August 2026
July 2026
An Afternoon of Full Plates and Fuller Hearts
GCS Annual Banquet 2026 A mix of twenty-one members and guests of Grand Canyon Urantia Book Society gathered together just past noon for an annual banquet on May 30, 2026. Following a group sing-along of “Seek Ye First” and a prayer read by member Eve McMahon, we all enjoyed fellowship, conversation, and a Mexican buffet at Aunt Childada’s Restaurant in North Phoenix. Guest speaker Errol Strider quickly drew the gathering into an afternoon of humor, poetry, and spiritual reflection. Through stories such as “The Traveler,” he invited listeners to consider how often guidance appears along life’s path—and how often we are too busy to recognize it. At the conclusion of the event, everyone formed a circle holding hands and sang, “Shalom, My Friends” (God’s peace be with you). Circle of Fellowship Widens: GCS Welcomes New Members The banquet also gave the society an opportunity to welcome two new members, Thomas Hartman of Phoenix and Bob Debold of Fairfax, Virginia. Bob is the society’s first member from outside Arizona, extending the circle of fellowship beyond the state. GCS looks forward to the participation from our two newest members, and the new possibilities for interstate teamwork to further the purposes of GCS and the revelation. Show Up, Pay Attention, Stay in Touch. Errol Strider, modern day “psalmist” as he describes himself, showed us how he shares the teachings of the Urantia Papers using comedy, poetry, storytelling, and metaphor. As an illustration, his story “The Traveler” [...]
December 2025
Meanings of Christmas
We watched as a parade of light trailed down the darkened street as we took an after-dinner stroll on the longest night of the year, the Winter Solstice. Leading the procession was a white pickup truck adorned with Christmas lights of red, green, and gold, pulling a glowing flatbed trailer upon which were seated individuals of varied shapes and sizes. Trailing behind were moving streams of cyclists, scooters, or strollers, variously lit with headlights or blinking strings of light. Some neighbors sat in their yards watching and playing music as the procession of couples and families rolled by. I wondered about the darkest night, the Winter Solstice, and I remembered the Light of the World, Jesus, God incarnate in man. It was a warm experience. During this winter Christmas season, we are reminded of several symbols and traditions that have their beginnings in ages past, and we continue to experience them in various ways through the changing cycles of time. Sometimes we become enamored with the colorful light shows and musical productions; we join in with the festive singing and merrymaking; we decorate our homes with Christmas trees and evergreen wreathes; we light up our homes with candles and ornaments; families exchange gifts and celebrate with a special feast; some focus more on the true meaning of Christmas–the Incarnation of God in man. From where do some of these traditions originate? How did early Christians uplift these ideas? More important, what higher [...]
March 2025
Flowing with the Spiritual Currents
Flowing with the Spiritual Currents On November 16, 2024, eighteen local Urantia Book readers gathered at Papago Park in Phoenix, amid the sandstone buttes, desert brush, and fresh lagoons, to explore the topic of spiritual growth and the practices that inspire it. The event blended discussion, sharing, and fellowship, uniting old friends and welcoming new faces in an enriching experience. The morning opened with Tim Hobbs guiding an engaging exercise. Participants paired up and formed small groups to reflect on a simple yet profound question: “What is something you love?” At first, responses were light and surface-level, but as the sharing deepened, they became more meaningful, sparking rich dialogue. This progression underscored the power of active listening, fostering greater understanding among us. Next, I led a session exploring diverse facets of growth: strengthening personal faith; deepening worship; nurturing soul growth through the mind’s partnership with the Thought Adjuster; improving our self-mastery; progressing through the seven psychic circles; and expanding our relationships with others. With these in mind, we turned our attention to spiritual and religious practices that cultivate growth—either in ourselves or others. As groups shared their ideas, a vibrant list emerged: Meditation Talking with Jesus Prayer Attending church Writing favorite quotes Striving for balance Focusing on gratitude Cultivating favorable conditions for soul growth (humble, patient, loyal, sincere, just) Journaling Repeating a mantra Singing favorite songs Reciting God’s attributes alphabetically Writing personal prayers Using music as a focal point Walking and [...]
December 2023
Christmas Party 2023
Christmas Party Arizona Urantia Book Students and Friends: GCS invites you to our annual Christmas Party on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 5 pm at the home of Estelle Bertola and Bob Abdul. Arrive at 5:00 pm Potluck Dinner about 5:30 pm Please bring a food dish to share. After dinner there will be a brief musical program to celebrate God and the birth of Jesus, followed by Games. We're trying something new! In lieu of a white elephant gift exchange, we'll have some new Christmas-themed games to play, with prizes to be awarded to the winners. If you would like to bring a gift to contribute to the prizes, you're welcome to do so, but not required. For more details, contact bethwenger7@gmail.com
August 2023
Celebration of Jesus’ Birthday 2023
GCS invites you to the 2023 Celebration of Jesus' Birth on SATURDAY, AUGUST 19 near Prescott, Arizona. We will meet at the rural home southwest of Prescott of Ben and Rhonda Van Pelt. Please contact Beth at (602) 369-4625 for more information and directions. Arrive by NOON and bring something to share for the 1:00 pm POTLUCK lunch. A sandwich platter will be provided. Afterwards we will have a remembrance and personal sharing. To prepare for the day, consider the following: What is your favorite parable? Why? What aspect of the religious life of Jesus impresses you the most? Why? What has this meant to you and your life? Let us all dig deep and reflect upon those aspects of Jesus that hold importance in our day to day life.
For Jesus – Starry Night
This beautiful video, created by Gary Tonge, captures the tenderness, strength, and inspiration of Jesus. The artwork shown in this video is among those paintings commissioned by Mo Siegel and published in 2019 by the Jesusonian Foundation in the book The Untold Story of Jesus, available on Amazon. You won't want to miss this video.
May 2020
Jubilee of Jubilees
Proclaim the Holiday of Holidays—May 18: Michael Confirmed as Universe Sovereign, Mother Personally Revealed by Bro. Joshua J. Wilson, April 18, 2018 Edited by Elianne Obadia (with Addendum, February 13, 2020) May 18 is a good day to celebrate our universe's Jubilee of Jubilees. August 21 is a big day also: Jesus' birth as a mortal. April 9 was an astounding day—Jesus' resurrection into morontia form. But on May 18 the people of Urantia have the opportunity to lead the way in all Nebadon—on Salvington, Edentia, Jerusem, and all inhabited planets—the jubilee celebration of Michael's confirmation from the Paradise Father of his completed universe sovereignty, and of the Mother's greater and personal revealing. This is great news. So what happened on May 18, 30 AD? Two great universe events, among several (see Addendum) occurred on that jubilee of jubilees day: 1. Michael, our Creator Son and universe father, departs for his enthronement on Salvington (UB 33:3.5), and his ascent to the right hand of his Father to receive formal confirmation of his sovereignty of Nebadon. 193:5.5 It was about seven forty-five this morning when the morontia Jesus disappeared from the observation of his eleven apostles to begin the ascent to the right hand of his Father, there to receive formal confirmation of his completed sovereignty of the universe of Nebadon. 2. Mother, our Creative Spirit, becomes personally knowable by all contacting individuals. 34:2.1 To many universe types of being, even this representation [...]
July 2018
Don’t Miss this Beautiful Video
Enjoy this short inspiring video that introduces Jesus in The Urantia Book. Written and Directed by Richard Jernigan, it was first shown at the 2015 Parliament of World's Religions. "Be not discouraged; human evolution is still in progress, and the revelation of God to the world, in and through Jesus, shall not fail." THE URANTIA BOOK
Jesus Birthday Celebration August 2018
Jesus Birthday Celebration August 2018 The dates for our 2018 Jesus Birthday Celebration are August 17-20, 2018. We welcome new and old friends from the southern, northern, and central parts of Arizona, and visitors from beyond. For more information about this Flagstaff Family of God getaway, please contact GCS President Joshua Wilson at musical@cox.net or at 928-595-0222. We'd love to see you all! FAMILY OF GOD The Hogan at Arizona Mountain Inn & Cabins is ideal for our central gathering place, and it sleeps 16 persons. Additional lodgings are available at the Main Lodge (suites), and private cabins are also available to rent. Here are some details: Arizona Mountain Inn & Cabins, 4200 Lake Mary Road, Flagstaff, AZ Check-in, Friday, August 17, 2018 (after 3:00 pm) Check-Out Monday, August 20, 2018 (11:00 am) You may staff for one, two, or three nights, or you may just make a day visit. Adults and children most welcome. The Hogan is fully furnished with linens and kitchen. Pets okay, but cost $15 per night. That's funny. Sleeps 16 3 bedrooms downstairs with separated bath and toilet sections, that must be shared Open Loft with 2 double beds and 6 twin beds Spacious meeting room Hiking trails on-site with access to the Coconino National Forest If you would like a private cabin, there are several of those available on the grounds. You can make your own rental. Just call the Inn at 928-774-8959 or book online at www.arizonamountaininn.com.nimation_speed="0.3" animation_offset=""][/fusion_tagline_box] The Coordinating [...]