SPECIAL EVENT, THIS SUNDAY JULY 28: “The Year to Save the Earth” – A Multimedia Experience by Jim Scott. Jim is an original member of the Paul Winter Consort and has performed with John Denver, Pete Seeger, Odetta, and other musical luminaries. See more information below under This Sunday, July 28.

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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 (7/21/24) service can be watched at https://www.facebook.com/unityofthevalley/videos/7-21-24-finding-a-place-to-land/1165781368022242/. 

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THE ART OF BALANCE
A message from Rev. Sherry Lady

After picking up an almost empty glass that had held my morning breakfast smoothie, I proceeded toward the kitchen, not noticing the pair of shoes I had left too close to a nearby chair the evening before. As a result of my untidiness, I lurched forward - not enough to fall, thank goodness, but enough to propel the smoothie glass out of my arms, leaving the leftover contents on the carpet. I was also carrying a plate in my other hand and my cell phone under my arm. I tend to do things like that – carrying too much at one time in an effort to be efficient – or maybe it’s too lazy to make multiple trips(?). As a result of this event, the word that came to mind – after another one that erupted out of my mouth in the first moment, which I will not share – the word was “balance.” I’m grateful I was able to maintain physical balance in that moment of time.

Life is really about two kinds of balance, or maybe more. As “luck” would have it, when I went from taking care of the spilled smoothie to my computer to see what was waiting there for me, there was an email from a friend who lives in New Zealand. Attached to the sharings of the stuff of life, was this list that includes everything I might be able to think of about “Balance,” and much more. It is so rich in wisdom that I want to share it with you, just as it came to me:

THE BALANCE SHEET OF LIFE
          The most destructive habit ……………………………..Worry
          The greatest joy……………………………………………….Giving
          The greatest loss………………………..…Loss of Self-respect
          The most satisfying work…………………….Helping Others
          The most negative personality trait……………Selfishness
          The greatest “shot in the arm”……………Encouragement
          The greatest problem to overcome……………………….Fear
          The most effective sleeping pill……………..Peace of Mind
          The most powerful force in life……………………………..Love
          The most dangerous act……………………………………..Gossip
          The world’s most incredible computer…………..The Brain
          The worst thing to be without………………………………Hope
          The two most power-filled words…………………………I Can
          The deadliest weapon…………………………………The Tongue
          The most powerful asset……………………………………….Faith
          The most worthless emotion…………………………..Self-pity
          The most beautiful attire………………………………..…A Smile
          The most prized possession…………………………….Integrity
          The most powerful channel of Communication…...Prayer
          The most contagious spirit…………………………Enthusiasm

Achieving balance in one’s life is pretty much the whole construct of attempting to live a spiritual life. Letting go of things that take us out of balance, and bringing in things that keep us in balance is an art in itself and takes up a lot of our time. Sometimes it is hard work. Sometimes it seems out of control. And sometimes it happens rather naturally, and we feel the internal peace that comes with being “wholly” in balance. Speeches have been given, books have been written, talk shows presented, and many other things put out into the world to assist us in achieving balance in our lives. However, the bottom line is, we are the ones who get to do that for ourselves because the world will throw us off balance every once in a while. Perhaps you have noticed that? So, what do we do when that happens?

Bringing things back into balance will be a different process for each of us, and that is ok. The eternal Spirit of Light, Love, Forgiveness, and Grace is there to guide us through. All we need to do is find a time of quiet and “lay it all on the altar of the One” – for starters. Then we have to put our feet back on the path and take the action necessary to restore the balance that is right for us. I have a dear friend who is so good at taking some time each day to clear the space of the mind and open to receive what is there to be noticed, including things to be grateful for, and then moving on with what is needed or desired next and moving on toward that experience. I call it open-ended meditation because it leaves room for everything needed. I have learned so much from that friend – now I need to begin doing that process better in my life. Won’t you join me?

Ah, the power of spilled smoothies, good friends….and of Divine Grace! We are so blessed. 

Love,
Sherry

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THIS WEEK AT UNITY, JULY 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.

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.

SATURDAY
- 10:00-11-:30 a.m. via Zoom - Gong Bath Meditation Class with Sunny & Vicky Hills - Several Unity of the Valley members attend regularly, including Laura & Inge. Please Sign Up Here: https://sunnyhillsmeditation.com.

THIS SUNDAY, JULY 28

- 10:30 a.m. Livestream & In-Person Service – “Joy, The Divine Gift” with Rev. Inge Tarantola. Our guest musician will be Jim Scott. Jim will be supported by our Unity Choir under the direction of Mo Robeson.

- 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.

- 6:00 p.m. – “The Year to Save the Earth” – A Multimedia Experience by Jim Scott. Mixing powerful songs and beautiful projected images, “The Year to Save the Earth” takes us from grieving to celebration and from protest to positive vision for the planet. Jim’s lyrical melodies and outspoken poetry celebrate what’s beautiful, amazing, and fragile about our Earth. Facing the urgency of the environmental crisis, this musical and visual experience challenges us to feel, to learn, and to act. Suggested admission donation $15-$25. No one turned away.

NEXT WEEK, JULY 29-AUGUST 3

MONDAY
- 7:00-8:30 p.m. – Choir Practice in the Sanctuary. If you would like to be a part of the choir, contact Mo Robeson at 541-520-8489.

TUESDAY
- 7:00 p.m. – The July 30th Behind the Lens film is Strangers on a Train, directed by Alfred Hitchcock, followed by a Q&A session with Tom Blank. Cost is $30 for series or $5 per time. NEW SERIES starts August 13th. Registration forms in the Fellowship Hall.

SATURDAY
- 10:30 a.m.-Noon – Sacred Women’s Circle. Join Ani Sinclair in the upstairs Fillmore Wing for a time of connecting, meditating, and doing a fun project and ritual that incorporates the theme for August which is Sacred Life-Sacred Water.

NEXT SUNDAY, AUGUST 4

- 10:30 a.m. Livestream & In-Person Service – “F.E.A.R.: False Evidence Appearing Real” with Jon West.
- 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

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7 (7:00-8:00 p.m.) – Chanting & Meditation in the sanctuary. Join Jon West and Stephen Parson 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.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 17 (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 11th.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 18 (10:30 a.m.) – Guest Musician Halie Loren will be performing at Unity’s Sunday service. We are blessed to have this internationally acclaimed, award-winning artist joining us. Please help us spread the word!

FRIDAY & SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 & 14 (9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.) – YFM Second Hand Sale. Do you have any items you are looking to get rid of? Donate them to YFM and help support them at the same time. Drop off of your donated items starting September 8th. Contact Alice (541-729-3817) to set up a time to drop off your donated items. We appreciate your help!

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES/NEEDS

JULY, AUGUST, and SEPTEMBER – Summer Salads are Back! Two people are needed 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!

YOUTH & FAMILY MINISTRY: Our youth still have quite a few 1-foot potted Douglas Fir and Incense Cedar trees needing a home. Reduced to sell: 1 for $5 or 2 for $7.50 Come and get a tree and support our youth at the same time. See Alice or call her at 541-729-3817.

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/July2024/JulyBulletin.pdf. August’s Bulletin will be posted soon.

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.

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 will do a check-in, meditation, and then we will be doing activities. (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

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.