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 (8/3/25) service can be watched at https://www.facebook.com/unityofthevalley/videos/8-3-25-what-now-playing-the-hand-or-foot-youve-been-dealt/748257398176941/.

You can also find our services on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@unityofthevalley2720/streams.

ON VACATIONS
A message from Rev. Sherry Lady

A friend whizzed in and out the other day, staying just long enough to pick up a piece of luggage she needed to complete packing for her vacation. It was hot outside, and she had beads of sweat on her forehead. “I sweat like a horse on hot days,” she remarked. “Get it from my mother.” I teased her, handed her a kitchen towel, the suitcase, and some cold blueberries to munch on in the car. She thanked me and left with “Getting ready for vacation is sometimes almost not worth it all, but we do love to go camping. But I’ve got a dozen things to get done. Bye.” I wished her well and thought about a Zig Zigler quote I read recently: “Isn’t it amazing how much stuff we get done the day before vacation?” So true.

I’m taking my summer vacation in bits and pieces this year, though I did have a short, very fun one in February in a land of perpetual summer It’s a choice to experience it this way, because I’m still winding up so many details from the attempts to declutter my house and am surrounded by boxes of things to go through as I de-construct my life and figure out what’s next for me. And, it’s ok with me, because several times each week something fun to do does come up, and I get to continue to have unexpected adventures which fill my happy place. Nothing I will be posting on Facebook, but all is good because it all keeps the world interesting and fills my journals with things that inspire me for future use. So many people to meet and talk to who are experiencing new things in their lives or doing things they love. People who have more constructed lives, doing things together, experiencing the world, life, and new things.

I went to a book of quotes I have on my desk and found these gems about vacations. I really resonate with them. I hope you will too because vacations may be what you take when you can no longer take what you’ve been taking, but they are also a state of mind and should bring a smile to your face when you contemplate taking one. From that place one can enjoy down time even when de-cluttering a house. Here are some of those thoughts. Hope you enjoy/resonate with them:

1. I’m a big believer in living life as an extended working vacation. (Victoria Moran)
2. I take my vacation on the combine and tractor. Hours of music, time to think, no demands, people leave you alone and then compliment you on your accomplishment. (Joe T.)
3. A vacation is having nothing to do and getting to do it all day long. (Robert Orbison)
4. Life is better in flip-flops. Some of the best moments happen when wearing them.
5. Consider this my formal request for a six-month vacation – twice a year.
6. Summer vacation is a magical book with new adventures on every page.
7. If there is a heaven for me, I’m sure it has a beach attached to it. (Jimmy Buffet)
8. If you are not barefoot then you are overdressed.
9. God created winter so we could enjoy summer even more. (A.T. Buckman) (This last one (#10) is my favorite. I’ve always felt this way, even when exhausted at the end of the day. Helps me to look forward to the potential surprises of the next day. I never know what it will bring so it’s always an adventure.)
10. My vocation is my vacation. I love what I do. (Nick Cannon) (and Sherry Lady)

 

Whatever your vacation plans are, make the most of them. Live it up, and celebrate life! If you don’t have anything really great to share on Facebook, live it up anyway. Vacation is really just a state of mind and can be accessed wherever you are. Spirit planned it that way so we could be fulfilled without struggling and competing. How cool is that?

Not comprehending how it is time to hear about school starting again, I am still looking forward to as much outdoor time as I can get, especially at the coast. My vacation comes in bits and pieces, as I shared, but that way it also lasts all year. Have a wonderful rest of your summer.

Love,
Sherry

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THIS WEEK AT UNITY, AUGUST 6-9

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 - richard.everts@comcast.net.

-  7:00-8:00 p.m. – Chanting & Meditation. Join Jon West and Donna O'Neil 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
- 1:00-2:30 p.m. – Unity’s Elder Council meets in the upstairs Fillmore 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.

- 5:30-6:30 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 Alice Sparks at 541-729-3817.

- 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 – AUGUST 10

- 10:30 a.m. Livestream & In-Person Service – “Growing Beyond our Wildest Dreams" with Rev. Inge Tarantola.

- After the service – Healing Prayer Circle meets. We offer focused healing prayer upon request. If you or a loved one need prayer support, please contact Julia Linebarger-Taylor at 541-968-5896.

- 12:15-1:15 p.m. – Unity Environmental Action Team (EAT) meets in the Garden Room on the second Sunday of each month. For more information, contact Betsy Priddle at heavenstobetsy74@gmail.com or Donna O’Neil at yogawithdonna@gmail.com.

- 12:15-1:00 p.m. – Youth Choir meets in the Sanctuary. Ages 6-18 years. Led by our wonderful Music Director, Laura DuBois.

NEXT WEEK, AUGUST 11-16

TUESDAY
- 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. – Unity Hang Out. Bring yourself, a friend, a snack, and come and hang out at Unity on Tuesdays with Alice and Shawn. Coffee provided. For more information, contact Alice Sparks at 541-729-3817.

- 7:00 The August 12th Behind the Lens Seminar film is The Searchers, directed by John Ford, followed by a Q&A session with Tom Blank. Cost is $30 for series or $5 per time. Be sure to pick up a registration form in the Fellowship Hall.

WEDNESDAY
- 4:30-5:30 p.m. - Unity Grief Support Group facilitated by Rev. Inge Tarantola meets in the Fellowship Hall. Confidentiality observed. For more information, contact Rev. Inge Tarantola at 541-968-5540 or ingetarantola@gmail.com.

THURSDAY
- 3:30-5:00 p.m. – Therapeutic Touch in the upstairs Fillmore Wing. The NW Therapeutic Touch Institute is offering Therapeutic Touch (TT) sessions for those who have taken the classes, those interested in TT, and for those who would simply like to experience a calming, healing TT session. For more information, contact Bev Forster, RN, QTTT, at 541-520-9358.

FRIDAY
- 6:00-8:00 p.m. – Non-Violent Resistance in Our Community presented by Unity’s Elder Council. A follow up to A Force More Powerful documentary. This is an opportunity to expand our community discussions and build new relationships. Bring a friend. Free. Documentary is available on YouTube, but the discussion does not require viewing it.

SATURDAY
- 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 available after church this Sunday.

NEXT SUNDAY – AUGUST 17

- 10:30 a.m. Livestream & In-Person Service – “How to Love Your Life Even More” with Jon West.

- 12:15-1:30 p.m. – Empathetic Presence & Nonviolent Communication (NVC) Practice Group with Michael Dreiling. This group meets on the 1st & 3rd Sunday of each month in the upstairs Fillmore Wing. Sessions offer an overview and Q&A about NVC followed by small group sessions to practice NVC and cultivate empathetic presence. Donations welcome.

UPCOMING

Mondays, September 8-29 (6:00-8:00 p.m.) – Prayer Works Wonders. This interactive class includes demonstrations of various approaches to praying for ourselves and others, and gives the opportunity to learn by doing. This class can start or enhance your prayer life and show the way to transformation. Facilitated by Rev. Inge Tarantola. It is also a required class for the Prayer and Chaplaincy Ministry. Love-offering basis. Sign up in the Fellowship Hall.

Sundays, September 14-November 9 (6:30-8:00 p.m.) – Be-Friending Death facilitated by Rev. Dick Everts and Ani Sinclair. Join us online (Zoom) for an 8-week class where you have the opportunity to learn and talk about the many aspects of death and dying. We will be learning from experts and sharing in small group discussions. Preregister at richard.everts@comcast.net.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES/NEEDS

SUMMER SALADS SIGN UPS: July, August, and September we need two people 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!

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 August Bulletin has been posted. You can check it out at http://unityofthevalley.org/August2025/Bulletin.pdf.

The Youth & Family Ministry Winter 2025 Newsletter can be found at http://unityofthevalley.org/Feb2025/YFMnewsletter2025.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

Our curriculum teachers take a break in July and August. Our youth (ages 4-18) take a break from curriculum, but they still meet on Sundays from 10:25 to 11:25 a.m. in the Garden & Rainbow Rooms. We do a check-in, meditation, and then an activity. We will be going to the park occasionally when we don't have an activity. (Nursery care will continue to be offered for infant-4 years old during the service.)

Nursery (Infant-4 years old), Unikids (4 years old-2nd Grade), Galileans (Grades 3- 5), Uniteens (Grades 6-8), and Y.O.U. (Grades 9-12).

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

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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.