Did you know that Unity is mentioned in the Old Testament?  Not Unity of the Valley, Unity Village or Unity School - and without the capital U -but unity as a state of being - unified - and a place in which to dwell. 

The word appears in Psalm 133 in this way: "Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!"

When Charles and Myrtle Fillmore saw their ministry of prayer expanding and in need of a unifying label, they did some searching.  Then one day as Charles was meditating and asking for inspiration, he was guided to this Psalm of joy, and he knew he had found what he had been looking for.  Myrtle was excited with him and they proceeded to take all the necessary steps to
secure that name for what was to become the "Unity Movement."

The Psalm goes on to say (in the patriarchal language of the times):  "It is like precious oil upon the head, that ran down upon the beard; even Aaron's beard; that came down upon the skirt of his garment like the dew of Hermon, that cometh down upon the mountains of Zion." 

Today's interpretation could possibly read something like this: "Yes!  How joyous and uplifting it is for us to come together as a Unity community.  It is like summer raindrops upon the head, or a waterfall's mist upon the face, even our children's faces, or dew on the blooms in our Eugene Rose Garden.

We come from the hills and nearby towns to spend time in celebration at our spiritual home - Unity of the Valley, and we know how pleasant it is to share together in oneness of purpose with each other and The One."

I've taken liberties, I know, but I can't help myself, just as I can't
imagine my life without Unity as a Whole and Unity of the Valley as an integral part of it.  Two people over 100 years ago had a vision, dedicated their lives to their calling of walking in and as the Light of Spirit, and because of their willingness we can join in a unitive experience every Sunday, as well as days in between.

This movement as a whole, as well as our own time together is open to all persons - all - regardless. I love that. Charles Fillmore stated this:
"Unity never closes another out.  The path toward unity on any level -personal, social, national, international or spiritual is always really the same path. Let us have a vision of a world unity with all nations, clans and tongues, held together by the irresistible force of love, which is the power that draws and holds everything in its perfect place.

As we come together to learn more about God, about ourselves, about the Christ that dwells in us and from which we can express in our lives and how we can be of service in the world, I can joyfully say  "Yes, how good it is to dwell together in unity at Unity of the Valley."  I so look forward to seeing each of you there- or anywhere we happen to meet.  

Love, Sherry