GCS (Grand Canyon Society for
Readers of the URANTIA Book) is a group of Arizona URANTIA Book
readers and believers, and is affiliated with the URANTIA Book Fellowship. It is the
purpose of GCS to devote its energies to making the URANTIA Book known
and available to all.
|
There is a real purpose in the socialization of religion. It is the purpose of group religious activities to dramatize the loyalties of religion; to magnify the lures of truth, beauty, and goodness; to foster the attractions of supreme values; to enhance the service of unselfish fellowship; to glorify the potentials of family life; to promote religious education; to provide wise counsel and spiritual guidance; and to encourage group
worship.
[from
The URANTIA Book, page 1732, published by URANTIA Foundation, 1955] |
BACKGROUND
Individual study groups began in Arizona in the late
1960s. This
humble beginning grew slowly throughout the 70s. The present form of
growth began about 1980 with the establishment of two study groups that still
exist today. In 1982 the Arizona study groups combined for the first three
day conference. Since then, they have hosted workshops, regional
conferences, an International Conference, social events and outreach projects.
In 1986 we formed our first organization for the purposes of networking and
communicating with all the isolated groups across the state. This
organization was called Service Opportunity Network (S.O.N.) and was the
beginning of our pre-society.
In May, 1990, the Grand Canyon Society for Readers of The
URANTIA Book was chartered by the International organization, The Fifth Epochal Fellowship now
called The URANTIA Book Fellowship.
SOCIETY ACTIVITIES
Society membership offers the opportunity to participate in an organized
approach to the principles and teachings of The URANTIA Book . The
society encourages its members to express their commitment to The URANTIA
Book at a degree beyond the study group level by creating more opportunities
for spiritual fellowship, service and growth.
One of the unique aspects of our Society is the commonality of our goals
while fostering individual expression.
At present the Society maintains a telephone line and web site for new and
interested readers, provides for library placement, has a book loaner program,
maintains an inventory of URANTIA Books and secondary works, and supports
a newsletter. Conferences, workshops an socials are part of the Society's
activities, as well as involvement in our local community.
SOCIETY STRUCTURE
The Society, while autonomous in conduct of its local affairs, is subject to
the Constitution and By-laws of the URANTIA Book Fellowship, and by virtue of its Charter,
its members are members of The URANTIA Book Fellowship. This Society is also our
vehicle for a voting voice into the larger organization, The URANTIA Book Fellowship.
We do not endorse nor appose any outside organization who professes to follow the
teachings of The URANTIA Book.
OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES
The society has four officers: President, Vice-President, Secretary, and
Treasurer. There are four standing committees. They are:
-
Navigation - to propose programs and activities.
-
Education - to monitor the dissemination of The
URANTIA Book and secondary works.
-
Membership - to accept new members.
-
Publications - to oversee society publications.
The four officers and four committee Chairs comprise the Coordination
Committee.
MEMBERSHIP
Anyone who expresses a sincere desire to learn and understand the teachings
of The URANTIA Book and who will accept the Constitution and By-Laws of
The URANTIA Book Fellowship and this Society will be eligible for membership.
Application for membership may be made, verbally or in writing, to any active
member for referral to the Membership Committee.