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 (7/27/25) service can be watched at https://www.facebook.com/unityofthevalley/videos/7-27-25-soul-music-how-to-find-beauty-in-the-beastly-corners-of-life/1628142097881081/.

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

BREAKING FREE – THEN WHAT?
A message from Rev. Sherry Lady

During the first part of my life, in spite of all the really wonderful things that happened, I kept myself guarded from what I perceived to be the consequences of opening up too much and being fully me. This came about from my believing certain things expressed, either directly to me, or overheard in various conversations throughout those early years. Things like: “Why would you go to college when you will just end up being married and raising kids anyway.” – “It’s ok to be smart, but don’t let it show too much because men don’t like that.” – “Good Christian women don’t dance and show off, and they especially don’t get into theaters because they will be led astray,” – “It will be good if you can find a tall husband.” – “You are strong and very creative, but that can be intimidating to people, especially men.” – “Go for it – but be ready for disappointment because life can be that.” These fueled my introverted tendencies and squelched my extroverted ones. It also created some residual sadness that sat beside the larger corner of the joy that was also alive in my heart. That sadness still wants to show up sometimes, and speaks quite loudly at times, but thanks to the teachers and experiences and the walk with Spirit within, I have learned to bless it and let it go and to find so much joy in daily life wherever it takes me – most of the time – because as a human being I do have my moments. We all do. 

Now, at this more advanced stage in my life questions like “How well do we really know ourselves?” and “How well do we really know what life is?” are still basically unanswered. That may not be what you wanted to hear, but it is the truth for me. I say that because life is still a mystery and I often wonder if I will ever fully comprehend it all. Life has provided me with so many wonderful, awesome things along the way, and I am richly blessed by everything. I could not have asked for more beautiful components in the various stages. But now the years ahead are mine to design. I am freer now than I have ever been to open to what is mine to receive, but I can honestly say that the space before me is much more unsettled than I thought it would be. At times it is just plain confusing. How does one who is aging, much faster than anticipated, dance that dance, sing that song, travel to those desired places, write that book, find love again, and make a final and meaningful contribution to world? Maybe you know. I don’t because I’ve never been this old before.

So, you may ask, “What about the power of prayer, of affirmations, of faith, of hope, of keeping on keeping on, of trust in a higher power and the knowing that all is well?” As a minister, I share thoughts about these from the platform on Sundays, or in classes, or in my writings. I share them because I fully affirm, believe in, and practice those things to the best of my ability. My belief in a higher power has never wavered. That is the Source to which I turn each morning, during the day and each night. That is the One Power that will always rule my life. Yet, though it comforts me every step of the way and allows me to sleep well and function each day, it does not keep me from being human. As a human I can forget to live my truth, step off the path, stumble along the way, and be full of questions, too. My human part does not always know how to do the next step and asks, at times, “now what?” Now that I am, once again, totally free each and every moment, how do I live my life?

The word “resilience” comes to mind. I believe in my – and your – resilience. Being resilient calls for much adaptation, creativity, faith, hope and lots of flexibility. Building, or maintaining resilience is so important for each step of our lives. Resilience asks us to be focusing on five things every day of our lives. They include:

1.     Practicing acceptance – of feelings, of situations, of differences and likenesses. Acceptance is our super power. 
2.    Staying focused, flexible, and productive in both good and bad times. Never giving up on seeing the potential for good in all circumstances. 
3.    Remembering to reach out to support others. Don’t withdraw in tough times, and be confident you will find a solution to a problem, together or individually. Pray for guidance.
4.    Investing in self-care. Keep your body strong. Eat well. Participate in spiritual practices. 
5.    Look for meaning and purpose in all things. Everything is beautiful, in its own way.

It’s good for me to be talking to myself this way. Thanks for being there to support me. You, and me, and life – doing it all together resiliently, together and happily.

Love,
Sherry

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THIS WEEK AT UNITY, JULY 30-AUGUST 2

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 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
- 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.

- 5:30-6:45 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
- 10:30 a.m.-Noon – Sacred Women’s Circle. Join Alice and Doris in the upstairs Fillmore Wing for a time of connecting, meditating, and doing a fun project that incorporates the theme for August which is Letting Our Spirit Soar.

THIS SUNDAY – AUGUST 3

- 10:30 a.m. Livestream & In-Person Service – Our August theme of Outside the Box: Claiming Your Creatively Inspired Life starts off with a message exploring “What Now? Playing the Hand (or Foot) You’ve Been Dealt” with Jon West.

- 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. Donations welcome.

- 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, AUGUST 4-9

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 The August 5th Behind the Lens Seminar film is A Man Escaped, directed by Robert Bresson, followed by a Q&A session with Tom Blank. Cost is $30 for series or $5 per time. Be sure to pick up a registration form in the Fellowship Hall.

- 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.

WEDNESDAY
-  7:00-8:00 p.m. – Chanting & Meditation. Join Jon West and Donna O'Neil 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
- 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.

NEXT SUNDAY – AUGUST 10

- 10:30 a.m. Livestream & In-Person Service – Rev. Inge Tarantola continues our August theme of Outside the Box: Claiming Your Creatively Inspired Life with “Growing Beyond our Wildest Dreams.”

- 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.

UPCOMING

Friday, August 15 (6:00-8:00 p.m.) – Non-Violent Resistance in Our Community presented by Unity’s Elder Council. A follow up to A Force More Powerful documentary. This is an opportunity to expand our community discussions and build new relationships. Bring a friend. Free. Documentary is available on YouTube, but the discussion does not require viewing it.

Saturday, August 16 (11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.) – Summer Congregational Picnic at Rev. Inge’s home.  What to Bring: Yourself and invite your family and friends; Potluck food to share & serving utensils; Your own dishes & flatware; A lawn chair and/or blanket. We’ll have Bocci Ball and Croquet available. Directions to Inge’s will be available in the foyer on Sunday, August 6th.

Mondays, September 8-29 (6:00-8:00 p.m.) – Prayer Works Wonders. This interactive class includes demonstrations of various approaches to praying for ourselves and others, and gives the opportunity to learn by doing. This class can start or enhance your prayer life and show the way to transformation. Facilitated by Rev. Inge Tarantola. It is also a required class for the Prayer and Chaplaincy Ministry. Love-offering basis. Sign up in the Fellowship Hall.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES/NEEDS

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!

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. 

COMMUNITY PLASTICS COLLECTION COMES TO AN END: Thank you Unity of the Vally for your dedicated commitment to keep plastic out of the landfill! We have collected approximately 20 pounds of plastic on each of our Sunday recycling days. Sadly, due to a new state mandate, the Community Plastics Collection Program is coming to an end. Sunday, June 8th was the last plastics collection by the Environmental Action Team and our community plastics recycler, Diana. The EA team will be providing updated information to the congregation regarding what items will be accepted in curbside recycling. Stay tuned.

UNITY COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS/OPPORTUNITIES

Our August Bulletin has been posted. You can check it out at http://unityofthevalley.org/August2025/Bulletin.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

Our curriculum teachers take a break in July and August. Our youth (ages 4-18) take a break from curriculum, but they still meet on Sundays from 10:25 to 11:25 a.m. in the Garden & Rainbow Rooms. We do a check-in, meditation, and then an activity. We will be going to the park occasionally when we don't have an activity. (Nursery care will continue to be offered for infant-4 years old during the service.)

Nursery (Infant-4 years old), Unikids (4 years old-2nd Grade), Galileans (Grades 3- 5), Uniteens (Grades 6-8), and Y.O.U. (Grades 9-12).

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.