Hello Jeanette and my other Oregon friends,

I have recently been contacted by a Chaplain at the Oregon State Penitentiary in Salem. She’s had several inmates inquire about organizing a Urantia Book study group among themselves. Prison policy requires that an outside representative personally facilitate these types of meetings. IUA is the outreach organization that would typically lead such an initiative, so I’ve directed this post to the local president and some active members, as well as other readers in your area who might wish to become involved. My time constraints here preclude much other than a liaison role in this plea for service, but I’m hopeful that among yourselves you can determine if there is interest and how best to proceed.

Liz, I know you spearheaded the Prison Library Placement Program, and believe me, it has borne plentiful fruit. I get volumes of mail from inmates all around the country who have found solace in the revelation during a challenging time in their life. Some of the letters we receive say little more than “Please send me a book.” But many are sincere, grateful, in-depth, and confessional of poor decision-making. Among those who express themselves, there emerges a strong desire to discover spiritual truth and progress in their understanding of the religious and cosmic values taught in the book.

This is a serious service request for precious time in your busy lives. If there is not a willingness to participate for this and the other obvious reason, I will understand and let the Chaplain know. I’ll leave it to you to discuss, and please feel free to widen this call to those who you think might take an active interest. Keen knowledge of The Urantia Book, study group experience, a desire to share the teachings, and a sober approach regarding realities inside the walls are the basic requirements. I’ll have to double-check on the rules, but a two-person team would seem like a good arrangement, and perhaps a rotating schedule of facilitators to spread the load and offer diversity of experience (for all participants).

So, we ask for your help or at least your advice. See what you all think and please be in contact if you have any questions or needs. I have already sent additional books upon request for their library and for those in isolation. Thank you for your attention and I’ll await some word before communicating with the Chaplain.

In friendship,
James Woodward

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