07/11/2023
Hello Ministers of The Universal Light, Deacons, friends, and visitors!
My name is Ben, and I am both a Bishop and Board Member of TUL.
Our last post was of the passing of Bishop Emeritus Don, who “founded” TUL. I use quotes because Don would tell you that God (Creator) founded the church, he (Don) just filed the paperwork.
Since Don’s passing, we have received several questions about the continued operation of TUL so I wanted to make a quick post to answer some of the more common questions. If, after reading this post you have other questions, please leave them in the comments and we may do another follow up post.
So here are the most common questions, with answers:
Will TUL continue to function?
Short answer: Yes
Long answer: Also yes. TUL is recognized by the Federal government to be an incorporated 501c3 nonprofit church. TUL is incorporated in the state of Ohio. Years ago, as Don’s health began to deteriorate, the Board of Directors of TUL designed a plan for continuation. This plan was voted on and approved by the entire Board of Directors. That plan has been followed and as such, TUL is maintaining its legal status and thus continues to operate.
What will change?
Not much really. TUL will still have as its primary objective to support the Healing Ministry that it began back in the 70s. And to support all the light workers who are bringing their healing energies to this physical plane.
We will replace signatures on the certificates we issue and make other necessary changes to comply with US law.
The Board of Directors will still provide oversight for TUL. The officers of TUL will continue to support the day-to-day functioning of TUL.
Will there be any changes to compensation for the Board or Officers?
No changes at this time. We are all volunteers who don’t draw a salary. At the Board meetings, TUL provides food and reimburses gas expenses for the Board Members. Officers donate their time and talents to the functioning of TUL, but may be reimbursed food/gas/etc when conducting church business.
As a reminder, we are always looking for people to help. If you are interested, let us know in the comments.
How are the finances of the church?
So we operate a little differently than the big churches. We never have much money in the church account, but it always seems to work out OK.
We will continue to suggest a $25 donation during the renewals we do each August. As always, you do NOT have to pay the $25 to remain active, you just contact us in August to let us know if you wish to remain active, and if you truly can’t afford it (we’ll take your word for it) we will keep you active, which is the basis for your legal protections.
Each year, we have ministers that donate more than the $25 to help those ministers that need it. I don’t need to tell you that being a lightworker is not always easy. We’ve renewed ministers living in their vehicles, going through health issues such as cancer, and all manner of personal struggles. The money is not the point, the healing ministry is. But we do need money for the website, office supplies, the printing of the certificates and mailing them, etc.
What has kept TUL going financially all these years are the people on the Board and the Officers that donate their time, and you know, God’s grace.
Why do you donate your time to TUL?
When I was a child, I had 2 great-grandmothers that both greatly contributed to my success. One lived on the farm with us, and the other lived in town. The one that lived in town was quite the character. She had card games at her house every Saturday night (I spent Saturday nights at her house). Mostly nickel-dime-quarter poker variations. All manner of people came to these games: crooks, biker gang members, and what polite society would call outcasts. They all adored my great grandmother because she opened her home to all of them. And if you were hungry, she would feed you with whatever she had available (beans and cornbread were her specialty). It was the first “no judgement zone” I ever encountered. She told me something that took me years to work through. She said that she wouldn’t take a million dollars for me but wouldn’t give a nickel for another one just like me. I wasn’t sure if that was a compliment or not. I choose to believe that we are all a part of our Creator. And it takes every grain of sand to make the beach. And every star to make the night sky. So, it is our uniqueness, and what that brings to this physical plane, particularly in the form of healing energy that is our “value”. She was also probably trying to teach me something important about worrying about money too much. I’m not sure that I understand what she said even to this day, and maybe that is point, just to ponder it.
I donate my time to TUL because I choose to believe that at the end of the day, we are just walking each other home. And I want to support all the people that not only hear the call of a healing ministry, but also heed the call and answer. And because I love my great grandmother and the kindness she showed everyone. If I can come to understand even a fraction of the kindness and compassion she did, I’ll be doing alright.
