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 (6/1/25) service can be watched at https://www.facebook.com/unityofthevalley/videos/6-1-25-the-spiritual-power-of-play/665594433185951/.

AT PLAY IN THE FIELD OF SPIRIT
A message from Jon West

After all the playfulness and dancing in the aisles during last Sunday’s service, I could understand a skeptic thinking Unity is too pie-in-sky—that our positive messages are a mask, not a solution, to the pain and injustice of the world.

I used the same argument throughout my youth to deny the existence of a Higher Power. I would say, “A God worthy of the name wouldn’t create a world like this.” Even today, popular religion holds little appeal to me. To illustrate why I consider Unity philosophy practical rather than a form of religious escapism, I will share how it has helped me through a major loss.

By the age of 4, I discovered that one of my greatest joys was singing. By age 16, my joy had evolved into spending hours composing songs. Naturally, I assumed I would be songwriting to some degree for the rest of my life. But in 2008, at age 44, I strained my voice so badly that it caused nerve damage. The result: Instead of being able to sing for all the hours needed to write songs, my voice would hurt and become hoarse after only a few minutes. Seeing multiple specialists and vocal coaches made no difference.

Fortunately, I had another practice that had been filling me with serene happiness and a connection to something larger than myself for 20 years: daily meditation. Without that practice, I can imagine how not having songwriting would have impacted me much more.

Along with my meditation, I had been grounding my life in a philosophy that affirms I am whole no matter what happens. “Wholeness” to me means not only my present state, but that my highest potential will unfold as I trust in Spirit and do my best to release limiting thoughts and beliefs. Without these practices and philosophy, I would not have attracted my soulmate, Donna, into my life. Her presence was yet another vital comfort in the face of my surprising loss. 

Then a happier surprise: I gradually found ways to write songs again without spending the hours it once took. I found I could sometimes write short sing-alongs for Unity in a matter of minutes. I learned that writing songs with a guitar allowed me to sing softer than when I’m pounding on a piano. And on rare occasions when inspiration was flowing, I could even write an entire song on the piano–though more often than not, the attempt would leave me hoarse and sore for days afterward.

Now and then, I recall the freedom of singing and composing for hours. Then I think of friends and the countless billions who have experienced losses far greater than mine. Within Unity are many who have inspired me by picking up the pieces after a loss and moving forward, still grateful for the gifts of life. To me, this is not running away from pain but rising above it. Our body and earthly attachments are temporary. But our true self is Spirit–a field of consciousness in which loss and death are mere thoughts. Most of us are only just beginning to explore this field of Spirit. But more and more, I sense that it contains a love, a joy, and a peace beyond our dreams. Makes me want to write a song! 

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THIS WEEK AT UNITY, JUNE 4-7

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.

- 4:30-5:30 p.m. - Unity Grief Support Group facilitated by Alice Sparks meets in the Garden Room. Confidentiality observed. For more information, contact Alice at 541-729-3817.

- 7:00-9:00 p.m. – Rhythms of the Soul, a night of Enchanting Kirtan with Ananda Das. We've been looking forward to hosting this concert with Ananda Das for a long time, and are so excited this dream is coming to be! Here are samples of his music: "Calling Us Home" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpJ0SfNSaZY  "Flower of Life" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqtfKeaa4Sw "Love Like the Sun" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhL9kZqnThw "Seasons of Change" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFrcM-acaII  Tickets $25 advance/$35 at door. Tickets at https://app.brightstarevents.com/event/7abe15d7-eac7-4fdf-bebb-dfbf598eca84. Note: This concert is happening in place of our usual 1st Wednesday service which will resume on Wednesday, July 2nd.

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
- 6:00-8:00 p.m. – A Force More Powerful documentary presented in 2 sessions (June 6 & 13) by Unity’s Elder Council. Each showing is 3 movements followed by a discussion facilitated by Peter Chabarek, a local activist in social justice movements. Free. If you have questions, contact Bonnie Paquin at blpaquin2@gmail.com or 541-556-9669.

SATURDAY
- 10:30 a.m.-Noon – Sacred Women’s Circle in the upstairs Fillmore Wing. Calling all women to join Bev Forster as we explore sacred sounds for the chakras and intentional use of energy for self-healing.

THIS SUNDAY – JUNE 8

- 10:30 a.m. Livestream & In-Person Service – Our June theme of We’re on an Adventure continues with a message on “New Eyes: What Did I Discover Today?” with Jon West.

- 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.

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

- 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. Reminder: bring your clean, dry, and sorted #2, #4, and #5 plastics (see more about this below under the Volunteer Opportunities/Needs section).

NEXT WEEK, JUNE 9-14
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 p.m. – The June 10th Behind the Lens film is All That Heaven Allows, directed by Douglas Sirk, followed by a Q&A session with Tom Blank. Registration forms in the Fellowship Hall. Cost is $30 for series (12 movies) or $5 per time.

WEDENSDAY
- 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Journey of the Soul. Join Kaiven in the Garden Room on the 2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month for a small group meeting where we share our light, life, and love on our spiritual journey. For more info., contact Kaiven at 541-933-2588.

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.

- 7:30 p.m. – Pierre Bensusan & Clive Carroll - Guitar Greats on One Stage. Tickets $27.50 adv/$30 at door. Purchase at Tsunami Books www.tsnamibooks.org.

FRIDAY
- 6:00-8:00 p.m. – A Force More Powerful documentary preresented by Unity’s Elder Council. Continuation from Friday, June 6th. We will show the last 3 movements followed by a discussion facilitated by Peter Chabarek, a local activist in social justice movements. Free. If you have questions, contact Bonnie Paquin at blpaquin2@gmail.com or 541-556-9669.

NEXT SUNDAY – JUNE 15

- 10:30 a.m. Livestream & In-Person Service – Rev. Sherry Lady continues our June series of We’re on an Adventure with “My Papa’s House.”

UPCOMING

Friday & Saturday, June 27 & 28 – YFM Yard, Plant & Tree Sale. Do you have items you are looking to get rid of? Donate them to YFM and help support them at the same time! Drop off of your donated items starts June 15th. Contact Alice at 541-729-3817 to set up a time to drop off your items.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES/NEEDS

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.

SUMMER SALADS SIGN UPS: July, August, and September we need two people on each Sunday to bring a BIG salad (except on 1st Sunday Potluck). Please sign up in the Fellowship Hall to help out. We are looking forward to lots of fresh fruits and vegies this season!

PLASTICS RECYCLING ONGOING OPPORTUNITY: Every Second Sunday, join the EAT team to recycle your plastics! You can recycle a lot more this way, as our local waste haulers don't take much plastic recycling. But they do take #2 jugs and bottles that are larger than a tennis ball. So, separate your clean plastic containers into bags for #2 tubs (and bottles smaller than a tennis ball), #4 and #5 plastics and their lids (All lids must be separate). Bring your clean, dry, and sorted into separate bags, #2, #4, and #5 plastics to the Garden Room at 11:45 a.m. on the second Sunday of the month. We can help you help the environment by recycling them! Clean them well and save them up for us! Important: Do not drop off your items.

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 June Bulletin has been posted. You can check it out at http://unityofthevalley.org/June2025/June2025.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.

Galileans (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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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.