© 2018 Line St-Pierre, Normand Laperle, Gaétan G. Charland, Diane Labrecque
© 2018 Urantia Association of Quebec
¶ Word from the President
Line St-Pierre
president@urantiaqc.org
Does reading The Urantia Book make us immune to the problems and challenges that await us in the twists and turns of everyday life? Everyone experiences their share of adversities, and knowing the truth does not make the difficulties any easier to face, because no one is immune to the stress and anxiety that it can cause.
Living a healthy life and making the sincere and continuous effort to want to transform ourselves, as suggested in the booklets, contributes to our physical and mental well-being.
It is through the technique of daily prayer, meditation and worship that we come to exercise balance in our lives. We feel refreshed, enlightened, strengthened and above all, our faith grows and becomes liberating from all those shackles that bind us.
In return, the more we receive, the more we become dependent on these intuitions, gift truths, and it is in the choice of selfless service to others that the enhancement of these magnificent teachings takes on its full meaning.
¶ The position of vice-president at AUQ becomes available in February
Normand Laperle
Vice-president
Hello, I am ending my term as Vice-President of the AUQ at the time of the “Annual General Meeting” (AGM) in Drummondville in February 2018. The position is open for re-election.
If you’re interested in getting involved—but are hesitant—read on.
The first time I applied for a position on the AUQ Board of Directors, I had some small fears. Here is the result of my experience “after” having held the position of Vice-President for a few years.
Distance, during meetings with other members of the AUQ Board of Directors
My fear: Most of the other members of the Board are from Montreal. I am from Quebec. It is very far to meet. I cannot afford the cost and time of transportation.
In fact: Physical meetings are not required for these meetings. It is always possible to meet via “Zoom” — a super easy-to-use computer application. You need a computer, ideally equipped with a webcam, all connected to the Internet.
You receive an invitation by email. You click on a link in that email. The connection happens automatically. An app opens and you see everyone appear on the screen. And it’s free.
Goodbye to transportation, when it’s an obstacle. You stay at home in your slippers.
I also had some apprehensions about the fact that I knew nothing about the meeting procedures of the AUQ Board of Directors.
We discuss, we propose, we vote, etc. For legal reasons, we must follow these procedures during our meetings.
A small example of these procedures can be seen at the AUQ’s “Annual General Meetings” (AGM) in Drummondville in February of each year.
My fear: I know nothing about these procedures.
In fact: No one demands to learn these rules by heart. There is always someone in the group who knows them well enough. Over time, they are learned naturally, through use.
If you want to delve deeper into these procedures, you can do so by reading documentation on the subject — accessible and free.
We quickly realize that 99% of the time, during these meetings, we are in discussion. We are among friends, we help each other and we discuss.
I also had concerns about whether my presence could benefit AUQ.
It is a question of self-esteem. Self-esteem is all the easier to acquire when we are well surrounded. During certain meetings with “new readers”, I have often heard the following comment: “You other readers of ”The Urantia Book“, you have an attitude towards others that I have difficulty in understanding. You are a great listener and respect for others”.
My interpretation: We are very aware that we are evolving and that in this process we all have a lot of work to do on ourselves. Hence the listening and respect for others. There is also the fact that we are very committed to self-examination and the search for truth.
Why not take advantage of this favorable environment? In addition, we learn to express our ideas, to listen, to deal with others, the art of compromise, respect for the democratic process.
Here are some specific tasks of the Vice President position.
The vice president is said to be the person who supports the president and who can eventually replace him, depending on the circumstances. Phew!! That’s heavy…
In the AUQ CA, what you have to understand is that the CA members form a group, and they support each other. When one person has difficulty, the others help. I know what I’m talking about, because I’ve experienced it. I’ll tell you more about it later.
The AUQ Board of Directors is made up of four people: the president, the vice-president, the secretary and the treasurer.
In the AUQ CA, the vice-president is the one who prepares the general public activities. This can be a great challenge to take on and a great experience to live.
On the other hand, in reality, everyone pitches in, depending on each person’s availability. It’s the group effect I mentioned above that takes over.
We discuss in groups, the what, the how and who does what. We must not forget that - unlike private companies - we are an organization of volunteers. We are not professionals assigned to the tasks we do. We take into account the strengths and weaknesses of each person. If someone wants to live an experience, we give them space and encourage them in their approach. Also, if someone has difficulty, we help them.
That’s how it is in the AUQ CA.
ins The moral of this whole story?
I discovered that it is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to surpass themselves, to improve in any area (organizing activities, speaking in public, etc.).
As readers of The Urantia Book, we all know that each of us is absolutely unique; that we are endowed with absolute free will, that we are responsible for what we are and what we become.
Up to you.
My “very personal” experience
Many people already know about my current life experience.
My partner had a third stroke in 2012. Since then, I have been taking care of her full-time, 24/7. At first it was demanding. I had difficulty making ends meet. Since then, a routine has set in and it has become easy.
I then took responsibility for the AUQ Réflectivité. (Collection of articles, assembly and delivery). Same thing: A very busy start to set up my working base. Then, the routine set in and it became easy.
Later, I joined the AUQ board as vice-president. I had been wanting to do so for a few years. At first, I got fully involved in all the tasks.
I really enjoyed organizing themes. It was very rewarding. My goal was for it to become routine, like the rest of what I did.
I also really enjoyed speaking in public. I made great progress in my self-confidence, and consequently I felt more and more comfortable. I asked to be able to lead a group discussion in order to build my skills at this level. The group accepted and they supported me in this process. I am happy with my progress.
But now my partner’s condition has deteriorated slightly. Just enough for me to be — subtly — overwhelmed by the magnitude of all my tasks. I give priority to my partner. I have had what I believe to be the beginnings of burnout, and consequently the beginnings of depression. As they say: “no longer capable!”
Result: As I said above, the group helped me by taking over almost all of my tasks that, normally, would have been my responsibility.
I publicly thank the AUQ Board of Directors for the technical and psychological support provided. It is exemplary. I have nothing but praise for them. Thank you! It is appreciated.
Today, I am leaving the AUQ CA, but I am keeping the responsibility of Réflectivité. For the moment this system seems to be working well for me.
Later (since last September), I caught Shingles. I am still in my remission phase. I allow myself to think that this disease took advantage of a moment of great weakness to manifest itself. It also makes me realize how much my task as a natural caregiver demands energy from me.
Hence the reason why I am resigning. But if I could, I would have preferred to get fully involved and continue my progression in my position as vice-president for another term.
ins I stay with…
My primary motivation was to deepen my awareness of the “spirit of service” and everything that revolves around it. Nothing beats immersive experience. I’ve gotten to that point in my life.
It is only postponed until better circumstances - here, or elsewhere.
From this fall, I still realized that: “We don’t know our (real) limits until we reach them.” This kind of fall is a first for me. I was taken by surprise. I didn’t see it coming.
I still have a feeling of having served, of having helped, of having been useful, and of accomplishment.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish each of you an excellent 2018, with lots of enriching experiences and full of awareness that will make your soul grow.
To serve is to love.
¶ Project to help those interested in study groups
Gaétan G. Charland
Responsible for study groups
Urantia Association of Quebec
Urantia International Association
In order to improve the quality and number of French-language study groups in Quebec, an initiative was launched in 2017. It will now be possible for a reader wishing to form a study group or for a study group host wishing to find other ways to lead or improve their group, to participate in an already established study group, virtually.
Indeed, through a utility called ZOOM, it is now easy for anyone with a computer, tablet or smartphone to participate in a study group that will offer this option during their meetings. To do this, the group leader must preferably have in his possession a table or desktop computer with a camera and microphone as well as internet access fast enough to have a continuous video and audio stream.
Access via the ZOOM software is very simple, but requires a monthly subscription of $15 US for meetings lasting more than two hours. “Urantia Association International” can in some cases provide free ZOOM access to those who are hosts of study groups and want to participate in this project. For participants, there is no subscription fee and access is very simple.
If you are a study group host and would like to participate in this project by offering virtual access to your group, or for those wishing to form a study group or
For hosts wanting to improve theirs, you can virtually attend a group and see how it works by contacting Gaétan G. Charland at the following address: groupe.etude@urantiaqc.org
Today, distance, temperature or seasonal illnesses such as the flu are no longer obstacles that can prevent you from participating in a study group. You can access several virtual groups in different languages and schedules through virtual access from the comfort of your home using a simple tablet or smartphone. Consult the Study Group Directory for a list of virtual groups. http://urantiastudygroup.org
¶ Good news!
AUQ
From now on, you can download the EPUB (electronic) version of “The Urantia Book” in French, English and Spanish for your tablet, smartphone or computer from the Urantia Association of Quebec website by consulting the “The Book” tab on the site’s home page.
You can also download the MP3 audio version of the Urantia Book French version on the same page as the EPUB version. For the audio version, you will need a utility to decompress Zip files. Some operating systems already contain such a utility, for those that do not, you can download one for free by consulting the official Winzip website.
Another addition to our website is a page dedicated to financial contributions and the addition of FundScrip to that page.
¶ Urantia Book Readers Easter Retreat in Israel!
Urantian Pilgrimage to the Holy Land from March 29 to April 12, 2018
“The United Urantia Family” is delighted to invite you to join us for our 2018 Easter Pilgrimage to the Land of Jesus!
This pilgrimage journey will take place March 29-April 12, 2018 as part of the 2018 United Urantia Family Easter Retreat, when Israel is thriving and the weather is most pleasant.
The cost of this 15-day spiritual pilgrimage is $2,475 USD, which includes all registration and processing fees (see our Early Bird Special below). This price also includes accommodations in beautiful and strategically located pilgrimage houses, all breakfasts and dinners, transportation in a luxury air-conditioned bus, the robe for our baptism in Yardenit in the Jordan River, and all entrance fees to sites during our visits to Israel.
This price does not include your flight ticket which you must purchase yourself, as participants come from different cities and countries. We suggest you to see www.cheapoair.com for excellent prices.
For more information, visit our website at www.tuuff.org or contact dianelabrecque@sympatico.ca if you have any questions.
Diane Labrecque
Your group leader
Registrations are limited to 45, so be sure to reserve your spot now.
All you have to do is CLICK HERE to REGISTER to this spiritual pilgrimage.
***SPECIAL OFFER*** FOR THE FIRST 24 REGISTRANTS
The first 24 to register will spend 4 nights at Ecce Homo on the Way of the Cross, the very place where Pontius Pilate presented Jesus to the multitude and declared: “Behold the man!”
“Jesus not only revealed God to man, but he also made a new revelation of man to himself and to other men. In the life of Jesus you see man at his best. Man thus becomes so beautifully real because Jesus had so much of God in his life, and the realization (recognition) of God is inalienable and constitutive in all men.” (UB 16:9.6)
¶ Upcoming AUQ activities
AUQ Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Mark your calendar for the AUQ General Assembly, Saturday, February 10, 2018, 10:00 a.m., at the “Le dauphin” hotel, 600 boul. St-Joseph, Drummondville.
Even if you are not a member, you can attend this meeting.
You will hear, among other things, an account of the activities and projects that took place in 2017 and those to come in 2018.
In the afternoon, we will present the strategic plan followed by a group discussion where you can share your ideas and impressions on the proposed directions.
¶ HAVE YOU PURCHASED YOUR FUNDSCRIP CARDS? THIS MONTH?
Every time you buy Fundscrip cards, a percentage of your purchase is donated by the company to the Urantia Association of Quebec. A smart way to support the AUQ for the price of a stamp.
If you would like more information, go to the website of the Urantia Association of Quebec and click on the “Contribution” link, or you can read the excellent article written by Marc Belleau in the Réflectivité of April 2017.
You can also register immediately on the FundScrip website, by clicking on the following image.
¶ Study groups
This activity allows several readers of different levels of understanding to share and study together the teachings of The Urantia Book. It promotes spiritual progress by allowing its participants to find practical applications of the teachings of The Urantia Book in their daily lives. This important practice helps to maintain a broad perspective on concepts of truth.
You wish to participate or form a study group; we will be happy to assist you. If you wish to have your study group appear in this list, contact the person in charge, via email association.urantia.quebec@gmail.com or at 450-565-3323.
Outaouais Group
Region: Gatineau
Wednesday, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Maurice Migneault (613) 789-6833
Group: “The Artisans of Progress”
Region: Montreal — Center of the island
Wednesdays, during the day
Robert Cadieux (514) 237-3616
Group: “At Maisonia”
Region: Quebec
Every 2 weeks: Sundays, from 1:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Gilles Bertrand & Louise Renaud (418) 871-4564
Group: “Découverte”
Region: Laurentides — St-Jérôme
Mondays, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Gaétan Charland and Line St-Pierre
Tel.: (450) 565-3323
Group : “Le Pont”
Region: South Shore of Montreal — Brossard
Thursdays, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Guy Vachon (450) 465-7049
Group: “The United Family of Urantia”
Region: Montreal — Downtown
Wednesdays, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Mrs. Diane Labrecque (514) 277-2308
Sherbrooke Group
Region: Sherbrooke
Every 2 weeks: Tuesday or Wednesday, (to be confirmed) from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Hélène Boisvenue and Denis Gravelle Tel.: (819) 569-6416
Virtual Study Group, French
Every Monday from 2pm to 4pm Eastern Time
Via Zoom: https://www.zoom.us/j/9084766734
Responsible: Guy Perron (438) 495-7747
To see the official list of study groups, visit AUQ website.
- Go to: “Activity, Study Groups, (on the left bar): List of study groups”
- Or click directly on the following link: http://urantia-quebec.ca/activites_liste_des_groupes.php
Potential Study Groups Seeking Participants
Group: “Uni-Terre”
Region: Joliette
Sundays at 10:00 am
Contact: Eric Martel (450) 756-9387
Group : “Le portail du bercail”
Region: Sorel
Mrs. Eva & Ernest Asselin
(450) 517-0136
Group: “Saguenay”
Region: Saguenay
Contact: Jean-Guillaume Tremblay (418) 693-2049