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 (4/21/24) service can be watched at https://www.facebook.com/unityofthevalley/videos/4-21-24-opening-our-skin-to-the-earth/440965188585187/.

WHAT’S AROUND THE CORNER
from Rev. Sherry Lady

A good friend and I share a passion for investigating new things. One of the “things” we enjoy is taking drives on quiet afternoons and investigating side roads we didn’t know existed, or a small town we have only driven by or maybe gone quickly through once or twice. Those times may include ice cream at a favorite stop for a certain flavor we prefer, or a new one we haven’t tried yet. The schedule is very flexible and open to any change that seems to want to happen.

During these rides we have gone down some dead-end roads, driven by little quaint houses on unknown side streets, had conversations with people we have never met before, but who greet us with smiles and follow up with good conversation and talking about recent happenings in their worlds. All people have stories to tell. There are myriads of things to talk about, but one thing we almost always talk about is” change,” especially as we look back over several decades of having been sojourners on this beautiful-smooth-bumpy-confusing-incredible planet.

As I think about these times of exploration, I am aware of how much they are a metaphoric example, representing the out-picturing of change in our lives. We start out our lives in one place, not giving much thought to what lies ahead as we snuggle in and adapt to the small world around us. Then one day we realize there are things to be investigated outside of that comfort zone, and we expand our realm of experiences, bit by bit, until we see the whole world as one great playground of possibilities, and we venture forth even further.

As we set forth to discover what is out there in the unknown, alluring, and beckoning world of life, we find that some roadways begin smooth, then get a little bumpy or even turn into dead ends. Other roads seem to flow smoothly and to be without end, yet much to our surprise we end up being faced with unforeseen circumstances that force us to turn around, pause, recalculate, and head in another direction. Sometimes we have more than one direction available and we stand at the fork in the road, wondering which one to take. Disappointment or confusion may set in. Or maybe joy, depending on the circumstances.

This can happen more than once in the span of our lifetime, no matter how much we prepare, stand our ground, think we know what we are doing, or actually move that mountain out of the way. We have given one simple word to this phenomenon: CHANGE. The experience of change, no matter how it is languaged, is experienced in every corner, culture, and personal life of people in the world. None of us are left untouched by change. Some is brought about by necessity. Some comes unexpectedly, and we fight it with all our strength, while describing it with highly energized four-letter words. There are also times when we are unexpectedly blessed with change. I celebrate those times, and I’m sure you do, too.

I don’t have all the answers as to what to do with “Change,” except after doing my share of complaining at times, to just accept it, adapt to it as best as can be done, and then move on to hopefully something even better. Here are a few quotes that have helped me along the way. Perhaps you will find one that speaks to you:

a)    “One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it is worth watching.” Unknown
b)   “By changing nothing, nothing changes.” Tony Robbins
c)    “We cannot discover new oceans unless we have the courage to lose sight of the shore.” Andre Gide
d)   “The greatest mistake you can make in life is to be constantly fearing you will make one.” Elbert Hubbard
e)    “If you run you stand a chance of losing, but if you don’t run you have already lost.” Barack Obama
f)      “They say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.” Andy Warhol
g)    “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” A. A. Milne
h)   “Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. To resist them is to bring sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally in whatever way they like.” Lao Tzu

With pleasure in, and gratitude for, the roads, the byways, the friends to travel them with, and the gentle encouragement of a loving Spirit, I choose to continue to love life…and to know that no matter where change takes us, we can always come home again, in the heart.    

My heart to yours.
Sherry

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TRAFFIC DETOUR: In addition to the road construction taking place by Unity, the City of Eugene is holding a marathon on Sunday, April 28 from 7:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Please visit eugenemarathon.com/roads for more information on route detours in our area.

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THIS WEEK AT UNITY, APRIL 24-27

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.

- 6:30-8:00 p.m. - Youth & Family Wildlife Adventure Night in the Garden Room. Calling all adults with children to join us in the Garden Room for an evening of fun. We will go on a bear hunt, make a glow-in-the-dark fun craft, have an adventure activity, and food too. Free, but donations welcome. R.S.V.P. to Alice Sparks at 541-729-3817.

THURSDAY
- 1:00-2:30 p.m. – Unity’s Elder Council meets in the Garden 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, APRIL 28

- 9:00-10:20 a.m. – Sunday Morning Book Study Group. Join Cynthia Fulton-Tinawi in the Rainbow Room for the study of the book Spiritual Awakenings by Barbara Harris Whitfield. For more information, contact Cynthia at 216-466-1897.

- 10:30 a.m. Livestream & In-Person Service – “Honoring Your Creativity” with Rev. Inge Tarantola.

- 12:15-1:00 p.m. – Youth Choir meets in the Garden Room. Ages 6 years to young adult. Led by our wonderful Music Director, Laura DuBois.

- 12:15-1:15 p.m. – Healing Prayer Circle meets in the upstairs Fillmore Wing. We offer healing prayer to individuals who request it. All are welcome to join us. For more information, contact Julia Linebarger-Taylor at 541-968-5896.

NEXT WEEK, APRIL 29- MAY 4

TUESDAY
- 7:00 p.m. – The April 30th Behind the Lens film is Born Yesterday, directed by George Cukor, followed by a Q&A session with Tom Blank. Cost is $30 for series or $5 per time. Registration forms in the Fellowship Hall.

WEDNESDAY
- 7:00-8:00 p.m. – Chanting & Meditation in the sanctuary. Join Jon West 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
- 6:30-7:30 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 Amanda Hadd at 541-999-6673 or Alice Sparks at 541-729-3817.

SATURDAY
- 10:30 a.m.-Noon – Sacred Women’s Circle in the upstairs Fillmore Wing. Join Géna on the first Saturday of each month for a time of connecting, meditating, and doing a fun project that incorporates the theme for that month’s gathering. May’s theme is Nature’s Gifts.

NEXT SUNDAY, MAY 5

- 10:30 a.m. Livestream & In-Person Service – Our May series begins on the theme of Be the Change: Caring & Compassion in Challenging Times with Jon West exploring how divine love flows through us in “Easy Power: Caring without Carrying the Weight of the World.”

- 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.

UPCOMING

Tuesday, May 21 (7:00 p.m.) – New Behind the Lens series begins with Tom Blank. Registration forms in the Fellowship Hall.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES/NEEDS

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. 

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.

UNITY COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS/OPPORTUNITIES

Our April Bulletin has been posted. You can check it out at http://unityofthevalley.org/April2024/April2024bulletin.pdf. The Youth & Family Ministry Spring Newsletter has been posted as well. You can read it at http://unityofthevalley.org/pdfs/YFMspringnewsletter2024.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 (KINDERGARTEN-5th GRADE) We currently offer fun and inspiration for the kids. There is a puppet show each Sunday for the first 10 minutes. Parents are asked to drop off their children starting at 10:20 a.m.

UNITEENS (GRADES 6-8) meets in the upstairs Treehouse room from 10:25 to 11:25 a.m.

UNITY TEEN GROUP (GRADES 9-12). The Unity Teen Group meets from 10:25 to 11:25 a.m. in the Rainbow Room with guidance from Jim Drews.

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

You can visit Unity Online at:
Website: http://www.unityofthevalley.org

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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.