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 (9/7/25) service can be watched at https://www.facebook.com/unityofthevalley/videos/9-7-25-the-can-do-mindset-trusting-in-our-divine-capacities/1116840576557365/. 

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

THE BRICK
A message from Rev. Sherry Lady

As I was cleaning out a long-neglected file folder that held some writings from friends my husband had kept in touch with until he was no longer able to keep up with communications, I ran across this very poignant story from someone he had traveled with to Egypt on a summer of Fulbright studies. It seemed a story that wanted to be shared.

“A young, successful executive was traveling down a neighborhood street, going a bit too fast in his new Jaguar. As he looked between cars, he thought he saw something and slowed down, thinking it might be a small child. Instead, a brick smashed into the side of the car’s door. He slammed on the brakes and backed up to the spot where the brick had been thrown.

He saw a child standing there. He pushed the child up against the side of his car shouting, “What the heck are you doing? This is a new car and it will cost a lot of money to get the dent fixed. What were you thinking? Why did you do that?” The young boy answered, “I threw the brick because no one would stop. I didn’t know what else to do.” He then pointed to a spot just around a parked car and said, “That’s my brother. He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can’t lift him up.”

Now sobbing, the boy asked the stunned executive, “Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair? He’s too heavy for me.” Moved beyond words, the driver tried to swallow the rapidly rising lump in his throat and hurriedly lifted the handicapped boy back into the wheelchair, then took out his fancy handkerchief and dabbed at the fresh scrapes and cuts. A quick look around told him everything was going to be ok. “God bless you,” said the grateful young boy.

Too shook up for words, the man simply watched the boy push his brother down the sidewalk toward their home, and took a long slow walk back to his noticeably damaged Jaguar. He kept the dent there to remind him of this message: “Don’t go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to get your attention.”

Spirit whispers in our souls on many things in our lives and speaks to our hearts. Sometimes when we won’t listen and take action that just might be in our best interest, it takes a “brick” to get our attention; but, it is always sent with love and with no intent to be hurtful – just to get our attention and help us focus on what is important for us in this life, including how to be there for others and allow our compassion and caring to be catapulted into action that affirms how wonderful life really is when we stop long enough to notice.

Of course, we always have a choice as to how to respond, but if we listen well and stay open to the signs along the roads of our lives miracles can happen.

At the end of the email there was this “Thought for the Day.” (I’ve left it just as it was worded and shared by the sender. Feel free to reword it you own special way.)

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY – July 18, 2002

If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it.
If God had a wallet, your picture would be in it.
He sends you flowers every Spring.
He sends you a sunrise every morning.
Face it friend – He is crazy about you!

Send this to every “beautiful person” you wish to bless.

You weren’t promised days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but you were promised strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way.

Thank you to all of you who light the way for others each and every day. It has made, and is making such a beautiful difference in our spiritual home. That place where we gather to share our love for each other and open our hearts to receive the blessings of being in Unity.

Love,
Sherry 

*******************

THIS WEEK AT UNITY, SEPTEMBER 10-13

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
- 12:00-6:00 p.m. – Unity World Day of Prayer. People from all faiths are invited to join us as we connect in prayer with Unity churches worldwide. Join us for an opening ceremony at 12:00 p.m. followed by prayer, walking of the labyrinth, meditation, and silence. Closing ceremony at 6:00 p.m. Come for part or all of the event.

- 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.

- 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.

- 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
- 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.

THIS SUNDAY – SEPTEMBER 14

- 10:30 a.m. Livestream & In-Person Service – “Sailing Lessons: Changing Course from Fate to Destiny” 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.

- 12:15-1:15 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.

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

- 6:30-8:00 p.m. – Be-Friending Death facilitated by Rev. Dick Everts and Ani Sinclair. Join us online (Zoom) for an 8-week class where you have the opportunity to learn and talk about the many aspects of death and dying. We will be learning from experts and sharing in small group discussions. (September 14-November 9) Preregister at richard.everts@comcast.net.

NEXT WEEK, SEPTEMBER 15-20

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 September 16th Behind the Lens Seminar film is The Burmese Harp, directed by Kon Ichikawa, 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.

NEXT SUNDAY – SEPTEMBER 21

- 10:30 a.m. Livestream & In-Person Service – “Last Song” with guest speaker Daniel Nahmod.

- 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.

- 12:30 p.m. – Daniel Nahmod Concert. Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of music that will soothe your soul and fill your heart with joy. Suggested donation $15. No one turned away.

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.

Friday, October 10 (7:30 p.m.) – Andrei Andreev Concert at Unity. Tickets: $24.50/$27 at Tsunami Books - www.tsunamibooks.org.

Saturday, October 12 (7:30 p.m.) - Jeffrey Martin with guest Anna Tivel at Unity. Tickets: $27.50/$30 at Tsunami Books - www.tsunamibooks.org.

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.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES/NEEDS

VOLUNTEERS TO HELP WITH Youth & Family Ministry Halloween with Unity Celebration Fundraiser. We will have spooky fun house, crafts, games with prizes, gift items, food, and trick or treat. We could use help in a variety of areas. Please sign up in the Fellowship Hall or contact Alice Sparks at 541-729-3817.

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. 

UNITY COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS/OPPORTUNITIES

Our September Bulletin has been posted. You can check it out at http://unityofthevalley.org/Sep2025/Sept2025.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.

*********************

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.

*********************

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

***************************

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.