From the President

     On behalf of the Trustees, Trustees Emeriti, Associate Trustees, and the staff of Urantia Foundation I welcome you to this on-line Urantian News, the web periodical of Urantia Foundation. Through this new media the Foundation will inform its friends and supporters about the latest developments, about its projects and accomplishments. We know that this web publication is not a way to reach all of our friends, that is why we do continue publishing and mailing our Annual Report and also Urantian News, even if less frequently than in the past.

     The Trustees are very grateful to Jay Peregrine, who about a year and a half ago accepted our invitation to become the General Manager and Executive Director of the Foundation’s Chicago head office. He has been instrumental in cutting the expenses of our organisation. Even so, he and his numerically very small staff have performed in an exemplary manner in carrying out the numerous projects of the Foundation and in implementing the decisions of the Board. Apart from the remarkably increasing donations, the curtailment of expenses has been one of the reasons why the Foundation is in a much better financial shape now than it was only a short while ago.

     In late 2002 the Board of Trustees decided to establish a new category of participants in the work of the Board. Kathleen Swadling (Australia) and Seppo Kanerva (Finland) were invited to become Associate Trustees of Urantia Foundation. A short while later Carolyn Kendall (USA), Nancy Shaffer (USA), and Jane Ploetz (USA) accepted a similar invitation. Seppo Kanerva was elected a Trustee in May 2003.

     About the same time the Board decided to use the opportunity, provided in the Declaration of Trust and the Foundation By-laws, to appoint former Trustees as Trustees Emeriti. Consequently, Patricia Mundelius (Trustee 1990—1997) serves as Trustee Emerita and Neal Waldrop (Trustee 1989—1992) as Trustee Emeritus.

     The Associate Trustees and Trustees Emeriti participate in the Board proceedings as non-voting members. In creating this new category of Associate Trustees and in appointing two Trustees Emeriti, the Board wanted to have access to the advice and wisdom of a larger number of people. Associate Trustees are appointed for one calendar year and only two consecutive reappointments are possible. These limitations exist because of the Board’s desire to have a chance of learning about a wider and possibly varying spectrum of advice and to grant an opportunity, over the years, to a larger number of Urantia Book readers and students to serve the revelation and the Foundation in this capacity. No similar limitations concern the Trustees Emeriti.

     On 14 October 2005, at a closed session the Board of Trustees reappointed Nancy Shaffer and Jane Ploetz Associate Trustees and decided to increase the number of Associate Trustees to five. The Board appointed René Hagenaars (The Netherlands), Sue Tennant (Canada), and Jorgan Andrews (USA) as new Associate Trustees. Their terms begin on 1 January 2006.

     We look forward to working with the new Associate Trustees and to continuing our cooperative relationship with the Trustees Emeriti and the reappointed Associate Trustees.

     It was difficult for the members of the Board not to reappoint Kathleen Swadling and Carolyn Kendall, whose service has been excellent but who had already been reappointed twice.

     I quote one Trustee’s words addressed to Carolyn Kendall and Kathleen Swadling: “Your love, insights, wisdom, hard work, selfless devotion, and intelligent guidance have helped renew this Board and Urantia Foundation – – You have taught me what selflessness and devotion look like.  – – You have taught me what forgiveness and steadfastness look like. Thank you for everything.”

     Upon the election of officers in April 2004 the present constitution of the Board of Trustees is the following:

     President Seppo Kanerva
     Vice-President Georges Michelson-Dupont
     Treasurer Gard Jameson
     Secretary Mo Siegel
     Trustee Richard Keeler

     The Trustees are profoundly grateful to our friends, supporters, and volunteers. The Foundation has always been and continues to be fully dependent on your material and spiritual help and assistance.

Top of Page

Our New Format - Urantian News Online

Due to increased costs and reduced overall income, we have been unable to print Urantian News and mail it out to our very large mailing list this year. To compensate we are providing an on-line version. This medium also allows us more flexibility with pictures and last-minute text editing. We do hope in the new year to be able offer a smaller scale subscription -based printed version for those who would like a "hard-copy" of their Urantian News. We have and will continute to send an Annual Report free to all of those on our mailing list, plus a least two letters during the year.

Top of Page

Translation Report

A: Translations in Final Stages

Italian. Currently, a team is formatting the web version of Il Libro di Urantia, and the money for the first printing has been raised. The final formatting work of the title pages and dust jacket will be the next step. Efforts to find proper distribution channels in Italy also need to be initiated.

Portuguese. The Portuguese translation, O Livro de Urântia, has been formatted and the completed work is currently being checked by some members of the Brazilian UAI chapter. Unfortunately quite a few mistakes and inconsistencies in the translation are being found by this team which could result in further delay of the actual printing. The Brazilian UAI has also been engaged in raising funds for the first printing, but there is not yey sufficiently money. Efforts to establish the distribution channels in Brazil and Portugal need to be launched.

German. The formatting and designing of the title pages and the dust jacket of the German Das Urantia Buch has been completed, and the new edition of Das Urantia Buch will arrive in Chicago in early December. Funds for the first printing have been generously provided by two readers who have moved to Germany especially to help with the dissemination of the book and its teachings. Efforts to establish proper distribution channels in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland need to be effected.

B: Nearly Completed First Drafts

Swedish Final revisons and refinements of the Swedish Urantia-boken are progressing acceptably. Altogether, 99 papers stand as revised on 30 September 2005. A new translator from Sweden proper has volunteered her services in the refinement undertaking. This means that currently the team consists of five members.

Rumanian. Cartea Urantia was copyrighted and published in CD format in late September 2004. The CD is a published second draft and does not represent the final wording of the translation. The team is engaged in refining their work.

Estonian. As concerns the final revisions and refinements of Urantia Raamat there remain still some 25 papers to do. The team plans to go into the final proofing and formatting in 2006.

C: Works in Progress

Farsi. The number of completed papers is currently 45. These papers include 1, 2, 43, 48 through 81, 82, 93, 95, and 96. The team is currently working on papers 3 through 6, 94, and 119.

Japanese. Our Japanese translator has by now completed Papers 120 through 196, and has gone into Part II of the book. During the first three quarters of 2005 she has submitted 19 papers: 57 through 75.

Chinese. The Chinese team continues to revise the work they have performed so far. In August 2004, the team sent in their revision of Papers 81 through 100 and in July 2005 a revision of Papers 101 through 119. The team has translated the first drafts of Parts II, III, and IV. The team has now begun their work on papers 1 through 16.

Bulgarian. The Bulgarian translator has completed Part II during the second quarter of 2004, and is constantly looking for people who could be qualified to help him.

Indonesian. No tangible progress during 2005, but the translator is actively involved in Internet discussion groups and been at least somewhat successful in creating interest in the revealed teachings.

Polish. The Polish team has provided a five-paper sample of their final work for an assessment in February 2005. The submitted papers have been assessed, and a third opinion is expected from a volunteer who offered his services only a couple of weeks ago. He and his fiancée report that they could, in due time, help us also in establishing distribution channels in Poland.

Greek. The Greek translation of the first draft level was completed in May 2001. The head of the Greek team has now secured the help of two persons, one of them is a university professor in the Greek language and a theologian, the other is an expert in Biblical texts and is helping the team in her digging up the Biblical quotes used in the revelation. The team has now completed 44 papers.

Czech. A Czech translation project was launched in January 2004. The team have submitted their first drafts covering the Foreword and papers 1 through 12.

Spanish Revision. A team of revisers met the Board during the April quarterly meeting. The team was granted three months to come up with a sample revision, which has been extended until the end of 2005.

D: New Projects

Urdu. Thanks to the efforts of Gard Jameson, a Pakistani lady has completed her sample translation of five papers into the Urdu language. We expect to receive the files any time soon.

Hebrew. A reader has submitted a Hebrew translation of the Foreword. This sample was given a good assessment by a Jewish reader so consequently the translator is being encouraged to continue and has been mailed the pertinent agreement documents.

Top of Page

Distribution Update

By the end of the third quarter of this year 12,743 books have been distributed. Following is the breakdown by translation:

Top of Page

Urantia Book Internet School

This fall, the Urantia Book Internet School is testing a new web-based school center to replace many of the functions the old e-mail centered method. For the time being this will be in for the English classes only. Other classes will continue in the older format.

The test consists of a full semester class conducted by the test team, with different members filling the various roles of teacher and student. Our programmer has been very accommodating in “tweaking” the functionality of the site, and the net results are, at this point, exciting. The new site will centralize the classes, lower the burden on the class administrators, and allow for graphics and audio clips to be introduced to course content and teachings. 

For six years, the UBIS has served readers around the world by offering courses in four languages – English, French, Spanish, and Finnish.. Last year, 250 students enrolled from nine different countries, studying together in classes that averaged around sixteen students per course. 

Courses will resume on the new website in January, 2006. Look for Course listings for the Spring Semester in December on Urantia Book Internet School’s website: http://www.urantia.org/ubis/

Top of Page

Volunteers, Teachers, and Leaders

What is this fifth epochal revelation? The fifth epochal revelation is not mearly the words captured on the pages of the book we all read. It is the spiritual awaking which guides our lives and entices others to follow where we lead. A good history text book, even the best book on the subject, never claims to contain all of history. Nor is all spiritual wisdom contained in our textbook. A good history professor knows that not all of her students will become professional historians. Her goal is give her students an introduction to her craft: some basic guide for acquiring and discerning wisdom which her students can incorporate into their lives. Likewise, we know not everyone will become dedicated students of The Urantia Book. Still, our goal is to help guide others toward a greater perspective of the universe, toward our Father.

Much of our teaching and leading, learning and following center around our individual lives in our families and communities. Sometimes, we come together as a greater community to accomplish some greater goals, such as: publishing The Urantia Book, translating the book into the many languages of our planet, and opening channels of distribution throughout world. Our greatest tools for accomplishing these goals has been Urantia Foundation. The vast majority of work accomplished by Urantia Book readers has been done by volunteers. At the community level, volunteers organize and host study groups, they place books in libraries and universities, and they correspond with new readers and readers in isolation. At a higher level, volunteer teams have translated the book in French, Finnish, Spanish, Korean, Italian, German, Dutch, and Portuguese. All of Trustees, Associate Trustees, and Trustee Emeriti serve without compensation. Volunteers run the Urantia Book Internet School, serve in reader associations, and organize conferences.

There is always more work to be done. At all levels of involvement, there is a need for more heads, more hands, and fresh support. As a growing discussion emerges as to what we wish to do with the next fifty years, it is important to remember that we are charged to do the work. The higher we set our goals, the more that will be expected from us. In the universe ascension plan, accomplishment of one task does not lead to the end of duty; instead the successful completion of one task leads to more tasks being entrusted to our care. Urantia is the first training ground for our future ascension lives. This world is the first step; this life IS the ascension career. We are charged to give a helping hand of support to those carrying the load, and to take up whatever load we can handle. We are always to be asking, 'What next?' - Chris Wood.

Top of Page

Matthew Project

The Matthew Project is a group of dedicated supporters of The Urantia Book and Urantia Foundation who have been meeting for seven years now, quietly and mostly behind the scenes, informing interested readers about the projects Urantia Foundation is engaged in and how they can help see them realized. Much of this work has been done at small gatherings sponsored by Matthew Project members and their friends in their own communities. At these gatherings people socialize, hear about the work of the Matthew Project, and share a meal together. No one is asked for money, except to help cover the cost of the meal. These gatherings have proved very successful in connecting people interested in Urantia Foundation's work together in a friendly and "neutral" environment. Many of those attending have never belonged to a social organization or perhaps never joined a study group, but are interested in hearing about the Project.

Recently The Matthew Project held a gathering in Dallas, Texas, hosted by Suzanne Kelley-Ward. The attendees were treated to a delicious Texas style Bar-B-Que and a great band. Ralph Zehr gave a stirring speech on the Apostle Matthew - "The Money-Getter" and how he can be an example for us in our fundraising and giving.

The next Gathering is planned for Northern California in April 2006.

The Matthew Project is also developing a DVD - based "catalogue" of projects and items that potential donors might want to consider sponsoring. The DVD will also include inspiring interviews with people intimately associated with the projects being discussed. This DVD project is being coordinated by Hoite Caston, a former Trustee and experienced TV and movie producer.

Top of Page

Holiday Sale!

Urantia Foundation is offering our Annual Holiday Specials now through December 31, 2005 via the Urantia Foundation Webstore, or over the phone.   This year's features include The Urantia Book MP3 Audio, the 12th Edition of the Classic Big Blue Book, as well as French, Russian, Spanish, Korean, and Dutch books.  Visit the webstore at https://wisdom.urantia.org/Merchant2/merchant.mvc, or call us at (773) 525-3319 during regular office hours.  

Top of Page

Das Urantia Buch Available December 2005

After many years of work the German Translation of The Urantia Book has been published and will be available for sale directly from Urantia Foundation in Chicago by the 2nd week of December. Please check our webstore (see link above) or give us a call for more details. Sorry, we will not be able to ship quantities of the book overseas until after the new year.

Top of Page

International UAI Conference – Sydney, 14 – 18 July 2006

The countdown is on … just 190-odd days until the commencement of the International UAI Conference.  Hosting an event such as this is an incredible privilege, and I’m sure it will be an experience we will remember for many, many years.  If you haven’t already done so, get your registrations in and finalise your travel plans – this is one you should not miss!!

The conference committee has been very busy and we are well and truly on track.  All key milestones in the project plan have been met and we are under budget.  The purpose of this article is to give you a bit of an update on what has been done so far, what still needs to be done, and how you can get involved.

Theme - The Rewards of Isolation: Small Teams in Deep Waters

We are going to have access to some brilliant minds throughout the 4-day event, with 7 plenary sessions, over 25 workshops to choose from, and approximately 10 different study group topics.  The programme has been designed to ensure that all attendees have the opportunity to grow, develop, and expand their understanding of The Urantia Book’s concepts.  The workshop facilitators come from around the world and offer a diversity that has never been seen before on Australian shores.   

Venue and accommodation

The Women’s College is a magnificent, historical building, located on the outskirts of Sydney University.  The venue is perfect for Sydney’s clear winter days and chilly nights – all rooms are internally accessed, there is a lovely little protected courtyard that captures the sun, and the general “feel” of the place is cosy, calm, and welcoming.

The conference committee, the volunteers, and the International contingent are all very confident this is going to be a well planned, well executed, and well attended event.  The overall aim of our conference committee is to facilitate an event that encourages learning and stimulates the development of our minds and our souls.

For more information visit www.urantia.org.au/anzura/iuaconference2006.

In loving service

Merindi Swadling
Conference Chair

©Urantia Foundation. All Rights Reserved

Urantia Foundation • 533 Diversey Parkway • Chicago, IL 60614 USA Telephone: (toll-free within the US and Canada) 1-888-URANTIA Telephone: (from outside  the US and Canada) +1-773-525-3319

.