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From the Baha'i Writings

Event types

Study Circles
Study circles are regular gatherings of people interested in an in-depth and systematic study of the Bahá’í Writings. The purpose of this study is to gain the spiritual insight and skills to find a path of service to humanity. Each course builds upon skills of the previous course, and all are encouraged to complete the sequence, actively engaging in the service components of each. The study circle setting is informal and usually conducted in homes with family and friends.

Book 1: Reflections on the Life of the Spirit — Book 1 invites us to reflect on true life, which is the life of the soul. It emphasizes the importance of daily prayers (our spiritual life) and further discusses the concepts of life and death.

Book 2: Arising to Serve — Book 2 leads us to a path of personal spiritual growth and service to others. It assists us to develop the capabilities of making periodic home visits, sharing various deepening themes.

Book 3: Teaching Children’s Classes — Book 3 helps us to start regular classes for the spiritual education of children. It covers some of the basic principles of Bahá’í education of children, and it also discusses the skills, abilities, and attitudes for conducting children’s classes. Book 3 includes actual lessons for children’s classes (prayer, song, story, game, and coloring).

Book 4: The Twin Manifestations — Book 4 invites us to study the life of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh, and Their Missions. It helps us to understand the greatness of this Day and to develop the skills of sharing the spiritual themes associated with the Manifestations.

Book 5: Releasing the Powers of Junior Youth — Book 5 introduces the importance of spiritual education of junior youth. It helps us to acquire the skills and abilities to become a junior youth animator.

Book 6: Teaching the Cause — Book 6 intends to enhance our understanding of the spiritual significance of teaching. It provides the opportunity to reflect on the attributes of a teacher, and it helps us to make personal and collective teaching plans.

Book 7: Walking Together on a Path of Service — Book 7 raises awareness of the spiritual dynamics of advancing along a path of service. It examines the concepts, attitudes, skills and abilities of an effective facilitator who helps a group pf people go through Book 1 to Book 6.

Please contact us if you would like to participate in a study circle!

Children's Classes
Children are the most precious resource a community has. Much like a young tree, children will grow and develop in whatever way they are trained and according to the influences they experience. Bahá'í children's classes are intended to nurture spiritually vibrant and healthy young people who will grow up without prejudice and with a positive, powerful sense that they are important to God and have a role to play in serving humanity.

The Teachings of Bahá'u'lláh form the basis of these classes and introduce the Bahá'í Teachings and those of other Messengers of God to foster a fully united, just and peaceful world.

The Writings of the Bahá'í Faith affirm that spiritual education is at the heart of an educational process that leads to the elevation and transformation of the human spirit. It is through the conscious effort of loving families, combined with a systematic offering of classes based upon the guidance that has been given to humanity by a loving God, that the spiritual development of children can be nurtured and developed.

Devotional Gatherings
The Bahá'í teachings prescribe daily prayer and intimate communion with God as the foundation for a life devoted to spiritual advancement and service to humanity. In addition to practicing private prayer and meditation, Bahá'ís gather in their homes and communities for collective worship. Devotional gatherings are scheduled regularly to share a devotional spirit of joy, love and fellowship. Readings are taken from the Bahá'í writings and the Scriptures of Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism and Buddhism. Participants are encouraged to bring their prayer books or favorite passages from the Scriptures to share. These gatherings often offer prayers for healing or assistance to those in need. Musical selections are diverse, coming from a variety of cultures and styles. There is no established ritual and no solicitation of funds. Light refreshments are often served.

Firesides
A “fireside” is an informal discussion that explores various aspects of the Bahá'í Faith. Most firesides are held in private homes or apartments, with a small number of people gathering in a comfortable setting. Typically, a Bahá'í (the Bahá'í Faith has no clergy or priesthood) will give a brief introduction, which is followed by a question and answer period. Those who wish to investigate further are encouraged to read one or more of the many Bahá'í publications, and to return with more questions.

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