SUNDAY LIVESTREAM SERVICE: valley/videos/8-10-25-growing-beyond-our-wildest-dreams/1096863839223422.

You can also find our services on YouTuJoin 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 (8/17/25) service can be watched at https://www.facebook.com/unityofthevalley/videos/8-17-25-how-to-love-your-life-even-more/662329889595173/. 

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

THE CULTURE AROUND US
A message from Rev. Sherry Lady

To begin – a quote from Jon West:

“The culture around us significantly influences our mental boundaries. Yet every rational person is ultimately responsible for deciding which aspects of culture to embrace, hold at arm’s length, or set entirely aside. This journey of growth for most of us includes learning how to manage our fear, anger, and other emotional responses so they don’t overpower our intellect and the ‘still small voice’ of divine love and guidance within us.”

In support of this Truth, an offering by spiritual teacher Eknath Eswaran seems worth sharing as well. He shares these thoughts:

“Look with some detachment at this morning’s newspaper – any morning’s paper. What do you think future generations will have to say about our times? We have made tremendous advances in medicine, in genetics, space travel, communications, in any number of important fields. But where essentials are concerned, I don’t think our civilization has made much progress at all.

In this next stage of civilization, it is the mystics we need to point the way. Mystics are great pioneers. Just one man like Saint Francis or Mahatma Gandhi, one woman like Theresa is enough to show the rest of us the goal to aim for, shining dimly through the haze of personal pursuits. In every age….the Infinite comes to life in a finite personality to remind us what life is for. But we needn’t wait for someone to come and lead us. The spark of divinity hidden in your consciousness and mine can inspire any of us – ordinary people like you and me –to turn inward and learn to live as trustees for the rest of life. We need not wait for another Gandhi. A number of mini-mahatmas would be enough to turn our times around.”

It is not necessary to ask for perfection. Waiting for that means that in the meantime we are keeping from life the contribution that only we can make. A life of spiritual living is one of responsible living. Yes, we are responsible for ourselves but we are also responsible for each other. A concern for the life and well-being of every living thing is the beginning, and end, of a spiritual life and the purpose for our being here. Why else would we have come? What else would we want to do? What else would we desire to receive from our fellow travelers on this earth?

We don’t need to give up the things we love, the things that bring us joy, or intellectual pursuits for knowledge. We can find our joy in those things, while letting our lives compassionately incorporate reverence for all living things and offer respect for their worthiness. Being responsible is a privilege. It’s not always easy, and sometimes we can get fatigued and overwrought, confused, concerned about failure or fearful of outcomes. It may be very easy to retreat into the four walls of our consciousness and our physical spaces. Sometimes we just need to go there to rest and renew energy. That can be a good time to increase our prayer times so we don’t lose touch with the spirit within or what is happening “out there.” Staying there, however, is not allowing our creativity, our ability and our inner mystic to be of service to the world that is seeking global prosperity and world peace.

Eswaran also shares this:

“For even the grand goals ultimately depend not on governments but on the selfless efforts of little people like you and me. In the long run, only friendly persuasion is the only effective teacher. Human beings are educable; human beings can always grow. ‘If one man gains spiritually,’ Gandhi says, ‘the whole world gains with him.’”

A beautiful prayer from the ancient Hindu scriptures echoes in my heart always: “May all creatures be happy. May people everywhere live in abiding peace and love, for all of us are one, and joy can be found only in the joy of all.”

May we – you and me – remember to be the mystics the world is asking for. 

Love,
Sherry

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THIS WEEK AT UNITY, AUGUST 20-23

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.

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.

THIS SUNDAY – AUGUST 24

- 10:30 a.m. Livestream & In-Person Service – Our August theme of Outside the Box: Claiming Your Creatively Inspired Life, Rev. Sherry Lady will share insights on “Getting to Know Your Box.”

- 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.

NEXT WEEK, AUGUST 25-30

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 26th Behind the Lens Seminar film is Bob le Flambeur, directed by Jean-Pierre Melville, 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.

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.

NEXT SUNDAY – AUGUST 31

- 10:30 a.m. Livestream & In-Person Service – Laura DuBois concludes August with an exploration of “The Power of Our Words.”

UPCOMING

Wednesday, September 3 (7:00-8:00 p.m.) – Chanting & Meditation in the sanctuary. 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.

Saturday, September 6 (10:30 a.m.-Noon) – Sacred Women’s Circle in the upstairs Fillmore Wing. Join Alice and Géna for a time of connecting, meditating, and doing a fun project that incorporates the theme for this September’s gathering which is Affirming Our Good.

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.

Fridays, September 12 & 26 (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.

Sundays, September 14-November 9 (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. Preregister at richard.everts@comcast.net.

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. 

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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COMMUNITY SUPPORT FUND

Our Community Support Fund (CSF) was inspired by a Unity member who offered her government stimulus funds to assist individuals in our spiritual community who need it most. Grants typically range from $50 to $500 for short-term (not ongoing) financial needs, depending on the need and availability of funds. In 2024, people donated about $2,600 to the fund, and about $2,500 was gifted to those in need in our spiritual community.

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.