THE LIGHT CENTER ANNOUNCES BOLD INITIATIVE FOR THE FUTURE

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1 TUESDAY JANUARY 1, 2019 THE LIGHT CENTER Black Mountain, NC To Increase awareness of the Oneness of All That Is by expanding Light, Peace, and Unconditional Love THE LIGHT CENTER ANNOUNCES BOLD INITIATIVE FOR THE FUTURE The Light Center, operated by United Research, is moving forward with plans for the replacement of our Geodesic Prayer Dome as part of a larger vision of growth and expansion and greater service to the Highest Good for The Planet and All Humanity. For over 40 years, The Light Center has encouraged people to put the power of prayer into practice in their daily lives. Prayer, Meditation, and Connecting with The Divine transform our lives as individuals and transform our planet for the better. Countless visitors from across the country and throughout the world have visited the Light Center. Many continue to find strength, healing, and spiritual upliftment as a result of the prayers and energy which have engulfed this sacred land and the facilities of The Light Center. We are excited to expand that effort. Located in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, The Light Center serves a diverse community of visitors from all walks of life and all spiritual paths from the serious seeker to the merely curious. We charge no entrance fees to visit our facility and promote no theology or doctrine other than the expansion of Oneness, Love, Light, and Peace through prayer, meditation, and connection to the Divine. A central feature of The Light Center is our geodesic Prayer Dome where prayers have been offered, spoken and sung in various forms, 365 days a year for almost 40 years. That adds up to over 14,000 days of prayer and meditation for the Highest Good for people and the planet in this unique geodesic dome. operated by United Research (a 501c3 non-profit) dome@urlight.org PO Box 1146 Black Mn NC

2 The Prayer Dome opened in October of 1979 and has been a beacon of Light and Hope and Healing to many. The dome radiates a special peace and serenity to all who enter. The spiritual energy of the dome has not waned but has expanded through continuous prayer over the years. It continues to have a positive impact on visitors, and on the world as a whole. Time has taken a toll on the physical structure. Years of settling and shifting, leaks, and repairs, resulted in a deteriorating structure. The time has come to replace it with a newer structure, a geodesic dome of similar size, windows, and proportions. (More info on Page 3) The new dome will closely resemble our current dome and will enable us to expand our vision for decades to come. To fund this work, we have established The Light Center Renovation Fund to accept donations toward dome replacement and other renovations and expansion. Your donations are tax deductible but more importantly, your generous contributions will make a positive impact on individuals and the planet. The Light Center Renovation Fund is setup under the auspices of our sister non-profit, The World Prayer Endowment Fund. You are invited to be part of our successful history of empowering individuals to expand their spiritual lives, to connect more deeply with the Divine, and to transform themselves and the world through prayer and meditation. DONATING TOWARD THE DOME REPLACEMENT AND LIGHT CENTER EXPANSION EFFORT Join us in this effort with a generous and joyful donation today. You can make your donation via Your Paypal Account (online) Your Debit or Credit Card (online via PayPal) Your Check (sent through the mail) Click the This Button to make your on-line donation today. Or visit To Donate Via Check, Make Your Check Payable to WORLD PRAYER ENDOWMENT FUND and mail to World Prayer Endowment Fund PO Box 1146 Black Mountain NC THE LIGHT CENTER - Creating an environment that supports individual and universal transformation through effective prayer, compassionate education, service and creating Good moment by moment - 2 -

3 The Current Status of the Dome and The Need For Replacement When the current Prayer Dome was constructed 40 years ago, in 1979, the projected life of the dome was less than 25 years. Construction techniques and materials at that time were limited, as were funds. The hard work and diligent prayers of many have held this dome together long past it s expected functional life. But the dome is clearly showing its age and the deterioration and problems are becoming more and more evident with each passing year. Due to shifting and settling cracks in the interior are numerous. Leaks have resulted in extensive water damage to the interior and in some places the interior covering has begun to peel and fall, exposing the structural elements. After many years of repairs, resealing, and repainting, the dome has reached the time of needing to be replaced with a similar structure. THE LIGHT CENTER operated by United Research (a 501c3 non-profit) dome@urlight.org PO Box 1146 Black Mn NC

4 A NEW DOME ON THE WAY Our Prayer Dome is the central feature of The Light Center. Everything we do revolves around prayer and the energy of the Prayer Dome has drawn visitors from around the world and provided a place of peace, healing, and spiritual transformation. It s also the place where we pray diligently for people and for the planet. This is the primary purpose of The Light Center and our very reason for being. A dry and solid Geodesic Prayer Dome is essential as we continue serving the Highest Good and making a positive impact on the world and the people who dwell thereon. The United Research Board is excited about moving forward with a new dome structure to replace the aging current dome. The proposed new Geodesic Prayer Dome will closely resemble the current dome but will be constructed using advanced materials and techniques to assure a long and stable existence. Our board President, Chris Cotney, thoroughly researched current dome manufacturers. We have selected Natural Spaces Domes of Minnesota as the best choice given their history, quality, and longevity with domes. They are one of the oldest manufacturers of geodesic domes and focus on environmentally friendly structures. Chris visited them in September and they are excited about working with us to replace our current dome with one which will be almost identical and preserve the important features (such as the windows). We re excited about this much needed project and its ability to help us fulfill the mission of The Light Center. Construction will commence once we ve received sufficient donations to move forward. Natural Spaces Domes has been building geodesic dome homes for 46 years. Pre-cut dome kits that are ultra-energy efficient and state of the art using environmentally sane and sustainable building methods and materials. Dome homes that are affordable, offering inspiring, breathtaking living spaces... Our gorgeous spruce wood interiors are healthier, easier to install, require no maintenance and end up being less expensive than sheetrock. Natural Spaces Domes leads by intelligent designing of our dome systems and dome living spaces, offering the largest library of dome plans in the industry... We are constantly refining the way we design and build domes using the inhabitant s health and the health of our planet as the most important criteria. Their domes feature superior engineering for ventilation, condensation, wintertime warmth, summertime cooling, energy savings and air circulation. To Learn More About Natural Spaces Domes, CLICK HERE Or visit OUR MISSION: To Increase awareness of the Oneness of All That Is by expanding Light, Peace, and Unconditional Love - 4 -

5 OUR FUTURE VISION IS DEEPLY ROOTED IN OUR PAST Excerpt from the May 1977 United Research newsletter: The Light Center is yet to be built, and this event shall occur this summer, after a few years of dreaming and planning. One of the goals of the United Research organization is to bring to man a Light Center, to help man to better himself through the use of colored rays of light, music, perfume, and prayer. The building will be a geodesic dome with two floors. The upper room is for continuous effective prayer for earth, man, and nature. The lower floor will be for Light, music, and perfume. There will be conference and meeting rooms to facilitate the advancement of man into being more effective in every way. The groundbreaking ceremony was May 1975; crystals were placed at the center of the dome; planning details are now being developed; construction is scheduled for this summer. The Light Center is becoming a reality both on this earth and within the hearts of us all. The center of Light is the Divine and as we all remember and work together in prayers for the Light Center, the manifestation will be a joy for all. The desired function of the Light Center is to evolve each and every person to the greater self, dormant within, and to bring forth a new harmonized person, an active Christ-centered human. Excerpt from the August 1978 United Research newsletter Beginning is a dream --- an idea --- a hope. Much work is behind the scenes: drawing the plans, organizing the work, bringing people together, sharing ideas, formulating the structure --- all done in prayer for the building of the Light Center. The Light Center is a focal point for prayer. The building itself gives a physical reality to the dream and the work of all people trying to bring amongst us a new reality, a world free from hate and fear. The good which will come forth from the Light Center is immeasurable, a gift to mankind and to the world around us. People coming together in this center for prayer shall bring new light to the world. They shall bring new hope to people lost in despair. Yet this structure rises not from dreams alone, but with the hard work and monetary contributions of many. The main building, the dome itself, is going up. The hallway and administration portion, the public facilities, are all slated for future development. (Read More About the Founders of United Research and The Light Center on Page 7) The main effort of the Prayer Center is prayer - continuous prayer. for the planet, for all nations, for our country, for this area, for all the people, for the animal world, for the angelic world, and for all the unseen worlds. It is through prayer that changes in the planet are made for the GOOD. It is through prayer that people are really healed. It is through prayer that people are changed, improved, and made better. It is through prayer that worlds are changed. The effective prayer of the people praying together in a prayer center is multiplied by the power of the presence of the Christ..We look forward to helping all that come, for we know that all will be helped by such a Center, You all are welcome to come to this center. ---Jim Goure, Co-Founder of The Light Center THE LIGHT CENTER operated by United Research (a 501c3 non-profit) dome@urlight.org PO Box 1146 Black Mn NC

6 OUR VISION FOR THE FUTURE Tully Moss has been an integral part of The Light Center for many years. He shares the following information in his book: Fantastic!, The Biography of Jim Goure The original vision for a prayer center called for there to be three phases. Phase I: A Light Center structure that was to be dedicated to prayer and prayer only. There were to be no bathrooms or offices in this structure. The intent was that this structure be dedicated solely to spiritual activities; Phase II: Another building with bathrooms, a kitchen, administrative offices, and bedrooms for those praying in the wee hours; Phase III: Offices and people to care for the holistic man; nutritionists, psychics, reflexologists; and rooms for representatives from each of the major religions. The members of United Research believe the time has come to pursue the fulfillment of the original vision. As we raise funds to replace the aging Prayer Dome, we also seek to raise funds for the expansion of our facilities. We look to construct another building for reception, orientation, teaching, and administrative functions, along with other activities. The building would also contain small bedrooms for overnight dome sitters. We are committed to providing space for care of the holistic man and for representing the common, universal core truths found in major religions of the world. It s a bold vision, but no bolder than the original vision for creation of a Prayer Center in the form of a Geodesic Dome. How Can You Participate With Us as We Embark on This Bold Vision For The Future? There are many ways to share in this important work. You can help us in the following ways: Pray Donate Visit Share The most important thing we can ALL do is Pray. We solicit your prayers for the fulfillment of the vision for a dedicated Prayer Center and other facilities. Fulfilling the vision will take money and we encourage you to Donate as you are able. Visit The Light Center whenever you can and experience the unique spiritual atmosphere and expand the Light Energy with your own prayers and meditations. We encourage you to Share descriptions of The Light Center with others. Share your stories in person, share online via Facebook. others with links to our Website, Facebook Page, and UR Light Newsletters. The Light Center has been a group endeavor from the very beginning and expanding our dedicated group of prayer partners, spiritual seekers, and volunteers is a key to our ultimate success in fulfilling the vision. THE LIGHT CENTER - Creating an environment that supports individual and universal transformation through effective prayer, compassionate education, service and creating Good moment by moment - 6 -

7 By the time he was 21, Jim had read through the Bible numerous times in addition to may Sacred Texts of various religions. Jim was a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and served as a Navy Commander shortly after World War II. He continued his spiritual study and focus on prayer and meditation throughout his service in the Navy. The Roots of The Light Center With many new visitors and new subscribers to our UR Light Newsletter, some are unaware of and curious about how The Light Center got its start. The Light Center is operated by a non-profit called United Research. The non-profit was founded by husband and wife, Jim and Diana Goure, along with a group of dedicated spiritual seekers. Jim and Diana Goure created the Light Center as a place where people could come to pray and meditate anytime, any day of the year. It is dedicated to prayer for personal and planetary transformation. Diana Goure was born in the Gore Mountain Range of Colorado. Born to New Thought parents, she grew up in a positive, spiritual environment. Her mother, Rev. Grace L Faus, was a minister and the founder of First Church of Divine Science of Washington D.C. James V Goure was born in Nebraska City, Nebraska, and grew up in Pueblo, Colorado, in a Christian environment. When Jim was twelve years old, his father died. This led Jim to a deep desire to know God and to seek answers. While in Washington DC, Jim attended a service at First Church of Divine Science where Rev. Grace Lightfoot Faus was the pastor. Rev. Faus had a strong impact on Jim and he attended services regularly. He was impressed with the messages, but he was also impressed with a certain young woman who happened to be the preacher s daughter, Diana Lightfoot. Jim and Diana began spending time together and in 1947 they were married. They started a family and eventually there were 8 children in the Goure home. Prayer and Seeking the Divine was a vital component of daily life in the Goure family. Jim traveled extensively in his career with the Navy. In the 1960s, Jim was attached to the Atomic Energy Commission in Washington, D.C. as a Senior Executive Officer. During his work with this commission, Jim became aware of the very real threat of a nuclear war. He realized that none of the methods tried had established world peace. For years Jim had been protecting himself and loved ones by placing them in bubbles of light. The same could be done for the planet, he said, so he asked friends to join with his family in regular prayer and meditation for each other and the world. These prayers evolved into The Effective Prayer, which continues to have a positive impact on the lives of all who ve used it through the years. (continued on next page) OUR MISSION: To Increase awareness of the Oneness of All That Is by expanding Light, Peace, and Unconditional Love - 7 -

8 In 1970, The Goure Family took early retirement and moved to Black Mountain, NC. Here in the nurturing energy of these mountains, Jim and his family began to pray for peace four times every day. Friends from Virginia Beach came down to visit.and pray with the Goures. Other visitors began coming, mostly because they heard about the powerful prayers and results through word of mouth. Jim began traveling and speaking to spiritual gatherings about the opportunity and techniques for employing prayer and meditation for connecting with the Divine Source. In 1976, Jim and Diana and a group of friends formed UNITED RESEARCH, INC., a nonprofit corporation to provide a vehicle for furthering the work of encouraging prayer and meditation as tools for personal and planetary healing and transformation. Excerpt from the May 1977 United Research Newsletter: Some years ago, a teaching work began. It took form through the spiritually devoted lives of one man, one woman, and their family. From this nucleus a cell of Light came into being. A balanced, moving, working, evolving call comprised of the dedication of this family to practice a new way of relating essential, universal, spiritual truths to solving problems in their daily lives, in their community, and on a national and planetary level. Thus were the beginnings of UNITED RESEARCH. United because people uniting themselves with one another increase the power of their effectiveness.many lights shining as one great Light. From its inception in 1976, United Research pursued a bold vision for a building which would house a geodesic dome devoted to 24 hour a day prayer and meditation. The building, called The Light Center, was built 3 years later and was dedicated in October of Jim made his transition in 1986 and Diana passed in Their work of transforming people and the world through prayer and meditation, and connecting with the Divine continues today. The vision for a structure dedicated to prayer and meditation manifested over 40 years ago. This facility continues to welcome visitors from around the globe who seek inner peace and Divine guidance in their daily lives. Research because this effort is largely and individually the effort to re-search our oneness with the Infinite Divinity, and in re-searching to re-establish and rebirth a new humanity at one with its Divine origin - thinking, knowing, and acting from that Divine Center of being. THE LIGHT CENTER - Creating an environment that supports individual and universal transformation through effective prayer, compassionate education, service and creating Good moment by moment - 8 -

9 Throughout Its History, The Light Center has taught and practiced the SEVEN STEP EFFECTIVE PRAYER. I release all of my past, negatives, fears, human relationships, selfimage, future, and human desires to the Light. I am a Being of Light. I radiate the Light from my Light Center throughout my being. I radiate the Light from my Light Center to everyone. I radiate the Light from my Light Center to everything. I am in a bubble of Light and only the Light can come to me and only the Light can be here. Thank you, God, for everyone, for everything, and for me. The Effective Prayer will change your life. You are encouraged to use this prayer within the structure of your own beliefs, to promote peace and unity among all people. Going Deeper With The Practice of Effective Prayer Spiritual growth and transformation in many spiritual paths has involved pondering the question Who Am I?. Know Thyself has also been a maxim found in various traditions. In doing the seven steps of Effective Prayer, it should be remembered, when we say I release or I radiate that this I is the I of the Divine within us. It is not so much something that we are doing but rather something that we are allowing the Divine to manifest and do through us. This I is what Jesus spoke of when he said I of myself can do nothing. It is the Father within that doeth the works. This I then is sacred and holy the Father within. It is something that we open up to. Realize and allow this I, the Divinity within you, to say I release and I radiate and your prayers will no longer be a thing of mental effort or striving; rather they will be an expression of spiritual being Joy and Peace and effortless effort. Learn More About Effective Prayer at Visitors To The Light Center Also Experience Enjoyment, Spiritual Growth and Transformation Via Walking Our Labyrinth Hiking Our Meditation Trails Strolling Slowly Around Our Meditation Pond Relaxing in Our Light Chamber Where they enjoy the calming effects of Colored Lights and Soft Music; Which Are Healing for the Spirit, Mind, and Body. For some, this time is spent working with Energy Centers of the body referred to as Chakras. THE LIGHT CENTER - Creating an environment that supports individual and universal transformation through effective prayer, compassionate education, service and creating Good moment by moment - 9 -

10 The Light Center and Effective Prayer Effective Prayer continues to play an important role The Light Center. The Seven Step Effective Prayer has been distributed to visitors via bookmarks but it doesn t stop there. In past years, the Goures led Prayer Teams on trips throughout the world. Prayer is a global language and practiced in many ways throughout the world. The concepts of The Effective Prayer translate well to all cultures and this prayer has been translated into many different languages. Effective Prayer can also be adapted to many circumstances and situations. In addition to the Seven Step Effective Prayer, numerous other forms of prayer and affirmation have been part of the outreach of The Light Center in our mission for personal and planetary transformation. In August of 2018, we began sharing Daily Effective Prayers via our website and Facebook page. The response has been tremendous as readers have used these prayers to positive effect and have shared these prayers with friends. Below are a few examples of these Daily Prayers for Effective Living As I celebrate the birth of the Living Christ within, I allow myself to experience the Joy of Oneness. I give thanks for the birth of the First Soul, the Way-Shower, whose mission was to show us that we are One with the Divine Essence. I accept the responsibility of the Living Christ. I open my heart to the joy of this Freedom. I am humble with gratitude for these sacred gifts. Thank you, sweet beloved Source. I turn within and open my connection to All That Is, as I breathe and anchor within, I resolve to stay centered in That to which my high self is always connected. If I get flustered, I breathe and act as-if I am one with the Source. Through practice, I strengthen my High Self and stay connected. Thank you, Beloved, for All That Is. Today as I center, I begin with gratitude for All That Is. I give thanks for all opportunities. Be they difficult or easy, I greet each opportunity with an open heart and mind. My centeredness and gratitude keeps me in the Universal Flow. OUR LODGE United Research also operates an 8 room Lodge where individuals can stay overnight for personal and group spiritual retreats. The Lodge is also an ideal spot for group events, classes, and in-residence workshops. Open year-round and within easy walking distance to the Light Center, the UR Lodge is newly renovated with a spacious kitchen and private bathrooms. Kitchen privileges are available, including limited refrigerator and shelf space for personal food items. A continental breakfast, linens and towels are provided. THE LIGHT CENTER operated by United Research (a 501c3 non-profit) dome@urlight.org PO Box 1146 Black Mn NC