Join us and many other friends of Unity live at 10:30 a.m. each Sunday at https://www.facebook.com/unityofthevalley (you don’t have to be a Facebook member). Other links and news are posted after the message. Last Sunday’s (3/24/24) service can be watched at https://www.facebook.com/unityofthevalley/videos/3-24-24-palm-sunday-lessons-from-the-joy-heartbreak-of-jesus-journey/1459320858318746/.
A NEW LIFE – EASTER 2024
from Rev. Sherry Lady
A young boy, age of five, lays beside his newly born baby brother, having a private conversation with him – the first between these two who will share life together for the many years to come. The newborn has just come home to begin adjusting to what will be his new world in a family who has been joyfully anticipating his arrival. He is not able to verbally express what he is feeling, but somehow the big brother senses a need to share an understanding of what it must be like to be here now and offers his words of welcome and comfort.
“I love you, little baby. I missed you. You been in there for a long time, huh? Now you are out. You miss your home, huh? You liked being in there, huh? But you’re not in there now and you have to stay out. I feeled you in there. I’ll be the best big brother in the whole wide world. I gave you a raspberry when you were in there. Do you remember that? I gave the raspberry to you the other day? You can’t know that. Are you going back to sleep?”
What will it be like for these two in the years ahead? What will it be like for all of us? I wonder what words were spoken to Jesus by his mother when she held him in her arms for the first time. Did he look up at her with wondering – looking for some sense of belonging to his new family – wondering just how he would fit in? Or did he just receive the love and relax into being who he was, not knowing what lay ahead and not caring because, in the moment, he was wrapped in love. He had been “in there” for a long time, just as the little one above had been during his time of becoming. Did Jesus hear the words “I love you” when he entered the world? Is that why the words of “God is Love,” became one of his teachings? Along with “Love one another as I have loved you.” And, “The greatest of these is love.”
It is Easter once again. The story is well known to us. And, in their own ways, the concept of Easter baskets, beautiful lilies, family dinners, Easter egg hunts, new clothes, Easter services, and all the other ways we celebrate this special time, are an expression of the love we have inside of us, wanting to express, shining out into the world through the observation of the event that changed history forever through its spiritual teachings of love, resilience, steadfastness, courage, honor, and ever so much faith in a higher power and a loving Holy Spirit. Also expressed through our willingness to participate in those special moments life has to offer.
In my book I shared something that inspired me to add another dimension to the experience of Easter. I was reminded of it when listening to the video of the young boy speaking to his baby brother. I feel inspired to share it with you because the words of love and affirmation shared at Easter time. This is what one father wrote to his children.
My Dad gave me the greatest gift in life…he believed in me! Yes, I have always believed in you both. You are more important to me than anything. So many wonderful memories of our times together…Happy Easter! Love always, Dad.
Easter is another occasion in which, despite the tragedy of the circumstance and the outcome, the lesson was one of acceptance, forgiveness, and everlasting love. Words of love and affirmation were spoken every step of the arduous journey to the cross. Loving words can make such a difference in all our lives, young and old alike. Words like: “I love you little baby” carry such power. Perhaps Jesus’ remembrance of love in his family, acceptance from his friends, empowerment from his spiritual teachings, his belief in a higher power, his words of affirmation to his followers which came from his heart – Perhaps all of these things made it possible for him to bear the burden that was his to bear. Whatever your belief is about the Easter story, the lesson with it is a powerful one, a teaching for all people, everywhere. Love, even to the bitter end, can change the world and bring forth new life from the heart of the one who loves.
Let’s give words of love, affirmation, acceptance, and unlimited inclusion to each other during this special time and unending belief in the divine and holy spirit that dwells within all people, for we are from the same source, which was in the beginning a world without end…and a place where love dwells.
HAPPY EASTER!!
Sherry
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UPCOMING
THURSDAYS, APRIL 18-MAY 9 (6:30-7:45 p.m.) – LIVING UNITY PRINCIPLES with Jon West. Zoom class only. This is our introductory course for newcomers and those who would like to go deeper than we can do on a Sunday. Sign up in the Fellowship Hall or email unityval@riousa.com.
THIS WEEK AT UNITY, MARCH 27-30
WEDNESDAY
- 2:00-3:00 p.m. via Zoom – Community Connect moderated by Rev. Dick Everts. This is a one hour, drop in, chatting session for discussing topics of spiritual interest, personal growth, etc. There is a new topic each Wednesday. To take part, send an email request to Rev. Dick at richard.everts@comcast.net.
- 4:00-5:00 p.m. - Unity Grief Support Group facilitated by Rev. Inge Tarantola meets in the Garden Room and via Zoom. Confidentiality observed. For more information, contact Rev. Inge Tarantola at 541-968-5540 or ingetarantola@gmail.com.
- 6:30-8:00 p.m. - Youth & Family Fun Night in the Garden Room. Calling all adults with children to join us in the Garden Room for an evening of Easter Bingo, a visit from the Easter bunny, and food too. Free, but donations welcome. R.S.V.P. to Alice Sparks at 541-729-3817.
THURSDAY
- 1:00-2:30 p.m. – Unity’s Elder Council meets in the Garden Room. If you are 60 or older and would like to explore the journey and wisdom of elderhood, please join us. For more information, contact Julia Linebarger-Taylor at jlinebargertaylor@yahoo.com or 541-968-5896.
- 5:30-6:45 p.m. – Passage Meditation in the Fillmore Wing. This group practices “Passage Meditation” as taught by Eknath Easwaran. For more information, contact Laurie Cracraft at 541-554-5434.
SATURDAY
- 10:00-11-:30 a.m. via Zoom - Gong Bath Meditation Class with Sunny & Vicky Hills - Several Unity of the Valley Members attend regularly, including Laura & Inge. Please Sign Up Here: https://sunnyhillsmeditation.com
THIS SUNDAY, MARCH 31
- 9:00-10:20 a.m. – Sunday Morning Book Study Group. Join Cynthia Fulton-Tinawi in the Rainbow Room for the study of the book Spiritual Awakenings by Barbara Harris Whitfield. For more information, contact Cynthia at 216-466-1897.
- 10:30 a.m. Livestream & In-Person Service – “Easter Sunday: Finding the Beauty & Higher Purpose in Life’s Struggles” with Rev. Inge Tarantola and Jon West.
- 12:15-1:00 p.m. – Youth Choir meets in the Garden Room. Ages 6 years to young adult. Led by our wonderful Music Director, Laura DuBois.
- 12:15-1:15 p.m. – Healing Prayer Circle meets in the upstairs Fillmore Wing. We offer healing prayer to individuals who request it. All are welcome to join us. For more information, contact Julia Linebarger-Taylor at 541-968-5896.
NEXT WEEK, APRIL 1-6
MONDAY
- 7:00-8:30 p.m. – Choir Practice in the Sanctuary. If you would like to be a part of the choir, contact Mo Robeson at 541-520-8489.
TUESDAY
- 7:00 p.m. – The April 2nd Behind the Lens film is Rio Grande, directed by John Ford, followed by a Q&A session with Tom Blank. Cost is $30 for series or $5 per time. Registration forms in the Fellowship Hall.
- 7:00-9:00 p.m. – Unity Open Men’s Circle in the upstairs Fillmore Wing. The Men’s Circle is a safe container where a man can openly and authentically share about his life, with the support and in the company of other men. Meets on the 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month. For more information, contact Raymond Albano at 541-285-3943 / ralbano.tmlp@gmail.com or Jim Drews at 541-731-8492 / drewsjim@yahoo.com.
WEDNESDAY
- 7:00-8:00 p.m. – Chanting & Meditation in the sanctuary. Join Jon West and Stephen Parsons on the first Wednesday of each month and open to the Infinite Spirit within through the timeless practice of chanting our way into deep meditation. For more info., contact Jon West at 541-683-7664 or jwest97405@gmail.com.
THURSDAY
- 6:30-7:30 p.m. – Parents Empowered by Connecting group. This group meets on the 1st Thursday of each month in the Garden Room. For more information, contact Amanda Hadd at 541-999-6673 or Alice Sparks at 541-729-3817.
SATURDAY
- 10:30 a.m.-Noon – Sacred Women’s Circle in the upstairs Fillmore Wing. Join Géna on the first Saturday of each month for a time of connecting, meditating, and doing a fun project that incorporates the theme for that month’s gathering. April’s theme is Enhancing Our Sacred Journey.
NEXT SUNDAY, APRIL 7
- 10:30 a.m. Livestream & In-Person Service – “Painting the Sky” with Rev. Sherry Lady.
- After the service – First-Sunday Potluck. Join us in the Fellowship Hall. Bring a main dish or salad, and invite your friends and family! Unity will provide coffee, tea, and dessert.
- After the Potluck – Step into Spring with a walk around the neighborhood with Joe Sanders. Join Joe for a 45-60 minutes’ walk on local streets near Unity. There will be some short inclines and elevation changes. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy walking shoes. Meet in the foyer at 12:15 p.m.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES/NEEDS
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY: We are looking for volunteers to help make prayer shawls either by knitting or crocheting that are then given away to people in our community who are going through a difficult time. No experience necessary. To become part of the team, contact Rev. Inge at 541-968-5540 or ingetarantola@gmail.com.
POTS OF SOUP: Each Sunday we serve 2-3 pots of soup. We are looking for 1 person who can bring a pot of soup on a Sunday. Please sign up in the Fellowship Hall if you can help out.
UNITY COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS/OPPORTUNITIES
Our March Bulletin has been posted. You can check it out at http://unityofthevalley.org/pdfs/March2024.pdf . April’s Bulletin will be posted soon.
UNITY FOOD DRIVE – Please help us to fill the food barrel in the foyer with shelf-stable food (i.e., canned or no refrigeration needed) for Food For Lane County. Together, We Are Making a Difference!
SUNDAY GATHERING & NEWS FOR YOUTH
NURSERY (INFANT-4 YEARS OLD) Nursery care is offered during the service in the Harmony Room.
UNIKIDS (KINDERGARTEN-5th GRADE) We currently offer fun and inspiration for the kids. There is a puppet show each Sunday for the first 10 minutes. Parents are asked to drop off their children starting at 10:20 a.m.
UNITEENS (GRADES 6-8) meets in the upstairs Treehouse room from 10:25 to 11:25 a.m.
UNITY TEEN GROUP (GRADES 9-12). The Unity Teen Group meets from 10:25 to 11:25 a.m. in the Rainbow Room with guidance from Jim Drews.
UNITY’S SIMPLE GIVING PROGRAM
Unity of the Valley’s Simple Giving Program is an easy, automatic means by which you can give gifts or tithes to the church in the amount you specify at the frequency you select. To sign up and for more information, click http://www.unityofthevalley.org/pdfs/simplegivingform.pdf. If you have any questions, contact our Administrator, Géna, at 541-345-9913, ext. 11.
FACEBOOK USERS
Did you know that you can help spread the word about Unity of the Valley and its events? By Liking the Facebook page and then clicking "Like" or "Share" on individual posts, you can let Facebook know that these posts are important and make sure that the posts are seen by MANY more people. Please take a moment now to Like the page (if you haven't already) and share a Unity post with your friends. Unity’s Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/unityofthevalley.
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Your Prayer Team is Here for You!
Do you have a prayer request? Contact Julia Linebarger-Taylor via phone or text at 541-968-5896.
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Unity of the Valley’s Music Releases can be found at
https://www.facebook.com/unityofthevalley/videos/368369060857899/
"Connecting from the Heart" is now an independent nonprofit organization, working closely with Unity of the Valley. To enjoy their music, meditation and mental wellness videos, please click on this link: cfth.us.org.
We also post Unity videos, when possible, at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqUL3d7-JjO_45Bo3vLfrWQ/videos
You can visit Unity Online at:
Website: http://www.unityofthevalley.org
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OUR SPIRITUAL COMMUNITY SUPPORT FUND
The Unity Board has approved the creation of Our Spiritual Community Support Fund. This fund was inspired by a Unity member who offered her government stimulus funds to assist individuals in our spiritual community who need it most.
WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY
· Send a check to Unity of the Valley, 3912 Dillard Rd., Eugene, OR 97405 with a note designating if it’s for OSCSF or general Unity finances.
· Send a donation through PayPal using the yellow DONATE button on the home page of our website: unityofthevalley.org. This can be a one-time donation, repeated as often as you wish for different amounts, or a monthly recurring donation for a set amount. Make sure you designate whether you want your donation to be applied to OSCSF or to general Unity finances.
· Send an email to unityval@riousa.com stating that you wish to pledge a certain amount, possibly from your government stimulus check to the OSCSF or to general Unity finances. Give your phone number so Géna can contact you to arrange how and when you wish to donate.
· You can write a letter stating you wish to join our Simple Giving Fund to contribute a set amount (state the amount) on a regular basis (state how often) with your bank account routing and account number. Just designate what portion should be used for OSCSF or general Unity finances. Géna, our Office Administrator, opens all our mail in private. So, it is safe to include your account information in a letter, but not in an email.
IF YOU NEED MONETARY ASSISTANCE
To request monetary help, you can write a letter or an email (unityval@riousa.com) directed to the Ministerial Team. Please include the following information:
1. Your name, mailing address, phone number, and email address.
2. Your association with Unity of the Valley.
3. Name of reference at Unity of the Valley (someone who knows you).
4. Brief description of your financial need.
5. How much you are requesting.
6. Do you think your financial needs will require monthly support?
Requests for monetary help will be reviewed by our Ministerial Team. If a request is approved, the amount granted will be dependent on how many requests we receive and how much money is available in the OSCSF.
Thank you all for being an integral part of our loving and supportive community.