Because the Education Committee takes seriously those statements of purpose to be found in the preamble to the Constitution of URANTIA Brotherhood and its specific charter to find, prepare, and qualify teachers, it has explored, and will continue to explore, many methods by which it may contribute to the broadening and deepening of the understanding of the truths contained in The URANTIA Book. To this end, in recent years it has undertaken to sponsor a series of seminars in order to provide interested readers with an opportunity to develop and practice teaching/learning skills and to increase their knowledge of the Book. The committee has long believed that the major resource for the dissemination of the teachings of the Fifth Epochal Revelation on Urantia is the human personality as he/she attempts to align his/her will with that of the Father and to cooperate lovingly with all the children of God, mortal and supermortal. It has been the committee's hope that participants in these seminars will so profit that they will be moved to utilize what they have found of value there in the service of others--in activities which aspire, as does the committee, however humbly, to promote the "progressive comprehension of reality.

This year, the committee, in its attempt to improve on past performance, has dedicated considerable time and energy to a review of its endeavors to date as it prepares for the 1988 seminars (theme-. "Patterning for Perfection" with focus on the study of the first half of Part III of The URANTIA Book). It has also made available for all who desire it, a pamphlet of guidelines for teacher/leaders based on the wisdom and experience of those who have attended many such study gatherings as conferences, workshops, etc. Another project, immediately related to these seminars,is now "in the works." This is a pamphlet of guidelines for student participants designed to enhance the learning experience and to promote recognition of the close relationship of teachers and students to the successful realization of a seminar, class, or study group of any kind. The guiding prinqiples for the committee have been those found in The URANTIA Book concerning the educational goals and techniques of the universe, wherein the ascending child alternates as student and teacher.

The Education Committee recognizes the benefits provided by the evolutionary plan in the cultivation of the fruits it seeks. In its work it views the time and effort required for tilling the soil, fertilizing the trees, pruning the branches not as a test of patience but as a challenge to its understanding of the nature of growth and progress in the person and in the civilization of Urantia.

On behalf of the Education Committee members and associates-John Andrews, Kevin Goodman, Joycee Henrion, Marjorie Reed, Ralph Zehr, Helen Carlson, Mary Daly, Barbara Dreier and Betty Zehr--I thank the members of the General Council for their support and for the opportunity to serve.

Respectfully submitted,

Lynne B. Kuliele, Chairman, Education Committee
6/12/87