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 (1/19/25) service can be watched at https://www.facebook.com/unityofthevalley/videos/1-19-25-plug-into-the-power-of-intention/2989985001179073/.

THE MIDAS TOUCH
From Rev. Sherry Lady

Many of us have heard the story about King Midas who loved three things more than anything else in the world – his daughter, his rose garden, and gold. Nothing gave him more pleasure than seeing his daughter picking roses in the garden. After caring for a special being belonging to the powerful god Dionysus who had become quite ill, the being, known as a satyr was so grateful that he said he would give the king anything he wanted. He did not want anything for his rose garden, because he grew the most beautiful roses in the world. He did not want anything for his daughter because he could give her anything she needed. So that left gold. He said he wished everything he touched would turn to gold. The wish was granted and soon everything from his throne to his drapes turned to gold as he touched them. He was ecstatic with this new experience and went to touch everything he could find and watched the magic of this gift unfold until all in sight was shining like the sun. How wealthy and happy he felt!

During his travels around his castle, he saw his daughter in the rose garden and went out to see her. She was so excited she ran into his arms and as he gave her a hug and while doing so she instantly turned to gold. The sight of her turning into a gold statue was so painful he fell on his knees, begging Dionysus to take away the gift. One last time his wish was granted. He fell on his knees in gratitude and told Dionysius he had learned a great lesson and promised to live a life of humbleness and gratitude and service to those with whom he could share his wealth.

Yes, a fairy tale, written for children. Take from it what you will. The story came to mind over the weekend when I was contemplating life as it is these days, and how we are being challenged on so many fronts/levels to reach out and do our best to make the world a better, more reasonable, more caring place in which to live our lives. We have been given a beautiful planet – our rose garden – our paradise – a place where there is room for everyone and everything, including the opportunity to live a rich and full life. We have the opportunity to reach out to each other, in all our varieties, and gather all of humanity in our arms and nurture their being-ness. Or we can separate, discriminate, push aside, punish, take from, put down, and heap labels on them in an attempt to affirm their un-worthiness rather than their value and beauty and what they have to teach us.

Psalms 19:10 refers to the things of Spirit as “more to be desired are they then gold- yes, than much fine gold. The words from Spirit are sweeter than honey and honeycomb and they endure forever.” This followed by “Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in thy sight.” Each of us has much “gold” within and we will continue to be called upon to let it shine forth in our eyes, our hearts, and our words so all of the world, and all of its people, may be blessed by the Spirit that lives within and speaks from the center of our being. That gold is more precious than anything else.

Love,
Sherry
          
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THIS WEEK AT UNITY, JANUARY 22-25

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 at 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, JANUARY 26

- 10:30 a.m. Livestream & In-Person Service – “Breaking the Mold: From Old Patterns to an Inspired Design” 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.

NEXT WEEK, JANUARY 27-FEBRUARY 1

TUESDAY
- 7:00 p.m. – The January 28th Behind the Lens film is Tokyo Story, directed by Yasujiro Ozu, followed by a Q&A session with Tom Blank. Registration forms in the Fellowship Hall. Cost is $30 for series or $5 per time.

WEDNESDAY
- 4:30-5:30 p.m. - Unity Grief Support Group facilitated by Rev. Inge Tarantola meets in the Garden Room. Confidentiality observed. For more information, contact Rev. Inge Tarantola at 541-968-5540 or ingetarantola@gmail.com.

- 5:30-7:00 p.m. - YFM Family Fun Night. Calling all adults and children to join us at Unity for a celebration of the Lunar New Year – Year of the Snake. We’ll have games, singing, food & crafts for youth & adults. Wear bright colors like red, blue, or pink. You can bring an Asian dish, but not necessary. Free, but donations welcome. R.S.V.P. to Alice Sparks 541-729-3817.

SATURDAY
- 10:30 a.m.-Noon - Sacred Women’s Circle. Join Géna upstairs for meditation, connecting, and a fun project. February’s theme, is Life Collaging. Bring any old magazines you might have and any inspirational words you might want to incorporate in your collage.

NEXT SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2

- 10:30 a.m. Livestream & In-Person Service – “Pocket Change” with Rev. Sherry Lady.

- 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.

- 12:15-1:30 p.m. – Empathetic Presence & Nonviolent Communication (NVC): A Monthly Primer and Practice Group with Michael Dreiling. This group meets on the first 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.

UPCOMING

Friday, February 7 (5:30-7:00 p.m.) – Valentine’s Dance in the Sanctuary. Calling all kids and adults with or without partners to come and join us for food, music, dance, and fun. Music from 1940s-2000s, limbo rock, and line dancing. Hosted by our Youth & Family Ministry. Offered on a love-offering basis.

Sunday, February 9 (12:30-2:30 p.m.) – Welcoming Your Unlimited Good Workshop with Rev. Pam Gutierrez. A Unity Playshop to look at and practice moving away from the limiting beliefs that hold us back and practice focusing on the power of gratitude and appreciation. Cost: $35. Sign up in the Fellowship Hall or email unityval@riousa.com. (See Zoom classes on Tuesdays in February below for even more.)

Tuesdays, February 11, 18, & 25 (6:30-8:00 p.m.) – The Game of Life & How to Play It Zoom classes with Rev. Pam Gutierrez. This 3-week Zoom series offers practical, actionable strategies based on Florence Scovel Shinn’s The Game of Life and How to Play It. Cost: $55 or $40 if bundled with February 9th workshop.

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.

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 and sorted plastics to the Garden Room at 11:45 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.

UNITY COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS/OPPORTUNITIES

Our January Bulletin has been posted. You can check it out at http://unityofthevalley.org/Jan2025/January2025.pdf. February’s will be posted soon.

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.