UU Congregation at Rock Tavern

To join using computer, tablet or smartphone:

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Meeting ID: 945 1750 9695
Passcode: 177334

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 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

Robin Bonne, a long-time and steadfast presence at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Rock Tavern, passed from this world recently.

Robin showed up almost every week; he listened; he paid attention; he said very little. And very little was known about this tall, slim gray-haired enigmatic man. He was a U.S, Army veteran who served in Viet Nam.

With a friendly nod and a helping hand, he volunteered with various tasks. Robin was an integral part of our congregation but never a registered member. He was a true and foundational friend.

When more details are available, a celebrationof his life will be conducted.

  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

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Meeting chat link
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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

Safe Congregations

   The following quote was published by the Unitarian Universalist Association in "The Safe Congregations Handbook / Nurturing Healthy Boundaries in our Faith Communities," (Boston, 2005):

   "Our congregations strive to be safe and welcoming places to all. It is impossible to make a congregation 100% safe; however, there are steps that you can take to make your congregation safer while still creating a supportive space for learning, growth, and challenge as well as actively working for the inclusion and safety of all people."

   We at the UUCRT are now heeding this advice from our UUA national leadership. In case you haven't heard, a Safety Team of caring volunteers started working together to create a safer space for all in our congregation. 

   You can help, too! In-person meetings are held monthly following Sunday Fellowship. We welcome all ages to join! Please come share your expertise, your ideas, your concerns (and, at times, your elbow grease.)

   The idea of organizing a group to help address growing safety concerns was first brought up during a Social Action Together meeting. Many serious, pertinent questions included: "How can we prevent unwelcome intruders?" "Who amongst us might best respond should I.C.E. show up at our door?" or "Where is the first aid kit?" and "What is our plan in case of another fire? What can we do to prevent another devastation like 20 years ago this September?"

   Taking on this project seemed overwhelming. (We reviewed so many checklists!) First, we acknowledged that "it IS impossible to make a congregation 100% safe" and to prepare for EVERYthing that might happen. Then, we agreed to break it down into manageable short term and long-term goals with 3 categories. 1. How we can best prepare BEFORE an emergency. 2. How we can best respond DURING an emergency. 3. How to best provide help AFTER an event, providing options for assistance with people's physical, mental and spiritual wellness.

   You may notice that some small steps have already been taken to help keep us all safer. (Complete first aid kits are now accessible both in the kitchen and in the sanctuary office.) Changes are discussed, strategized, and implemented. (The Worship Associates are now pointing out all EXITS during welcoming comments.) Building safety checklists have been created &completed. (All exits are now clear of boxes/chairs, must remain so.) Experts have been called. (Fire Extinguisher Training is scheduled first.) A Fire Drill may also be announced in our near future; ample notice will be given; to be scheduled for the end of service, so participation would be voluntary.

   As we approach this significant landmark of 20 years gathering together in our beautiful "new" building, let's continue to prepare as much as possible for whatever comes our way. Let's continue to work together, keeping our sacred space-- everything and everybody in it -- safe. It requires constant vigilance from at least a few at a time. When you see anything potentially dangerous, big or small, go ahead, DO and/or SAY something -- It's OK to ask for help! Let's keep on supporting each other, speaking up and stepping up.

We Are Stronger Together!

--Bridget L. Morrey, UUCRT Trustee, Co-chair, Safety Team

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 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Religious Education Team Meets Sunday

  As summer break comes to a close and we get ready to begin a new congregational year of RE children's classes mid September, Ms. Bernie and I would love to invite more voices and volunteers onto the RE Team!

  Whether you've helped with RE before, or are simply curious about getting involved, you and your ideas are welcome! There will be an official RE Team meeting after service on Sunday August 30th. Everyone who has been involved in RE thus far -- and also anyone who might be interested in getting involved -- please join us!

If you miss the meeting but would like to learn more about ways to get involved and support our children's program at UUCRT, please email Michelle at thedilorenzos@gmail.com.

  BRUNCH FOR YOUNG FAMILIES 9/19 @10 AM: We are excited to kick off the 2026-2027 congregational year in RE with a brunch playdate for young families at the Wee Play Tots Park in Beacon located at 198 Robert Cahill Dr. Beacon, NY 12508! Please join us with your kiddos on Saturday September 19th from 10-noon. Coffee, bagels & cream cheese, fresh fruit, and orange juice will be served.

WHAT IS RE?

  RE, Religious Exploration, is what we call our children's program at UUCRT. It is held on Sundays after the congregation enjoys a Time for All Ages in the sanctuary and we sing the children off to class. Ms. Bernie, our teacher, utilizes the Soul Matters curriculum to explore important topics like compassion, mindfulness, and social justice with the children.

  Parents and caregivers come to UU congregations for a community that will help them raise kind kids with "open minds, loving hearts, and helping hands". No dogma. No rote memorization of religious doctrine. The children learn through stories, art, songs, games, and community service.

RE classes begin on Sunday September 20th, following a fun, intergenerational service the Sunday prior on 9/13. I'm looking forward to another wonderful year with our children! Hope you can join us!

Gratefully,

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

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 Aug 2026

  John reported on the success of Hamilburgh in Newburgh, July 4.

   John is offering a free yoga class in Newburgh on Monday nights.

   Discussion on a “Meet the Candidates Forum” possibly co-sponsored with a Newburgh Congregation.

   Discussion on donating to Interreligious Foundation for Community Organization (Pastors for Peace) which is fundraising to ship 30 tons of medical and surgical supplies, school supplies, feminine hygiene products, bicycles, non-perishable pantry items to Cuba.

   Get Out the Vote postcards will be available soon.

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

-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

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

The September UU Hike will be on Fri., September 25. The hike will be in the Montgomery Village Pleasure Ground Park. We will meet in The Montgomery Senior Citizen Bldg. parking lot at 11:00.

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.