President’s Message
Whosoever would become great in my Father’s kingdom shall become a minister to all; and whosoever would be first among you, let him become the server of his brethren. 140:1.6 (1569.3)
Urantia is now quivering on the very brink of one of its most amazing and enthralling epochs of social readjustment, moral quickening, and spiritual enlightenment. 195:9.2 (2082.7)
When the present superstition revolt is over, the truths of Jesus’ gospel will persist gloriously to illuminate a new and better way. 195:9.1 (2082.6)
The world needs to see Jesus living again on earth in the experience of spirit-born mortals who effectively reveal the Master to all men. …195:10.1 (2084.1)
“A house divided against itself cannot stand.” … The true church—the Jesus brotherhood—is invisible, spiritual, and is characterized by unity, not necessarily by uniformity. 195:10.11 (2085.3)
The teachings above are always present in my mind when I look ahead to the future of our organization and how we will accomplish our mission of disseminating these teachings. And I believe, by observing them, we are moving in the right direction. Following Jesus while combining, consolidating, and joining our efforts and resources are vital for the success of our mission. We need to optimize all available resources, anywhere and in any organization—to join efforts to get the most effective results at the lowest possible cost. We expect to improve our teamwork and service by implementing the Long-Range Plan (LRP) we have completed and approved. I am convinced it will strengthen our teamwork and make our service more effective, and I hope our ambitions will expand beyond our organization.
Thank You
In 2023, it was a record year for donations received, reaching $266,094 thanks to a generous donor who gave us about half of that income. Thanks to your heartfelt donations, the Association now has the means to achieve its mission of disseminating the teachings of The Urantia Book. On this perpetual mission, demand for resources will keep escalating, so we count on an increasing number of donors to help us finance our projects.
We also thank the many volunteers and members who have dedicated their time, service and love. Their work often provided the expertise required for a special task, enabling us to continue in our service to the Father and our brothers and sisters. Many volunteers have fully embraced this mission with determination and commitment. Thank you all for your wonderful contributions on behalf of the revelation. And thanks to our Father and the celestial beings that never give up on us and keep inspiring us to growth and move forward.
Accomplishments
Last year was very productive; our team and volunteers worked hard to complete many projects. Among others, we may highlight:
- The amended bylaws were completed and duly approved by the International Representative Council (IRC).
- Our International Service Board (ISB) committees are now actively working to complete the charter of each committee and review their organization and procedures to comply with the new bylaws.
- Our constituents are also committed to review their own bylaws to ensure compliance with the new bylaws.
- Our LRP was completed and approved by the IRC. Our ISB members are now developing strategies that will be implemented to achieve all the objectives established in the LRP.
- Our Study Group Committee completed and published a new Study Group Guide.
- Our Education Committee held seventeen international webinars.
- Our Conference Committee held a Continental Conference in Mexico City, Mexico. In addition, they dedicated effort and time for the preparation of the International Conference, held at end of March 2024 in Baltimore, USA.
- 630 Urantia Books were given out to Latin America (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, and Peru) while others went to readers in Africa. On another front, we raised funds to support the printing of the Bulgarian translation.
Thank you all for a job well done.
Enrique Traver
On behalf of the International Service Board
Highlights
Spiritual development depends, first, on the maintenance of a living spiritual connection with true spiritual forces and, second, on the continuous bearing of spiritual fruit: yielding the ministry to one’s fellows of that which has been received from one’s spiritual benefactors. 100:2.1 (1095.5)
Jump to Highlight:
Study Group Guide Updated
A revised and updated Study Group Guide is now available for download and printing.
This was a mammoth undertaking by the Study Group Committee, taking over three years and involving dozens of dedicated volunteers. The recommendations of the guide are founded on a long-term collection of the experiences, lessons, and wisdom of study group leaders and participants from several countries and from all walks of life.
After going through a number of revisions, the document was edited and formatted by the Publications Committee to produce the beautiful edition it now is. To download a PDF printable copy, go to this link:
I feel a sense of duty and satisfaction for a job well done and I feel sure that it will stand the test of time until the next major technological advance.
I submit it to the wider audience for scrutiny and welcome all suggestions for improvement. This essential guide was designed for the important purpose of starting new study groups and for nurturing existing study groups.
I would like to thank and acknowledge the commitment and hard work of all those good people who have contributed to this revision:
- Andres Ramirez (Bogota, Colombia) ex-Chairman Study Group Committee, now Continental Coordinator for Latin/America, Study Group Committee
- Andres Rodriguez (Bogota, Colombia), current Vice President of The Urantia Association International, Study Group Committee
- Neville Twist (New Zealand), Study Group Committee
- Ian Campbell (New Zealand), ex-
Study Group Committee - Mark Blackham
There are many others, I thank you all for your service.
God Bless, may you be present to the spirit within you.
Phillip Marriott
Study Group Committee Chair
Two Engaging Continental Conferences
ANZURA Conference in Sydney, Australia
ANZURA held their 2023 conference, Talkin’ ‘Bout A Revelation in Sydney, Australia. The problem they wanted to address was how we, as a readership, talk about The Urantia Book revelation with people less familiar with it. Conference coordinator Daniel Swadling explained, “Despite being avid followers of its teachings, we seem to lack some basic principles and adequate tools or experience to attractively convey its concepts to new readers. It is hoped that the conversations started at this conference will continue to be addressed.”
The conference included the following excellent presentations:
- Introduction and Keynote: Talkin’ Bout A Revelation – Daniel Swadling
- Has Your Time Come? – Rex Merrett & Christine Bannigan
- Do Your Discovery Before Pitching the Gospel – Julian Martin
- The Ministry of Mind – Trevor Swadling
- Evolution & Revelation: A Method of Seed-planting and Expansion – Rita Schaad
- Spiritual Meditation and Remembrance – Robert Coenraads
- The Revelation Tone – Chris Wood, USA
- Understanding People – Andrew Swadling
- Finding and Attracting New Readers – Phillip Marriott
- How Can We Adorn Our Message With Truth, Beauty, and Goodness? – Julian McGarry
- A Guided Musical Meditation from the Piano – Gordon Tayler, WA
One weekend was never going to be enough time to completely cover every angle of the problem of how we talk about the revelation. Read some of the inspiring main conclusions drawn from the presentations and discussions discussed in the original article.
Click the link to join the Melbourne mob at next year’s conference!
Latin American Conference in Teotihuacan, Mexico
The Third Urantia Latin American Conference was held in the historic area of ancient Teotihuacan, Mexico, centered on the theme of the Fifth Revelation in the 21st Century.
Urantia Association International organized the conference with the support of Urantia Foundation and the local Urantia Association of Mexico.
Forty-three participants traveled to the conference. Additionally, almost 300 readers joined the online broadcast––a Latin American Conference first. Urantia Book readers from 11 countries participated, including 15 young adult readers.
Speakers from Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Bolivia, Colombia and the United States spoke on various topics including:
- The Universal Father – Hector Landin
- The Seraphic Ministry – Ramiro Ramirez
- The Will of the Father – Andres Ramirez
- The True Nature of Religion – Felipe Arrigorriaga
- Cosmic Citizenship – Alfredo Esquivel
- The Foundations of Religious Faith – Daliela and Jacobo Dudo
- The Reality of Religious Experience – Fabiola Domínguez
Participants shared ideas and experiences on these topics in workshops. A presentation was made by the Urantia Youth Group, and a speech by Urantia Foundation Executive Director, Tamara Strumfeld, laid out the Foundation’s role and vision for the twenty-first century. Attendees enjoyed delicious local cuisine and a three-hour expedition to the famous pyramids of Teotihuacán. After a brief introduction to the Urantiapedia website, a project funded with the assistance of Urantia Foundation’s Mustard Seed initiative, Enrique Traver closed the four-day event. Read the full report here.
Revised Bylaws Ratified
The revised version of the Bylaws of Urantia Association International were adopted in October 2023. They represent the culmination of years of the Association’s international experience, growth, and dedication to promoting The Urantia Book and its teachings worldwide. They have replaced the previous charter and bylaws and have combined much of the pertinent text that was in the old charter. This has resulted in a shorter, more concise and clearer governing document with greater flexibility to change with the times.
It’s important to recognize that bylaws form our bedrock as a legal entity. They provide the framework for our operations and are indispensable for navigating the complexities of the diverse languages and cultures within our organization.
In the past, the application of our bylaws has resolved serious issues for affiliate associations. Beyond conflict resolution, the bylaws offer a compass, guiding us on how to structure and effectively function as an association.
They focus on essential aspects, enabling us to pursue our collective mission in an organized and dynamic manner.
In 2003 we adopted provisional bylaws, allowing a three-year trial period before their official democratic ratification. Subsequent adjustments were made to align them with the Association’s growing network and evolving character. Now we sail forward with a thoroughly modern set of bylaws and a renewed sense of purpose in our mission.
Educational Webinars and Workshops
The Education Committee organized and hosted 17 webinars and workshops last year. Here is a small sample of our productions:
- The Value of the Revelation to Mankind – Enrique Traver
- Spiritual Unity and Us – Gaétan Charland
- The Part and the Whole – Rick Lyon
- Outreach/Evangelism: Audiences, Callings and Key Questions – Marvin Gawryn
- Are We in the Way of God? – Agnès Lazar and Guy Perron
- Teaching and Leadership According to the Urantia Book – Saturday Workshops
The weekly workshops are to study the proven teaching methods of Jesus as illuminated in the Urantia revelation and the information to join is placed on the Association’s Facebook page.
The webinars include an hour presentation followed by time for questions and comments. The presenter can choose The Urantia Book topic they prefer, provided they stick to the content of the book or include geographical, historical, and astronomical data consistent with the revelation. They aim to offer opportunities for presenters and attendants to share their views about the teachings, learn from others, and develop friendships and familiarity among the readership from around the world.
Past productions can be found on the Associations’ YouTube Channels:
Thank you to all the Committee Members for your loving service.
Jeannie Vázquez
Education Committee Chair
Financial Report
Urantia Association International consists of National and Local Associations in 28 countries around the world. Each of these independent associations is linked to the others via an International Representative Council, ably assisted by Continental Coordinators, and supported by a Central Administration (which operates “virtually” around the world).
Urantia Association is supported solely by individuals like you who are eager to spread the good word of this amazing book. Your generous support has enabled the good people at Urantia Association to continue their worldwide outreach in support of The Urantia Book and its teachings.
| Income (in United States dollars) | $ |
|---|---|
| Ordinary Un-Restricted Contributions | 225,653 |
| Restricted Fund Contributions | 34,160 |
| Earned Income | 2,046 |
| Other Income | 4,235 |
| Total Income | 266,094 |
| Expenses | $ |
|---|---|
| Program & Projects | 57,904 |
| Administration Expenses | 46,121 |
| General Operations Expenses | 11,025 |
| Total Expense | 115,050 |
| Change in Net Income Adjusted | 151,044 |
Looking Ahead
Long-Range Plan
The first step in our Long-Range Plan (LRP) is working together to assist our constituents in over 30 countries by identifying their needs and setting up ways to help all of them accomplish the mission. This objective is now highlighted in the plan as mentioned in the December Tidings. One of the first goals is for constituents to work together and share their common experiences in order to improve the effectiveness of our organization.
The second front of the LRP is to establish strategies in countries where we do not have a National or Local Association and then work hard to build one. This is how we can ensure that we reach every single corner of the world to disseminate the teachings. This is a highly challenging project that will require a lot more resources and volunteers than we currently have available, but we are confidant in your ongoing support of these ambitions plans.
Regular meetings are being held to discuss how best to actualize these plans. Special committees are being formed to focus on specific aspects such as developing a more interactive and engaging mentorship platform and making it more accessible to everyone. Another is to find volunteers well-versed in The Urantia Book to engage with budding truth seekers. We will continue to report on our progress throughout the year.
Fraternal Organizational Unity
Last year the Association engaged in talks with the Fellowship, which led to the events reported in the recent March Tidings. One of the Association’s goals for this project is “reducing competition and increasing cooperation among existing organizations, mainly concerning talents and the redundancy of efforts.”
In this article, our Governance Board Chair, Gaétan Charland stated, “I am optimistic about this, and I believe we will be moving forward in that direction faster than we can imagine.”
The Fellowship describes their goals as “Exploring the details and options of organizational cooperation and steps toward unity between the two social organizations that will best benefit the growth, understanding, and credibility of the Urantia revelation and presenting these recommendations to the General Council.”
From March Tidings 2024: “As devoted workers for the Urantia revelation, we welcome the opportunity to honestly confront our differences and seek the best way forward. Please pray for all the dedicated participants in this initiative for an outcome that will best serve God, the dissemination of the teachings, and the human relationships so valuable and necessary for the mission of the fifth epochal revelation.”
Seeding Efforts
Latin American is still the region where the dissemination of the book is spreading fastest, with many new readers and study groups, some of them already initiating the formation of a Local or National Constituent. An (almost) “common language,” “culture,” and “religion” in the region, helps to facilitate integration, communication, projects, training, and opportunities, making it possible to optimize our resources.
We are making an effort now to increase our presence in Europe and Africa and to distribute The Urantia Book in this region. We aim to be prepared and structured for the era when the chaos of confusion has passed and people will be willing to seek truth and righteousness, an era that we believe is right around the corner, just a few decades ahead of us.
Help us to support the growth of the Urantia community. Start by donating today.
Contributors
In appreciation of their support for Urantia Association and our activities in 2023, we wish to thank the following contributors. Names posted with permission. Not all contributors are listed.
- Jean-Luc Amblet, Switzerland
- David and Joyce Anderson, United States
- Paul D Anderson, United States
- Australia/New Zealand Urantia Association (ANZURA)
- Jean Ascher, Denmark
- Larry Austin, United States
- Zailyn Prada Blackburn, United States
- Mark Blackham, Canada
- Nancy Bove, United States
- Joseph Bruny, United States
- Douglas Cable and Betty Wallace, United States
- Michael and Elisabeth Callahan, United States
- Urantia Association of Canada
- Stephen and Connie Caruso, United States
- Michael and Elizabeth Challis, United States
- David and Trish Chilton, United States
- Bill and Kaye Cooper, United States
- Janet Cote, United States
- Brian Lee Cox, United States
- Ronald Craig, United States
- Kenneth and Linda Cramer, United States
- Eduardo Ramiro Cuestas, Argentina
- Mary Joel Davis, United States
- Irene Valenciano Fallas, Costa Rica
- Douglas Fulton, United States
- Maria Jones, United States
- Joao Frederico Abbott Galvao, Jr., Brazil
- Alfonso J. Garcia, United States
- Gestion Charland-Lessard Inc, Canada
- Katrina Glavan-Heise, United States
- Georgia Gleaves, United States
- Cheryl Glicker, United States
- Deborah Goaldman, United States
- Dave Gonzalez, United States
- Greater Lake Michigan Urantia Association, United States
- Janet Guaderrama, United States
- Virginia Heller, United States
- Isabel Henke, United States
- Robert Hersey, United States
- Doreen Heyne, United States
- Myra Hight, United States
- Ariana Horn, United States
- Matthew and Marian Hughes, United States
- Donna Huy, United States
- Quentin James, United States
- Gard and Florence Jameson, United States
- Richard Jernigan, United States
- Jesusonian Foundation, United States
- Bruce Johnson, United States
- Benjamin King, United States
- Raymond Klebba, United States
- Mark and Karen Kurtz, United States
- Mark Labine, United States
- Jean Claude Lafreniere, Canada
- Charles E. Lehner, United States
- Estate of David Linthicum, United States
- Suzanne Lizauskas, United States
- Helena Mendieta Lopez, United States
- Teresa Lueck-Bradley, United States
- Rick and Susan Lyon, United States
- José Enrique Marti Traver, Brazil
- Patricia Martin, United States
- Julian McGarry, Australia
- Patty McGrath, United States
- Charles and Debra McLafferty, United States
- Robert Middendorf, United States
- Jack Miller, United States
- Olga Molina López, Spain
- Melva Morrow, United States
- David Neufer, United States
- Barbara Newsom, United States
- John W Nugent, United States
- Robert Oliver, United States
- Susan Owen, United States
- Edgar Paternina, Colombia
- Jay W Peregrine, United States
- Voyette Perkins-Brown, United States
- Rebecca Picou, United States
- Gail Pollock-Manthey, United States
- Gary and Wanda Powless, United States
- TUB: 1406.1, United States
- Dave Reiman, United States
- Richard Rosen, United States
- Royce Russell, United States
- Andrew Rux, United States
- Ranji Samaraweera, United States
- Nicholas Scalzo, United States
- Jeanette M Schafer, United States
- John Schreiner, United States
- Cynthia Scott, United States
- Will Sherwood, United States
- Jake and Margaret Thompson, United States
- Charles Smith, United States
- Bryan T Snowden, United States
- Line St-Pierre, Canada
- Brent St. Denis, Canada
- Michael O. Stafford, United States
- Stephanie Stein-Buchler, United States
- Joanne Strobel, United States
- Trevor and Kathleen Swadling, Australia
- James Travis, United States
- Neville and Patricia Twist, New Zealand
- Urantia Foundation, United States
- Irene Olivia Valenciano Fallas, Costa Rica
- Judy Van Cleave, United States
- Meredith Van Woert, United States
- Michelle Varela, United States
- David Wagstaff, United States
- Neal Waldrop, United States
- Robert B. Walker, United States
- Rick Warren, United States
- Norman Weiss and Diana Whakapapa, New Zealand
- William Wentworth, Australia
- Jose Winum, France
- Chris and Alice Wood, United States
- Joel and Xue Wood, United States
- James Woodward, United States
- Michael Zehr, United States
- Wally Ziglar, United States