Upcoming Services and Special Events!
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Sunday December 15th
Pre-Service Meditation from 10:00-10:15 a.m.
10:30 a.m. Service – The Three Magi from the East (looking a lot like our Ministerial Team) will share “How to Ride Your Camel through the Desert of Life.” Our Christmas Choir will perform under the direction of Mo Robeson.
Before & After the Service – Galilean Holiday Bazaar. Candles, decorations, ornaments and well-loved resale items of all sorts. All proceeds will go toward celebrating Valentine’s Day with the residents at Good Samaritan Nursing Home and providing roses and valentines for them.
Sunday December 22nd
Pre-Service Meditation from 10:00-10:15 a.m.
10:30 a.m. Service – “Mary and Joseph Speak on Letting in the Light.” Our kids will be treated with a visit from Santa after the service.
RIDING A CAMEL
A Message from Reverend Sherry Lady
I have ridden a camel three different times in my life, each time with different outcomes on a personal as well as physical level. As a young child, my legs didn’t quite fit over the edges of the camel saddle very well and the height of the camel was a little daunting. Yet the camel’s swaying motion was pleasant and relaxing, and since the camel was being led and my mom was close by, I quickly got over any fears.
The second time was during college years. My main goal was to prove to myself and my friends that camel riding was not a big deal since I was “experienced” and could bump and sway along with the best of them…which I did, even when the camel decided to spit at the crowd and empty its bladder when we came to a stop. That happened at the end of the day, so the camel was probably tired of the weight on its back–a feeling I could relate to sometimes. Anyway, my friends were duly impressed and my ego was appreciative.
The third time, which occurred when I was in ministerial school at Unity Village, Missouri, was a very different experience. A friend and I decided to take a day off and go into Kansas City, with a stop at the zoo included in our itinerary. I was looking forward to seeing the animals, in spite of how I felt about their being locked up all the time and not in their natural habitat. I had not expected to see a camel there, much less one giving rides. This was Kansas and though the climate can be hot and the land is very flat, camels seemed really out of place when standing near the entrance gate. It seemed a bit strange that there was no line, but I was glad we didn’t have to wait too long as it was a very warm day and we were ready for a break.
A gentleman with very dark eyes and smooth, darker skin was very welcoming, but he seemed surprised that I was interested in a ride. Once seated on the camel, I ran my hand along its shoulder and spoke to it. My hand gradually became very warm and then almost hot. As I pulled it back the warmth spread through my whole body. I couldn’t explain it, but wanted to believe the camel and I had just begun a conversation of some kind. I touched the saddle. Nothing. With my other hand I stroked the other shoulder. Same thing happened. As the camel turned its head slightly, I noticed its eyes were closed. I asked the man if this meant it was too tired to go on. “No,” he replied in accented English. “He is meditating and preparing for your ride.”
Throughout the ride I kept my eyes closed and pretended I was riding through the desert long, long ago, dressed in long robes—not fancy ones, but quality cloth and with a breeze moving the cloth that covered my head (like images from some movies and paintings I’d seen). I remember talking to Spirit and saying, “I’m not a man, but a woman. Yet, I am feeling something. What is it?” I receive no reply of any note, but I felt really quiet inside. We thanked the camel, each of us, and left in silence, discussing the experience in the car as we drove away.
“Meditating and preparing for your ride,” the man had said. A humped-back camel, out of its element, carrying human bodies hour after hour, taking time to meditate? How often, in our lives do we feel out of our element, carrying a heavy load longer than planned and thinking there is no end in sight? I’ve been there––have you? How often have we forgotten to prepare ahead for those times so that we can, without becoming anxious or frustrated, keep moving forward until we arrive in another territory or another way of being in the world? Lesson from a camel: Turn inward, listen, and prepare. For while the journey across the sands of time can seem endless, with faith we know there is an oasis of living, spiritual water waiting to nourish us in mind, body and soul. Whatever faith means to you, we all carry the same, essential, internal essence within us to help us through anything. “Lo, I am with you for always” is the ancient, ever-new promise.
Christmas is about the Light coming into the world. About the Faith of people who followed the Star of their inner knowing. About Acceptance of our oneness with the Universal Power which comes to us veiled or robed in the garments of love, offering to guide us across the desert of life and bless us each step of the way.
See you on Sunday…and perhaps we’ll see a camel offering rides at Unity’s door. Any small ceramic or stuffed ones would be fun to have around to bless us. I’ll be happy to help you place them. Look for me. I’ll be there.
Love,
Sherry
Week of December 9th to December 14th
(Scroll down for Ongoing Weekly Events)
TUESDAY
6:30-8:00 p.m. – The Yellow Brick Road . . . Assessing where you are on the spiritual path with Rev. Nola Woodbury, an ordained Unity minister and former Assistant Minister at Unity of the Valley. Join Rev. Nola in the Fillmore Wing upstairs for an introduction to spiritual direction. Guided self assessments will help participants clarify obstacles on their “path.” Donation basis. Sign up in the Fellowship Hall. (This is a repeat of the November 4th class.)
– 7:00 p.m. – The December 10 Behind the Lens Seminar film is The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp directed by Michael Powell & Emeric Pressburger, followed by a Q&A session with Tom Blank. If you have not already paid for the series, the cost is $5.
WEDNESDAY (7:00-8:00 p.m.) – Interfaith Prayer Service at 1166 Oak Street in Eugene. A special occasion of different faith communities joining in the spirit of harmony and universal love. Prelude at 6:45 p.m. Free childcare offered.
THURSDAY
– (11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.) – Joy of Watercolor. Last class of 2019. The emphasis of this class is on joy. Come and explore painting with watercolor in an encouraging and fun atmosphere. All skill levels welcome. For more information, contact Ellen Ticknor at 541-344-1490.
– (12:00-1:00 p.m.) – Prayer Shawl Ministry gathering in the Fellowship Hall. Come and knit or crochet a prayer shawl that will bless people who are going through a difficult time. No experience necessary!
FRIDAY – (7:00 p.m.) – Movie Night at Unity. The December film is the extended version of A Bold Peace, U of O Professor Michael Dreiling’s award-winning documentary on the demilitarization of Costa Rica followed by a circle discussion with Ann. Free – donations accepted.
SATURDAY - (6:00-9:00 p.m.) – Reiki Do Satori Open House. This monthly event is open to all who are interested in receiving a short, free Reiki session for relaxation and/or healing. Reiki practitioners who would like to be part of this event are also welcome. Donations accepted.
Week of December 16th to December 23rd
(Scroll down for Ongoing Weekly Events)
TUESDAY
6:30-8:00 p.m. – The Yellow Brick Road . . . Assessing where you are on the spiritual path with Rev. Nola Woodbury, an ordained Unity minister and former Assistant Minister at Unity of the Valley. Join Rev. Nola in the Fillmore Wing upstairs for an introduction to spiritual direction. Guided self assessments will help participants clarify obstacles on their “path.” Donation basis. Sign up in the Fellowship Hall. (This is a repeat of the November 4th class.)
– 7:00 p.m. – The December 10 Behind the Lens Seminar film is The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp directed by Michael Powell & Emeric Pressburger, followed by a Q&A session with Tom Blank. If you have not already paid for the series, the cost is $5.
WEDNESDAY (7:00-8:00 p.m.) – Interfaith Prayer Service at 1166 Oak Street in Eugene. A special occasion of different faith communities joining in the spirit of harmony and universal love. Prelude at 6:45 p.m. Free childcare offered.
THURSDAY
– (11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.) – Joy of Watercolor. Last class of 2019. The emphasis of this class is on joy. Come and explore painting with watercolor in an encouraging and fun atmosphere. All skill levels welcome. For more information, contact Ellen Ticknor at 541-344-1490.
– (12:00-1:00 p.m.) – Prayer Shawl Ministry gathering in the Fellowship Hall. Come and knit or crochet a prayer shawl that will bless people who are going through a difficult time. No experience necessary!
FRIDAY – (7:00 p.m.) – Movie Night at Unity. The December film is the extended version of A Bold Peace, U of O Professor Michael Dreiling’s award-winning documentary on the demilitarization of Costa Rica followed by a circle discussion with Ann. Free – donations accepted.
SATURDAY - (6:00-9:00 p.m.) – Reiki Do Satori Open House. This monthly event is open to all who are interested in receiving a short, free Reiki session for relaxation and/or healing. Reiki practitioners who would like to be part of this event are also welcome. Donations accepted.
Upcoming
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24 – Christmas Eve Candle Lighting Services (5:30 & 7:30 p.m.) Join us for a wondrous night of sacred music, prayer, candle lighting ceremony, and universal wisdom from both eastern and western spiritual traditions. Children welcome. Nursery care provided. Music Direction: Laura DuBois, Choir Conductor: Mo Robeson. (Note: seating is more available at 7:30 p.m.)
Opportunities to Serve
BOARD TRUSTEES NEEDED – The Unity Board Nominating Committee is seeking potential candidates for our Board of Trustees. We need to fill three 3-year positions. If you are interested in filling one of these important and fulfilling volunteer positions, please contact Jon West at jwest97405@gmail.com .
CHRISTMAS EVE USHERS NEEDED – We have openings for 4 Ushers for each of our Christmas Eve Candle-Lighting Services, which will be held at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. If you would like to serve at this wonderful service, please sign up in the Fellowship Hall, or call Géna at 541-345-9913, ext. 11.
Ongoing Weekly Events
SUNDAYS
– Healing Prayer Circle Offered – Based on Lynne McTaggart’s book, The Power of Eight, we have started a Healing Prayer Circle as part of the Prayer Ministry. We meet weekly to offer hands-on healing prayer to individuals who request it. These individuals can meet in person with the prayer team right after church on Sundays. If you cannot be there in person, we offer distant healing. Please provide a photo for distant healing, along with a brief description of the situation and an affirmation of your request. For information and to make an appointment, contact Rev. Inge Tarantola at 541-968-5540.
MONDAYS
– 5:30-6:30 p.m. – Meditation Circle in the Fillmore Wing. All meditation approaches and drop ins are welcome. For more information, contact Laurie Cracraft at 541-345-7563.
– 7:00-8:00 p.m. – Choir Practice in the Sanctuary. For more information on sharing your voice with the choir, contact Mo Robeson at 541-520-8489.
TUESDAYS
– 10:15-11:45 a.m. - Tuesday Spiritual Discussion Group in the Harmony Room. This group reads together and discusses books chosen unanimously. The emphasis of the group is on discussion. For more information, contact Judy Richardson at 541-484-1958.
– 7:00 p.m. –Behind the Lens Seminar film series with Tom Blank. See listing at top under This Week.
WEDNESDAYS
– 10:15-11:45 a.m. – ON HIATUS: Mellow Kundalini Yoga, Meditation, & Gong Relaxation while Sunny recovers from a broken shoulder that occurred from a fall. We send loving thoughts of healing to our friend Sunny. When it resumes, this class is calming, heart-opening, refreshing, inclusive, gentle, and safe. Drop-ins welcome. Bring your own yoga mat or blanket. $5 per class, 100% to Unity. For info, message or text Sunny Hills anytime at 808-359-4926.
– 12:00-12:30 p.m. - Noon Prayer & Meditation in the Peace Chapel with Linda Flock. Everyone is welcome!
THURSDAYS
– 11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Fall Qigong Intentional Surrender in the Flow. Join Jasmine Grace for this ancient holistic practice with easy to follow, fluid movements. $8-$10 suggested donation per class. (no one turned away) For more information, contact Jasmine at 541-944-6418.
– 1:00-2:30 p.m. The Elder Council meets in the Garden Room. If you are 60 or older and have an interest, please join us. For more information, contact Bonnie Paquin at 541-345-8873.
– 5:30-6:45 p.m. - Passage Meditation as taught by Eknath Easwaran. For more information, contact Laurie Cracraft at 541-345-7563.
FRIDAYS
– 10:00 a.m.-Noon - A Course In Miracles (Fillmore Wing). For more information, contact Janet and Dennis Chandler at 541-485-5235 or email at janetkoppchandler@gmail.com .
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