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

 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

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

Book Group - We Love Books!

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

On Thursday, July 16, we will read Theo of Golden by Alan Levi. This New York Times bestselling novel tells of "the power of generosity, the importance of connection, and the quiet miracles that happen when we choose kindness and wonder.” Join us for a lively conversation.

For those of you who like to plan ahead, the August 20 book will be Ironweed by William Kennedy. This is the 1984 Pulitzer Prize winner.

For September 17, we will read Rabbit, Run by John Updike. This book established Updike as one of America’s major novelists.

Zoom Link: 

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

Meeting ID: 993 8406 0600
Passcode: educate

Movie Group - We Love Movies!

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

For our Thursday July 2 meeting, we will watch and discuss Green Book on Netflix. This is the true story of Tony Lip, an Italian-American bouncer from New York City who is hired as a chauffeur for Dr. Don Shirley, a black, classical pianist, for his tour through the segregated South.

On Thursday, August 6, we have chosen The Door (2016) which is available on Amazon Prime. A struggling writer hires a housekeeper who shares traumatizing details about her past. This event creates a lasting bond between them.

Use the Zoom link below or on the uucrt.org website to join the discussion.

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

How are America’s democratic institutions faring at this, the 250th anniversary of its independence?

This is the question that the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Rock Tavern Arts Ministry hopes to illustrate with artistic viewpoints on the walls of its Sanctuary this July.

This is an invitation to UUCRT members and friends to bring posters and pictures that illustrate social justice, due process, civil rights, freedom of speech, and cultural events from other eras.

An example: the above 1960 poster of Ruby Bridges who was 6 years old when she was escorted to school by the National Guard to get an equal education. That event is rich with ideals about what our democracy is about.

What items might you have that are stashed away in dark corners that could shed needed light on our nation’s progress or lack thereof?

Please bring your items to the sanctuary by Friday June 26.

The Arts Ministry has frames for posters if needed. Questions? Contact Deborah Cashara - dacashara@yahoo.com

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.

(On Sundays, June 7 and 14, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Rock Tavern hosted a free pilot concert and film screening of the Tony Award winning, Broadway play. The June 7 screening was preceded by a concert featuring local Hudson Valley singers and hip hop artists.   This was a prelude to the “main event”, See story below)

Newburgh, NY – On Sat July 4, 2026 - the US’ 250th Anniversary - Safe Harbors and Newburgh Lyceum are partnering to host a free public “Hamilburgh” concert and film screening of the Tony Award-winning, Broadway hip hop musical “Hamilton”, on the Safe Harbors Green, across the street from Hasbrouck House, General Washington’s longest headquarters, America’s first, publicly owned historic site.

A 6pm concert @ 6pm will celebrate America’s diversity and resilience by highlighting Newburgh and tri-state area hip hop artists, Mexican folk singers, and other performers. The film screening will begin at dusk (8pm).

In 2016, “Hamilton” made history by receiving 16 Tony Award nominations and winning 11 awards, including Best Musical, Best Director and Best Score. The website “Black Girl Nerds” explains: “It’s been ten years since Hamilton first graced the stage… and nothing’s been quite the same since… A musical about the Founding Fathers told through hip-hop? Performed by a majority-Black and brown cast? It was radical, to say the least, and immediately took its place in pop culture.” A live stage performance of Hamilton was elaborately filmed in 2020; Entertainment Weekly gives the movie an A rating, explaining that “On film, Hamilton feels every bit as fresh, invigorating, intoxicating, and revolutionary as it did when it premiered [on stage]”.

Organizers hope the US 250th events spur dialogue about America’s rich and complicated social, economic, political, and racial histories; as well as spur future events that elevate Newburgh talent, while also bringing the best of BIPOC arts & culture to the “Heart and Soul” of the Hudson Valley. 

Our children's program at UUCRT, Religious Exploration (RE), will break for the summer. Our last official RE class is on Sunday June 21st, followed by a celebratory ice cream party and water play day for the kids! RE classes will resume in the Fall when school starts up again.

In RE at UUCRT, the focus is on helping children develop compassion, build ethical frameworks, and explore progressive moral values like social justice. No dogma. No rote memorization of religious doctrine. The children learn through stories, art, songs, games, and community service. 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".

A tremendous amount of thanks to our RE teacher, Ms. Bernie, and our RE helper volunteers for supporting our children this year in growing their hearts and minds. We love you all and are so grateful for you!

During the summer months, there will be no formal RE lessons or official teacher. The children are encouraged to connect with one another and strengthen their sense of community through supervised child-led play. They may use the playroom and games available in the RE room, including limited access to craft supplies: play-doh, markers, crayons, watercolors, and paper. Parents provide supervision and help with clean-up as needed.

Have a great summer, and we'll see you all again in September!

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

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,  July 25th   2026 from 1:30 - 4:30 PM  at the UUCRT and Saturday, Aug. 15.    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 July UU hike is scheduled for Friday, July 24 at 11a.m. The hike will be in Minnewaska State Park. Contact Jan or Rose for further information.

   The August UU hike is scheduled for Friday, August 28 at 11 a.m.. The hike will be a self-guided hike on the Chester Rail Trail. Contact Jan or Rose for further information.