace ash to add to your compost bin, if applicable.
-Before you touch the thermostat, bundle up with sweaters, blankets, and thick socks.
-Turn down your heat if you leave the house for an extended period.
-Before you buy a new coat or winter garment, check out your local secondhand store: they usually have a great selection!

-Elizabeth M., Michelle D., and Anne D.

Our beloved teacher, Ms. Bernie, is currently navigating the aftermath of a building fire that has displaced her from her home. Please keep her in your thoughts during this time. If you would like to contribute to a group gift to show her some love and support, please reach out to Michelle.

While Ms. Bernie is away, other members of our RE children’s program team have agreed to step in to substitute teach, ensuring continuity for our children and their families. We are so grateful for this community of support!

March Theme: Paying Attention
This month, our theme In RE is Paying Attention, and throughout March our children will explore the power and purpose of attention in their lives.

The Greek Stoic philosopher Epictetus reminds us, “You become what you give your attention to. If you yourself don’t choose what thoughts and images you expose yourself to, someone else will.”This quote beautifully captures our focus for the month. Paying attention is not simply about avoiding distraction or sharpening our focus. It is about shaping our character and fine-tuning our hearts.

Together, we will reflect on 4 of the 5 following “Powers of Paying Attention”:

• Session One: The Power of Paying Attention to Our Impact on Others
• Session Two: The Power of Paying Attention to Inequality
• Session Three: The Power of Paying Attention to the Present Moment
• Session Four: The Power of Paying Attention to Our Relationship with Water
• Session Five: The Power of Paying Attention to the Wisdom Within

Our first session invites children to consider the importance of noticing those who are suffering and recognizing the power they have to help. In Session Three, we explore Buddhism’s call to pay attention to the present moment, connecting with our UU value of religious pluralism. This intentional use of attention also reflects our UU value of Equity, which challenges us to “use our time, wisdom, attention, and money to build and sustain fully accessible and inclusive communities.”

RE Play Day 

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.

Warmly,

Michelle DiLorenzo
RE Chair

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.

How to Become a Member of the UUCRT. We are so glad you are interested in becoming a member of our community! The next step is to contact the Chairman of the Welcoming Ministry/Committee. He or she will forward your contact information to our minister who will reach out to you. To become a Member, one must:

--Be at least eighteen years old to be a member with voting rights. (Children thirteen through seventeen may become Junior Members but can’t vote at UUCRT meetings.)

--Have a conversation with the Minister about UUCRT and your interest in becoming a member. (This conversation may be by phone, if necessary.)

--Make an annual donation pledge. This pledge can be of any amount. (Members who are facing financial constraints may pledge as little as one dollar a year.)

--Participate in the New Member Induction Ceremony during one of the UUCRT’s services when the new member is introduced to our community and signs the Membership Book.

Once a member, you are expected to provide some service to the UUCRT, such as joining a Ministry/Committee.

Among the choices are: Arts, Building and Grounds, Communications, Green Sanctuary, Social Action, Stewardship and Finance, Lifespan Religious Exploration- this includes children’s religious education, Welcoming, and Sunday Services. (This last choice is currently full.)

Two other Ministries/Committees exist: Caring and Leadership, but their members are selected either by election or selection.

Or, a new member may choose to provide service by helping at Coffee Hour, becoming a greeter, sharing musical talents, leading a service project— sharing your energy in some way to support our community.

Again, we are so glad you are interested in joining us. Your membership will make us a more diverseand richer community!

Our 2025-2026 Themes are:

• 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.

The Orange County Psychic Experiences Group is planning to meet on Join us on Saturday February 21, 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

Join Markly, Jim, and others, for breakfast on Sat February 21 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.

Rev. Diane is organizing a joint retreat with the Rock Tavern Unitarian Congregation (UUCRT) and the Unitarian Fellowship of Poughkeepsie. It is a week filled with learning, reflection, and community. It is a wonderful opportunity to connect with other UUs in the Hudson Valley. This multigen conference will be held August 16-23, 2026 on Star Island , the Isles of Shoals, off the coast of New Hampshire. Registration opened 1/15. For more information on fees, programming, financial assistance, or volunteering as a worker visit star island.org. and/or speak with Diane in person, or email (aa.uucrt@gmail.com).

Throughout the week there will be inspiring lectures, workshops, Yoga, art classes, a lot of music (singing, playing instruments), dancing, talent shows, and very moving candlelight chapel services. There is an engaging youth program for infants to high schoolers. Some activities will be a softball game , youth carnival, scavenger hunt, duct tape boat races, and more.

Whether you find yourself mesmerized by the sunset in a rocking chair on the porch, exploring Gosport Harbor in a kayak, or listening to the sound of the waves in the Atlantic Ocean, Star Island is Unforgettable.

More information about this retreat will be posted in the coming months.

Watch these videos to find out more:

"A visit to Star Island " https://youtu.be/Yw8bVMEdHdw?si=cwGeLpEujDJ1o62_

"Staying on Star: What to Expect" : https://youtu.be/i07Jvyd8tr8?si=OAl2qwziOGWu7CX8

James Pospicil is the featured performer at the Feb 14 HVFG, Rock Tavern.

Open mic performances will be available to all. Cost of admission for this event is $7 ($6 for Folk Guild members and seniors). Signup begins at 7 and open mic begins at 7:30. The featured
performance is expected to begin at approximately 8:30.

For more information contact the President of the Rock Tavern Chapter of the Hudson Valley Folk Guild at HVFGRockTavern@hudsonvalleyfolkguild.org.