UU Congregation at Rock Tavern

To join using computer, tablet or smartphone:

https://zoom.us/j/94517509695pwd=7FRtOQB7NPandWL1n2WQFu1eVWQgdg.1

Meeting ID: 945 1750 9695
Passcode: 177334

One tap mobile: +16469313860,,94517509695#,,,,*177334# US

 We continue to attract visitors, some with children.  Bridget Morrey is making calls to people who fill out the UUCRT questionnaire. The showing of “Hamilton” attracted about fifteen to twenty people. The Brunch in a Park for Young Families was cancelled due to bad weather.  It will be held in early September. Thanks to all of the members of the congregation who have been so welcoming to visitors.

--Jim Tarvin

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

   On Thursday, September 17, we will read and discuss Rabbit, Run by John Updike. This book established Updike as a major American novelist. Published in 1960, the first of 5 titles in the series, we are introduced to Harry “Rabbit” Angstrom, a high school basketball star who, after serving in the military, comes home to marry his high school sweetheart. By his mid 20s, he feels trapped and leaves his wife and son without a plan. Join us for a lively discussion. For October 15, we will read Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/99384060600?pwd=Z3bvBoT1of1QhpvgGRuqCQeLzNekV4.1

Meeting chat link
https://zoom.us/launch/jc/99384060600

Meeting ID: 993 8406 0600
Passcode: educate

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

For our Thursday, September 3 discussion, we will watch Babette’s Feast. It is available to rent on Amazon Prime or to watch on HBO Max. A French refugee transforms the lives of elderly women for whom she works in Denmark.

Use the Zoom link below:

https://zoom.us/j/99384060600?pwd=Z3bvBoT1of1QhpvgGRuqCQeLzNekV4.1

Meeting ID: 993 8406 0600 Passcode: educate

Join Markly, Jim, and others, for breakfast on Sat July 18 and Aug. 15 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.

As summer draws to a close, the process of back to school begins for many - which often means shopping for new clothes, supplies, and electronics. And even for those of us without young children, autumn usually means cleaning out our closets and ditching some of our summer things. Let this transition spark the concepts of both reflection and renewal! Here are some ideas: 

   -Review the activities you did over the summer, and think about some sustainable goals for next year. For example, could you challenge yourself to take more public transit on vacation, versus getting on a plane? What about purchasing a more efficient air conditioner, or creating more meatless options for cookouts? 

   -Before packing away your summer wardrobe, review your clothes and ask yourself: what did you actually wear this summer? What stayed on the rack for several months? What no longer fits you? Consider donating or selling what no longer suits you. 

   -See if parents in your area would be into having a back-to-school supplies swap, to give usable materials a new life. 

  -Looking for new electronics? Visit places like Backmarket.com, which sell refurbished phones, laptops, and devices for a lower price. Each purchase keeps electronics out of the landfill!

   Our Ministry, after taking a brief summer recess, is continuing to seek out new ideas for how we can expand our eco-focused mission. We continue to move forward with looking into solar energy sources for the building, as well as our compost initiative. If there’s something you want to see, please reach out! 

Stay green, 

The UUCRT Green Ministry 

The next UUCRT hike will be on Friday, Sept. 25 at 11 a.m. We will be hiking through the Montgomery Pleasure Ground Park. The path is shaded and paved with some mild inclines. We will meet in the Montgomery Senior Center parking lot, 36 Bridge St., Montgomery. Jan Kinney will be the “guide” for this hike.

The October hike is planned for Oct. 30 at the Schunnemuck State Park in Salisbury Mills.

We are so grateful to the many members of our UU congregation who have stepped up to volunteer with our Religious Exploration (RE) children’s program this congregational year!

We are delighted to continue growing our children’s program, and happy to be able to provide two-adult coverage every Sunday!

We are blessed with a wonderful team of volunteers:

• RE teacher: Bernadette McGinn (Ms. Bernie)

• Regular RE helpers: Jan, Kieth, Donna, and Marcia

• Substitute volunteers: RJ, Jess, Hollis, Nora, and Michelle.

Thank you to everyone who helps make our RE children’s program possible at UUCRT!

October’s Theme: Courage

This month the theme in our children’s program is Courage.

From the creators of the Soul Matters children’s curriculum:

“This month, we are exploring the theme of courage and what it means to move beyond simply feeling brave to putting our courage into action. Courage is not about never feeling afraid or uncertain. It is about making choices, speaking up, trying new things, and living our values even when doing so feels difficult or frightening.

As Unitarian Universalists, our faith calls us to be people of courageous action. We are encouraged to boldly live our values, care for one another, seek truth, and work toward a more loving and just world. Courage is what helps us take the values we hold in our hearts and bring them into the way we live our lives.”

Ms. Bernie and the children will be exploring 3 out of the 4 following

sessions this month:

• Session One: Being Courageous About Our True Selves

• Session Two: Being Courageous About Hard Truths

• Session Three: Being Courageous About What We Believe

• Session Four: Being Courageous About Facing Our Fears

RE Play Day

The fourth 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 games available in the RE room (this includes

limited access to 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 Courage together!

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

Equality, Justice & Civil Rights

Thank you to all who made the Social Justice exhibition possible. The current political climate was the impetus for the exhibition.

The Civil Rights legislation was signed into law on July 2, 1964. Please take a look at the display of truly “GOOD TROUBLE “that continues to be of great importance today.

The viewing of “Hamilton” brings home the awareness of how life hinges on words and actions. NO KINGS is a rallying call today as it was when our nation was formed.

We honor that our sanctuary stands on the land of the Lenape Tribe. Please take some time to read about their history. The exhibition will run through the end of October.

Applying the Golden Rule is in great need. Loving thy neighbor amid conflict is our challenge, cherishing the life and dignity of every individual. We are working on video documentation of the abundant ways we hold dear the Constitution, due process, civil rights, and freedom of speech.

See below dates and times for filming in the Sanctuary.
-Deborah Cashara
Questions? Contact Deborah
info.uucrt@gmail.com

PARTICIPATION NEEDED!

We are putting together a short film about our art show, documenting the works brought in by UUCRT members. October, Elizabeth M will be recording short interviews of congregants and have them talk about the piece they brought to our art show, should they wish to speak. Please contact her ASAP if you wish to speak about what you brought in, and what it means to you. Interviews will be conducted after service on September 20th and 27th, October 18th
and October 25th. Thank you!"

We continue to attract visitors, some with children.  In September we will sponsor a "Young Families Brunch" in the Wee Play Tots Park in Beacon, an event we have held several times before with some success.  

Thanks to all of the members of the congregation who have been so welcoming to visitors.

--Jim Tarvin

Meeting notes Sept 2026

The upcoming Oct. 17 day of action, No Kings: Vote Early, will include community events aimed at helping voters check their registration, understand their voting options and cast their ballots early where possible. Think: block parties, cookouts, human chains and fun runs (or walks, or wheels, or carpools) to the polls.

Find an event near you via Indivisible and Mobilize. As of publication date, 2 events were listed but others will likely be organized.

• Newburgh: Water St 12-2
• Beacon: Memorial Park 12-2

Weekly protest at Water St, Newburgh at noon on Saturdays ongoing.

Discussion of holding a candidates’ forum in collaboration with a church in Newburgh. Reclaim Our Vote postcards to be mailed out in October. Check your packet for EXACT dates. Preparations are in progress for the Annual Newburgh Christmas Dinner of which we are a sponsor.

Several members, friends and children participated last year. There are many ways to be involved. Stay tuned.
-Nan Dempster for SAT

For the Many. . .is probably the Mid-Hudson's leading grassroots voice for social justice. In their
words . . .

We are building a grassroots movement of everyday people to transform New York, so it works for all of us. For too long, greedy corporations, billionaires, and political elites have rigged our country to work against us. We are coming together across race and age to fight for laws and win elections that put power back in our hands and create lasting change. They have a comprehensive website outlining their philosophy, campaigns, events, ways to participate and more. Here's a page from it:
https://view.publitas.com/for-the-many/spring-2026-impact-report-organizing-fear-into-power/page/4-5

Charles Isaacs, for UUCRT Social Action Together

**************************************************

Register to Vote forms are available at every Post Office or online https://elections.ny.gov

Help someone you know to register to vote.
Deadline to register for midterm elections is Oct 23,2006 (must be received by Board of Elections no later than that date to be eligible to vote.)

NOTE mailing at PO on Oct 23 is too late.

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 planning to meet on Saturday, Sept 19 2026 from 2.00 - 4:30pm at the UUCRT. Doors open at 1:45 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 individuals to donate $5 to cover the use of the building and coffee/tea/supplies. Everyone is welcome to bring refreshments to share, if they wish.

Hope to see you there! 

Thank you! Brian Herbst

bherbst412@aol.com

We’ll meet for our weekly Friday happy hour and join together to celebrate our fellowship and friendship. Make yourself a cocktail, a cup of hot chocolate or pour a glass of your favorite. Pop in weekly and say hello!!

https://zoom.us/j/95153026746pwd=r0XepiVbOl7Gyc3jAnBIMjF5I6vRky.1

Join us by phone: +13052241968,,9515302646#,,,,*698373#

Meeting ID: 951 5302 6746

Passcode: 698373

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

We meet on the second Friday of each month at 2:30pm via Zoom. interested parties should contact Rev. Diane.

First meeting will be September 11th at 2:30pm.

In September, members Elizabeth M., Bridget M., and Brenda J. participated in the training for the Citizen Preparedness Corps in Goshen, with the goal of preparing our congregation and community for emergencies.

-Elizabeth Mehling, Safety team