Be of Good Cheer
An experiential class in spiritual living
Special Orientation Session: Tuesday, November 23 5:00-6:30 PM Central time 6:00 pm EST/ 4:00 pm MST/ 3:00 pm PST (10:00 pm GMT) Participants who are interested in taking the 4-week online course must attend the Orientation session (or watch a recording of it) prior to being admitted to the course. The orientation session provides you with the opportunity to learn about course requirements and expectations and experience a guided tour of the TalentLMS classroom, so that you can make an informed commitment to the 4-week course.
Live Zoom Class Dates: Tuesdays The course will feature a total of 4 online, real-time, class discussions in the Zoom meeting room or the course, during which the students and Instructor will discuss the week's topics and reflection questions.
About the Class The intent of the Be of Good Cheer class is to focus on Jesus' “constant exhortation” to “Be of good cheer,” along with his “watchword,” which is “Fear not.” The workshop leader, Jill Strunk, is a clinical psychologist and has been aware that, in these challenging times, anxiety and depression are on the rise and “good cheer” seems to be in ever-shorter supply. The class will explore guidance directly from The Urantia Book, as well as from adjunct psychological wisdom, to increase the capacity for, and habit of, experiencing joy, while limiting fear and anxiety. A companion emphasis will be how to provide the service to others of helping them to do the same. Jesus’ matchless example, along with reminders of God’s eternal perspective, will be enhanced with shared group experience and loving support. Please note: This experiential class is designed to stimulate spiritual education and growth and is not group therapy. Outline Students can visit the online classroom at their convenience, 24/7, to read, post and have written discussions with their peers and instructor. Week 1: The Urantia Book endorsement of cheer, joy and happiness for mortals, with guidance about how to accomplish these states. Week 2: In addition to developing peace and joy within, create and experience the outer environment to maximize joy for ourselves and those around us, with an understanding of permissions and precautions from The Urantia Book. Week 3: Learning and practicing ways to reduce anxiety and improve mood, to be used personally and shared with others. Week 4: Serving our fellows by helping them to “be of good cheer” and understanding the reliable basis for true happiness.
One of the goals for any in-depth study of The Urantia Book at UUI is for students to experience expanded cosmic consciousness and enhanced spiritual perception.
FAQ Can I audit this class? You will get the most out of this course if you enroll as an active participant. The course is designed to be experiential. Students are expected to make an effort to complete the weekly reading and discussion questions and engage in the online webinars as often as possible. However, we do recognize that not everyone has the time to devote to assignments and live discussion. Any exposure to this material will be beneficial and stimulate spiritual growth. As a policy, UrantiaUniversity will allow students to take any course as an auditor. Note that all communications that auditors receive will be aimed at the active participant experience.
Will I get a grade for this class? At this time, no grades are given for completing UUI classes. This class has been designed chiefly for personal enrichment. |
Recommended Background This course is intended for students of The Urantia Book who are familiar with its theology, philosophy, and conceptual framework. Students of all levels may benefit from it.
After I enroll, what happens next?
About the Instructor: Jill Strunk, Ed.D., L.P. I found The Urantia Book, by what feels like angelic intervention, in 1974 in Colorado, and I have been a reader/believer ever since. I soon joined the Rocky Mountain Spiritual Fellowship, attended up to three study groups a week, helped with a number of regional UB conferences, and attended triennial conferences throughout the country. I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the wonderful friends I have gained in my spiritual travel. My personal relationships with God and Jesus, my eldest brother and Universe Creator, have been my foundation through everything I do. I was a high school English teacher when I lived in Colorado until 1998; then I moved to Minnesota and became a full-time psychologist, co-hosting a study group for 15 years. I have two sons who still live in Colorado, so I get to visit often. |
