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Community Newsletter

January 2010
In This Issue
From the President
Treasurer Update
What's New
Parliament of World Religion
Save the Date SSS10
Study Group Update
Study Group Directory
About The Urantia Book Fellowship
UrantiaUniversity Teacher conference
FreeSchools-USA
United Urantia Festival
Quick Links...
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 
 
President 
 
Vice-President
 
Treasurer
 
Secretary General
 
Secretary
 
Judicial Chair
 
Membership Chair
 
Interfaith Chair
 
Outreach Chair
 
International Chair
 
Education Chair
   Lila Dogim 
 
Publications Chair
 
Finance Chair
 
Special Projects
 
General Council  
Lara Amyx
Robert Bruyn
Robert Burns
Tom Choquette
Barry Clark
Gary Deinstadt
Avi Dogim
Lila Dogim
Stephen Dreier
Janet Falbo
Tony Finstad
Cece Forrester
Marvin Gawryn
Janet Graham
Merritt Horn
Jack Kane 
Al Lockett
Charlene Morrow
Dolores Nice
Charles Olivea
Thomas Orjala
Ken Raveill
Phillip Taylor
Jo Ann Wiedman
 
 
 
Join Our Mailing List
 
A Word from the President - December 2009
 
 
Michele Klimesh 

99:5.7 Someday religionists will get together and actually effect co-operation on the basis of unity of ideals and purposes rather than on the basis of psychological opinions and theological beliefs. Goals rather than creeds should unify religionists.

 

Dear Friends,

 

Avenues of cooperation between the various Urantia groups seem to be developing spontaneously these days. Joint ventures in education, outreach, technology, study groups, and conferences are ongoing or on the horizon. When Urantians get together to exchange ideas for service opportunities, the potential for good increases for all of us. 

 

What it looks like from my perspective is this: as we honor the idea of doing the best work possible for the revelation, we will eventually be drawn to serve with the best qualified workers, regardless of their group of origin.

 

"And now let us welcome the new year, full of things that have never been."

Rainer Maria Rilke 

 

Happy New Year!

 

Michelle Klimesh

President
Quick update from the Treasurer
Emilio
In a recent discussion with Emilio Coppola, Treasurer of The Urantia Book Fellowship, he was asked how the Fellowship was doing financially? 

He replied: "As far as your questions regarding the Fellowship's Finances, we are in very good shape, we are getting a good return on our investments and we have ample cash to meet this years FEF budgets without dipping into our reserves.  Donations, remain on par with last years in spite of the economic climate."

This is good news with our country's overall economic condition.  It is important to understand that The Urantia Book Fellowship relies on broad donor support to continue its mission of disseminating the revelation to all peoples of the world. We thank you.
 
If you would like to make a one time donation or set up a monthly donation through our auto-debit program, please go to http://urantiabook.org/support.htm.
 
What's New and What's News on the Fellowship Website 
 
The Urantia Book Fellowship's website is constantly being updated with new material.  To see "What's New? What's News?" go to:http://urantiabook.org/whatsnew.htm.  Here is some of what you'll find.
 
New Audio Programs (mp3)
Exploring Islam - Dr. Frederick Denny, Professor Emeritus of Islamic Studies and the History of Religions at the University of Colorado, Boulder; lectures given at the Boulder School for the Study of The Urantia Book, 1982-1986.
Academic Confrontations with The Urantia Book (audio)
 
In-Depth Urantia Book Studies Selections from the Dr. Chris Halvorson "Perfecting Horizons" classes, Boulder, Colorado
 
Materials referenced in the "Perfecting Horizons" programs (PDF files):
 
Four Urantia Organizations Work Together at the Parliament of World Religion    by Paula Thompson

Parliament of World religion

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
From top left:  Cristina Seaborn, Paula Thompson, Buck Weimer, Will Wentworth, Kathleen Swadling, Trevor Swadling, Marvin Gawryn, Jeff Canton, Vern Verass, James Woodward, Verner Sutter, Irmeli Ivalo-Sjolie, Susan Wentworth, Arlene Weimer, Francyl Gawryn, Doug Childers, Meredith Tenney, Edward Harrigan, Larry Geis. (Not pictured were Gard Jameson and Sheila Keane-Lund)
 
The Parliament of the World's Religions was held in Melbourne, Australia at the beginning of December. It was the 5th such event in the history of the world; the first Parliament happened in 1893 in Chicago and the second happened one hundred years later in 1993, again in Chicago. The third Parliament was in Cape Town, South Africa, the fourth in Barcelona, Spain and the latest, the fifth, in Melbourne, Australia. The Urantia Book Fellowship has been present to represent the Urantia Book at all four of the Parliaments that have happened since 1993. However, at this parliament, we were blessed to co-sponsor an exhibit booth with three other Urantia organizations, including the Urantia Foundation, ANZURA (Australia and New Zealand Urantia Readers Association) and the UAI (Urantia Association International). All four organizations worked together on presenting and exhibiting the Urantia Book. Each group contributed significant resources and great value to the process. 
 
The Urantia Book readers from New Zealand and Australia did a great of job with logistics in making this event happen. I offer heartfelt thanks to them!

The overall tone of this Parliament was that of reflection and reevaluation. It gave the religionists who attended from around the world a chance to take a hard look at ourselves, at what we are doing and what we can do. We listened to the heart wrenching pleas of the Indigenous People present there as they beseeched the "modern" world to stop defiling the earth. We learned that they (indigenous people) cause only 1% of the problem and yet suffer 90% of the consequences of global warming. Leading experts on climate change are calling the catastrophe they face "climate injustice."

Equally compelling was an address to the Parliament on the first day by President Jimmy Carter, who admonished religions to stop the barbaric practice of discrimination and crimes against women and especially to quit using ancient religious texts to justify such practices. President Carter has left his own religious organization in protest of this and is boldly speaking against such practices. What a brave soul! To see his complete address click here: www.parliamentofreligions.org/index.cfm?n=8&sn=16. Spend some time, if you can, at the Parliament's official site, it's certainly worthwhile: www.cpwr.org. There are many interesting videos, images and articles that offer an in depth overview of this important event.

The Parliament offered its participants many lessons on transcending and healing. As I was talking to leaders of other religious movements I realized that schisms among fellow devotees are not uncommon; in fact, they are typical. I spoke at length to a woman representing the Spiritual Living Centers (formerly Religious Science). She told me that her movement (born in the early 20th Century) had a major schism about 25 years ago, but, in her words, "we are finally coming back together." It was interesting to me that she thinks 25 years is a long time. Some religious differences are handed down from generation to generation and have gone on for centuries. It always amazes me that people can be so angry in the present over something that happened long ago. I'm reminded of the quote from the UB that says, "...human loyalties, once mobilized, are hard to change."
 
While there, I had several occasions to sing and chant with friends. At one point the harmony we achieved was exquisitely beautiful. Later, my friend shared an insight about this with the rest of us. She said, "Isn't it a wonder that only through real diversity can we ever hope to achieve true harmony?" I had to let that one sink into my heart. It was simple and obvious and yet so profound. If each of us sang the same note, harmony would be impossible. True harmony comes only when diverse notes are blended together. Once achieved, it is entirely worth the effort required to achieve it. But true harmony can only be achieved when we practice singing all together. Harmony is a process of striking balance with others, not too loud, not too soft, but in such a way as to blend one's own uniqueness with the uniqueness of others.
 
The Urantia Book's wisdom admonishes us to get to know each other's motives and sentiments. To do so is invaluable in helping us to create sympathetic understanding for one another. Our sympathetic understanding of our fellows makes it hard to continue hurtful behaviors and it makes it easier to do the right thing. That coupled with true humility is essential to peace within our homes, communities and the world. The Parliament is where the religions of the world are getting to know each other. It takes courage to surrender notions of religious sovereignty and find common ground. It's progress and evolution occurring before our eyes and that's a very good thing!
 
The Parliament is an event open to any and all who wish to attend. I hope more and more Urantia Book readers will be able to attend future events.
 
While at the Parliament I kept a daily blog to document the experience there. If you would like to read these posts, please visit: http://urantiafellowship.blogspot.com/
 
 
Save The Date July 21-26, 2010
 
Please join us for The Fellowship's Summer Study Session 2010 at our new location, Techny Towers, in Chicago, IL, July 21-26
 
Theme:
God Consciousness and Cosmic Morality

 
For information on accommodations at Techny Towers, go to www.technytowers.org.
 
Techny grounds 
 
Societies and Study Groups are invited to run workshops.
Those interested, please contact Lara Amyx right away at: [email protected]
 
 
Study Group Update
If you have a study group you would like to promote, please send me the details or your study group.  Here are a few Study Groups around the country.
  • Stacey Harlan has a new group forming in Susanville, CA.  Contact Stacey at 925-628-3361 or [email protected]  for more information.
  • Jack Kane has been hosting a study group for the last two years and invites readers to come on Thursdays from 7:00 - 9:30 PM in Lakewood, Colorado  80227-5611 (Lakewood is a southwestern suburb of Denver, Colorado, near the foothills). Please call or email Jack at 303 988 3898 or Email:  [email protected] for more information.  Currently they are reading The Jesus Papers - Part IV of The Urantia Book and their format is sequential reading with open discussion.
  • Virginia Yarbrough's Study Group meets on alternate Wednesdays during 2010 from 7-9 pm in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This year they are studying our Local Universe. All sincere truth seekers are welcome to attend. Contact Virginia Yarbrough at 225-751-2369 or [email protected]
 
Study Group Directory On-line Update Request
 
Dear Study Group Leaders,
 
The Fellowship's Study Group Directory on-line is an efficient way for readers seeking study groups to find them.
 
However, the directory only works if its information is current.
 
Please help to keep it current by checking your listing.
Click on www.urantiabook.org, go to " Participate" and click on Study Groups on the drop-down menu.
 
Enter your state or your zip code to locate your listing.
Please email any updates or changes to me at [email protected]
 
I'll make the changes immediately!
Thanks for your help.
Bobbie Dreier
Study Group List Coordinator

The Urantia Book Fellowship
 
The Urantia Book Fellowship -- founded in 1955 as Urantia Brotherhood -- is an association of individuals, families, and various groups inspired by the teachings of The Urantia Book. The Urantia Book Fellowship supports the study and dissemination of The Urantia Book worldwide and is committed to the ideal of spiritual unity, which embraces individual diversity, as embodied in the teachings of The Urantia Book.  
 
Reader Services and organizational business are managed by the General Council consisting of 36 members elected from the readership. The Council is assisted by an Executive Committee comprised of Council members who manage various working committees of The Fellowship. The Urantia Book Fellowship is a member of the North American Interfaith Network.  
 
For more information, visit  About The Urantia Book Fellowship  or our home page at www.urantiabook.org 
 
The Urantia Book Fellowship
PO Box 6631
Broomfield, CO 80021
Toll Free 877-288-3772 
UrantiaUniversity Teachers Conference

UU Logo

 

 

 

Day Spring Episcopal Retreat Center in Ellenton, Florida
February 12 - 15, 2010
 
The 12th will be the first Official meeting of the UrantiaUniversity Interim Board of Trustees to prepare and assist teachers for sharing our beloved Revelation.
 
The conference is open to all who have expressed an interest in the UrantiaUniversity with the goal of bringing all teachers together.
 
The Florida Students of The Urantia Book (FSUB) hold their annual conference at this facility, and they have invited us to join them for our special event.
 
Day Spring is conveniently located between Sarasota and Tampa (if flying, choose either SRQ or TPA airport) on the Manatee River. You can preview the location at
www.dayspringfla.org.  For a registration form visit the FSUB site at www.fsub1955.org/registration.doc
 
Print the form, fill it out and mail it to the address on the form.
 FreeSchools-USA World Literacy
 
Here is an update on FreeSchools, which is currently comprised of three separate organizations, one in Canada (non-profit), one in Australia (obtaining non-profit status) and one in USA (newly formed non-profit). The website is being revamped now to reflect the three separate boards with one vision and purpose, but the basic information can be found at: http://www.freeschools.org/
 
FreeSchools is a service project committed to improving world literacy in areas with intolerable illiteracy.  Currently our efforts are in Bihar, India and in Thailand. 
 
This report from Sr. Cresent really says it all.  Sr. Cresent's approach to this meeting is something other Urantia organizations may want to consider.
Robert Burns
FreeSchools-USA
President
 
Report on World Literacy Programe Teacher's Meeting held in
October & November 2009
 By Sister Cresent
 
All teaching and office staff of World Literacy Program met in two groups separately at Sacred Heart Convent, Bettiah and at St Mary's. Motihari. The meeting was presided by Sr. Crescence.
 
Main theme of this meeting was to create awareness in teachers of their personal call to serve the unloved and unfortunate children.
 
Once the regular agenda was discussed, the members were given a fantasy.  They were asked to imagine that each one of them was offered an air ticket to go to the Board meeting abroad and meet the members face to face to answer their questions.
 
Step 1-   A Vision
Look at faces of the Board Members. Try to gauge their eagerness to know about our children. Feel their concern for the future of these children. Fathom the love, if you can, that they have for our children whom they have never seen.
 
Step 2 -  Reflection
You are alone before the Board. You are expected to answer the questions in sincerity and honesty (avoid all artificiality and duality). While you listened to them, be in touch with yourself, your feelings, your emotions.
When the dialogue between you and the members is going on, something is happening within you, you are being changed slowly. A new belief, a new thinking, a new ideology is taking shape in you, and you are gripped by them. Please remain in touch with that process of change. They are of great importance for you.
 
Step 3 -  Opening to self awareness
"Now you are back in India, at Motihari. Share with us what happened to you. What did you go through (feelings of joy, regret, love, enthusiasm???) 
 
(1) What did you find?
  • On the faces of the members
  • In their voice
  • In their dialogue with you?
 
(2) What Change took place in you?
  •  A new thinking?
  •  A new resolution?
  •  A new sense of commitment?

The personal sharing of the teachers was indeed very touching. Some of them are as follows:  

  • "The love that they have for us cannot be described." 
  • "Their love for children made me feel ashamed."
  • "We should love our children more than them, because these are our children."
  •  "It is unbelievable that people so far from us can love us with such intensity." 
  • "When I saw them I found my zeal is very poor."
  • "New awakening in me was I will teach my children with greater enthusiasm."
  • "I have come back as a changed person, more committed to the children."
 
The meeting led us to all rich experience, all for the glory of God.  
             Amen.  Sr. Crescence
The United Urantia Family Festival

Urantia Festival

You are invited to participate in The United Urantia Family Festival (TUUFF) to be held next July 1-5, 2010 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.   Please take a tour of the TUUFF website.  We feel confident you'll be inspired and delighted to join us in La Belle Province de Qu�bec next summer for a festival to remember for a lifetime.

We will be gathering folks from all Urantia Organizations, as well as unaffiliated readers, to engage together in a wonderful weekend of family oriented fun, as well as intellectually stimulating programs, arts and once in a lifetime adventurous activities.  A taste of the Morontial!  Along with a film/multi-media competition, there will be a community building presentation, public outreach event, live simulcast, several interactive seminars, and fabulous entertainment by our beloved World Renowned Reggae Musician/Minister Pato Banton. 

We will partake in some of the delights that the historical city of Montreal has to offer including the world famous Montreal Jazz Festival, as well as the International Pyrotechnics Championship Competition.  Can you imagine what a beautiful evening of audio/visual delights that will provide? 

 
We especially invite the youth of our extended families to join us for this remarkable event.  The United Urantia Family Festival will include recognition of YOUR creative ideas in promoting the Urantia Book teachings.  
 
Our exemplary lodging accommodations and menu go above and beyond expectations for a Urantia event, thanks to the advance planning of our Director, Diane Labrecque.  Please visit our website to get a wealth of additional details about our program and schedule of events.  Your input is welcome as we seek creative ideas and volunteers to make this the best possible event for all who participate in this exciting endeavor. 
 
We want as many family members as possible to join us because The United Urantia Family Festival is being designed to truly be a life-changing, spirit-unifying experience.  Sign up now and take advantage of the early bird discount!   
BEFORE YOU GO...
 
FIFTH EPOCHAL POWER HOUR
 
Stephen Zendt from the Golden Gate Cirlce Society in the San Francisco Bay area  recently asked us to consider these in the New Year.  Stephen says "It works, if you give it a chance."
 
  1. Sunday morning devotional hour, set aside for meditation and contemplation, possibly in the early part of the morning, prior to the first meal of the day
  2. Up-ward rising currents of awareness and praise on Sunday mornings can be a helpful atmosphere in which to place one's personal self, in open awareness of God, along with millions of fellow worshippers from many traditions and nations
  3. The individual makes a personal and regular commitment to do this, as a private tryst with the divine
  4. Other sincere believers/seekers may be included for group devotions, as long as the main effect is worshipful, non-intrusive, agreeable and loving
  5. Outside elements, such as telephone calls and TV/music/Inter-Net media, need to be set aside, although quiet meditative music can often be an effective aide
  6. Some place set aside for this purpose will be helpful, but it is not a necessity - indoors or outdoors, your personal awareness is the key element
  7. Some people do not have space for a special spot, so an adjunct might be to have art and objects of meaningful loveliness, that focus the mind on its devotional purpose, ready to place in front of you wherever you choose to do this
  8. For some people, incense and bells are conducive to opening deeper states of mind, while simply joining hands in a circle can do just as well, in a group gathering
  9. If a full hour is not possible, use whatever quality time can be devoted, to its fullest potential
  10. Keep in mind the Adjuster presence, the Holy Spirit of our Universe Mother and her Seven Adjutants, along with angelic helpers
  11. As this practice becomes more habitual, seek ways to keep from falling into dull routine or repetition
  12. If prayer seems appropriate, use words that come to you naturally and inclusively
  13. Keep the attitude-of-gratitude available in the forefront of consciousness while you do this
  14. Remember: "Increasing happiness..." -and- "Sincerity, sincerity, and more sincerity. . ."