SUNDAY LIVESTREAM SERVICE: 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 (9/28/25) service can be watched at https://www.facebook.com/unityofthevalley/videos/9-28-25-the-journey-from-chaos-to-order/1495240068335733.   

You can also find our services on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@unityofthevalley2720/streams.

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THIS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2025 – 11:00 A.M.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE FOR NANCY MORROW

Please join us this Friday at 11:00 a.m. as we celebrate the life of Nancy Morrow who passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2025. Reception to follow.

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BRIDGE BUILDING
A message from Rev. Sherry Lady

The Bridge Builder, by Will Allen Dromgoole

An old man, going along a lone highway – came at the evening cold and gray
To A chasm, vast, deep and wide – through which was flowing a sullen tide.
The old man crossed in the twilight dim – the sullen stream held no fears for him.
But he turned, when safe on the other side – and built a bridge to span the tide.
“Old man,” said a fellow pilgrim near, “You are wasting strength with building here.
Your journey will end with the ending day. You never again will pass this way.
You have crossed the chasm, deep and wide. Why build you the bridge at eventide?”
The builder lifted his old gray head - “Good friend, in the path I have come,” he said, “There followeth after me today, a youth whose feet must pass this way.
This chasm that has been naught to me – to the fair-haired youth may a pitfall be.
He, too, must cross in the twilight dim. Good friend, I am building the bridge for him.”

Throughout history, and even up to this very day, there have been so many bridge builders who have, through genius, innate wisdom, common sense and deep caring and love, provided safe crossings for us. Crossings we have discovered sometimes by accident and sometimes from deep and/or extensive soul searching. Sometimes our desires to discover new things or new ways of being in the world have led us to meaningful connections with others who are of like-mind through both written and spoken word. Sometimes they show up in physical form when we need them and then we can personally share time and space together while exploring all there is to learn in this lifetime. These wise, loving, caring, and inspirational bridge builders, both past and present, have provided the wisdom, that has helped us face the challenges of what is often referred to as “the river of life.” 

What does it take to be a bridge builder? It doesn’t matter if the bridge builder is world-renown, a next-door neighbor, a close friend, or someone you were with for a short period of time. It’s the quality of the time, the impact of the thought or idea, the timeliness of the sharing, the change that comes in one’s life as a result of the exchange – either in person or through the written or spoken word, or through the quiet observation of the action taken by the bridge builder. It is the recognition of the bridge and knowing it was there for us, followed by the courage to cross it into a place where it can be life-changing for us.

One of the greatest bridge builders and a most courageous human is someone we will be learning more about in the next seven weeks. Someone who believed in himself, in the possibility for change in the world, of the need for change in the world, and who took it upon himself to begin the journey down a road unknown but believed in…all, of which changed the world: Mahatma Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. As we allow his inspiration to walk the road of life, let it also inspire us to not only clear the road, but to come together to build the bridge that will take us across the turbulent river of time to the peaceful other-side where life can flourish as it was meant to flourish. 

To that journey we will be on for the next few weeks, I add these quotes from Gandhi:

“The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world’s problems.”

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in service to others.”

“Faith is not something you grasp. It is something you grow into.”

“An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.”

“Where there is love there is Life.”  

Stay tuned for there is a lot more to come. Join us on Sunday for the next seven weeks. May your life be filled with the love for which your heart longs. 

Sherry

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THIS WEEK AT UNITY, OCTOBER 1-4

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 - richard.everts@comcast.net.

There will be no Chanting & Meditation service in October. We will see you on Wednesday, November 5th.

THURSDAY
- 1:00-2:30 p.m. – Unity’s Elder Council meets in the upstairs Fillmore 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.

- 5:30-6:30 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 Alice Sparks at 541-729-3817.

- 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.

FRIDAY
- 11:00 a.m. Celebration of Life Service for Nancy Morrow who passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2025. Reception to follow.

SATURDAY
- 10:30 a.m.-Noon – Sacred Women’s Circle in the upstairs Fillmore Wing. Join Géna and Daryl for a time of connecting, meditating, and doing a fun project that incorporates the theme for October which is Getting to Know You & Ourselves Better.

THIS SUNDAY – OCTOBER 5

- 10:30 a.m. Livestream & In-Person Service – Our October theme of The Wisdom of Gandhi: 7 Weeks to a Full, Rich, Purposeful Life starts off with Rev. Sherry Lady taking a look at “Gandhi the Man.”

- 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 service – Healing Prayer Circle meets. We offer focused healing prayer upon request. If you or a loved one need prayer support, please contact Julia Linebarger-Taylor at 541-968-5896.

- 12:15-1:30 p.m. – Empathetic Presence & Nonviolent Communication (NVC) Practice Group with Michael Dreiling. This group meets on the 1st & 3rd Sunday of each month in the upstairs Fillmore Wing. Sessions offer an overview and Q&A about NVC followed by small group sessions to practice NVC and cultivate empathetic presence.

- 12:15-1:00 p.m. – Youth Choir meets in the Sanctuary. Ages 6-18 years. Led by our wonderful Music Director, Laura DuBois.

NEXT WEEK, OCTOBER 6-11

MONDAY
- 5:30-7:00 p.m. – Caring from the Heart, a LGBTQIA++ Support Group. Join Shawn, Erik, and Jalon in the Garden Room on the 1st & 3rd Monday of each month for an opportunity to gather in a safe place to be open and to share, express, and support each other in the LGBTQIA++ community. No judgement and no fear. For more information, contact Erik 541-556-0228.

TUESDAY
- 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. – Unity Hang Out. Bring yourself, a friend, a snack, and come and hang out at Unity on Tuesdays with Alice and Shawn. Coffee provided. For more information, contact Alice Sparks at 541-729-3817.

- 7:00-9:00 p.m. – 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.

- 7:00 The October 7th Behind the Lens Seminar film is The King and I, directed by Walter Lang, followed by a Q&A session with Tom Blank. Cost is $30 for series or $5 per time. New series starts October 14th! Be sure to pick up a registration form in the Fellowship Hall.

WEDNESDAY
- 4:30-5:30 p.m. - Unity Grief Support Group facilitated by Rev. Inge Tarantola meets in the Fellowship Hall. Confidentiality observed. For more information, contact Rev. Inge Tarantola at 541-968-5540 or ingetarantola@gmail.com.

THURSDAY
- 3:30-5:00 p.m. – Therapeutic Touch in the upstairs Fillmore Wing. The NW Therapeutic Touch Institute is offering Therapeutic Touch (TT) sessions for those who have taken the classes, those interested in TT, and for those who would simply like to experience a calming, healing TT session. For more information, contact Bev Forster, RN, QTTT, at 541-520-9358.

FRIDAY
- 1:00-3:00 p.m. – Instrumental Inner Listening Practice. Join Jerry Green in the Sanctuary. Come and tune into Spirit with your own instrument, voice, and movement, or sit in silent stillness. Free. Meets on the 2nd & 4th Friday of each month.

- 7:30 p.m. – Andrei Andreev Concert at Unity. Tickets: $24.50/$27 at Tsunami Books - www.tsunamibooks.org.

NEXT SUNDAY – OCTOBER 12

- 10:30 a.m. Livestream & In-Person Service – We continue our series on The Wisdom of Gandhi: 7 Weeks to a Full, Rich, Purposeful Life with Jon West exploring “Ahimsa, Nonviolence.”

- 12:15-1:15 p.m. – Unity Environmental Action Team (EAT) meets in the Garden Room on the second Sunday of each month. For more information, contact Betsy Priddle at heavenstobetsy74@gmail.com or Donna O’Neil at yogawithdonna@gmail.com.

- 7:30 p.m. - Jeffrey Martin with guest Anna Tivel at Unity. Tickets: $27.50/$30 at Tsunami Books - www.tsunamibooks.org.

UPCOMING

Wednesdays, October 15-November 12 (6:30-8:00 p.m.) – Living Unity Principles with Jon West. 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 Géna at unityval@riousa.com. Congregants who attend this class will be eligible for voting membership in our spiritual community.

Thursday, October 30 (7:30 p.m.) Jai Uttal hour and a half of deep sonic restorative mantra & Kirtan at Unity. Tickets: $40/$50 at Tsunami Books Tsunami Books - www.tsunamibooks.org.

Friday, October 31 (5:30-7:00 p.m.) – Youth & Family Ministry Halloween with Unity. Light Dinner from 5:30 to 6:00 p.m., and from 6:00 to 6:50 p.m. we have games, craft activities, gift items for purchase, and a hallway of horror for adults & teens, a Day of the Dead presentation with live music and crafts followed at 7:00 p.m. with a Trunk or Treat in the parking lot. Admission is on a love-offering basis.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES/NEEDS

VOLUNTEERS TO HELP WITH Youth & Family Ministry Halloween with Unity. We could use help in a variety of areas. Please sign up in the Fellowship Hall or contact Alice Sparks at 541-729-3817.

POTS OF SOUP: On Sunday, October 12 we return to serving soup. Each Sunday we serve 2-3 pots of soup. We are looking for 1-2 person(s) who can bring a pot of soup on a Sunday. Please sign up in the Fellowship Hall if you can help out.

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. 

UNITY COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS/OPPORTUNITIES

Our October Bulletin has been posted. You can check it out at http://unityofthevalley.org/Oct2025/October2025.pdf.

The Youth & Family Ministry Winter 2025 Newsletter can be found at http://unityofthevalley.org/Feb2025/YFMnewsletter2025.pdf.

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 (4 years old-2nd Grade) meet on Sundays in the Garden Room 10:20-11:25 a.m.
Unitweens (Grades 3- 5) meet on Sundays from 10:25 to 11:25 a.m. in the Rainbow Room.
Uniteens (Grades 6-8) meet in the upstairs Treehouse room from 10:25 to 11:25 a.m.
Unity Teen Group (Grades 9-12). meet on Sundays from 10:25 to 11:25 a.m. in the Treehouse room.

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

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COMMUNITY SUPPORT FUND

Our Community Support Fund (CSF) was created to assist individuals in our spiritual community who need short-term financial assistance. Grants typically range from $50 to $500, depending on the need and availability of funds. FUNDRAISER FOR PAUL BIONDI to cover expenses after his recent car accident: From now through October 1st, 85% of donations to CSF will go to Paul. with 15% reserved for others in need. Or you can specify that your entire donation go to Paul. 

WAYS YOU CAN SUPPORT THE FUND

• Send a check to Unity of the Valley, 3912 Dillard Rd., Eugene, OR 97405 with a note designating if it’s for the CSF 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 CSF or to general Unity finances.

• Send an email to unityval@riousa.com stating that you wish to pledge a certain amount to the CSF 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 the CSF 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 CSF.

Thank you all for being an integral part of our loving and supportive community.