Upcoming Services and Special Events!
Sunday, May 20th, 10:30 am: Our YFM Coordinator, Christina Scott, and a panel of youth will share how mental illness has touched their own lives and relationships in “Finding Light in the Shadows, Part 1: What Teens Can Teach Us about Mental Health.”
Sunday, May 27th, 10:30 am: As we continue honoring Mental Health Awareness Month, Music Director, Laura DuBois and Jon West will explore practical and loving ways that communities like ours can help with “Finding Light in the Shadows, Part 2: Turning Stigma into Hope.”
Finding Our Part in the Healing In the fall of 1978 when I was 14, I received a letter from Mary Magdalene—at least the girl who had played her in a Sacramento youth group production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Although I was living in Medford, Oregon, I had spent that summer in Sacramento with my grandmother where I somehow got recruited to play Jesus. While others in the cast quickly brought me into their circle of friendship, this particular girl—whose real name was also Mary–seemed emotionally detached and a bit snooty to me, which I assumed was related to her being a year older. I don’t really recall how I reacted to Mary—I just remember how much fun I had with everyone else. But once the show was over and I had returned home to Oregon, Mary sent me a tender, emotionally revealing letter in which she shared her difficulty making friends and apologized for not being very nice to me. Although I had a sense of compassion, I didn’t make it a priority to respond, and gradually I forgot about doing so. Less than a month later, another girl from the cast gave me the news: Mary had taken her own life. She was barely 16. While I never saw much use in feeling painful regret for “the things I cannot change” and possibly couldn’t have changed in the first place, this experience did teach me to pay more attention when someone is reaching out. Even with our own friends or relatives, we may be inclined toward avoidance or simply ignoring it when someone’s actions reflect a mental or emotional struggle. A quick review of recent online studies indicates that suicide, depression, and mental illness in general are trending upward, with the sharpest increase among teens. It was one of our teens at Unity who proposed making mental health and suicide the topic this coming Sunday, and that teens should be involved in the presentation. I am proud of our youth for opening this discussion and their desire to be part of the healing that’s needed. Right this minute, there may be someone in our community—someone like the Mary I knew—trying to make a connection, seeking just enough hope and strength to keep holding on until they can find the help and wholeness they’ve been missing. I believe we all have a role to play in creating those healing connections. And I encourage everyone to come and be in full support of that vision this Sunday. In loving oneness, Jon |
May 21 to May 26
MONDAY (7:00-9:00 p.m.) – Unity Open Men’s Circle meets in the Fillmore Wing. This group is open to all men within our church community and our larger Eugene community. For more information, contact Raymond Albano at 541-285-3943 / ralban0@icloud.com or Jim Drews at 541-726-8510.
WEDNESDAY (7:00 p.m.) – Documentary Film: Living and Dying: A Love Story. An intimate family film that documents the last week of Charlie and Francie’s life as they chose to use Oregon’s Death with Dignity Act together. Local volunteers from End of Life Choices Oregon will facilitate small group discussions following the film.
May 28 to June 2nd
TUESDAY – 7:00 p.m. – The May 29 Behind the Lens Seminar movie is Destry Rides Again directed by George Marshall, followed by a Q&A session with Tom Blank. Cost is $20 for the remaining films in series or $5 per time.
THURSDAY (11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.) – Joy of Watercolor. 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.
SATURDAY
– (1:00-4:00 p.m.) – Dynamic Yogic Sleep Workshop led by Sita. Cost of workshop is $30 with opportunity for follow up classes on June 5 and 6. For more information, contact Sita at 541-232-3635.
– (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.
– (7:00 p.m.) – I Am You Are Me: In Accord Community Choir Annual Concert at Unity directed by our own Choir Director, Mo Robeson. $7-10 (no one turned away.)
Upcoming
SUNDAY, JUNE 10 – Unity’s Annual Ice Cream Social in the Fellowship Hall. Join us for ice cream, chitchat, celebration, and fun!
FRIDAY, JUNE 15-SUNDAY, JUNE 17 - "Ocean of Spirit" Unity Yoga & Meditation Retreat in Yachats with Donna and Jon. Cost for retreat activities (not room and meals) is $135. Register with Donna at yogawithdonna@gmail.com or call 541-683-7664. Rooms fill fast, so call the Yachats Inn ASAP to reserve your room for Friday and Saturday night at 1-888-270-3456.
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