Urantia Book Study Groups in Australia and New Zealand
Australia
*ACT
* NSW *NT *
QLD *WA *SA
*VIC *TAS
New Zealand
*Auckland
*Wellington *Central Otago
Please contact us if you are interested in starting a Urantia Book study group or, if you want your study group listed. Contact Anzura
A note on study group referrals
ACT
Vern Verass
DUFFY
ACT
Ph (02) 6288
4043
E-mail
Nigel Nunn
BELCONNEN
Ph (02) 6214
1465
E-mail
NSW
Trevor & Kathleen
NTH NARRABEEN
(Sydney region)
Ph (O2) 9970-6200
E-mail
Rita Schaad
NEW LAMBTON
(Newcastle)
Ph (02) 4956
2272
E-mail
William Wentworth
TOWAMBA
Ph (02) 6496 7139
E-mail
QLD
Trevor
Hughes
KURANDA
Ph: 07 4093
7105
life.support@hotmail.com
WA
Peter Webb
Kallaro
ph 08 9305 9930
Mob 0417581763
peterwebb@epawa.com.au
SA
Elizabeth
Spencer
TAILEM BEND
ph (08) 85737019
VIC
Bob Reynolds
WHEELERS HILL
(03) 9562-0111
bob@thermofilm.com.au
Gerhard Neuwller
BORONIA
(03) 9729-2523
New Zealand
Neville Twist
Epsom 1001
AUCKLAND
Ph ((09) 630
1415
mainrl@clear.net.nz
Marion Steward
MANUKAU HEIGHTS
AUCKLAND
Ph (09) 263
5800
e-mail: joemarion@xtra.co.nz
Colin Hemmingsen
WELLINGTON
ph (04) 476
4868
e-mail:colinhemmingsen@xtra.co.nz
Elizabeth Brown
CLYDE
CENTRAL OTAGO
Ph (02) 535
8232
A number of readers of The URANTIA Book have given us permission to refer other readers to them. They have done this to enhance mutual understanding of the teachings of the book and to establish friendships with other readers. In giving their name(s) to you, we ask that you use them only to contact these individuals and for no other purpose. Also, we are not able to make any representations to you that the individuals to whom we refer readers are adequately informed about the book, or that they are individuals with whom you would like to associate or study. These kinds of decisions are largely personal in nature, so we leave them with you.
The Urantia Book speaks to each individual differently. The experience of discussing The Urantia Book with other readers can be very beneficial for those who wish to explore diverse viewpoints and socialize with others seeking spiritual insights. Participation in an informal group is an excellent means to facilitate the study and understanding of the material, and blend the teachings into everyday life experiences. It also provides an excellent opportunity to develop skills as students, teachers, and leaders.
There are no set guidelines nor a specific way for forming or conducting study groups. Some groups meet weekly, others biweekly, still other monthly. They meet a various times of the day depending upon the schedules and lifestyles of the members. Some limit their reading time to an hour, others may spend a whole day reading, discussing, and socializing. Many read and discuss the book sequentially from page 1 to 2096, often one paper per meeting. Others prefer topical studies in which a specific topic is researched and discussed over one or more study group periods. Generally, the members read aloud in turn, discuss the material, share their insights and relevant experiences, and then have a friendly social period, oftentimes with refreshments. Two rules that seems to work well are (1) a question may be ask at anytime and (2) there are no inappropriate questions. Over time, each group develops its own character and a style of studying the book that best fits the needs of its members.
It appears that an essential ingredient for a successful study group is a core reader or group of readers who commit themselves to meeting at a routine time and place thereby giving the group stability, consistency and coherence. Such a routine also provides the occasional visitor or new reader with a reliable schedule.
If you have further questions or if we can facilitate your study in anyway, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Religion lives and prospers, then, not by sight and feeling, but rather by faith and insight. It consists not in the discovery of new facts or in the finding of a unique experience, but rather in the discovery of new and spiritual meanings in facts. (The Urantia Book p.1105 - §1)
The religious challenge of this age is to those farseeing and forward-looking men and women of spiritual insight who will dare to construct a new and appealing philosophy of living out of the enlarged and exquisitely integrated modern concepts of cosmic truth, universe beauty, and divine goodness. (The Urantia Book, p.43 - §3)
The early leaders of the Urantia movement were asked to form thousands of study groups. Perhaps this was because the study group environment is considered to be the most effective place for The Urantia Book teachings to take root in the hearts and minds of the participants while developing a social bonding of friendship among readers. Ideally, participation in study groups allows a natural growth of understanding to develop in a friendly, family style atmosphere.
Study group hosts embark on a journey that is filled with many rewards as well as some difficulties. Many study groups flounder while others thrive. Successful study group hosts have found that the basic keys to success are consistency, dedication, patience, understanding, love, and effort.
This brochure is designed to assist readers who are Urantia Book study group hosts or would like to become a study group host. It is a significant decision to make a commitment to lead a study group as you must be prepared to share these papers, that are so near and dear to your heart, with people you hardly know.
URANTIA Foundation does not have a set of guidelines for the formation
or conduct of a study group. However, we can share what we have learned
from fellow readers who have participated in various types of study groups.
Over time, each group develops its own character and particular style
of studying the Book, one that best fits the collective needs of each
of its members.
If you are
interested in having your group listed in the Foundation’s database
so that it can be referred to new readers in your area, you may call the
Foundation to request a study group referral form. For the Foundation
to refer readers to your study group, we ask only that the groups be nonpolitical
and focus their study only on The URANTIA Book.
Suggestions for Beginning Your Study Group
1. Establish
a consistent day, time and location for the study group. It is important
to decide on a dependable schedule so the members can easily reserve time
for the meeting.
2. Provide
a comfortable place to gather with good lighting. Coffee, tea and light
refreshments add a friendly atmosphere.
3. Do not
be easily discouraged: Groups ebb and flow as time goes by, but if a place
to gather is consistently provided, people do respond. Although the Foundation
can help by referring new readers to a group, many groups grow through
word-of-mouth referrals in their area.
“Association
with one's fellows is essential to the renewal of the zest for life and
is indispensable to the maintenance of the courage to fight those battles
consequent upon the ascent to the higher levels of human living. Friendship
enhances the joys and glorifies the triumphs of life. Loving and intimate
human associations tend to rob suffering of its sorrow and hardship of
much of its bitterness. The presence of a friend enhances all beauty and
exalts every goodness. By intelligent symbols man is able to quicken and
enlarge the appreciative capacities of his friends. One of the crowning
glories of human friendship is this power and possibility of the mutual
stimulation of the imagination. Great spiritual power is inherent in the
consciousness of wholehearted devotion to a common cause, mutual loyalty
to a cosmic Deity.” [The Urantia Book p.1776, par. 2]
“A social
group of human beings in co-ordinated working harmony stands for a force
far greater than the simple sum of its parts.” [p.1477, par. 1]
Leadership
“Effective and wise leadership. In civilization much, very much, depends on an enthusiastic and effective load-pulling spirit. Ten men are of little more value than one in lifting a great load unless they lift together--all at the same moment. And such teamwork--social co-operation--is dependent on leadership. The cultural civilizations of the past and the present have been based upon the intelligent co-operation of the citizenry with wise and progressive leaders; and until man evolves to higher levels, civilization will continue to be dependent on wise and vigorous leadership” [p.911, par. 2]
One does not need complete mastery of the book to lead a group. It is
helpful for someone in the group to have read the entire book at least
once. A leader does not need to be an expert on the book. The trick is
to be a good facilitator of the group process as they discover truth among
themselves. No individual can know all the answers. Each person should
be encouraged to share his or her opinions and experiences in the discovery
process. Readers are often anxious to jump in and help with the discovery
process, and this is what makes a good group. Every member should have
the opportunity to speak and share opinions. A person who exerts too much
control over the group can become a problem for others. Study of the book
is a shared adventure, not a class lecture. Discovery in a study group
setting is a team effort.
“The
people heard him [Jesus} gladly because he was one of them, an unpretentious
layman; the world’s greatest religious teacher was indeed a layman.”
[p.2090, par. 5]
Not having read the entire book should not discourage new readers who are starting a group, but lack an experienced leader. Many groups start with all new readers and thrive. Newer readers may want to establish contact with other study groups to discuss difficult matters because it helps to explore as many viewpoints as possible when seeking the truth. There is no single or authorized view of the teachings.
Neither is there any single or authorized way to study the Book. Most study groups read a paper during the meetings, stopping to discuss points of confusion or interest. Some groups read the papers consecutively; some choose a paper at random. Others study topics.
While it is certainly in our best interest to come together as a group to study and perform tasks, we must also be aware that there is no advantage to achieving consistent philosophical uniformity. It is diversity of viewpoint and experience that makes a study group so interesting and challenging. Study groups can facilitate growth and socialization, but they may also present new and surprising conflicts in interpretations of the message of the book. Members of the group are presented with new and unexpected growth opportunities as they learn together. Conflict is not necessarily negative. Resolving conflicts and turning them into higher meanings and values is a skill that can be gained through effort, patience and kindness.
“New religious insights arise out of conflicts which initiate the
choosing of new and better reaction habits in the place of older and inferior
reaction patterns. New meanings only emerge amid conflict; and conflict
persists only in the face of refusal to espouse the higher values connoted
in superior meanings.” [p.1097, par. 5]
There are
many references in The URANTIA Book that can help with your task, and
all members of your group can benefit from them. Some of these quotes
are referenced at the end of this brochure.
Making Contact With Potential Group Members
URANTIA Foundation keeps a database of readers who are interested in making
contact with other readers. You may contact the office for information
on your area.
Personal friends
and acquaintances interested in the book usually fit easily within a study
group. Referrals from other members of your group can work as well. A
note of caution: if you are a single female hosting meetings in your home,
you may want to meet referrals in a public place before inviting them
into your home. We urge you to use all your powers of discretion and knowledge
of safety matters in considering how you will handle such situations.
Setting Up A Time And Place For Meetings
An essential
ingredient for success appears to be a core group of readers who are committed
to meeting at a routine time and place, thereby giving the group consistency
and coherence. If meetings change place, day, or time frequently, you
may see a drop in participation because members will find it difficult
to remember and plan for the meeting. If consistency is not an option,
a calendar of the meetings can be of help in keeping things on track.
You should also set a time for beginning and ending your group.
Providing Comfortable Surroundings
Meetings are usually held in the host’s home, but libraries or community
centers sometimes provide meeting rooms for the public.
The meeting
place should be comfortable with good lighting for reading. It’s
a good idea to have everyone seated so that they can see one another.
A table can be helpful for writing notes and spreading out materials.
It is a good
idea (but not essential) to have The Urantia Book Concordance (or a computer
with the electronic version of The Urantia Book installed,) a dictionary,
a Bible, a Key Word Index, and a Pronunciation Guide available for reference
purposes. It may also prove helpful to have additional copies of The Urantia
Book for new comers who may not own one.
Balancing Study And Socializing
It is helpful to strike a balance between socializing and study in meetings.
Except for celebrations, potluck dinners, and gatherings for purely social
reasons, you may wish to guide how the group time is spent. Generally
speaking, groups spend more time on study than socialization in regular
meetings.
Some groups
begin or end with a brief prayer or a moment of silence, but this should
be a group decision. Some groups rotate bringing dessert for a social
period following the meeting. Others have snacks available during the
meeting.
We hope this information has been helpful and we wish you well in your study group. Please do not hesitate to call us if we may be of further assistance.
References in The Urantia Book that may be of some help are:
Paper 159, p.1762
The Decapolis
Tour
Subjects:
Introduction
for Teachers and Believers
Conflict Resolution
Forgiveness
Paper 100. P.1094
Religion in
Human Experience
Subjects:
Religious
Growth
Problems of
Growth
The Acme of
Religious Living
By: John Ploetz, California, USA
Have you ever wished you had been alive in Jesus' time, to walk Galilee with him? If only we could have seen Abraham with Melchizedek, or labored with Van to prepare the Garden, what opportunities we would have had to grow our faith and to be of service!
Unlike most people who have ever lived, we are alive in a time of epochal revelation. The chances to be of service to this revelation are almost unlimited, but we must prepare ourselves. In my opinion, there is no more important task at this stage than the development of leaders and teachers motivated by love and the desire to serve. We must know the book (the facts) and teach the book (the meanings) so that we can live the teachings of the book (the values).
The living laboratory from which teachers naturally emerge is the local study group. Here the in-depth study of difficult material can be attempted in a supportive family of other readers.
Not all groups that will arise around The URANTIA Book are study groups. It may be easier to create a religion about the book or to tell others that they ought to read it. But to get beyond the trifles of living"(1206:2) we really have no choice. Mark Twain said, "The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who can't read them." We have been given this most amazing book; the least we can do is to study it. A group helps in this greatly.
A number of people lament that there is no study group in their area. I would suggest to these people that they are the study group. Our unseen friends hover over the worlds [379:4] waiting only for our commitment to action. Once you set aside a regular time for your "study group," even if there are only one or two of you, you will receive help from unexpected sources. It is the regularity and the habit that bring results. "If you build it, they will come."
With some 400,000 copies of The URANTIA Book abroad in the world, there are more readers than you may think. We met another reader who lived on our street. He was getting his mail from the postman and saw an envelope from URANTIA Foundation with the three circles on it. He asked the postman for it, thinking it was for him. When told that it was actually for us, he came over and introduced himself and began to attend our group. You may not be as "isolated" as you think!
We have to cast down our buckets where we are. The Foundation can provide referrals, and some readers have found success with a discreet advertisement in the classifieds (e.g.-"Study group forming for readers of The URANTIA Book, 555-1234"). I wouldn't advise promoting the Book or seeking to attract people who have never heard of it as an effective way to build a solid study group. Remember that quality is more important than quantity, and that it is the regularity of the meeting that brings results.
Group cohesion will avoid many of the problems of individuals being disruptive, argumentative, or simply talking too much. Our study group has evolved some simple rules over the years, and they are easily explained, ahead of time and cordially, to someone inquiring by phone:
We study only The URANTIA Book in our group-nothing else.
While we strongly support URANTIA Foundation, we don't discuss the politics
of the movement in our group. Since we all have jobs to go to in
the morning, we need to meet our goal of reading aloud one paper each
night we meet for study group. We encourage discussion, but not speeches.
--- Don't be afraid to have some ground rules. Having group support for
them ahead of time will head off most problems.
Our study group has been meeting for about seven years, and my wife and I consider it the highlight of our week. We read through the book sequentially, one Paper a week. When we finish, we start over. We've read the entire book once, and are now reading the Jesus Papers having nearly finished our second reading. It takes about four years to read through the book once, but we don't miss anything and we can't avoid the "hard parts." In a group, you will find that your "hard parts" may be someone else's "easy parts."
Once each month, we participate in a Sunday potluck supper open to all readers in our county. This meeting moves to different homes on a regular schedule and affords a more relaxed social hour followed by a topical discussion. New readers are welcome, and people with differing points of view regarding the book mix easily.
The URANTIA Book makes many references to group wisdom and the need to be exposed to the diverse interpretations of other and diverse mortals as an antidote to a selfish and unsocial religion (1130:2). Our study groups are a source of lasting friendships and refreshing insights. Regular group study cannot help but bring benefits, including a real understanding of Jesus, who said, "…where two or three believers are gathered together, there am I in the midst of them."(1763:0)
TAS
Julian McGarry
Hobart
PH: 03-62950813
jmcgarry7@bigpond.com
Urantia Foundation • 7 Walsh Street North Narrabeen, NSW 2101
Australia
Telephone:+
61- 2 99706200
Fax: + 61-
2 99706201
