Finance

The Chairman of the Finance Committee, Frank Sgaraglino, reported that the phonathon fund-raising drive for the 7th printing of The Urantia Book is scheduled for mid-March. Volunteers will be manning about 30 phones at Bell Telephone's Chicago office. They will be calling all day Sunday and three week nights. I am encouraged that with Frank's and his Committee's diligent preparations, the drive will reach its goal of $210,000.

In connection with the fund drive (which should not be confused with our regular annual solicitation that was sent in November) a Society requested that money they collect for the 7th printing be exempted from tithes. It was decided that no exemption should be given. However, if a Society collects funds for the specific purpose of the 7th printing, Urantia Brotherhood will donate the tithe on those monies to the Printing Fund. Most individuals will contribute directly to Urantia Foundation's 7th Printing Fund, but there are some who may wish to contribute through their Society. Contributions to the Printing Fund are tax deductible. Tax questions Societies may have will differ since some have formally obtained nonprofit status while others have not. Any tax questions should be directed to a local tax attorney.

The 1981 budget was presented and adopted. A copy is enclosed. If you have any questions concerning expenditures, please let me know.

Study Group Questionniare

Harry McMullan reported that of the total study group questionnaires sent out, 55% have been returned -- an excellent response. His Committee will be tabulating the results which will be shared with you.

I am happy to announce that Peter Laurence of Armonk, New York has agreed to serve as co-editor of The UrantiaN Journal of Urantia Brotherhood. He has had experience in journalism and we welcome his contribution to this work.

Our friend Mario Harrington sent a letter of resignation as a Field Representative. It was accepted with regret and an expression of our appreciation for his service. Mario retired from his work at the United Nations and has settled in south Florida. For those who might wish to contact him and his wife, Mary Esther, their address is 3525 NE 17th Ave., Oakland Park, FL 33334.

For those of you who may not know Mario, he was appointed a Field Representative several years ago when it was anticipated his employer was going to send him to South America for several years. With his bilingual talents we felt he would be an excellent ambassador for Spanish speaking students of the Urantia teachings. As "fate" would have it, he was assigned to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Even in this outpost, he was able to be of service to readers in the Philippines, New Zealand, Australi and India. Although retired, I know Mario will be most active in pursuing his many interests. We most certainly welcome his offer to continue to be involved with projects involving Spanish translation and look forward to our continued work together.

A new supply of Urantia Brotherhood concentric circle membership pins has been received. Due to the gold content, the price is increased from $15-00 to $18.00 each. You might be interested to know that if we had ordered the pins with the same gold content as before, the price would have gone to $42.00 each.

Two applications for membership-at-large were presented and accepted. Mr. Bert Cobb, Jerome, ID, and Mr. William Cobb (no relation), North Harwich, MA.

During these long winter months a friend's recent advice might be helpful: When you're down in the mouth, remember Jonah. He came out alright.

Warm Regards

John W. Hales

President