 Geoff Theiss (Executive Director) I'm Geoff, a self-discovered, second generation reader. I was born, raised, and schooled in the San Francisco Bay area and am now comfortably settled in Reno, NV. As for my general character, I am two parts enthusiasm junkie, two parts jack-of-all-trades, and one part global adventurer. Mixed into all that and instilled by the teachings of The Urantia Book has been a real, vibrant, and ennobling personal relationship with God that I have been continuously searching to better understand and strengthen. Having found this vibrant Urantia Book community, I have fallen in love—with them and with an emboldened sense of self (and cosmic)-purpose. I am eternally grateful to be alive. And part of being in this new community and part of showing that gratitude is to help enable other people to find the same. As Robert Byrne states, “The purpose of life is a life of purpose,” and we as individuals are able to spread this idea not by telling or explaining but by simply loving. That is the beauty of this community and the thing I want to share.  Derek Samaras (Administrative Assistant) Chicago Native, now living in Lafayette, CO, Derek is a Filmmaker and Youth Minister, with a degree in Broadcast Journalism/Psychology from the University of New Mexico. He is an advocate for socially sustainable practices that reflect the life affirming qualities revealed in respectful, tolerant, and compassionate fellowship. Derek applied these practices for many years while teaching self-defense in Chicago to women and youth in troubled areas. Derek has been an ambassador for truth, beauty, and goodness on multiple continents. He continues to share the message to all who will come and listen: “We are all family; we may never look, act, or think alike, but spiritually we are, and that is what unites us; we are truly one family united in spirit.” Derek has developed his social ministry on the principles of loving service, mindful compassion, and spirit unity: “We are all loved equally by Divinity. Freely we have received this love; we must share it freely.” Some of Derek's projects: •Directed/Wrote/Edited a documentary on the commercial sexual exploitation of children •Led many Youth and Young Adult Committee activities regarding youth ministry and leadership development •Director´s Assistant of The Urantia Book Fellowship (nonprofit spiritual) •"Urantia Book vs. Ancient Aliens" (public presentation Los Angeles) |
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