HAPPENING NEAR YOU

Devotional Gathering

Devotional meetings spring up naturally in a community where a conversation about the spiritual dimension of human existence is growing.

Dawn Prayers

Dawn Prayers spring up naturally in a community where a conversation about the spiritual dimension of human existence is growing. Early in the morning, Bahá’ís and their friends and families unite with one another in prayer to start their day on a positive note.

Introductory Chat about the Baha’i Faith with Lea

Firesides are informal gatherings for introductory conversations about the Baha’i Faith. They are excellent opportunities for people to ask questions and learn about how the Faith’s teachings relate to contemporary life.

ONE UNFOLDING RELIGION

Humanity’s spiritual, intellectual and moral capacities have been cultivated through the successive teachings of the Founders of the world’s religions—the Manifestations of God. Among Them are Krishna, Abraham, Moses, Zoroaster, Buddha, Jesus Christ, Muhammad and, most recently, the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh. Each religion originates with God and is suited to the age and place in which it is revealed. In essence, the religion of God is one and whose progressive revelation is unfolding.

“This is the changeless Faith of God, eternal in the past, eternal in the future.”
— BAHA’U’LLAH

“Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch. Deal ye one with another with the utmost love and harmony, with friendliness and fellowship.”
— BAHA’U’LLAH

This core belief in oneness calls us to actively root out our prejudices and the systemic inequalities that divide people of different ethnic backgrounds, national origins, genders and social classes.

ONE HUMAN FAMILY

Beyond all differences of race, culture, class or ethnicity, regardless of differences in customs, opinions, or temperaments, every individual is a member of one gloriously diverse human family. Each unique individual has a role to play in carrying forward an ever-advancing material and spiritual civilization.

“Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch. Deal ye one with another with the utmost love and harmony, with friendliness and fellowship.”
— BAHA’U’LLAH

This core belief in oneness calls us to actively root out our prejudices and the systemic inequalities that divide people of different ethnic backgrounds, national origins, genders and social classes.

ONE GOD

Called by different names throughout the ages, the eternal God, the one Creator of the universe. God is limitless, all-knowing, all-powerful, all-merciful. God is one. While the reality of God is beyond human understanding, we may find expressions of God’s attributes in every created thing. All the best human qualities are reflections of God’s divine attributes.

“The peoples of the world, of whatever race or religion, derive their inspiration from one heavenly Source, and are the subjects of one God.” — BAHA’U’LLAH

As God’s creation, we may never understand God completely. God communicates through Messengers, also referred to as Divine Educators. We can know God through studying the words and scriptures of these Messengers.

STUDY CIRCLES

(ages 15–adult) are small groups that meet regularly, usually in the home of a group member, to study passages from the Bahá’í writings on the life of the soul and such themes as learning about consultation, accompanying one another in service and promoting the arts. This training builds capacity, skills and knowledge for a life of service to the community. Participants come to recognize that they have the power to re-create the world around them.

JUNIOR YOUTH GROUPS

(ages 12–14) motivate young people to explore complex issues, consult about neighborhood needs, plan and carry out acts of service and find positive avenues for recreation and artistic expression. Faced with navigating a crucial time in their lives, participants work to build moral clarity for the many decisions they’ll face. Working with mentors called “animators,” youth from all backgrounds develop a global identity, wisdom, compassion, decision-making skills and a mindset of service to others.

CHILDREN’S CLASSES

(ages 5–11) are for a community’s youngest and most precious treasures. They provide the early seeds of moral and spiritual education and introduce the oneness of humanity. All of the community’s children are welcome. These classes help children discover and strengthen their inherent spiritual qualities like kindness, patience and generosity through stories, songs, prayers and art.

DEVOTIONAL GATHERINGS

(all ages) bring people of all backgrounds and beliefs together in prayer, song and meditation. They reflect the diverse cultural character of local communities and seek to stimulate meaningful conversations that can lead to action. As worship is linked with acts of service, a unifying spirit begins to permeate the community. Gatherings are held wherever

“the mention of God [can] be made.”