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. We had some technical difficulties last Sunday. However, last Sunday’s (7/13/25) service can be watched at https://www.facebook.com/unityofthevalley/videos/7-13-25-knowing-our-source/1755182885084250 and continued at https://www.facebook.com/unityofthevalley/videos/7-13-25-knowing-our-source/5033090797010887.

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

A VISION OF COMPLETENESS
A message from Rev. Sherry Lady

One hundred and twelve years ago two people set foot on the shores of a place named Lambarene, in Gabon, French Equatorial Africa and together they began a life of service to the world that still exists today amid the trees and grasslands of a hot and humid, but very beautiful country. He was Albert Schweitzer, a renowned humanitarian, theologian, and lecturer in philosophy, as well as an accomplished organist who had published a major work on Bach in 1905. She, Helene Bresslau Schweitzer, was a nurse, social worker, linguist, editor, and a feminist. They both had set aside their many activities so as to serve humanity more directly and this was their step into that otherwise unknown world far from the comforts of their home in Alsace, now known as France.

As a child, Schweitzer felt it incomprehensible to him why his evening prayers should be only for human beings. He shared, “So when my mother had prayed with me and kissed me goodnight, I silently added this prayer: ‘Protect and bless all things that have breath; guard them from all evil and let them sleep in peace.’” He then went on to say: “I grew up with the conviction that we have no right to inflict harm and death on another living creature unless there is some unavoidable necessity for it. We ought to feel what a horrible thing it is to cause suffering and death out of mere thoughtlessness.” Schweitzer vowed to never let himself be blunted by potential disapproval or attempts to embarrass him, but to be an instrument of healing in the place he was called to serve. He wrote about the thousand and one miracles that surround us each day in this way:
           
“If during a meal I catch sight of the light broken up in a glass jug of water into the colors of the spectrum, I become oblivious of everything around me and unable to withdraw my gaze from this miracle.”

As I experience the many aspects and activities of summer, and then watch it turn into fall, I often think of Albert Schweitzer and can’t help but become aware of the marvelous changes and the beautiful stubbornness of life itself to stay visible for us each and every day – evidence that creation reveres us as well, giving us a myriad of things to please our senses, which is humbling. I believe that a person is complete and ethical only when all life is seen as sacred – plants, animals, human companions – and this perception becomes the impetus behind all we do each day – if we allow it. Schweitzer knew, and his “reverence for life” phrase is still in the hearts of many today. May we never let it slip away. Not easy sometimes, or in these times when that seems far from so much of human consciousness. 

Schweitzer was wise – he knew. Today, deep in the heart of Africa, a magnificent tribute in the form of a hospital is still serving all people who come through its doors. They continue to bring with them their families, their animals, their hopes and their reverence for life and for the man who shared the vision of serving, healing, and loving who taught that the plan for all of us, imbued by our indwelling God Spirit, is to teach, to serve, to heal, to love and to pass that wisdom on to future generations. A much better use of our time on this planet.

May we all come to understand this truth: We are complete only when all of life is sacred.

In Love and Hope,
Sherry

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THIS WEEK AT UNITY, JULY 16-19

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.

THIS SUNDAY – JULY 20

- 10:30 a.m. Livestream & In-Person Service – “Life is Complicated – Or Am I Complicating Things?” with Jon West.

- After the service – Ice Cream Social. Join us for ice cream, chit chat, celebration, and fun!

- 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.

- 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, JULY 21-26

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 p.m. – The NEW Behind the Lens film series begins. The July 22nd movie is Around the World in 80 Days, directed by Michael Anderson, followed by a Q&A session with Tom Blank. Registration forms in the Fellowship Hall. Cost is $30 for series (12 movies) or $5 per time. 

WEDNESDAY
 - 7:00 p.m. – Instrumental Inner Listening. Join Jerry Green for this free event to practice with voice, in movement, stillness, listen within, finding connection in the energies of shared spirit.

SATURDAY
- 5:00-7:00 p.m. – Makindu Vocational Program Benefit held at Rev. Inge’s home. Come and enjoy art, wine, music, and good food. Admission: $30 in advance at www.mvpmakindu.org. Funds support the Makindu Advanced Training College in Kenya, Africa. 

NEXT SUNDAY – JULY 27

- 10:30 a.m. Livestream & In-Person Service – “Soul Music: How to Find Beauty in the Beastly Corners of Life” with Rev. Sherry Lady.  
UPCOMING

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.

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 July Bulletin has been posted. You can check it out at http://unityofthevalley.org/July2025/July2025.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 are on break in July and August. Although the youth (ages 4-18) are taking a break from curriculum, they will still be meeting in the Garden & Rainbow Rooms. We do a check-in, meditation, and then we do 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.)

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.