President’s Corner

by Bruce Porter
NUA President

The Northwest Urantia Association is nearing the end of its second year. Much has transpired for us as individuals, as a regional group, and as a part of the larger Urantia movement. We are moving forward and the time is upon us for shifts to occur within our organization.

The Northwest Urantia Association started with a phone call from John Ploetz and Cathy Jones, of the IUA Coordinating Committee, to several of us in the Northwest who had voiced our support for the Foundation. This led to several teleconferences and many individual phone calls to bring people together in this area who supported the Urantia Foundation and its position on various issues. Some of us were asked early on if we would hold governing board positions pro-tem for the first term to get the NUA off the ground. Three of the board members have been in place since the beginning, with the fourth coming onboard shortly thereafter.

The process came to fruition in May of 1995 when the licensing and chartering gathering took place. I think everyone who was there will remember the sense of excitement generated by that meeting. Something new was being created. Sixteen people signed as charter members. All except one are still members, and we have several additional members, bringing our current membership to twenty-two.

Now at the beginning of our third year we are ready for a shift to occur in the governing board. We are blessed with a strong membership from which no doubt will come those who are ready to serve in this capacity. It would seem we go long periods not very active as a group. But I am aware of the constant sense that we are holding something very important in place. When I talk to others in our group, my sense is confirmed. Our members are right there, it is as if we just talked, even if we have not spoken in weeks. This comes from shared purpose. At this time we don't have a lot of shared projects, but I am sure we will when the time is right.

I am thankful for the association I have with those involved in this endeavor. I anticipate the insight and energy new inter-associations will bring. I look forward to sharing the work, fun, and adventures the future is sure to bring for all of us in the Northwest Urantia Association.

Shooting the Breeze With the Old Man

by Janet Quinn Nilsen
Lebanon, Oregon

My dad was far from perfect, but I sure learned a lot from him. He taught me trust, and provided a secure basis for my future. He always had the best interests of his three daughters at heart.

He was sharp-witted, quick humored, always the first one to get the joke. He was also prone to impatience and did not suffer fools for long. His temper was a rip-snorter, quick to flare at impertinence or incompetence, instilling jump-to respect in my sisters and me. Just one of those "looks" was usually enough to get our attention. I don't remember receiving any spankings from him. Once we had gotten the "word", all was forgotten. Forgiveness was automatic and assured.

He was self-made and successful in his field—dentistry. He was generous with his time and talents. He hated pettiness, smallness of heart. He was a sucker for small dogs, cats and babies, likely to set any of these bouncing upon his knee, while whistling a jaunty tune. Although he worked six days a week, he was never too busy to read us the funny papers, brush a tangled head of hair into a ponytail, help with math homework, or later, invent memorable bedtime stories.

He loved to play card and board games and was a wicked cribbage opponent. I only beat him once. He did not ever play games with the trust and emotions of his children. We always knew where he stood, and that we could count on him. Period. We knew he would provide whatever was truly important to us. Ballet, piano, violin, painting, horseback riding, water-skiing, snow-skiing—all interests were encouraged, and if my mother approved, instruction and gear were provided.

He taught me about vision. He said,"You've got to see it in your mind first—then go after it!" He showed me that life is all about pursuing worthy ambitions. "Once you've made up your mind, just keep plugging away!" But what really counted was to live an honest, upright life and to be able "to sleep well at night." Simply knowing that he was there, helped me to sleep much better on many nights.

He allowed us girls to make our own decisions and mistakes, even though it often cost him dearly. He did not say, "I told you so" if our plans did not work out, but rather, "It's not the end of the world!" My mother claims that my father never told us "No". But she does not know of the few, private unequivocal negatives, or the many times that he would say "Not now" or "Ask your Mother" which was a certain No, as he well knew.

He was an old-fashioned gentleman, and he expected us to behave in a ladylike manner. It embarrassed him to have to take us to task for poor behavior, especially in public. He was handsome and dapper—shaved and in suit and tie by 7:30 a.m. Sometimes he would visibly flinch when faced with a daughter dressed in some horrid style of the late sixties. His worst insult: "Godawful!" His best advice: "Dress appropriately!"

After graduating from high school I moved from Michigan to Oregon. Many urgent, long-distance collect phone calls were made to Michigan requesting financial aid and parental understanding, which was always forthcoming without censure. But how happy Dad was when I called up—not collect—just to shoot the breeze, to tell him everything was fine, that I loved him, maybe even ask for business advice (which he adored). Tell him the latest antics of his grandsons. Let him know that his faith and trust in me had been well placed.

It's been almost seven years since I've been able to call up Dads and to get his opinion. He died a painless, peaceful death just two months before his eighty-first birthday, attended by his loving wife, doting daughters and adoring little dog, at home in his own bed. His old body slowly shut down and his spirit was gently released. He had always been a progressive, optimistic person in life, always eager to "get on to bigger and better things", and I am sure that he has.

It is because my father was such a man, instilling in me a trust in rock solid goodness, which I find it easy to transfer that trust from my earthly dad to that "Dad of Dads"—the Universal Father. Talking things over with my Indwelling Spirit is not really so different from shooting the breeze with my good old Dad. Not asking for anything—simply enjoying each other's companionship, complete with quips, comments, observations and encouragement.

We have been told that even as a child, Jesus would insist on having "just a little talk" with his heavenly father. You know, just shooting the breeze with the Old Man. It occurs to me that worship, that mighty engine of ascension, is really not so mysterious or difficult, but rather is the effortlessly simple mutual enjoyment and appreciation that flows between a grateful child of God and a loving Paradise Father.

Cruisin’ in the Slipstream

by Liz Engstrom
Eugene, Oregon

Last summer I was traveling with a business associate, and over the course of a couple of days, I found myself talking about both "designing my career" and "designing my life." He laughed when I mentioned the same concept in two different contexts, and said, "You're fooling yourself if you think you have any control over your life."

His comment stunned me. I always thought that I had made a series of right choices (and skated by the skin of my teeth through some wrong ones) until I ended up where I currently am in my life, with the things I have and without the things I don't have, all of it largely a matter of choice. Could it be that control over our lives is largely an illusion instead?

As part of the 12-step program in which I participate, we learn to "turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understand him." As a result, and through years of trying to practice this, I came to the realization that if I had indeed taken that step, then what I got, what I got to keep and what I lost was not up to me. There was no longer any room for fear or anger (anger being a byproduct of fear). There was no control.

Another of the twelve steps states: "Pray only for knowledge of God's will in our lives and the power to carry that out." In other words: Give up the desire for control. Get into the slipstream—the slipstream of God's will.

The URANTIA Book tells us that the end is known from the beginning, that there is a divine plan mapped out for each one of us individually, and that to follow that plan, to sincerely desire to do the will of the father is to take full advantage of all the opportunities for our personalities to grow. (P. 1191) I believe that this means that we all have built-in deficiencies and will be given the proper circumstances to stimulate those areas of our personalities that need to mature. I also believe that this means we all have our strengths, our gifts, our visions, and we shouldn't let them be compromised or beaten down under the weight of our homework growth assignments.

This line of thinking brings up a whole new set of questions: If there are no coincidences, as The URANTIA Book says (p. 556), then how do these perfect situations come into play in our lives at just the perfect time?If I'm praying to be in the slipstream, does that mean that my trials and tribulations are orchestrated, riffing off other people who are also praying to be in the slipstream? Or is the slipstream the default mode of living? Do we have to consciously buck the current to not be in the slipstream?

In some places, the book tells us that we must have wholehearted devotion to doing the Father's will, and living faith is the key. In other places, the book tells us that with the love, mercy and ministry shown to us poor souls tripping about here in the dark, we have to make a conscious choice to reject God's will in order to transcend error and slide into sin.

What about those who just cruise along in life, with neither a spiritual program nor a bad attitude? Are their opportunities for growth fewer or less intensive than for those who consciously endeavor to do the Father's will? Are their lives less rich?Are they in the slipstream whether they want to be or not?

Being consciously in the slipstream is a difficult place to be. In the center, where desire is the strongest, the current is swift and the rocks sharp.

Perhaps there are shallows, where those less inclined can dawdle, still being swept gently along by the waters, the vision of being caught up attractive, yet frightening. In the shallows, the bumps are easier to withstand, but progress is slow.

And then there might be banks, where one can sit safely, idly, afraid and bored, or wade about, making the occasional trek downstream, and watch and listen to the whoops and hollers of those of us in the thick of it.

And how about the woods, full of snakes and brambles, for those who would rather hoof it alone, taking a huge chance that they'll get out of range, lose sight of the stream, get distracted and end up going in the wrong direction entirely.

Life isn't easy for any of us, but when it's fast and furious and stimulating all the best of me, I may be very uncomfortable, but at least I'm making progress. I'm only doing the best that I know how to do today. And in my heart, I know that is all that is required of me today. I know I can always swim to shore, linger in the shallows, rest up, and I do that at times. But the challenges that are important, and the people who are stimulating, are right out there in the thick of things. It isn't long before I am eager to rejoin them.

So with my hands in the air, and a willing, adventuresome spirit, I put my trust in my heavenly father and all his helpers, and I dive in, knowing that I'm not only acting in my best interests, but in the best interests of mankind by being an instrument, and by letting the ripples of my self-aware spirituality flow outward.

Letter from Trustees
Jan 29, 1997

Dear Reader of The URANTIA Book,

As many of you know, the Trustees invited several Fellowship members to the Foundation office on Saturday, January 11, to discuss issues of mutual concern. We suggested that the meeting have a "theme" rather than an "agenda". The theme proposed was Understanding—first on an individual basis and then on an organizational level. We then hoped to start formulating plans for the future. The Fellowship representatives

The Fellowship representatives accepted this proposal. Those present at the meeting were as follows:

• Steve Dreier, Gard Jameson, Marilyn Kulieke, Harry McMullan and Mo Siegel, from the Fellowship,

• Tom Burns, George DuPont, Richard Keeler and Pat Mundelius, from the Foundation.

All of us agreed at the end of the day that it had been a very worthwhile meeting. There were genuine feelings of friendship and there was a true desire to work out acceptable solutions to shared problems. All of us recognized, at the beginning and again at the end of the day, that we do share the same ultimate goal concerning The URANTIA Book.

There were many topics under discussion during the day, most of which were not considered in great detail. However, we did conclude the meeting in agreement concerning several issues. These are as follows:

1. Reader Referrals: The Foundation will refer readers to study groups where the focus of the group is the study of The URANTIA Book, where the study group is a-political during the meeting and where the study group wishes to have reader referrals.

2. Communications: There would be every effort made to have open and frequent communications between the Fellowship and the Foundation, including more meetings.

3. Respect for Each Organization: There will be no derogatory remarks about the respective organizations. When leaders speak, it would be helpful if they would first identify if they are speaking for the group or as individuals.

4. Lawsuits: No lawsuits will be entered against each other without prior meetings to discuss problems. If at all possible, these meetings would include a face-to-face meeting.

5. Contact: Make all reasonable efforts to be in touch with each other when any problems first surface.

6. Projects: Look for joint project-opportunities.

We began and ended the meeting with meditation and prayer for wisdom in solving these mutual problems. We have agreed to meet again in the next few months. We will keep you informed and we thank you for your continued prayers.

Sincerely,
—The Trustees of URANTIA Foundation

533 Diversey Parkway, Chicago, IL 60614 U.S.A.
1-888-URANTIA, 773-525-3319
http://www.urantia.org
E-mail: Urantia@www.urantia.org

Fellowship/Foundation Meeting Report
2 Feb 1997

by Steve Dreier
Fellowship President

I regret the delay in providing you with a report of our meeting with the Trustees of URANTIA Foundation last Saturday. The meeting seemed to go quite well. At its conclusion all five Fellowship representatives were feeling quite optimistic, as were the Trustees. Since the purpose of this meeting was to seek greater understanding and cooperation between our organizations, I was concerned that any report we made about what the Trustees

Trustees said be accurate from their perspective as well as ours. We have learned to misunderstand one another all too easily. Therefore, after preparing a report on Monday, I sent it to Pat Mundelius for verification. That process turned out to be more involved than anticipated. There were a number of items which Pat felt required adjustment or elimination. In addition, events occurred subsequent to the meeting that further confused and delayed the effort to provide an account acceptable to both groups.

Consequently, this report is presented from the perspective of the Fellowship; more specifically, it represents my best current understanding of what happened at this meeting and subsequently.

Please consider this an interim report, subject to correction based upon further information and clarification. The Trustees may not entirely agree with my account of the meeting. We will have to let things to clarify as we go along. Discussions with the Trustees continue on a daily basis. A full report on both the meeting and related subsequent events will be made in Kansas City. By that time much that is now uncertain may be resolved.

The Fellowship representatives were Steve Dreier, Gard Jameson, Marilynn Kulieke, Harry McMullan and Mo Siegel. Foundation Trustees were Tom Burns, Georges Dupont, Richard Keeler and Pat Mundelius. There is currently a vacancy on the Foundation's Board of Trustees.

Our initial impression was that the meeting went well, better than anticipated. We met with the Trustees at 533 Diversey Parkway from 9-5 on Saturday, January 11. The atmosphere was entirely cordial. There was none of the irritation, arrogance and condescension often experienced in the past. Discussions were frank, ranging over a variety of topics including lawsuits, trademarks, copyright, advertising, translations, communications, reader references, organizational differences, and cooperative activities. There were no forbidden subjects. While matters from the past were mentioned, we did not dwell on them. Attention was directed to future possibilities.

The Fellowship representatives indicated repeatedly that they had no authority to bind the Fellowship to any agreements or understandings. Viewpoints expressed were personal opinions. Action of the Executive Committee/General Council is required to bind the Fellowship. The items listed below are all subject to this understanding. Any reference to "agreements" should be viewed only as an account of what was said, unless otherwise indicated.

1. The Foundation is willing to inform inquiring readers of all study groups in an area. If we provide them with a list of study groups, they will incorporate it into their study group database. They will instruct their office staff about this matter. The Foundation has not referred readers to most study groups listed in the Study Group Directory since 1989. The Executive Committee subsequently approved of this understanding and action is now being taken to provide URANTIA Foundation with study group information. We should see some effects of this by the time we meet in Kansas City.

We offered to list Foundation associated study groups in the Study Group Directory. The Foundation will poll their study group list to determine which groups wish to be included in the Study Group Directory.

2. It was agreed that future meetings between board members of the Fellowship and the Foundation were desirable. Fellowship representatives indicated that future meetings should include the entire Executive Committee and possibly the entire General Council. We discussed the possibility of the Trustees coming to the February midyear meeting, but their schedule conflicts will not allow that. We agreed to try to find a mutually acceptable date for another meeting in the near future.

3. There was agreement that direct communications between respective officers should be the primary means of getting accurate information about matters of concern. This would replace reliance on hearsay, office staff, and other sources less equipped to provide full and accurate information. This understanding has already been acted on with respect to at least one matter that would certainly have resulted in significant problems. As of this moment, direct communication appears to have resolved the matter, and led to progress in another area as well.

4. The possibility of jointly sponsored translations was discussed briefly. The Trustees seemed amenable to further discussion of the concept. One Trustee, Georges Dupont, seemed to feel quite positively about the concept. His primary Foundation responsibilities concern printing and translations. Subsequent to the meeting we were informed that the area of Fellowship-Foundation relationships was also assigned to Georges Dupont.

5. There was general agreement that it would be desirable to minimize/eliminate organizational denigration, particularly in official publications. Respective office staffs should also be instructed to refrain from expressing negative attitudes. It was recommended that those holding organizational positions clearly indicate when making public statements whether they are speaking for their organization or as individuals.

6. The Fellowship representatives encouraged the Trustees to consider using the Fellowship's paper-section-paragraph notation in future Foundation editions of The URANTIA Book. The Trustees indicated they would give the suggestion serious consideration.

7. The Trustees expressed concern with some of the advertising copy the Fellowship is using to market its new edition of The URANTIA Book. They feel that some of it is false and/or unfair. As a courtesy, and in the interest of improving relationships, we discussed the possibility of showing proposed advertising copy to the Trustees for their comment. Perhaps we can find language which is mutually acceptable to both groups. In doing this, the Fellowship would retain full right to determine the content of its advertising.

8. We discussed the problem of litigation in the Urantia community. We strongly recommended that the Trustees seek alternate means of settling disputes concerning intellectual property and other matter. With respect to the Fellowship, we asked that no legal action ever be taken without a face to face meeting between principals of the two organizations. The Trustees indicated they understood our suggestion and would discuss it further among themselves.

9. The Trustees stated that, as Trustees, their primary loyalty is to the Foundation's Declaration of Trust. They pointed out that, according to that document, they are required to maintain absolute control over the physical fact of The URANTIA Book and all translations thereof, and that they were duty bound to carry out those provisions as best they could.

10. The general principle of fostering sympathetic understanding and cooperative activities between the two organizations was agreed to by all present.

The Fellowship representatives left this meeting with the feeling that the Trustees are genuinely seeking to improve relationships between the Fellowship and the Foundation, significant differences of viewpoint notwithstanding. Subsequent discussions and events suggested that our initial impressions might have been overly optimistic. Further discussion tended to somewhat restore that optimism. The sawtooth experience of this week is probably a reasonable indicator of the challenge involved making bona fide improvement in the relationship between the Fellowship and the Foundation.

There do appear to be real opportunities for improvement of inter-organizational understanding and cooperation, but progress may not come quickly or easily; nor are we likely to be able to resolve every difference in a mutually satisfactory manner. An attitude of controlled optimism seems reasonable at this time. The Trustees say they want to make things better; they also say that their basic objectives are unchanged. We say the same things. Just how these two sentiments will fit together is far from clear.

As usual, a wide range of opinion has been expressed about this matter. Some Fellowship members are not convinced that the Trustees are sincere in seeking to improve the relationship between the Foundation and the Fellowship. They want to see more tangible evidence of that sincerity before accepting the proposition as valid. In addition, years of separation and animosity have provided an atmosphere tinged with misunderstanding, suspicion and distrust.

Nevertheless, we must begin from where we are. Each of us, individually and collectively, must decide how we will proceed in this matter. At this point whatever potentials there are for improvement between our two organizations are young and fragile. This makes them easy to damage and difficult to culture. Under such conditions the actions of each individual are greatly magnified. If these apparent potentials are to mature into something better than what we have now, it will require from each of us the best of our thought, word and deed. If we are not willing to bring those attributes to bear, we would be better off not even trying. This is probably one of those situations in which failure is likely to leave the matter worse confused.

Let us hope for the best, and do all we can to bring that about. Most readers are sincerely interested in seeing a genuine improvement in relationship between the Fellowship and the Foundation. Such an improvement is possible only where there is an atmosphere of mutual respect, sincerity, honesty and flexibility. If these elements are absent, on either side, we are not likely to see much progress. Pray that the advocates for both groups find themselves amply provided with those essential endowments, and with the courage to use them to evolve these apparent potentials into new and better realities for a new and better future.

Feel free to contact any of the Fellowship members who attended the meeting if you would like further information or clarification on this report.

I look forward to seeing you in Kansas City.

—In fellowship, Steve Dreier

A Lesson Letter

by Patty McGrath
Boise, Idaho

It is important in the micro stresses of daily living that you do not lose sight of the macro goal of life. That goal is to attune your mind to the spirit of God that dwells within you. The URANTIA Book calls that spirit fragment of Absolute Truth, Beauty, and Goodness your Thought Adjuster. But it is you who are in charge of adjusting your thoughts. The personality, Tim, rules sovereign and supreme the mind that God gave you.

God gave you. Your mind is where you live. Thought always precedes action; you think and choose before you do. So, train your mind well to make loving choices. You have a perfect guide, but you and only you are the captain of the ship of your mind.

Each physical incident in your day provides a spiritual opportunity for choosing how to respond. A car pulls in front of you, then proceeds to drive below the speed limit and you are the one stuck at the red light. An opportunity has presented itself for you to choose. Things like that feel like a direct attack upon your busy schedule and one often gets angry. Instead, use the opportunity to ask for a silent blessing for the other driver. Ask your Father to help your impatience and to bless another child of God. Remember that by giving loving thoughts to another you acquire them for yourself and the resulting peace and joy blesses your life. A moment that could have been filled with anger and impatience is now blessed with a warm joy and peace. A choice for love has been made.

Each day presents opportunities to choose a loving path; admire and seek beauty and balance; or act unselfishly—just for the joy of doing good. It is these small unnoticed micro choices of everyday life that we prepare ourselves and our minds for the big choices. God doesn't ask you to change anyone else's world view—only for your own choices are you responsible.

You have been given a kingdom to rule. Your mind is your kingdom and you are absolute ruler. Free will is sovereign and God himself will not interfere with your choices. However, you do have a perfect advisor—One who always knows the correct path and the correct action to choose. Just ask, "What is Your will, my Father?" and you are asking for an intelligent loving solution to any problem that confronts you. Love is not stupid. It is the most powerful force of all, as God rules an entire Universe with the power of His Love. But He knows the right way to use love. Ask for help and you won't be stumbling all over yourself in situations where even angels would fear to tread.

Life is full of challenges and stresses. Learn to laugh. When you find that you are taking yourself too seriously—laugh out loud. It is a marvelous tension releaser. Humor comes from the Source of Love.

You are a Thought of God, Tim, never separate from love and beauty, peace and joy. Those words which we often take for granted ". . . in Him do we live, move, and have our being," are the truth. You are not alone and you don't have to solve your problems alone. He is with you, loving you, wanting you to succeed. Somehow the early Christians got it in their heads that money and a healthy spiritual life were incompatible. They also thought that a healthy sex life and a healthy spiritual life were incompatible. Both views are unfortunate and have caused no end of confusion and pain. The poor and downtrodden of society were just the first to listen to Jesus' message of God as a loving Father and all mankind as brothers in the family of God. That is a universal message for rich and poor, male and female alike. Your Thought Adjuster wants you to succeed in all areas of your life here on earth. But it is only if you allow a physical goal (acquiring many green pieces of paper) to supersede a healthy spiritual and mental life that major problems will arise.

The macro goal IS Tim. You are right about that. However, remember what Jesus said, "Seek ye first the will of the Father, and all else shall be given you." God is not opposed to your being successful in any of life's undertakings. Just don't allow a physical goal to obscure your primary life's goal—to attune your mind to truth, beauty, and goodness.

First and foremost, do not forget what you are. Child of God, you are holy, beautiful, and good. Be as God created you.

Love, Mom

(Patty McGrath, of Idaho Urantia Association, often writes "lesson letters" to her son who recently graduated with a degree in Finance.)

Treasurer’s Report

The NUA has had a productive 1996. Our newsletter has been well received. Thanks to the efforts of Mario and all who contributed the wonderful articles that made each issue educational and entertaining.

Our president, Bruce Porter, has been working with SURF prepare for the USUA conference at Glen Ivy, California, which is set for May 15 to 21. This year looks like it will be a productive one also. We have added some new members. We are growing.

As treasurer I would like to report that we have a balance of $237. We have received $110 in donations from people that wanted to be on the newsletter mailing list.

We made a $50 donation to the Urantia Foundation and $50 to the United States Urantia Association. We spent $86 putting together the 1996 meetings. The newsletter postage and printing expenses added up to $373. This comes to about $125 per issue.

At the summer meeting we voted to make the yearly dues $40 for individuals and $60 for couples. There are still some dues that have not been paid for in 1996. When they come in, I feel confident that NUA can keep its head above water. We do not know what expenses will be associated with the conference in California, but they probably will not be more than a few phone calls and mailings.

The year 1977 shows some promise for the further strengthening of our fledgling organization. With the grace of the Father, and our continued efforts, we move on into the future.

Respectfully yours,
—Pat Murnin

At Janet Nilsen’s Office, Lebanon, Oregon

MEMBERS PRESENT: Janet Nilsen, Bruce Porter, Liz Engstrom, Leonard Ablieter, Lori Danté, Mike D’Ambrosia, Dennis Gray, Pat Murnin, and MC. GUESTS: Laura Lackey, Joseph Fullmer, Dio and Tasha Danté.

No group picture this time—Mark, our photographer, being absent. This has been the most attended meeting we have had. Besides our four seen guests, several unseen guests of the angelic order were hovering dangerously close to the ceiling fan. We all are getting less visible, harder to photograph.

The NUA President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary gave their usual reports, and that was that. The meeting was four months ago. We need a new secretary, one who will take good notes, true minutes of our meetings. If I remember right, we attempted to discuss the article written by Carolyn Kendall, regarding the Urantia movement, but we did not get far.

Lebanon is over an hour drive from Portland. Had a good visit with Leonard who carpooled with me. The meeting was at Janet Nilsen’s office in downtown Lebanon on Main Street. Janet gave us a tour of her workplace, practically the entire second floor of the building. Her jewelry and paintings are displayed in a gallery and about everywhere else. And there is that great ballroom. While we humans wished we had a ball, our hyper Adjusters went ahead and did.

Our next meeting, originally scheduled for March 16, has been moved to March 9. Check your calendar. It will be at Liz Engstrom’s home in Eugene. Her directions on the back page. What we like about these gatherings is not so much the business part (who likes working?) but the socializing, catching up with news, the heightened energy of being together. Plus the potluck goodies & dessert. What else?

Since December, Mike D’Ambrosia has resigned from the Northwest Urantia Association. We thank him for his service, especially for the eight books placed in the Multnomah County Library. We wish him well. Mike is a regular at the Portland UB study meetings. Our study group meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month, at 7 p.m. See you there, Mike.

John Wilson, from Lopez Island, Washington, joined NUA late last year. After reading the Book for over thirty years in isolation, he attended a gathering of readers for the first time in Nashville, at the ‘96 International Conference. He said, "I have never met so many happy faces in one place." See you, John, if not in March, then in May at the USUA Conference.

We hope more of you will come to the next meeting on March 9. We are replacing two members of the NUA governing board. Dennis and me—our time is up. We need a quorum and at least two members willing to serve. If more than two are interested in either being vice president or secretary, we shall hold elections. The secretary duties do not include newsletter production, which I will keep doing until thrown out.

—MC, NUA Secretary