First Society
for Readers of The
Urantia Book
Chicago
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History The First Society was chartered in 1956 as the first established formal chapter of Urantia Brotherhood (now the Fellowship). It is the direct descendant of the Forum, the group founded by Dr. William S. Sadler, which had met for many years to study the papers before the publication of the book. Most of the early leaders of the movement appear in First Society's past membership rolls. The traditional Sunday afternoon study meetings continue up to the present, though no longer at 533 Diversey Parkway, but at other locations in and around Chicago. Current Activities First Society has always seen the role of local organized groups in attracting readers and creating study opportunities to be of utmost importance to the movement, and has tried to meet this responsibility through its efforts in the greater Chicago area. It sponsors two study groups, as well as several special meetings a year that draw readers from around the area. First Society maintains ties with other groups around the Midwest and has sponsored Midwest Conferences. The society also conceived and hosted the first Conclave of societies in 1981. More recently, First Society has been co-sponsoring local activities with its UAI counterpart, Greater Lake Michigan Urantia Association (GLMUA) . First Society is celebrating its 50th Anniversary year in 2006. Special Events Special events usually occur on the following timetable: Spring—a special seminar; some years an all-day miniconference. June—annual business meeting for members Summer—a picnic is often held in July at a member’s home August—a picnic at Indiana Dunes co-sponsored with GLMUA August—a “Faith of Jesus” retreat August—annual celebration of Jesus' birthday, always held on August 21 in the area Fall—a special seminar December—holiday program and party co-sponsored with GLMUA
If you are interested in receiving an invitation to any of the special events, contact the Society. Many special meetings have recently been held at Northwestern University, accessible from both suburbs and city via public transportation. http://aquavite.northwestern.edu/maps/buildinglookup.cgi?lookupfield=Harris+Hall&x=24&y=9 Study Groups First Society currently sponsors two study groups and supports a third. Newcomers and visitors are always welcome. Study is informal. Forum Study Group of First Society Meets approximately twice a month on Sunday afternoons September to June, from 1:30 to 3:30 PM. Our new location as of February 2006 is the Blue Room at the United Church of Rogers Park, at Ashland and Morse in Chicago. http://www.ucrogerspark.org/ContactUs.htm Sequential study is led by assigned volunteers who moderate discussion and present supplementary material if relevant; usually a paper is completed in two sessions. There is a refreshment break during the meeting. For more information e-mail cece@ais.net or call David Owen at 773-338-8150. North Suburban Study Group of First Society Meets two Sundays a month September to June, from 1:30 to 3:30 PM. Location alternates between members' homes in Lincolnshire and Wheeling. Papers are read in order with no specific timetable for completion. This group is characterized by in-depth discussion as many of its members are experienced readers, but newcomers and their questions are more than welcome. For information call David and Marilynn Kulieke at (847)945-1812 or Carolyn Kendall at (847)537-1078. Western Suburbs Study Group Meets two Sunday afternoons a month in Burr Ridge. Contact Barb Newsom at (630)545-9356 or barbnewsom@aol.com
Other Groups Other groups also meet in the Chicago area; contact us for details as we currently have them. First Society is also interested in helping readers in the greater Chicago area form new groups close to where they live, by providing names of other readers and assisting in the organizing process. Contact David Kulieke at kulieked@lfcds.org
To receive a detailed schedule of meetings Meeting schedule mailings are twice a year, August and January, to those on First Society’s mailing list. Separate invitations may be sent for special events. If you are on the main Fellowship, Foundation or UAI mailing lists, you will not necessarily receive this mailing, so make sure the Society secretary has your mailing address. Reminder e-mails are sent once a month to those who provide their e-mail address. If you wish to receive either or both of these, notify the society via regular mail or e-mail. To contact the Society by regular mail: First Society c/o Carolyn Kendall 1400 Salvington Place Wheeling IL 60090
To contact the Society by e-mail: |
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updated August 2006 |
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