Unity of the Valley “Igniting a Spiritual Awakening”

Welcome

Spiritual Abundance

January 2013

Sunday Services at 9 and 11 am

Rev. Ed Conrad Rev. Sherry Lady Rev. Inge Sr. Minister Assoc. Minister Tarantola Assoc Jon West Music

Message from Our Senior Minister Rev. Ed Conrad Spiritual Abundance

Spirit, come to me with the power of the rising sun. Let there be light in my world, let there be light on my path that I walk, and let me remember always that you give the gift of abundant life on this new day. (Traditional Native American prayer)

Because of the winter climate of Eugene, in which you seldom see either a rising sun or a full moon, it is essential for your emotional and physical wellbeing to create alternative sources of light. There are products you can buy to fill this need and counteract seasonal affect disorder (SAD). I am not here to promote “happy lights.” I am writing to you to promote the practice of experiencing light from within.

When light is consistently pouring into you and through you from the world around you, you often feel better and have more energy. Yet, for the most part, light shining upon you is simply not enough to create the manifestation of abundance. So many suffer from the spiritual counterpart to SAD: Spiritual Abundance Disorder. Spiritual Abundance Disorder is a pervasive experience of creative impotence, manifestation struggles, and lack of energy.

Spiritual abundance is an all-pervasive consciousness that all is truly well. Your thoughts, feelings, senses, and neurotransmitters are on the same wavelength, and amplify this consciousness. In a sense, you become your very own rising sun or full moon. Even with persistent cloudy days, you are truly a light in this world. This radiance creates more abundance, just like the sun when it shines. Your enlightened reflection attracts a powerful response from the universe. This is spiritual abundance.

Let's remember that we are not the source of this light and the resulting waves of abundance. There is a Universal Source, and it is everywhere present. This Divine Emanation is within you, and is unlimited and all- pervasive, just like light when it is given room to shine.

I ask you this new year to pray as if there were no tomorrow. Affirm and energize the prayer provided at the beginning of this writing. Do not plead. Feel and know. As part of this spiritual practice, envision a rising sun or full moon, whichever speaks to your heart. This is a powerful symbol of infinite possibilities shining upon you and radiating through you. Turn up the rheostat of light, and awaken what is abundantly within you!

Let there be light, Ed Message from Our Co-Associate Minister Rev. Sherry Lady

My first New Year's greeting card arrived in early December from a sender who felt that the dates of December 21 and 22, 2012, were much more significant as the "New Year" than January 1st. By the time you read this, we will surely know whether this was true or not - and why or why not.

It was, however, the familiar quote inside the card that caused me to stop and reflect: It’s not the years in your life, but the life in your years, that matter most” This was followed by the handwritten encouragement, Fill your days with those things that make your heart sing. They are why you are here!

Sharing this sort of thing makes my heart sing. While writing this, I see all your faces that smile back at me during Sunday service, and I can say, truly, “You all put life into my years.”

May your 2013 be spectacular, filled with grace, laughter, love, and the knowing beyond a doubt that the Presence of the One watches over you - and all of us. May the era of true peace manifest for our planet. It's time, and we are ready! Ho!

Sherry

When thou prayest, rather let thy heart be without words than thy words be without heart. ~John Bunyan

WELCOME TO UNITY OF THE VALLEY!

We hope you feel at home with us today and will return soon. CDs of the 11 am Sunday services may be purchased in our Bookstore, or you can listen to the 11 am Sunday service talks by going to our website (www.unityofthevalley.org). Devices for the hearing-impaired are available upon request. Please ask an usher for assistance. Our Foyer is equipped with speakers so parents who need to attend to their children will not miss any of the service.

Youth and Family Ministry: Children are always welcome at our services, and we encourage parents to take advantage of our Youth Education classes at 11 am. Childcare is provided for ages infant through Grade 3. Youth Education classes for Unitots (infants through age 4/5), Unikids (Grades K-2), Galileans (Grades 3-5), Uniteens (Grades 6-8), and Y.O.U. teenagers (Grades 9-12) meet in the Fillmore Wing. Message from Our Co-Associate Minister Rev. Inge Tarantola

Dear Friends in Unity,

Have thy heart in heaven and thy hands upon the earth. Ascend into piety and descend in charity. For this is the Nature of Light and the way of the children of it. ~Thomas Vaughan

The above quote reminds me of Unity’s by-line, “practical Christianity.” When our hands are busy with a worthwhile task and our minds are on prayerful thoughts, problems become more manageable. The challenge is to keep our minds focused on the loftier thoughts while we go about our daily lives - to be “in the world but not of the world.”

I think of myself as a pragmatist, one who tests the value and truth of ideas by their practical consequences. The teachings have to make sense, and they have to make our lives better. Why else would I be motivated to study these principles? Whatever I glean from the teachings, and whatever actions I feel prompted to take, it has to be for the highest and best of all concerned, or what good is it?

In the end, these teachings have to live up to scrutiny and critical thinking. For me, they have done so, and they lead me on my way to spiritual unfoldment. As we start the New Year, we can make a renewed commitment to apply these Unity principles to all we do, think and say, and together make this world a better place in which to live.

Peace and blessings, Inge Join us in January as we explore these topics:

Sunday, January 6: The Transformative Fire of Divine Presence a Taizé/Burning Bowl Service (9 & 11 am) Sunday, January 13: Being Gods-in-Training: Aligning Heart with Intention Sunday, January 20: Pouring New Wine into New Wineskins Sunday, January 27: Creating a Spiritual Center of Abundance

Coming in February

Sundays in February will bring to light the powerful revelations from the bestselling book, Dying To Be Me, by Anita Moorjani. Moorjani’s book chronicles a powerful true account of her journey from end-stage cancer to a miraculous healing. Her startling recovery, that even baffled doctors, began the moment she awoke from a 30-hour coma, during which she met the truth of her being. The Power of Affirmative Prayer

Dear Friends,

Happy New Year! With attention to and involvement in elections and holidays behind us, we can now think about ourselves. Have you made resolutions reasonable enough for you to keep? Have you made the same old choices every year without success? I know that one really well: After many years of the same-old, same-old, same-old resolutions, the same old pounds and bulges still make their home in/on my person. Why do you suppose that is?

Could it possibly be that these so-called resolutions speak to, and of, what I DON’T want instead of the gorgeous sylphlike opposite to which I aspire? This, from one who’s taught and preached prayer for years and years! Time to ‘fess up, MaryEllen! Two things: 1) Never neglect your own prayer needs; and 2) give thanks in advance for that which you wish to manifest! Amen.

It is my pleasure to alert you to the opportunity to have your own

private circle of prayer. This circle is made up of ministers and leaders

of the prayer chaplains and Taizé ministries, each in turn blessing you

with healing prayer. This experience is available by appointment on the

third Wednesday afternoon of each month, at 2:30, 2:45 or 3:00 pm.

If these times are not possible for you, other arrangements can be

made. Call Rev. Inge Tarantola at 541-968-5540, for an appointment.

Love and blessings, MaryEllen

Prayer Chain For immediate prayer, you may call Inge Tarantola at 541-343-4181, or any other prayer chain member. A complete list of members is located next to the prayer box in the foyer. Members on the prayer chain immediately pray for you by telephone. These requests are also sent to Silent Unity for 30 days of 24/7 prayer. You may also call: Silent Unity (800) 669-7729 24 hours a day Unity of the Valley Dial-a-Prayer 541-345-9913, ext. 7 Unity of the Valley Prayer Chaplaincy Line 541-345-9913, ext. 8 Darshana Freechild, YFM Director

Who Will Care for the Children? Myrtle Fillmore, Mother of Unity, often asked the question, “Who will care for the children?”

Our mission is not to entertain the children, but to call them out. To be always entertained is to be dwarfed and dependent. To be ‘called out’ is to follow the harmonious law of the soul’s unfoldment. Who meddles with the rosebud? What fingers are deft enough to pry open that marvel of folded beauty? We are wise enough to leave it alone to follow the glad law of its own unfolding. But our children! Have we dealt as wisely with these buds of marvelous possibilities? Have we always remembered that they, too, must quicken and unfold through the innate law of their own genius? ~Myrtle Fillmore

In this New Year of 2013, as we, as a society, continue to be inundated with the latest media/social network technology, Myrtle Fillmore’s words continue to guide our Youth Ministry. We are very confident in the program we offer, knowing that it speaks to the shining Light that resides within the hearts of our precious Rosebuds – infant through high school. We are not tempted by the ‘entertainment value’ of the newest technological bells and whistles as we prepare the lessons of our 2013 curriculum. Our program is strong. Our families continue to return each Sunday, excited that the stories and meditations, celebrations, and rituals that we weave throughout the year meet each opening heart in its most authentic place.

INVITATION: We invite each of you to join us at our OPEN HOUSE on the first Sunday of this New Year – January 6! After the Burning Bowl/Taizé Service, we will joyfully open our classrooms so you can come and see the wonderful way we nurture and celebrate the unfolding spiritual journeys of our children.

FAMILY SERVICE: On January 27, we happily invite the children to come with their parents to the sanctuary at 11 am for our first Family Service of the New Year. Blessed be!

A Note from Your Administrator Géna Duel

A New Year! New Beginnings!

Another glorious year coming into fruition! Thank you God! May it be filled with love, joy, creativity, passion for life, connection, and fullness for each and every one of us! I feel the blessings of it already!

This year, as in the past, I am committed to cultivating and experiencing even more joy in my life. For me, this entails playing more, creating more, welcoming and exploring new activities, journeys, and experiences, and connecting even more deeply with spirit and with others.

On Saturday, February 9, I will be teaching a half-day class for women entitled Let the Joy In. This is the third part of a three-course series on Joy –how to cultivate it, and how joy actually brings us closer to spirit. In this class, we will explore the blocks and openings gifted to us through each chakra, and how our chakras can help guide us in allowing ourselves to “Let the Joy In.” Our connection with ourselves, our chakras, and the world around us influences our ability to experience and express our creativity, our passion, and our joy fully. It will be a day full of connection, creativity, meditation, hands-on play, and more. No experience necessary! So, women, come and join me in an enriching and fun-filled Saturday. Pre-registration is required. Pick up a form in the foyer.

Happy New Year, Everyone!

Hugs, Géna

We Hold Two Sunday Services at Unity of the Valley

Our two services on Sunday provide powerful experiences yet with contrasting styles. One is contemplative, and the other is more celebratory.

Our 9 am service, Anam Cara, is led by Revs. Sherry Lady and Inge Tarantola. Sharing that which is happy and good, we come together to listen openly to words of inspiration, uplifting music, and meditative silence. We leave in recognition of each other as soul friends, walking a path that is sacred and love-filled. This we share with others in our lives."

Our 11 am service is an energizing celebration of our community with uplifting music supported by the Unity music team and band. Rev. Ed provides powerful messages and heartfelt meditations. Our Youth and Family Ministry provides a spiritual education program for children and young people during this hour. A Message from Your Board/Leadership

Greetings from the Board

We have posted on our bulletin board the proposed bylaw changes that we will be voting on next month at the annual meeting. The bulk of these changes concern updating language and streamlining the way the Board communicates with the congregation. There are several substantive changes that will put in place a board with more depth of experience. We would increase membership to nine, serving three-year terms. Every year three members would rotate off. We would also be moving to a voting process of simple majority to facilitate handling business in a timely manner.

We have put a great deal of time and effort into these changes, which have been reviewed by the national association. We feel that this will serve the congregation at the highest and best level.

We have also posted our individual contact information. Please feel free to express your opinions and concerns to us directly.

Wishing you a blessed New Year, John Freshwater

To All Our Volunteers

A heartfelt thank-you to all of our amazing volunteers who help keep our beloved Unity community and church running and thriving!

Unity’s Heart Haven Bookstore

Come on in and visit Unity’s Heart Haven Bookstore. We have wonderful items for sale at great prices. We feature local artists as well.

Tuesday-Friday, 10 am-4 pm Sundays, 9 am-1 pm Shamanic Evening Friday, January 4, 7-9 pm

Come and celebrate Spirit through drumming and sound. Bring your drums and rattles! All are welcome! Donations accepted.

For more information, call Sunny or Gary at 541-461-5663.

Taizé & Burning Bowl Services Sunday, January 6, 2013 9 & 11 am

As the year 2012 completed its cycle and the year 2013 is born, we have the opportunity to let go of false beliefs and illusions that do not serve our highest purpose, opening the way for new, fresh insights and inspiration. Through the purification process, symbolized by fire, we release unwanted and limiting patterns such as fear, anger, guilt, and unforgiveness, thereby creating space for new blessings. Join us for this freeing and moving experience in consciousness that opens the door to a greater you!

White Stone Ceremony

Wednesday, January 9, 2013 -

As we move forward into a new year, we have the opportunity to release what no longer serves us. Once we release anything, a space is created within us for something new to come into being, and it creates the opportunity to step into a much larger, richer, and more meaningful expression of life. We will be guided to listen to our inner guidance in this sacred and deeply touching ceremony. Join us in this wonderful opportunity to experience new possibility and new freedom.

My world is filled The abundance of God with divine abundance enriches my life. and unlimited potential. I am blessed beyond measure Meditation Practices Tuesdays, January 8 - February 5, 2013 1:00-3:00 pm

Join Inge Tarantola in the exploration of a variety of meditation techniques. This class is experiential, and is offered by a variety of presenters who will share their first-hand experience with you.

We can help you design a personalized practice. You may find yourself slowing down and living more mindfully.

Suggested freewill offering of $5 per class. For more information, contact Inge at 541-968-5540 or [email protected].

Spiritual Education & Enrichment (SEE) credit available.

Spiritual Explorations Presents: The Roots of the American Transcendentalist Movement a 24-week series starting Wednesday, January 9, 2013 - 10:00-11:15 am

DVD presentations and discussions will focus on such inspirational agents of change as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Margaret Fuller and Rights for Women, Unitarianism, Social Reform in the Pulpit, Amos Bronson Alcott, Louisa May Alcott, Frederick Douglas and others, and the Legacy of the 20th Century and Beyond.

Guest presenters, by way of DVD series, are Literature Professor, Ashton Nichols, and Sustainability Studies Professor, Walter E. Beach, at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Professor Nichols has received two awards for inspirational teaching and is an award-winning journalist. He also writes nature essays, poems, and short stories. Professor Beach is the Distinguished Chair of the Sustainability Studies Department at the college.

We are truly looking forward to this 24-week series, which begins Wednesday, January 9. Join us for individual sessions or for the whole course. This is an enlightening, spiritual experience. Love-offering basis. Facilitated by Rev. Sherry Lady and assisted by Tom Blank. Deepening Our Connection in 2013 Our Transformational Journey Continues

Saturday, January 19, 10 am-3 pm at Unity of the Valley

The Pathways to the Heart group is in the process of identifying the many groups - small and large, formal and informal - active within Unity of the Valley. We intend to create clearer ways for all of these groups and circles to connect, inspire one another, and grow together. We want to deepen and expand those practices within our spiritual community which promote inclusiveness, interconnection, collaboration, and empowerment. This workshop will lay the groundwork for developing a template which fosters these practices within Unity of the Valley now and as we continue to move forward.

If you desire to see these values become a greater, deeper reality in our spiritual community, this workshop is for you. This is the next step we are taking together as a spiritual community as a follow- up to last summer’s Peace and Transformation Process and our Pathways to the Heart workshop in October. Please bring your heartfelt desires and your voice to this exciting "beginning"!

Sign up in the foyer or by calling our office at 541-345-9913. For more information, call Barbara McKie at 541-461-3594. All are welcome! Bring your own lunch.

As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others. ~Marianne Williamson

Joy Class III

Let the Joy In

A Workshop for Women

Saturday, February 9 9:00 am-2:00 pm

Do you want to experience more joy, more creativity, more passion, and more clarity in your life?

In this 5-hour workshop, we will spend time tuning in to and connecting with our chakras. We will explore the blocks and openings gifted to us through each chakra, and explore how our chakras can help guide us in allowing ourselves to Let the Joy In.

Join Géna Duel for a day full of connection, creativity, meditation, hands-on play, and more.

No experience necessary! Suggested love offering: $25-$40 (includes class supplies and snack)

For more information, contact Gena at (541) 345-9913, ext. 11; or, to hold your space in class, pick up a registration form in the foyer and return it to Géna.

Getting into Action First & Third Wednesday of Each Month 6:30-9:30 pm

Where on Earth are we going - and what can we do about it?

These two questions are at the heart of the ongoing workshop Getting into Action. It is a profound inquiry into a bold vision: to bring forth an environmentally sustainable, spiritually fulfilling, and socially just human presence on the planet.

If you are ready to explore what this vision means for you and your community, and to explore the opportunity to create a sustainable and just future, we invite you to attend. We are creating action steps! For more information, contact David Spinney at 541-633-0745 or [email protected].

PROSPER PARK Coming Alive Theater Group The new business and industrial development at Join us in January for

945 28th Street drama activities. in Springfield Everyone welcome! No experience Various size offices necessary. and workshops available with special discounts For more information: for new start-ups. Gary or Sunny 541-461-5663 Come see or call or Leonard at 541-968- Sherry Lady 5539 541-485-6874

Want to advertise your business in Unity of the Valley’s monthly Bulletin?

It’s easy! Let Unity help you get the word out about your business.

Ads must be prepaid. Rates Per Month: $25 for 3 ½ x 2 (business card size) or $40 for 3 ½ x 4 box.

Deadline For Ad Submission: 7th of each month prior to the month advertising in.

For More Information or Submission: Contact our Administrator, Géna, at 541-345-9913, ext. 11

Portions of the funds raised will go to support Angel Network, the Youth & Family Ministry, as well as local community organizations Weekly Meditation, Prayer Circles, & Study Groups See our website (www.unityofthevalley.org) for more information on any of our ongoing circles or study groups.

SPIRITUAL PARTNERSHIP (Fillmore Wing) Sundays, 10:00-10:45 AM. This class, facilitated by MaryEllen Avis, is based on the book, Spiritual Partnership, by Gary Zukav, who reveals a profound new relationship dynamic that enables us to reach our full potential and create authentic power – the fulfilling and joyful life that is calling to us all. Come and explore with us! Love-offering basis.

AFTER-SERVICE DISCUSSION & SPIRITUAL PRACTICE GROUP (Fillmore Wing) Sundays, 12:30-1:10 PM. Come and explore questions that have arisen from the Sunday topic, and experience group prayer and the deepening of the message from the service. Facilitated by Rev. Ed and other spiritual leaders.

MEDITATION CIRCLES (Fillmore Wing) Mon, 5:30-6:30 PM/Thurs, 5:30-6:45 PM The Monday group welcomes all meditation approaches and drop-ins. The Thursday group practices “Passage Meditation” as taught by Eknath Easwaran. For more information, contact Laurie Cracraft (541-345-7563).

METAPHYSICAL STUDIES (Harmony Room) Tuesdays, 10:00-11:15 AM. Fundamentals of Metaphysics is an exploration of the commonly held metaphysical principles and concepts inherent in our Unity system of thought. Judy Richardson (541-484-1958) and Janet Chandler (541-485- 5235) facilitate this group.

A COURSE IN MIRACLES (Fillmore Wing) Mondays, 6:00-7:30 PM, and Wednesdays,10:00-11:45 AM. Patricia Robinett (541-484-0731) facilitates the Monday group, and Valerie Keartes (541-914-0431) facilitates the Wednesday group. Drop-ins are welcome at both groups!

PROSPERITY IN PHILOSOPHY & PRACTICE (Harmony Room) Mondays, 7:00-9:00 PM. Come and join this group in practicing how to permanently transform resistance, fear, and lack into a living flow of abundance. Love-offering basis.

SPIRITUAL EXPLORATION (Garden Room) Wednesdays, 10:00-11:15 AM. This group is currently studying the Roots of the American Transcendentalist Movement. All are welcome at any time. Love-offering basis.

OPEN HEART MEDITATION (Peace Chapel) Wednesdays, 12:00-12:30 PM. Join Valerie Keartes in this beautiful experience of opening your heart to feel the complete and continuous Love of the Divine. Everyone is welcome!

COMING ALIVE THEATER GROUP (Sanctuary) Thursdays, 7:00-8:30 PM. Come and practice, and learn more about improvisation, reader’s theater, and other drama activities. Everyone is invited to join in on the fun! No experience necessary. For more information, contact Gary or Sunny (541-461-5663) or Sherry (541-485-6874). (Starts January 17) Ongoing Monthly Groups & Events at Unity

We offer a wide variety of activities, classes, and workshops here at Unity. This is a brief list of just some of our ongoing activities. For an up- to-date list, check our website (www.unityofthevalley.org).

TAIZÉ SERVICE (Sanctuary) First Sunday, 9:00 AM. This service for healing and wholeness is from the tradition of the Taizé spiritual community in France. The heart of the service is the singing and music, which unite all people in common prayer. All are welcome to join in the circle of healing.

SACRED FEMININE FOCUS GROUP (Fillmore Wing) First & Third Monday, 7:00-8:30 PM. This gathering is a wonderful opportunity for women to come together in fellowship, and to honor the divine in everyone. Open to all women.

MEN OF UNITY The Men of Unity Group is currently focused on community projects. For more information on how you can participate, please call John Freshwater at 541-895-3214.

HEALING THE SEXUAL/SPIRITUAL SPLIT (Fillmore Wing) Second & Fourth Monday, 7:00-8:30 PM. Join us for this group healing experience. Facilitated by Rev. Ed Conrad and other facilitators.

GETTING INTO ACTION (Fillmore Wing) First & Third Wednesday, 6:30-9:30 PM. This group explores the question, “Where on earth are we going and what can we do about it,?” what this vision means for you and your community, and how to create a sustainable and just future. Suggested donation of $10. (No one turned away.) Facilitated by David Spinney

HEART OF NOW COMMUNITY GROUP (Fillmore Wing) Second & Fourth Wednesday, 7:00-9:30 PM. This open group focuses on connecting deeply by letting yourself be seen, and by being present with yourself and each other in each moment. All are welcome!

SOUL OF THE HEART SACRED CIRCLE (Fillmore Wing) Second & Fourth Thursday, 7:00-9:00 PM. Using Hellinger's Systemic Constellation Work and sacred ceremony, this experiential process works at a deep soul level. This heart-based approach brings more immediate and lasting impact than techniques that address the mind alone. Suggested donation $20. (No one turned away.) For more information, contact Catherine VanWetter at 541-760-6959.

SHAMANIC EVENING (Sanctuary) First Friday, 7:00-9:00 PM. Come and join us as we gather together to celebrate Spirit through drumming and sound. Bring your drums and rattles. Drop-ins are welcome! For more information, call Sunny or Gary at 541-461-5663.

Happy New Year Everyone! THE MISSION OF UNITY OF THE VALLEY IS To celebrate and express the light and love of God in each other and all things.

WE VALUE

Love Peace Healing Integrity Worship Gratitude Beauty Learning Service Inclusion Prayer Joy Community Commitment Fun Prosperity and the Sacredness of all life

UNITY’S BASIC BELIEFS

1. There is one Presence and one Power: God, the Absolute Good.

2. All human beings have a spark of divinity—the Christ Consciousness— within us.

3. What we think, feel, and believe creates our experience of our world.

4. Affirmative prayer and meditation heighten our connection with God.

5. We must live the Truth that we know in order to demonstrate goodness in our lives.

CONTACT INFO

3912 Dillard Rd. (39th & Hilyard St.), Eugene, OR 97405 Office: (541) 345-9913  Fax: (541) 345-9182

www.unityofthevalley.org

OFFICE & BOOKSTORE HOURS Tues–Fri, 10:00 am-4:00 pm

BUSINESS OFFICE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

(541) 345-9913 John Freshwater, President Géna Duel, Administrator Barbara McKie, Vice President BOOKSTORE Kate Sutton, Secretary (541) 345-9913, Ext. 12 Bill Hirsh, Treasurer

CHAPLAINCY MESSAGE Brian Alexander, Trustee LINE Michael Tanner, Trustee (541) 345-9913, Ext. 8 Avonelle Kluessendorf, Trustee

POSITIVE PRAYER LINE (541) 345-9913, Ext. 7

SILENT UNITY (800) 669-7729