.
Unitarian Univeralist Congregation Rock Tavern
Religious Exploration Ministry
After a lovely summer break, RE officially starts up again on Sunday September 8th.
Our Religious Exploration (RE) team is excitedly gearing up for that date! Our RE teacher, Mrs. Bernie, can't wait to see the smiling faces of the children, returning and new! The Soul Matters Curriculum she will be using with 4-9 yrs olds is chock full of thoughtful and fun stories, games, and art/craft activities centered around monthly themes such as Deep Listening, Inclusion, and Joy. RE will be attended by two supervising adults and will begin each Sunday after a brief time together with the congregation in the Sanctuary.
The last Sunday of each month is "RE Play Day" where the children are invited to play together outside (or inside on inclementweather days) with a wide variety of toys and games. The children's play will be supervised by an RE ministry member while their adults are welcome to enjoy the UU service.
Our nursery/playroom (known by some as the "quiet room") has had a recent remodel and sound system upgrade! It's an inviting space developmentally appropriate for 0-3yr olds. Babies and toddlers are invited to explore and play under the supervision of Mrs. Michelle, our nursery attendant. Should your little one have diffi
culty separating, you'll be able to hear the service while you stay close by for their comfort, thanks to our brand-new sound system.
The theme for September is "Invitation". We invite you to join us in exploring our overarching frame this year which is "Living Love". We'll be diving into Unitarian Universalism's long-loved commitment to “deeds not creeds" and how to embody love in our daily lives. We look forward to seeing you and your family at UUCRT soon!
--Michelle DiLorenzo RE Chair
Social Action Ministry
UU the Vote is a bold initiative created by the Unitarian Universalist Association’s Side With Love team, providing UUs an opportunity to bring our democratic values to life in the crucial struggle to build a genuine multiracial democracy.
UU the Vote engages people in voter registration, issue education, get-out-the-vote drives, voter protection, state leadership development, and more.
POSTCARD WRITERS NEEDED
UUCRT has chosen to Get Out The Vote by writing postcards to voters in Presidential Swing States and competitive NYS legislative districts. (NY 17,18,19).
It’s easy. We provide postcards, messages and voter lists. You write the postcards and return to us for mailing. Our Social Action Ministry has set a target of sending 1000 postcards by Oct 24 so WE NEED YOU!!!!
See Sue Ann, Nancy or Nan on Sundays.
Soul Matters is returning this fall. Please consider joining!
If you are unfamiliar with this type of covenant group, Soul Matters is a monthly series of resources for Unitarian Universalist congregations. The Soul Matters monthly themes focus on a spiritual value that our UU faith has historically honored and calls all of us to embody in our lives.
Soul Matters is a journey that the whole congregation takes together. The monthly resources include materials for small groups limited to 8 participants and religious education for children (used by our RE classes). The videos and quality of materials offered are outstanding. It is a great way to connect with others in our faith community. It is a gift that keeps on giving.
If interested please reach out to Rev. Diane at https://forms.gle/wptE5vnustBhctM96. The
second Friday afternoon 2:30 group is almost filled, but if there is enough interest Rev. Diane will offer a monthly evening zoom group.
We Love Movies!
Meets the first Thursday of the month via Zoom.
On Thursday, Sept 5 at 7 pm, we will discuss The Most Hated Woman in America which is available on Netflix. This is the story of atheist Madalyn Murray O’Hair. Of her many court cases, the most famous, or possibly infamous depending on your point of view, was Murray vs. Curlett which challenged the policy of mandatory prayer and Bible reading in the Baltimore school district. Use the Zoom link below.
https://zoom.us/j/96634364686?pwd=aklyNStYMVN1T0RoSFZsL0NON0l2dz09
Meeting ID: 966 3436 4686 Passcode: educate.
Join by phone: 1 929 205 6099 Meeting ID: 966 3436 4686 Passcode: 828269
We Love Books!
Meets the 3rd Thursday of the month at 7 pm via Zoom.
On Thursday, September 19 at 7 pm the group will discuss Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. This story shows how loneliness can be changed with the smallest act of friendship. We see the relationship between a new widow and a Pacific octopus can affect many others. A delightful and surprising read.
On Thursday, October 19, we will discuss The Kingdom and the Power and the Glory by Tim Alberta who reports on the divisions which threaten to destroy the American evangelical movement.
Join us via the Zoom link below or in the weekly e-Blast.
https://zoom.us/j/96634364686?pwd=aklyNStYMVN1T0RoSFZsL
Meeting ID: 966 3436 4686 Passcode: educate
Join by phone: 1 929 205 6099
Meeting ID: 966 3436 4686 Passcode: 8282691
Welcoming Ministry
A brunch for young families only will be held on Saturday, September 7th from 10 AM till noon on the grounds of our Meeting House.
-Jim Tarvin
Join us at our Potluck Lunch on Sunday, September 8th after the service.
Rev. Diane Diachishin to Offer Pastoral Care
News from the UUCRT 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
In Memoriam - Wayne A. Hall
There will be a memorial service to honor Wayne A. Hall, newspaperman and columnist, at the UUCRT on Saturday, September 28th, from 1 to 4 PM.
He passed away on Saturday, August 17th, in NYC.
Wayne was the dear friend of Sandra Kissam, a member of the Meeting House since the early 1990’s. All are invited to attend.
(Editor’s Note: The UUCRT online calendar mistakenly listed the memorial service for Sandra Kissam, who is still very much with us.)
UU Hikers
The September 27 hike, at the Hudson Highlands Discovery Center, will meet at 11, in the picnic pavilion, near the parking lot. Our hike will be led by the naturalist on staff. After our hike, we can have a bring-your-own picnic lunch there. Contact Rose O’Neill or Jan Kinney for more information.
Our Second UU Principle, Justice, Equity and Compassion in Human Relations
Rose will talk about social justice and art, specifically the great artist Pablo Picasso.
Would you like more information?
***Important Changes
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
Inviting Bell
Musical Prelude – Drum Solo "Gentle Thunder" - Master Drummer David Jones
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntZJ5nOevKA
Opening Words – Truth in Me by Robert Drake
I have no desire to fit in.
No plans to walk with the crowd
I have my own mind, heart, and soul.
I am me, and it has taken me years to realize
how important that is.
Welcome and Announcements
Chalice Lighting From Rev. Sara Ascher
May the light from this flame be a beacon of our faith, in the days that grow
dark and dreary. May the light from this flame be warmth to our spirits, during
nights of restless searching. May the light from this flame be a celebration of
the truth, meaning and joy we find within these walls and in our dreams.
Reading – #462 Paul Robeson
Opening Hymn – Music selection by Hollis Kellogg
Offering and Offertory
Time for All Ages – When do Hippos Play
Sing the Children Out: As you Go
As you go may joy surround you, as you go may you grow, know our love is
with you always, as you go, as you go.
Sharing of Joys and Sorrows
Moment of Silence – 2 Minutes
Sermon – Picasso and Social Justice by Rose O’Neill
Discussion, questions, comments
Closing Hymn – Music selection by Hollis Kellogg
Closing Words – To be read by the Congregation
With full hearts,
we affirm our relationships with one another;
we recognize our agency and our connective power;
and we accept our responsibility to be bold and courageous.
Closing Fellowship Circle
Extinguishing the Chalice – Extinguishing the Flame by Elizabeth Selle Jones
We extinguish this flame but not the Light of Truth,
The Warmth of Community, or the fire of Commitment.
These we carry in our hearts until we are together again.
Worship Associate: Marcia Westra
Musician: Hollis Kellogg
Join Us for Happy Hour: Fridays at 5pm
Pop in weekly and say hello!!
https://zoom.us/j/99186508662?
Meeting ID: 991 8650 8662 Passcode: visit. Join by phone: 1 929 205 6099 Meeting ID: 991 8650 8662 Passcode: 762682
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thoughts from the Board
- Notes from the Board September 2, 2024
- President’s Message September 2, 2024
- Minister’s Message September 2, 2024
- Notes from the Board July 9, 2024
Community Postings
- Learn About Pollinators July 15, 2024
- Folk Guild Features The Whispering Tree May 11 May 8, 2024
- We Support Knights Out May 8, 2024
- Folk Guild to Feature ‘Us’ on Saturday, March 9 March 3, 2024