WHAT CAN I SAY?
A Message from Rev. Sherry Lady

It has all been said in words – by many of the world’s great leaders, by ordinary people, and written in the hearts of people everywhere:

·     It is my conviction that nothing enduring can be built on violence. -Gandhi
·     The notion that we are products of our environment is our greatest sin. We are products of our choices. -Margaret Mead
·     Darkness cannot drive out darkness. Only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that. -Martin Luther King, Jr.
·     If you spend your time judging people, then you have no time left to love them. -Mother Theresa
·     The purpose of human life is to serve and to show compassion and the will to help others. -Albert Schweitzer

With these thoughts in mind, and watching the news reports this morning of what is going on in our country today, I want to take this time to suggest another way of dealing with, handling, participating in, the addressing of fear and then creating change in communities. What I suggest is purely my vision of possibility and something I have been thinking about for a long time before this interruption in our already complicated lives in this moment. I will admit it is idealistic, or as some people might say “pie in the sky thinking” – though I don’t know or fully understand the origin of that phrase. The ideas I will be sharing are not new ideas, and some are already in place and some people are already living their lives this way. They are my heroes. Here is a “what if” for you to ponder. I am very open to your comments.

What if – before all this came about, we humans – of all colors, sizes, shapes, ages, theologies, philosophies,  etc. – would have spent our energies not in riotous or “protest” of any kind, but by going into neighborhoods  with open hearts, with vehicles loaded with things to offer, and took time to visit and told others we were there to support them and would regularly be there if needed, and tell them we meant it. Maybe we could have also set aside a day a month for community support activities to take place. Maybe that could still be done today - a different kind of “church” day, so to speak.  Then, should oppression happen we would show up as a kind of solidarity that said “not here.” These are our neighbors and friends.” Admittedly, this would take a bit of organization, and organization would have to come from leaders who were more like the people I quoted above. How about this for reorganization of a life style that would serve us in a better way?

I had been hoping that this aggressive virus would move us in that direction; but after this morning’s news reports, I admit to some disappointment as to that becoming a reality, or even a possibility. “Human nature” being as diverse as it is, perhaps it is not to be, even with all the worldwide spiritual scriptures and teachings pointing the way and giving guidelines for such a way of life.  Hmm…what will it take?

J.K. Rowling in her masterful Harry Potter series mentions something known as “The Philosopher’s Stone” as a metaphor for change. It provides a metaphorically profound analogy in which it was believed that, through a certain process, lesser metals of all kinds could be turned into gold and silver. I did some research and found this reference:

“THE PHILOSOPHER’S STONE: “Time passes quickly. There is nothing we can do about it except to see that, as far as possible, it passes fruitfully. If in passing it lays up its store of good deeds done, noble ambitions clung to kindness and sympathy scattered with a lavish hand, there will be given to it a permanence and enduring quality that nothing can take away. ….take time to look – it is the price of success. Take time to play – it is the secret of perennial youth. Take time to read – it is a source of wisdom. Take time to be friendly – it is the way to happiness.  Take time to laugh – it is the music of the soul.”

Our children, too, need us to affirm the already pure, innocent, accepting and unconditional Love with which they come into the world. By affirming this for them, we can affirm and create it for ourselves, also. Gandhi said it well, “Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing.” Let’s always keep that in mind because the world does not belong to just we adults. It belongs to our young ones as well and how we prepare them for their role in their
future is of the utmost importance.

Helpful, too, if we remember Unity Principles, and the wonderful supportive teachings that have come from Unity teachers, I know our church community, and members of our larger communities could actually achieve this “giant leap for humankind” we have heard about if we pay impeccable attention. As Margaret Mead has said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” 

I support that. And, I am happy to share in it with you. 

Love,
Sherry

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Update on Ellen Ticknor, Our Volunteer Coordinator

Our beloved volunteer coordinator, Ellen Ticknor, has been facing tremendous medical challenges, and has recently entered hospice at home. Her path has many ups and downs, days that are good, and days that are really hard. At this moment, she is doing beautifully, thanks to a recent treatment. Even though phone calls aren't possible at this time, Ellen would love to receive cards. (Note from Laura - Ellen also loves flowers). Her address is in the UV directory. If you don't have a copy of the directory, please email Géna Duel at unityval@riousa.com to get Ellen's home address. We are holding Ellen in the light of Divine Love as she enters this part of her journey.  

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Your Prayer Team is Here for You!
Do you have a prayer request? Email Rev. Inge Tarantola your name and prayer request at ingetar@pacinfo.com.

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Live Stream of Sunday Services at 10:30 a.m. at: https://www.facebook.com/unityofthevalley (You don't have to be a Facebook member)

Unity of the Valley’s May 31st Music Release is at: https://www.facebook.com/unityofthevalley/videos/307153056943361/

We also post Unity videos when possible at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqUL3d7-JjO_45Bo3vLfrWQ/videos

A special Facebook page has been created where we can share inspiration, support, and good humor with each other. It’s also a place where church members can ask questions, get answers and seek help if needed. This chat site can be found at https://www.facebook.com/groups/647495692703038/ It’s a closed group, not open to the public, so to participate please request membership, an easy process.

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 and contact info.
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.

 

 

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