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 (1/12/25) White Stone service can be watched at https://www.facebook.com/unityofthevalley/videos/1-5-25-burning-bowl-service/1129697235489775/.

SAVING THE WORLD – ONE ACT AT A TIME
From Rev. Sherry Lady

Fires in California, harsh winters in various parts of the world, earthquakes in Tibet - three examples of how out of our control the world can be at times. As we witness these upheavals and their effects on the daily lives of millions of people, it would be easy to give up thoughts of being able to fix things in any way or being able to make a difference anywhere. We have shared our prayers. We have given sustaining provisions. We have had fundraisers. We have given from our abundance in many ways, and just when we thought we could take a cosmic break and take a breath for a while, another ripple in this perceived ideal paradise shifts our focus back onto other places where we are needed, in many and various ways. Then, as in military terms we “reconnoiter” and make plans for our next move.

Many times, though, no specific plans are needed. We just need to pay attention, and when the opportunity arrives, step wholeheartedly and creatively into the situation and let Spirit take the lead, as witnessed in this short story a friend shared with me. It was told by an author named Beth Bornstein Dunnington. She writes:

“Something extraordinary happened at LAX today. (Writing this on the plane.) I was at the gate, waiting to get on my plane to Portland. Flights to two different cities were boarding on either side of the Portland flight. A toddler who looked to be 18 or so months was having a total meltdown, running between the seats, kicking and screaming, then lying on the ground refusing to board the plane (which was not going to Portland). This young mom, who was clearly pregnant and traveling alone with her son, became completely overwhelmed. She couldn’t pick him up because he was so upset. He kept running away from her, then lying down on the ground, kicking and screaming again. The mother finally sat down on the floor and put her head in her hands, with the kid next to her still having a meltdown, and started crying. Then this gorgeous thing. (I’m crying just writing this.)

The women in the terminal – there must have been six or seven of us – women who did not know each other, approached and surrounded her and the little boy. One woman had an orange that she peeled, one woman had a little toy in her bag that she let the toddler play with, another woman gave the mom a bottle of water. Someone else helped the mom get the kid’s sippy cup out of her bag and give it to him. It was so gorgeous. There was no discussion and no one knew anyone else, but we were able to calm them both down and she got her child on the plane. After they went through the door, we all went back to our separate seats and didn’t talk about it. We were strangers, gathering to solve something. It occurred to me that a circle of women, with a mission, can save the world. I will never forget that moment.” 

This is what is possible for us all – men, women, young adults, and children, as members of the human family - and when we really “get it” we will be able to restore paradise-earth and become one human family, not only in words, but in actuality. We will then know a lasting peace; but it takes everyone – leaders, followers, visioners, dreamers, imaginers, creators, healers, practitioners, workers, etc. And, we have to be on the same page with the ability to see a situation – even a young child out of control – as a possibility for loving interaction, be it through a warm hand, a smile, a bottle of water, an expression of understanding and compassion, a toy, a bite to eat – anything that creativity can produce for us to do.

I know I am “preaching to the choir.” I also know that because we are a choir – small a group as that may be - a larger choir is possible. To get there, let’s not see any task as too small, or assume that any reaching out is not our business. Let’s see it as an opportunity to make things better, especially when it is done with love and compassion. If it doesn’t work, at least we tried and there will always be another chance next time, but at least we tried. The truth is that all people are really just us in various shapes and forms. Together we shape the world.

With thoughts and prayers for the fire of devastation raging as I write. With gratitude for those who are giving up everything to be there and fight the good fight and those who are reaching out their arms in deep heartfelt compassion and helping in every way they can, big or small. God bless you, each and every one.    

Love,
Sherry
          
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THIS WEEK AT UNITY, JANUARY 15-18

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.

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

- 5:30-6:45 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
– 11:00 a.m. – Celebration of Life Service for Carol Lockard. Join us in the sanctuary as we celebrate longtime member Carol Lockard who passed on October 9, 2024. Reception to follow.

THIS SUNDAY, JANUARY 19

- 10:30 a.m. Livestream & In-Person Service – “Plug into the Power of Intention” with Jon West.

- 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.

NEXT WEEK, JANUARY 20-25

MONDAY
- 5:30-7:00 p.m. – Caring from the Heart, a LGBTQIA++ Support Group. Join Shawn, Erik, and Jalon in the Garden Room on the 1st & 3rd Monday of each month for an opportunity to gather in a safe place to be open and to share, express, and support each other in the LGBTQIA++ community. No judgement and no fear. For more information, contact Erik 541-556-0228.

TUESDAY
- 6:30 p.m. – Board of Trustees Meeting will be held in the Garden Room and via Zoom. All are welcome to attend. If you would like to attend via Zoom or speak at the meeting, please contact Ted Taylor at 541-953-7226 or juliated@comcast.net.

- 7:00 p.m. – The January 21st Behind the Lens film is Shane, directed by George Stevens, followed by a Q&A session with Tom Blank. Registration forms in the Fellowship Hall. Cost is $30 for series or $5 per time.

- 7:00-9:00 p.m. – Unity Open Men’s Circle in the upstairs Fillmore Wing. The Men’s Circle is a safe container where a man can openly and authentically share about his life, with the support and in the company of other men. Meets on the 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month. For more information, contact Raymond Albano at 541-285-3943 / ralbano.tmlp@gmail.com or Jim Drews at 541-731-8492 / drewsjim@yahoo.com.

NEXT SUNDAY, JANUARY 26

- 10:30 a.m. Livestream & In-Person Service – “Plug into the Power of Intention” with Jon West.

UPCOMING

Wednesday, January 29 (5:30-7:00 p.m.) - YFM Family Fun Night. Calling all adults with children to join us at Unity for a celebration of the Lunar New Year – Year of the Snake. We’ll have games, singing, food & crafts for youth & adults. Wear bright colors like red, blue, or pink. You can bring an Asian dish, but not necessary. Free, but donations welcome. R.S.V.P. to Alice Sparks 541-729-3817.

Saturday, February 1 (10:30 a.m.-Noon) - Sacred Women’s Circle. Join Géna upstairs for meditation, connecting, and a fun project. February’s theme, is Life Collaging.

Friday, February 7 (5:30-7:00 p.m.) – Valentine’s Dance in the Sanctuary. Calling all kids and adults with or without partners to come and join us for food, music, dance, and fun. Music from 1940s-2000s, limbo rock, and line dancing. Hosted by our Youth & Family Ministry. Offered on a love-offering basis.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES/NEEDS

POTS OF SOUP: Each Sunday we serve 2-3 pots of soup. We are looking for 1 person who can bring a pot of soup on a Sunday. Please sign up in the Fellowship Hall if you can help out.

PLASTICS RECYCLING ONGOING OPPORTUNITY: Every Second Sunday, join the EAT team to recycle your plastics! You can recycle a lot more this way, as our local waste haulers don't take much plastic recycling. But they do take #2 jugs and bottles that are larger than a tennis ball. So, separate your clean plastic containers into bags for #2 tubs (and bottles smaller than a tennis ball), #4 and #5 plastics and their lids (All lids must be separate). Bring your clean and sorted plastics to the Garden Room at 11:45 on the second Sunday of the month. We can help you help the environment by recycling them! Clean them well and save them up for us! Important: Do not drop off your items.

UNITY COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS/OPPORTUNITIES

Our January Bulletin has been posted. You can check it out at http://unityofthevalley.org/Jan2025/January2025.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.

Unikids (4 years old-2nd Grade) meet on Sundays in the Garden Room 10:20-11:25 a.m.

Galileans (Grades 3- 5) meet on Sundays from 10:25 to 11:25 a.m. in the Rainbow Room.

Uniteens (Grades 6-8) meet in the upstairs Treehouse room from 10:25 to 11:25 a.m.

Unity Teen Group (Grades 9-12). meet on Sundays from 10:25 to 11:25 a.m. in the Treehouse room.

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.