URANTIA ASSOCIATION of the UNITED STATES

          At least 65 people attended the annual Christmas party at the Urantia Foundation on December 9^th.  The theme for this year was “Celebrating Old Friends… Making New Memories.”  All readers of The Urantia Book were invited to attend the party that was sponsored jointly by the Greater Lake Michigan Urantia Association and the First Society of Chicago.  The second floor of the Foundation was brightly decorated with gold trimmings, crystal lights, garland, white poinsettias and the beautiful tree shown in this photo.  Even the second floor balcony was brightly decorated for those passing by to enjoy.

          Guests began to arrive about 3 p.m. and enjoyed a social hour before James Woodward opened the program with his music.  James sang a song written for his mother who graduated this past year to the mansion worlds.  Guests were welcomed and the speakers were introduced by Michael Tanesky who served  as emcee for the evening.

          Those who spoke were asked to remember someone from the Urantia community that had influenced their lives.  Ken Keyser, Vice President of First Society, and Benet Rutenberg, President of GLMUA, extended a formal welcome from each organization.  Benet asked the guests how far they had come to attend the party.  Connie Wolcott traveled the furthest as she was from Idaho.  Benet went on to remember the unknown person who introduced him to The Urantia Book as he “passed by”.  Susan Grzeskowiak began by reading a lovely poem she wrote remembering Barbara White.  Barbara was a study group partner of hers for many years.  Michael Tanesky remembered Don Boyd who originally introduced him to the book.  Michael shared the spiritual journey that eventually led him back to The Urantia Book.   This was followed by the playing of an excerpt from the “The Words of Jesus” CD by Pato Banton titled, “Instructions for Teachers and Believers.”  This is a beautiful reading of the words of Jesus set to a musical background that is really moving.  This CD is available through the

             Tamara Wood and Connie Wolcott          Urantia Foundation.       

          The main speakers for the evening were Carolyn Kendall of Chicago, Rick Lyon of Crawfordsville, Indiana, and Jay Peregrine also from Chicago.  Carolyn shared her memories and photo of Dr. William S. Sadler and the study group sessions they had in the very same room that we were sitting in.  She described how Dr. Sadler would sit in the corner and after each person spoke about some part of The Urantia Book, he would tell them how wonderful their discussion was even if they felt it really wasn’t.  Rick Lyon gave a presentation titled, “The Teachers Among Us” that shared characteristics of the many people who had influenced his life, many of whom were in the room that night.  After introducing each person and offering a quote from the book that described each individual, Rick said in closing, “Why are these people the most influential people in my life?  Because they are living examples of what is in this book.” 

            Michael then opened the floor to the guests allowing them the opportunity to remember someone from their own lives.  Cece Forrester remembered Marian Rowley and many others from the original forum that she had studied with.  Jonah Vise, a young new reader from Battle Creek, Michigan, who was making his first visit to the Foundation, expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome and the love he felt from the Urantia family that evening.  Andre Traversa, a former radio talk show host, also shared some of his memories including reading the first Braille copy of The Urantia Book.  Several others took advantage of the opportunity to share or remember.

     The final presentation of the evening was given by Jay Peregrine. Jay discussed

the origination of gift giving in our cultures and the importance of how we receive gifts      Rick Lyon: The Teachers Among Us" from others.  He said that how we receive a gift is just as important as how we give a gift.  When we receive a gift, it allows the giver the opportunity to fulfill the statement that, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

            The program for the evening was closed with everyone partaking of bread and wine as Tamara Wood offered a remembrance of Jesus.   This was followed by a wonderful buffet dinner.  Many guests brought appetizers, side dishes and desserts that completed the main courses of ham and turkey. 

            After dinner the guests shared in a “Revelation Trivia” game.  Team captains Tamara Wood and Chris Wood chose participants from the guests.  In the style of Family Feud, each contestant was asked a trivia question and received “Urantia Bucks” for correct answers.  Chris’ team won a very close game and received some really nice gift bags with a Urantia sweatshirt, a study group kit, postcards, a copy of the Tidings newsletter and of course bragging rights.  

            Once again Bob Solone blessed our event with his magical music as the guests sang Christmas carols.  Bob filled the rest of the evening by playing requests and entertaining those who stayed into the night while they enjoyed after dinner desserts and drinks.  This completed an evening filled with the love, fun, and friendship that occurs whenever Urantia Book readers get together. 

            Susan Grzeskowiak of GLMUA and Cece Forester of First Society chaired the party committee.  Our thanks to them and the other volunteers who helped set up the decorations and the food as well as the Urantia Foundation for allowing us to host the party at the 533 again this year.

            Tamara Wood giving Remembrance of Jesus          

(photos by James Woodward)  testing