UU Congregation at Rock Tavern

To join using computer, tablet or smartphone:  https://zoom.us/j/94071188132  

To join by phone:+1 929 205 6099 US Meeting ID: 940 7118 8132

 The Welcoming/Membership Ministry is planning its annual Young Families' Brunch in the Park to be held on a Saturday morning in May.

    It continues to welcome visitors, encourage the use of lanyards for name tags, make name tags for those who request them, and contribute individually to the "goodies" at the Coffee Hour. 

Four new folding have been purchased for additional seating in the Fellowship Hall.

 A review and update of the Directory of Members and Friends was accomplished.

  There was a discussion concerning the use of the word “Ministry” (as used in the Bylaws) rather than “Committee” in describing the work of groups

within the congregation. Referred to the Board for further discussion. 

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

-Jim Tarvin, Chair, Welcoming Ministry

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!

https://www.lifeonastar.org/loas-1

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

For the April 16 discussion we have chosen Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell. “In 1580s England, a Latin tutor falls in love with a gifted healer. Their marriage faces devastating loss when bubonic plague strikes their twins, inspiring one of literature's greatest masterpieces.”

All are welcome to join the discussion.

For those of you who like to plan ahead, the May 15 book will be Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro

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.

For the April 2 discussion, we have chosen Train Dreams which is available on Netflix. This quiet story set in the early 20th century Pacific Northwest tells of an orphan who grows up to be a lumberman, who helped to build the railroad empire. Along the way he finds love, heartbreak and meaning while we get to enjoy the glorious cinematography of the northwest forests. This is a lovely film. All are welcome. 

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

‘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

 Join Markly, Jim, and others, for breakfast on Sat April 18 at 9.00am, 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.

Meeting Highlights – Social Action Together (March 1, 2026)

• Members shaken by the news we are at war with Iran. Requested we find an expert to educate us on the background to the conflict.
• John N reported on a collaborative forum in Newburgh which he had organized. There are many groups active locally in responding  and supporting our neighbors. The purpose of this event was to bring groups together to highlight their work and possibly to collaborate.
• Nora described the Family Preparedness actions which undocumented families are taking to safeguard their children in case the parents are taken, such as Standby Guardianship, US passports purchased, medical information gathered, among other things.
• Local actions weekly in New Paltz and Newburgh e.g. Stand Up Saturdays. 
• NO KINGS DAY March 28. Members and friends will protest in various local communities. The UUCRT banner will be brought to the Newburgh protest, which is expected to have 1,000 attendees. 
• UU the Vote will launch late March. More to follow. 

-Nan Dempster, SAT

Focus for Democracy 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.

Charles Isaacs
for UUCRT Social Action Together

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

The Orange County Psychic Experiences Group is planning to meet on Saturday April 11, 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.

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