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 Ministry is planning its annual Young Families' Brunch in the Park to be held on Saturday May 23 at 10-12 in Memorial Park in Beacon. Entrance is on Rt 52 opposite Ron’s Ice Cream.

The Welcoming Ministry, with board approval, is going to ask the Congregation at the May Congregational meeting to change the name from “Welcoming” to “Membership” Ministry because it does more than just welcome visitors.

We still seem to have more visitors than usual—a good sign. With the support of Steve Deutsch, we now have two new signs directing people to our Meeting House, one by Route 207 and one at the foot of the driveway.

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

On Thursday, May 21 we will discuss Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro. This winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature is the story of a butler who has served “a great gentleman” for three decades. On a drive through the country, he entertains troubling thoughts about his “gentleman” and his own life.

For those of you who like to plan ahead, the June18 book will be Walden by Henry David Thoreau.
All are welcome.

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
pm. via the zoom link below.

For our Thursday May 7 meeting, we will discuss 3 short films available on Netflix.

The Singers is an Oscar-winning short film about an impromptu singing contest in a dive bar that will touch you. The Only Girl in the Orchestra is the Oscar-winning documentary about Orin O’Brien, a double bassist with the New York Philharmonic. The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar is the Oscar-winning adaptation of Roald Dahl’s short story about a rich gambler who cheats at cards. 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

Come Meet the Artist, Nancy Reed Jones

Saturday, May 9, 1–4 pm UUCRT • 9 Vance Road
• Rock Tavern, NY

Nancy will share a demonstration of the techniques she uses in her flower paintings. Enjoy beverages and light snacks as you meet the artist and learn more about her work.

About Nancy Reed Jones
Voted as the number one acrylic painter in our region in 2010, Nancy Reed Jones has received numerous first, second, and honorable mention awards for her work. In 2013, the Orange County Arts Council presented her with the Champion of the Arts Award for her work with cancer patients. Her painting “Butterflies in the Midst” is featured on the cover of Painters in the Hudson Valley. Her painting style reflects the influence of the Romantic Impressionists, and she continues to teach fine art at the Wallkill River Center for the Arts.

For more information: Contact: dacashara@yahoo.com or jayemoyer@gmail.com

 Join Markly, Jim, and others, for breakfast on Sat May 16 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

• Kayne shared the existence of the Orange County, NY Queer Collective. This group began in 2024 “welcoming all LGBTQ+ residents and allies in order to build community and creating space to celebrate our authentic selves.” Their mission and vision statement are online. https://www.ocqcny.org/
• Marcia spoke about a powerful play, “Hide,” depicting a church member who goes to extremes to “wake up” his congregation to the actions of ICE when a beloved, undocumented church family were detained for deportation. Marcia will explore other venues for this play to be performed.
• Bridget reported on the Newburgh March 28th “No Kings” rally in the City of Newburgh where she reports 700 hundred gathered plus UU representatives with our banner. Michelle reported that a “sign up to vote table” was present, a good idea for other rallies.
• John N announced he is developing a play called Hamilburgh, a take off of the musical Hamilton. He is interested in piloting it in the sanctuary, more to follow.
• Markly suggested that since SAT members expressed interest learning about the present US/Iran conflict during our last meeting, that they check on YouTube where Professor Syed Mohammed Marandi (Professor at the Tehran University) is interviewed and discusses the history of Iran.
• Thanks everyone for being a part of this group and contributing. Please see “Resistance: As An Act of Faith” in the UU World magazine Spring/Summer 2026 for nationwide actions.
-Nora Gallardo, SAT Chair

Early this year, following outraged community opposition, ICE dropped its plan to acquire and convert a 400,000 square-foot warehouse in Chester into a detention center for suspected undocumented migrants. Reports of parallel victories have been popping up all over the country. (Every now and then, the good guys do win a battle.)

Orange County's remaining detention center is in Goshen. On April 12th, a rally was held there demanding that it be closed. One speaker
testified to masked agents, poor detainment conditions and the impact on families whose children were afraid to go to school. Another said he was placed in quarantine for 14 days, locked in a cell 24 hours a day, except for about 5 minutes for a shower, with no access to phone calls.

Another cited black mold in the cells and mattresses so thin that the metal springs were popping up. All this was done arbitrarily, with no due process. One of the speakers said she was held for more than a year without even a hearing, and was released only after a habeas corpus petition was filed.

A formal complaint was filed three years ago, citing abuse at the jail and violation of rights such as “access to adequate medical care, access to safe and nutritious food, and nonpunitive and safe conditions.” No response. Last year, the New York Lawyers for the Public Interest released a report citing inadequate medical treatment at the facility, leading to serious risks.

For further information, or to volunteer to join the shut-it-down campaign, contact these resources:

For the Many
https://forthemany.org/our-work/immigration-justice-for-the-many/
Mid-Hudson Valley DSA
https://mhvdsa.org/get-involved/
(Scroll down to "Immigrant Solidarity")

We can also call our state legislators, urging them to pass the "Mandating End of Lawless Tactics Act " and the "New York for All Act," which would, among other reforms, ban all cooperation with ICE by police and other public workers in noncriminal cases unless a judge has signed a warrant.

Charles Isaacs,  for UUCRT Social Action Together

Hello all!

Have you been wondering where you can drop off old paint, varnishes, cleaning agents, and aerosol cans?

There is a way to manage this waste responsibly! Orange County will be hosting a Household Hazardous Waste collection event this upcoming May.

On Saturday, May 9th, from 9am to 3pm, residents with a valid ID showing Orange County residency can bring household quantities of acceptable hazardous waste to Orange County Transfer Station #21, located at 21 Training Center Lane in New Hampton, New York. For a full list of acceptable waste to bring in for disposal, please visit https://www.orangecountygov.com/
This website will also give information on where todrop off paint or motor oil if you are unable to make the May 9th event. If you want to recycle something not accepted at the May 9th event, resources such as Earth911.com can assist with locating facilities to drop off materials.

Keep it clean and keep it green!
-The UUCRT Green Ministry: Elizabeth M., Michelle
D., and Anne D.

This month, the theme in our children’s program is Awakening Curiosity. From the creators of the Soul Matters children’s curriculum:
“We are diving into this theme by exploring how curiosity can be a bridge to other worlds, to what isn't yet but could be—a bridge to new ideas, new experiences, and even new ways of seeing ourselves and others.”

Ms. Bernie, her helpers, and the children will be exploring 4 out of the following 5 sessions this month:

• Session One: A Bridge to a More Just World
• Session Two: A Bridge to a More Diverse
  World
• Session Three: A Bridge to a More Exciting
  World
• Session Four: A Bridge to a World With
  Wiser People
• Session Five: A Bridge to the World of Our Future Selves

More from the Soul Matter’s curriculum:
“Our first session gives us the opportunity to explore Star Wars Day and our UU Value of Justice.

It’s a chance to think about how our curiosity can help us notice unfairness and imagine ways to make the world better.

In our second session, we lift up the UU Value Pluralism (“We embrace our differences and commonalities with love, curiosity, & respect.”)

Session three invites us to reach back in time to the childhood of many of our adult members so that we can introduce our RE kids to the world of The Jetsons. From there, we’ll imagine exciting new possibilities for the future and let our curiosity guide us to worlds that do not exist yet!

In our fourth session, we’ll reflect on the idea that curiosity is not just a fun pastime, but a lifelong practice. We’ll lift up our UU Values Purpose Statement that calls us “to foster a life of curiosity” and lean into the UU belief that no one has the whole truth. It’s a wonderful reminder that we grow wiser when we stay curious and humbly learn from others, especially others who don’t think like us.

And finally, in session five, we explore how curiosity is a bridge to the world of our future-self."

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 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 Awakening Curiosity 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

Many thanks to all for your generous support of our Annual Pledge Drive! Together we can make a difference in this confused, complicated world. As we sang on Sunday, we offer "Hope, when hope is hard to find!"

Please join us at the Annual Congregational Meeting on May 17.

in service,
-Stewardship and Finance Ministry

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:

• 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 May 16, 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

The UUCRT hiking group, some of whom are pictured above, kicked the season off with a stroll through the Arboretum at Thomas Bull Memorial Park. The group plans to hike every fourth Friday  of the month at 11 a.m. (venues are being determined). Contact Rose or Jan if interested.

Four-forty headlines at HVFG on Saturday, May 9 Four-forty is a quartet comprised of Terri Massardo on vocals, Bob Bottjer on guitar, Steve Massardo on bass and David Budd on percussion. Their musical vocabulary is extensive and their shows eclectic.

Terri's musical sensibilities have taken her from country rock to folk, from classic rock to Motown. Her current passion is for standards and vintage blues from the '30s and '40s. Her band consists of Bob's intricate guitar work, David's tasteful percussion, and Steve's driving bass. Their feel for, and sensitivity to this genre demonstrates their overall musicianship as well as their deep respect for the classic songwriters of the Golden Age of American music.

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.

HVFGRockTavern@hudsonvalleyfolkguild.org

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