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 (8/24/25) service can be watched at https://www.facebook.com/unityofthevalley/videos/8-24-25-getting-to-know-your-box/808498838269571/. 

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

THE PATH TO HAPPINESS – ONE WORD AT A TIME
A message from Rev. Sherry Lady

Most of you probably do not know that I still have a landline phone. Yes, even in this day where I sleep with my cell phone by my bed and sometimes carry it into the bathroom so as not to miss an important phone call, I still have a landline. I don’t answer it anymore, will occasionally check the messages on it, though there are barely any anymore, but it serves a very important role in my life. It helps me find my cell phone when I misplace it, which happens more often than I like to admit. It has helped me find it in a jeans pocket, a bathrobe pocket, under a stack of laundry, and on the floor by my recliner when I did not hear it drop earlier, and various other places as well.

I know that someday they will stop servicing land-line phones and will cut my contact life-line for peace of mind. Then I I will have to rely on trying to not panic when I can’t find the mobile life-line I carry around with me 24 hours a day. I dread the day, which is coming soon, when I will have to say goodbye to the piece of equipment with the hand-held receiver but, I will bless it for the hours and years it has served me.

On the bottom of the phone, just below the digital screen I have a saying, which I taped there many years ago, copied from a note Nola had put on the phone in our church office way back when. The saying is this: “Before you speak, let your words pass through three gates: #1 – Is it true?, #2 – Is it necessary? And #3 – Is it kind? Those words have helped me navigate through some difficult situations, some heart wrenching phone calls, and in conversations when not on the phone. They remind me of how important it is to consider how our words – both negative and positive – will affect others and ourselves before we use them.

While at the store last week, a young woman was standing outside the door, by a stand of fresh cut flowers, holding a bouquet she seemed to be considering purchasing. She was dressed rather shabbily, looking very nervous, and trying to reach into the pocket of her shabby shirt when a woman, with a loaded shopping cart, almost bumped into her. Without considering any alternative scenario, she sternly said to the young woman, “You better put those back before you get caught. We don’t need people like you stealing things all the time.” The shocked look on the young woman’s face, and the confusion that resulted, could have turned into quite a scene if she had verbally responded back to the bold, and quite adamant accusation, in a negative way. She chose, however, to address it differently.

As the lady with the loaded shopping cart gave a last glare at the young woman and then proceeded to huffily head toward her car, the young woman caught up with her, took a flower from the bouquet and offered it to the woman with the words: “Please. For you. I have paid for the flowers and was looking for the receipt in my pocket.” “You paid for the bouquet?? Hmmm! How did you do that?” The reply: “From the pop cans I get from the garbage cans. They are for my mom who just moved here. I’m going to have a place to live now. Have a happy day.” This young woman knew about options, and she chose the kinder one. As a witness to this, which happened as I was getting out of my car, I was so impressed with this young woman. I told her so, wondering if, under the circumstances, and at that age, I would have been so kind and respectful. As for the woman with the cart, the softening of her face, and the acceptance of flower said it all. No words needed. I hope she made it safely home.

This Sunday we will hear more about “The Power of Words” from someone who is a woman of power in her own right. I know there will be something more for me to learn. In the meantime, I’m going to tape the words on my landline phone to my computer screen and a couple of other places – like my car dash board for when traffic is challenging, because my thoughts in traffic sometimes need some realignment.

Love and blessings, 
Sherry

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THIS WEEK AT UNITY, AUGUST 27-SEPTEMBER 30

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.

- 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
- 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.

THIS SUNDAY – AUGUST 31

- 10:30 a.m. Livestream & In-Person Service – Laura DuBois concludes August with an exploration of “The Power of Our Words.”

- 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.

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

NEXT WEEK, SEPTEMBER 1-6

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
- 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.

- 7:00-9:00 p.m. – 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.

- 7:00 The September 2nd Behind the Lens Seminar film is Giant, directed by George Stevens, 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
- 7:00-8:00 p.m. – Chanting & Meditation in the sanctuary. 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
- 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.

SATURDAY
- 10:30 a.m.-Noon – Sacred Women’s Circle in the upstairs Fillmore Wing. Join Alison and Géna for a time of connecting, meditating, and doing a fun project that incorporates the theme for this September’s gathering which is Affirming Our Good.

NEXT SUNDAY – SEPTEMBER 7

- 10:30 a.m. Livestream & In-Person Service – Our August theme of We Can Do This! Accomplishing Our Major Purposes starts off with a message from Jon West exploring “The Can-Do Mindset: Trusting in Our Divine Capacities.”

- 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.

- 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.

Thursday, September 11 (12:00-6:00 p.m.) – Unity World Day of Prayer. People from all faiths are invited to join us as we connect in prayer with Unity churches worldwide. Join us for an opening ceremony at 12:00 p.m. followed by prayer, walking of the labyrinth, meditation, and silence. Closing ceremony at 6:00 p.m. Come for part or all of the event.

Fridays, September 12 & 26 (1:00-3:00 p.m.) – Instrumental Inner Listening Practice. Join Jerry Green in the Sanctuary. Come and tune into Spirit with your own instrument, voice, and movement, or sit in silent stillness. Free.

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

VOLUNTEERS TO HELP WITH Youth & Family Ministry Halloween with Unity Celebration Fundraiser. We will have spooky fun house, crafts, games with prizes, gift items, food, and trick or treat. We could use help in a variety of areas. Please sign up in the Fellowship Hall or contact Alice Sparks at 541-729-3817.

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 September Bulletin has been posted. You can check it out at http://unityofthevalley.org/Sep2025/Sept2025.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.) Classes resume on September 7th.

Nursery (Infant-4 years old), Unikids (4 years old-2nd Grade), Unitweens (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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COMMUNITY SUPPORT FUND

Our Community Support Fund (CSF) was inspired by a Unity member who offered her government stimulus funds to assist individuals in our spiritual community who need it most. Grants typically range from $50 to $500 for short-term (not ongoing) financial needs, depending on the need and availability of funds. In 2024, people donated about $2,600 to the fund, and about $2,500 was gifted to those in need in our spiritual community.

WAYS YOU CAN SUPPORT THE FUND

• Send a check to Unity of the Valley, 3912 Dillard Rd., Eugene, OR 97405 with a note designating if it’s for the CSF 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 CSF or to general Unity finances.

• Send an email to unityval@riousa.com stating that you wish to pledge a certain amount to the CSF 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 the CSF 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 CSF.

Thank you all for being an integral part of our loving and supportive community.