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 showed a film on Sunday, May 3rd after the coffee hour entitled, "An Inspector Calls." It shows how everything we do or don't do affects others.

Hamilburgh: Along with John Newsome, we plan to screen the movie version of “Hamilton” over two weekends in June, (June 7 & 14) as part of the Newburgh 250th anniversary celebrations. On June 7, two local artists will perform as part of the presentation.

The Annual Young Families brunch in May was cancelled due to rain. It will be rescheduled for September.

The vote to change the name “Welcoming ministry” to the “Membership ministry” was tabledto the next Congregational Meeting.
-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

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 June 20 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.

Next No Kings Rally: June 14.

Looking to be HUGE across the country. Check mobilize.us/nokings to find events.

Medicare Advantage: Nora Gallardo recently submitted a letter to the Editor, “Nurses” published in the Mid Hudson Times. The letter highlighted the recent cancellation of some Medicare Advantage plans for seniors. Insurance companies are pulling out of the market as they were not profitable enough.

Those seniors were left to find another Medicare Advantage Plan or to go to Traditional Medicare which covers only 80% of costs leaving 20% to be funded by a supplemental MediGap policy around $200 or pay out of pocket costs. See more details below. https://timeshudsonvalley.com/stories/nurses,228480?
REST Act: Bridget introduced the Rent Emergency Stabilization for Tenants Act, REST, which has passed through the Housing Committees in
both the Assembly and Senate. She urged us to make a call to Andrea Stewart Cousins and Carl Heastie (legislative leadership) to bring the bill to a floor vote before the end of the legislative session on Friday.

ICE: appears to be seeking a new facility near Stewart Airport according to federal leasing documents. Requirements point to an enforcement or detention operation. Information was released by Project Salt Box, investigative reporting on the money and contracts behind immigration detention, grounded in the public record.

Orange County Queer Collective: Kayne provided OCQC business cards to share. (OCQC) is a queer and trans led nonprofit dedicated to building community for LGBTQ+ residents and allies through collective art experiences. Check out their activities during Pride Month. Follow on Instagram.

-Nan Dempster for Social Action

Ready for Action? Here's the link to Indivisible’s Guide and Resources. Something for everyone, and something for every day!

Take Action

-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.

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

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:

• 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 June 20, 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 June hike is on June 26 at Long Dock Park, Beacon. We meet at 11 am

--Jan and Rose