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Summer Bliss Update
The Unitarian Universalist Star Island summer retreat is nearing capacity, and a wait list will be available soon. The theme is " A More Perfect Union”, a week of learning , reflection, and community, which explores the enduring promise -and unfinished work- of American democracy . Two preeminent scholars of early America will engage us with their storytelling, and invite us to reflect on our shared history to better understand our present, and imagine how we might learn from the past to help build a more inclusive and "perfect" union- all within the beauty and tradition of the unforgettable Star Island community.
If anyone is still considering it they should register as soon as possible. The fee is refundable until mid - July if you change your mind . We have individuals and families from the 3 UU Hudson Valley congregations who have already registered. Carpooling will be available. Any questions or concerns please reach out to Rev. Diane.
Here is the link for registration and more information about this conference - a unique summer vacation on this magical island!
Green Ministry
Hi all!
As the weather warms and the days grow longer, many of us begin the long-awaited period of spring cleaning! Here are some helpful reminders to embrace an “eco” approach as you declutter and clean the home:
-Dispose of household hazardous waste properly; for Orange County, the transfer station in New Hampton regularly holds collection events for county residents. Be sure to check www.orangecountygov.com/449/Hazardous-Waste for a list of acceptable and unacceptable materials.
-Keep clothes out of the landfill! Donate your gently used wardrobe to a local thrift store, or sell on secondhand sites such as Ebay, Poshmark, and Vinted.
-When starting your spring garden, opt for organic soil mixes and natural fertilizers.
-Must dispose of old cleaning tools or supplies? See if their replacements can be derived from natural materials, such as wood, metal, or silicone.
-Plant native plants and wildflowers to support our local pollinators!
We’re looking forward to a bright, green 2026; stay tuned!
-The UUCRT Green Ministry
-Elizabeth M., Michelle D., and Anne D.
Religious Exploration Ministry
April Theme in RE: Embracing Possibility
This month, the theme in our children’s program is Embracing Possibility, and to honor that, all month long, we are going to explore how we can embrace possibilities.
Ms. Bernie and the children will be exploring 3 out of the following 4 sessions this month:
- Session One: Embracing the Possibilities that lie Beyond Grief and Loss (Easter)
- Session Two: Embracing the Possibility of Building a Better World
- Session Three: Embracing the Possibility of Healing the Earth (Earth Day)
- Session Four: Embracing the Possibilities in Each of Us
From the creators of the Soul Matters curriculum:
“In our first session, we explore the UU value of Transformation as we reflect on the possibilities found in the Christian Easter story.
Our second session introduces the inspiring UU ancestor Adin Ballou, helping us explore the possibilities of a more just and compassionate world.
In our third session, we celebrate Earth Day through the lens of our UU value of Interdependence. We also share the story of Joseph Priestley, one of our UU ancestors, whose discovery of oxygen and understanding of how plants help sustain life reminds us of the deep connections between science, faith, and care for the Earth.
Finally, our fourth session leans into the fun of National Superhero Day as we learn about Christopher Reeve, a UU whose life invites us to see our UU values as real-life superpowers — and to recognize the possibilities that live within each of us."
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.
We hope your kiddos can join us this month as we explore the theme of embracing possibility together.
Warmly,
Michelle DiLorenzo
RE Chair
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
Stewardship & Finance Ministry
Read on to learn three things, besides Spring, for which we at UUCRT can be immensely grateful.
Prelude: For all of us, Covid (perish the memory) brought radical change. At the UUCRT, we rallied by going online with Zoom. We learned to maintain a steady stream of communications with our members and friends.
Our Sunday services were uninterrupted. We even celebrated the 150th anniversary of this group (fondly called the little congregation that could) with a Hybrid service, delivering a real cupcake to each member’s home for an unusual cupcake communion!
We did our best but soon learned that it was impossible to bring back the children’s RE program – – something that most long-time members of this congregation believed was one of our greatest strengths.
As we all know, the impossible takes a while. Now, inch by inch, we celebrate the return of families! Sunday morning services are again complete with the laughter and vitality of children. What a joy! Bonus: hearing a weekly report of the life-enhancing content of their classes!
The return of the children is Thing One on the three-pronged Gratitude list today.
Thing Two is a steady increase in Sunday attendance. Once more, the world has shifted; again, in ways that highlight a desire for connection among people; this time thankfully coupled with freedom to gather.
Thing three? New members. A steady increase in attendance that is, happily, showing up as a slow and steady growth in numbers. New members, as well as those of us who are medium- or long-term members, are reminded of our Bylaws commitment. “Live your values aloud, not alone.
Our open minded, Open hearted spiritual communities, help people lead lives of justice, love, learning, and hope.”
As members we agree to pledge in order that our congregation thrives, to be a force of good and hope. As we are near the end of our 2026 -2027 pledge drive, many, many thanks for those whose pledges have been received! And the good news? There is still time for your pledge to be reflected in our budget – – to support the things we love!
Simply click this link:
Donate to the UUCRT - UU Congregation at Rock Tavern
or place your pledge card in the treasure chest at the rear of the Sanctuary. Pledges may be mailed to UUCRT Treasurer, PO Box 502, Washingtonville, NY 10992
Or emailed to uucrt.treasurer@gmail.com.
To celebrate the end of our Pledge Drive, please join us on Sunday, April 12 after service for our annual Pledge Drive Luncheon.
In Service,
-Stewardship & Finance Ministry
Alan Horne & Linda Mangelsdorf
Soul Matters
Our 2025-2026 Themes are:
- 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.
UUCRT Hikers
The 2026 UU Hiking season will begin on Friday, April 24 hike at the Arboretum, Thomas Bull Memorial Park, Rt. 416, Goshen. We plan to schedule each monthly hike on the 4th Friday of the month at 11 a.m. This will not interfere with other UU activities and should be easy to remember when making plans.
We have made a list of our past hikes and will distribute a copy of this list to each hiker when we meet on April 24. Each hiker can check off the hikes he/she would like to do this year. There will be a few blank spaces to list new hikes. With all this information, we can generate a 2026 master list of dates and hikes for the entire season. Each hiker will receive a copy.
If you have any questions, concerns or ideas, let Rose or Jan know.
One Step at a Time!
--Jan and Rose
Monthly Newsletter
Click here to read our latest Newsletter - the UUCRT Chalice Light
‘Ethereal Light’ – Nancy Reed Jones’ Art Show at the Rock Tavern UU
ROCK TAVERN -- Painting did not come easy for Nancy Reed Jones. Her first painting only emerged after the loss of a child. When she realized that her newfound talent was a gift from God, a hospital where her mother and sister worked as nurses became her de-facto studio.
There, she painted murals for cancer patients. These were used as “guided imagery”, a mind-body relaxation technique that uses mental visualizations—often of peaceful, safe scenes—to reduce stress, pain, anxiety, and improve overall well-being. She continued this artistic and healing mission for 15 years while studying painting at the Huntington Art League and Suffolk College on Long Island.
Her show, Ethereal Light, will grace the walls in April and May of the Sanctuary of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Rock Tavern. The public is invited to a reception Saturday, May 9 from 1 to 4 p.m., at the fellowship’s 9 Vance Road, Rock Tavern, NY location. Viewings are also available on Sundays from noon to 1 p.m. and by emailing aa.uucrt@gmail.com.
In 2004 Nancy moved to the Hudson Valley and began teaching at the Wallkill River School of Art in Montgomery. In 2010, she was voted #1 acrylic painter in our region. In 2013, the Orange County Arts Council awarded her the Champion of the Arts award for her work with cancer patients. Nancy has won many first, second and honorable mention awards for her paintings.
Nancy's painting style mimics that of the Romantic Impressionists.
She continues to teach fine art at the Wallkill River Center for the Arts.
Visit her website: Nancyreedjonesfineart.net
Something New at the UU! ‘An Inspector Calls’
Join us for a showing of a powerful film, “An inspector Calls.” It will be shown on Sunday, May 3rd at 12:15 in the Sanctuary of our Meeting House, following the Pot Luck.
Set in 1912 in an industrial northern town in England, this taut and ultimately tragic story centers on the prosperous Birling family. Arthur Birling and his wife Sybil are celebrating the engagement of their daughter Sheila to Gerald Croft. But the Birlings' festivities are punctured by a visit from the imposing (and mysterious) Inspector Goole who is investigating the suicide of a former factory worker of Mr. Birling's, Eva Smith. Goole's investigation reveals hidden cruelties lying underneath the Birlings' veneer of hard-won respectability and forces the Birlings to confront the consequences of their thoughtlessness and privilege.”
Jim Tarvin writes:
“I saw this play in London a number of years ago and again in Goshen when it was done by a community theater group. Both times I was deeply moved. It brings to mind so many of our Unitarian values: generosity, equity, justice.”
“This film version will be shown on May 3rd. I think we all underestimate to what extent our personal behavior affects others. Everyone needs to see this film. I hope you can make it and, if possible, bring a friend.”