Possess a Pure, Kindly and Radiant Heart...

Cluster Reflection Gathering 02/11/06

2006-02-02T13:55:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends, the next Cluster Reflection Gathering is coming up February 11, 2006.

Our new Cluster Growth Team (CGT) has planned a fun and informative program that includes a talk by International Pioneer Jim Taylor, introduction to our new community-inspired website, and new teaching strategies based on the 4 core activities. Excitement & momentum is building in our Cluster, please be a part of it.

This is open to friends, family, and seekers.

(click to enlarge)

"Without the spirit of real love..."

2006-02-01T01:16:00.000-05:00

Since February is the month of love (Valentine's Day)...

"Without the spirit of real love for Bahá'u'lláh, for His Faith and its Institutions, and the believers for each other, the Cause can never really bring in large numbers of people. For it is not preaching and rules the world wants, but love and action."
(from letter dated Oct. 25, 1949, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)

Allah'u'Abha dear friends

March Calendar

2006-02-01T01:13:00.000-05:00

(click to enlarge)

Pilgrimage: A Sacred Experience DVD

2006-01-23T21:44:00.000-05:00

A new DVD where Bahá'í pilgrims share personal testimonies and reflect on their experiences while on pilgrimage in the Holy Land. Available in English, Spanish and French.

To watch a brief excerpt click HERE

The DVD will be available in early February. To place an advance order click HERE

The full video will be available for FREE online viewing in Feb.

Ask a Baha'i - Episode 10

2006-01-16T22:53:00.000-05:00

Ask A Baha'i is a weekly podcast about the Baha'i Faith produced by Bill Dvorak.

Loie explains the Roses Project (http://www.ahad-sed.org/roses/) and the Hmong culture. The last part of the podcast is an appeal to the Portland, Oregon community for tutors/mentors needed to keep this valuable program going. Please listen and please encourage your friends to listen. This is a very special service opportunity to help the Hmong and yourself. Part 3 of 3.

Loie Mead (part 3) - Listen Now!

Baha'i Youth 'Making the World a Better Place'

2006-01-16T19:56:00.000-05:00

When given a list of future or life goals as part of a recent survey polling Baha'i youth, some 90 percent of respondents said they plan to “do service,” and are optimistic about their own capacity to make a difference in their community and in the world.

Along those lines, Baha'i youth also feel a strong commitment to social change and social justice, as evidenced by their high incidence (46 percent) of involvement in charity and service projects and by their expressed tendency to take action on issues of social justice that concern them most.

The survey, which was co-sponsored by the National Teaching Committee and the Office of Development at the Baha'i National Center in Evanston, Ill., also revealed that Baha'i youth feel supported by their local Baha'i community and Baha'i administrative institutions and have what they need to be active participants in community life.

To read full article: click HERE

To read "In Service to the Common Good-Youth" booklet:
http://www.bahai.us/images/files/BahaiYouth_12.05_FNL.pdf

* We have some amazing Baha'i Youth & Jr. Youth of our own! Ask how you can get involved.

If you feel that you can't change the world, change the life of a child and they will do it for you.

Ask a Baha'i - Episode 9

2006-01-09T22:46:00.000-05:00

Ask A Baha'i is a weekly podcast about the Baha'i Faith produced by Bill Dvorak.

Loie Mead was a teacher and an activist when she heard about the Baha'i Faith. In her experience, declaring her belief in the Baha'i Faith is only one step in her journey of learning to be a Baha'i. Part 2 of 3.

Loie Mead (part 2) - Listen Now!

Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World

2006-01-08T19:10:00.000-05:00

Albert Brooks says he wasn't looking to bring world peace, he was doing just what his new film's title said: "Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World."

At its world premiere at the Dubai International Film Festival, Brooks said he was concerned Abdullah bin Zaid al-Nahayan, the minister of information of the United Arab Emirates, would lead the audience out of the theater.

Instead, "they went crazy. I thought, I passed the test, it's O.K. The sheik is laughing; he's talking to the guy next to him in Arabic and pointing at the screen. And no one walked out," Brooks told The New York Times for Sunday editions.

In the film, Brooks is assigned a high-level government mission: travel to India and Pakistan, where he's to write a report on what makes Muslim's laugh.

Brooks said he chose India and Pakistan because of the intense conflict between the two countries.

"What's more important is that you're elevating this into the green zone, where you can make fun," he said. "And now it takes its place alongside everything else you can make fun of — politics or Jews (he's Jewish) or bad food or anything. If that happens, then that's really a healthy sign. That actually is something." [Associated Press]

*** This movie is getting good reviews in the U.S. and after seeing the trailer I can't wait.

click HERE to see the trailer

Rating: PG-13 In Theatres: January 20th, 2006

Baha'is Join Team To Serve Homeless Families

2006-01-08T16:19:00.000-05:00

Baltimore-area homeless families will soon have a new option: 17 area religious congregations have combined forces to offer housing, food and support specifically designed for such families.

The group, the Baltimore Interfaith Hospitality Network, will house up to 14 people - usually two or three families - at seven area places of worship. The network includes Baptist, Catholic and Presbyterian churches, as well as a synagogue and a Baha'i temple. The congregations are in the city and in Baltimore County.

To Read Full Article: click HERE

We are in The Guiness Book of Records !!!

2006-01-07T00:02:00.000-05:00

Most of you probably already know this, but it is news to me:

"The Guiness Book of Records, names The Baha'I Faith as the world's largest religion without rites, rituals and priesthood. The Baha'i Faith, which is practiced worldwide by about 6 million people has no ceremonies, no sacraments and no clergy. Bahaism emphasizes the importance of all religions and the spiritual unity of humanity. It emerged through the teaching of two 19th century Iranian visionaries and is now adhered to in over 70 countries."

I don't know when they actually made this claim but I found documentation that it was printed in all issues as far back as 1998.

Protest Follows Bahai's Death

2006-01-06T22:50:00.000-05:00

New York Times, Published: December 24, 2005

The United States condemned the imprisonment and alleged persecution of Zabihullah Mahrami, who it said was imprisoned in Iran for belonging to the Bahai faith and who died in prison on Dec. 15. A statement from Adam Ereli, the State Department's deputy spokesman, did not give the cause of death. He was believed to have been 59 years old. The Iranian government has been silent about Mr. Mahrami. His death was not reported in Iranian newspapers. He was sentenced to death for apostasy, the rejection of his religion, in January 1996 by a Revolutionary Court in Yazd, in central Iran. Mr. Mahrami, like many Bahais, was subject to harassment after the Islamic revolution in 1979. The sect was held to be apostasy from Islam, which carries the death penalty in the Islamic code as it is applied in Iran.

To read article, click here

Christian Science Monitor writes about persecution

2006-01-06T22:45:00.000-05:00

The Christian Science Monitor wrote this article about the Baha'i persecution in Iran.

"Outcry over persecution in Iran

The Bahai community is raising concerns about an upsurge of religious persecution in Iran. A member of the faith died in an Iranian prison this month of unknown causes. Dhabihullah Mahrami was sentenced to death 10 years ago for apostasy, but his sentence was commuted to life imprisonment after an international outcry. More than 60 Bahais have been detained or imprisoned in 2005, and eight are still being held, the community says."

See for yourself: http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/1229/p16s01-lire.html

Local paper interviews five Youth at Green Acre

2006-01-06T22:35:00.000-05:00

Five young people from around the world have been selected to volunteer at Green Acre as part of an international Bahai service program. Representing countries such as Uganda, Brazil, South Africa and Iran, the young volunteers say they have learned a lot about themselves and other cultures during their stay in Eliot, Maine.

To read full article: www.seacoastonline.com/news/12302005/maine/80455.htm

Baha'is honor champion of human rights

2006-01-06T22:25:00.000-05:00

LONDON, 3 January 2006 (BWNS)
A former British parliamentarian, Sydney Chapman, received the inaugural Blomfield Award for Human Rights at a ceremony organized by the United Kingdom Baha'i community's national governing council and the Barnet Baha'i community.

The Baha'is of the United Kingdom have established the Blomfield Award -- named after Lady Blomfield, a prominent early British Baha'i -- to present to individuals in British public life who have offered consistent and exceptional support towards the defence of Baha'is in countries where they are persecuted for their religious faith, notably in Iran.

To read entire article: http://news.bahai.org/story.cfm?storyid=420

Meet and make contact with single Baha'is!

2006-01-05T00:02:00.000-05:00

This site was created by a Baha'i couple who discovered each other over the internet and are now happily married. They started Two Doves to help other Baha'is find compatible partners and to provide helpful information for Baha'is in their relationships and in preparation for marriage. Click "here" to read their story.

Click here for the Two Doves site: http://www.twodoves.net/index.php?page=index

Baha'i RSS Feeds

2006-01-04T22:10:00.000-05:00

For those of you that use RSS news-feeds:
http://feeds.bahai.us/usbahainews%20

For more info about RSS news-feeds:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rss

"Ask a Baha'i" podcast series

2006-01-04T21:58:00.000-05:00

Ask a Baha'i is a weekly podcast about the Baha'i Faith produced by Bill Dvorak
http://feeds.bahai.us/usbahaipodcasts

Bill Dvorak:
http://www.bahaicommunity.org/people/billdvorak.html

For more info on Podcasts:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Podcast

Baha'i Wins 2006 Independant Music Award

2006-01-04T21:16:00.000-05:00

"My God, My Adored One" by Van Gilmer, won "Best Gospel Song" in the recent 2006 Independant Music Awards. The winning song's title comes from a prayer by Bahá'u'lláh.

http://www.bahai.us/content/view/103/154/

To hear song, click link then scroll down to "Rachael Price" and click on the blue triangle.
http://www.musiciansatlas.com/pages/jukebox2006.asp#

For more info on Van Gilmer:
http://www.bahai.us/content/view/95/154/

How to Become a Baha'i

2006-01-04T18:15:00.000-05:00

"A person becomes a Baha'i by recognizing Baha'u'llah as the Messenger of God for this age and following His laws and teachings and the administartive institutions He established for the unification of mankind."

Below is a link to the official U.S. Bahai website's information on Declaration and a printable Declaration form.

http://www.bahai.us/content/view/33/100/

Ask a Baha'i - Episode 8

2006-01-02T22:37:00.000-05:00

Feast & New Years Eve Party

2006-01-01T01:30:00.000-05:00

Thank you Nader for hosting such a grand & special event. It is obvious this is a group of Baha'is, just look at all the beautiful smiles...

[click on images to enlarge or download]

January Calendar

2006-01-01T00:01:00.000-05:00

click image to enlarge

Ask A Baha'i - Episode 7

2005-12-27T22:24:00.000-05:00

Ask A Baha'i is a weekly podcast about the Baha'i Faith produced by Bill Dvorak.

Wow! This is my first miracle story. Lal is transformed from a Roman Catholic to a Baha'i in an instant. I would like to know what you think. Please email me with your thoughts. billdvorak@mac.com

Lal Fernando - Listen Now!

Ask A Baha'i - Episode 6

2005-12-20T22:21:00.000-05:00

Ask A Baha'i is a weekly podcast about the Baha'i Faith produced by Bill Dvorak.

Hasan Cross was raised as a Baha'i. In this interview, he talks about what it means to be an African American Baha'i, the blessings and challenges, as well as the challenges facing everyone today. He also shares some great stories.

Hasan Cross - Listen Now!

Wrongly imprisoned Baha'i dies in Iranian jail

2005-12-19T17:35:00.000-05:00

NEW YORK, 19 December 2005 (BWNS)
A Baha'i who was wrongly jailed in Iran for 10 years died in his prison cell of unknown causes on Thursday, 15 December 2005, the Baha'i International Community has learned.

Mr. Dhabihu'llah Mahrami, 59, was held in a government prison in Yazd under harsh physical conditions at the time of his death.

"The worldwide Baha'i community mourns deeply the passing of Mr. Mahrami, who was unjustly held for a decade on trumped-up charges that manifestly violated his right to freedom of religion and belief," said Bani Dugal, the principal representative of the Baha'i International Community to the United Nations.

"While the cause of his death is not known, Mr. Mahrami had no known health concerns," said Ms. Dugal. "We also know that Mr. Mahrami was forced to perform arduous physical labor and that he had received death threats on a number of occasions.

Read Full Story: http://news.bahai.org/story.cfm?storyid=415

Skype (phone over internet...FREE)

2005-12-18T16:51:00.000-05:00

With Skype you can talk to anyone, anywhere for free...forever.

Skype is a little program for making free calls over the internet to anyone else who also has Skype. It’s free and easy to download and use, and works with most computers.

Their software is quick and easy to get started with. Download, register, install, plug in your headset, speakers or USB phone and start calling your friends. The calls have excellent sound quality and are highly secure with end-to-end encryption. You don’t even need to configure your firewall or router or any other networking gear. It just, you know… works.

Other Skype products (not free but very cheap):

With SkypeOut, you can use Skype to call ordinary phone numbers all over the world.

SkypeIn is a real phone number your friends can call. You pick up the call in Skype.

Skype Voicemail lets you direct calls when you’re busy or offline to your voicemail.

Here is their very informative website: http://www.skype.com/

Here are some of the headsets, speakers & USB phones available: http://www.skypemart.com/direct/skypeusa/welcome.jsp

UN calls on Iran to stop persecution of Baha'is

2005-12-17T17:23:00.000-05:00

UNITED NATIONS, 17 December 2005
For the 18th time since 1985, the United Nations General Assembly has passed a resolution expressing "serious concern" over the human rights situation in Iran, also making specific mention of the ongoing persecution of the Baha'i community there.

The resolution, which had been put forward by Canada and co-sponsored by 46 countries including Australia, the European Union, and the United States, passed by a vote of 75 to 50 on 16 December 2005.

Read Full Story: http://news.bahai.org/story.cfm?storyid=413

School boards support book on city's faiths

2005-12-16T12:30:00.000-05:00

The StarPhoenix, Published: Friday, December 16, 2005
Saskatoon public school board trustees have agreed to provide $600 to Multi-Faith Saskatoon to help cover the costs of colour illustrations for a new book about nine faiths in Saskatoon.
A request was also made to the Saskatoon Catholic school division, which has agreed to provide the funds.

Multi-Faith Saskatoon, an organization that aims to bring together people from different faiths, has received funding for the project through a centennial grant. It is compiling stories based on a theme of respect for others from each of the nine major faiths in Saskatoon -- Baha'i, Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, First Nations, Sikhism, Islam, Judaism and Unitarian.

Also included in the book are the history, practices and major holidays of the faiths. A copy of the book is to be distributed to each elementary school and libraries in the city. A Multi-Faith calendar, with information on several religious observations and holidays, is also to be distributed to each school in the division.

Yeah, Canada!

Professor and prince participate in seminar

2005-12-15T13:31:00.000-05:00

Suheil Bushrui, the holder of the Baha'i Chair for World Peace at the University of Maryland, participated in a seminar on "Faith and Social Responsibility" with His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales last month.

To read the entire article see: http://news.bahai.org/story.cfm?storyid=412

For a story on Professor Bushrui, see http://news.bahai.org/story.cfm?storyid=282

Season's Faith Celebrations

2005-12-14T12:33:00.000-05:00

Arizona Republic, Dec. 14, 2005
PHOENIX - The Faces of Diversity Brown Bag lunch series will discuss "Season's Faith Celebrations" on Friday.

Religious celebrations and holidays will be shared by members of the Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Sikh and Baha'i faiths. Presenters include Paul Eppinger, Arden Dorn, Rabbi Robert Kravitz, Imam Abdur-Rahim Shamsid-Deen, George Nakamura, Gurukirn Kaur Khalsa and Ken Jeffers. A local guitarist/singer will provide entertainment.

The event starts at noon at the City Council Chambers, 200 W. Jefferson St. Those who attend are encouraged to bring their lunch to this free event.
Details: phoenix.gov/eod or call (602) 261-8242.

Ask A Baha'i - Episode 5

2005-12-13T22:16:00.000-05:00

Ask A Baha'i is a weekly podcast about the Baha'i Faith produced by Bill Dvorak.

How Leslie was first introduced to the Faith by her brother, and some of the things she went through before she declared her belief in Baha'u'llah.

Leslie Myers - Listen Now!

Ask A Baha'i - Episode 4

2005-12-06T22:10:00.000-05:00

Ask A Baha'i is a weekly podcast about the Baha'i Faith produced by Bill Dvorak.

Faith Healing, Baptism, Cults, Materialism, Secrecy, Hell, Salvation... Leslie Myers gives great answers to some tough questions.

Leslie Myers - Listen Now!

More Baha'i Celebrities

2005-12-04T17:02:00.000-05:00

Anthoni Azizi: On Threat Matrix, an aide in Commander in Chief
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0044318/

Justin Baldoni: TV drama Everwood, on Spring Break Shark Attack, and on Wedding Daze
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1682573/

Rainn Wilson: On The Office, Six Feet Under, on movie Sahara
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0933988/ (Rainn's bio actually says he is a Baha'i)

This information is taken from The American Baha'i, page 20, November 23, 2005.

Baha'i Music Online

2005-12-04T12:04:00.000-05:00

DivineNotes.com is a brand new on-line music store for Bahá'í-inspired musicians, singers and music lovers. Taking advantage of the latest in digital music and Internet delivery technology, DivineNotes.com is a fully-digital on-line music store offering Bahá'í-inspired music and music by Bahá'í artists for direct download for use in digital music players and for burning to CDs from personal computers.

http://www.divinenotes.com/

Calendar-Dec.

2005-12-02T00:26:00.000-05:00

Ask A Baha'i - Episode 3

2005-11-28T22:01:00.000-05:00

Ask A Baha'i is a weekly podcast about the Baha'i Faith produced by Bill Dvorak.

Jack Stone became a Baha'i as a young adult, more than 30 years ago. This is not only the story of how his heart and mind came to accept Baha'u'llah, but what The Faith has meant in his life.

Jack Stone - Listen Now!

Feast of Qawl/Parsa's Birthday Party

2005-11-23T23:29:00.000-05:00

What a great night! We enjoyed the Feast of Qawl at the beautiful home of our new Deltona family. Afterwards we celebrated Parsa's sixth Birthday. There was so much delicious Persian food and desserts. Baha'is from Deltona, Deland, Daytona, Clermont, and even Jacksonville attended this spiritual and fun night. So many smiling faces, take a look...

Parsa (L) and Aniel...such BIG smiles

Free Baha'i DVD

2005-11-18T20:29:00.000-05:00

Introductory film about the Baha'i Faith and its founder, Baha'u'llah. Great for seekers. No Donations.
http://www.spiritualroad.org/

Baha'i Inspired Movie

2005-11-16T22:35:00.000-05:00

Dear Baha'i Friends,Our feature film "Cape of Good Hope" will be released in the U.S. in less than 3 weeks. You can now visit our new official web site if you'd like to find out more:

www.capeofgoodhopemovie.com

The film is not directly about the Faith, but I think many people would classify it as Baha'i-inspired in that its central theme is the Oneness of Humanity and along the way it tackles issues such as racism, xenophobia, equality of women, plus a few others. It also starts with an on-screen quote of Baha'u'llah from the Iqan in the main opening credits. The site is still under construction but most of it is already up and running so please feel free to forward the link to everyone and anyone you think might be interested - especially if they live in NY which is where the film opens on November 11th before expanding to other major U.S. cities later in the month. And while you're there, please add yourself to our new Guest Book so you'll be notified when it's playing in a city or town near you.

Ask A Baha'i - Episode 2

2005-11-16T21:53:00.000-05:00

Ask A Baha'i is a weekly podcast about the Baha'i Faith produced by Bill Dvorak.

In this episode, Bill interviews Betty Schuster, a Baha'i since 1947. Betty talks about finding the Baha'i Faith and what led to her declaration of Faith in Baha'u'llah.

Betty Schuster - Listen Now!

International Religious Freedom Report-2005

2005-11-14T23:50:00.000-05:00

International Religious Freedom Report for 2005 http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2005/51599.htm

Closed Doors

2005-11-14T23:44:00.000-05:00

Closed Doors is maintained by the Office of Public Information of the Bahá’íInternational Community. Its purpose is to publicize the dire situation ofthe Bahá’ís in Iran to the general public as well as to journalists,academics, and researchers.

The URL is: http://denial.bahai.org/

Sunday Devotionals in Deland

2005-11-13T08:37:00.000-05:00

Each Sunday at 10am the Rampersads of Deland host Devotionals with a pot-luck brunch in their home. There are children's classes that are quite lively. It is a wonderfully spiritual & social event that we all have come to depend on for a weekly re-charge of the soul. For more info please email us at... volusiabahai@gmail.com

Birth of Baha'u'llah Celebration-Deland

2005-11-12T20:18:00.000-05:00

On Saturday morning, the Baha'is from Deland/Deltona shared a Birth of Baha'u'llah Celebration in Blue Springs Park in Orange City. We sat at a table under a huge tree and the children's swings were about ten feet away from us. The lake was also very close. We read a story about the Nightingale and the children enjoyed the pictures in the book. We also received Baha'i cards with 'Blessed is the Spot' written in them, and then sang it. We expressed our feeling about the special day we were celebrating. Our Baha'i banner was placed hanging on one of the tables. The food was delicious. Our newly declared youth Nylah Rampersad woke up at the crack of dawn to bake delicious chocolate chip cookies for us. The Rampersads brought a bouquet of red roses. At the end, we all took roses home.

Birth of Baha'u'llah Celebration-Orlando

2005-11-11T23:41:00.000-05:00

The Baha'is of Orlando hosted a Birth of Baha'u'llah celebration tonight at the Orlando History Museum. There were so many beautiful friends from all over Florida, some as far as North Carolina. Here are some highlights...

Pilgrimage Pictures 2005

2005-11-10T17:22:00.000-05:00

These are some of the highlights of Chris & Kathy Miller's (Deltona) Pilgrimage in October 2005.

Kathy with Bob from Sesame Street

Day One: Registration

Departing from Gate 9

Universal House of Justice (L) and Teaching Center (R)

My very special prayer beads

* More coming soon.

Ask A Baha'i - Episode 1

2005-11-08T21:32:00.000-05:00

Ask A Baha'i is a weekly podcast about the Baha'i Faith produced by Bill Dvorak.

In this episode Berje Barrow and Bill Dvorak talk about what it means to have a personal relationship with God. How do you experience God?

Berje Barrow and Bill Dvorak- Listen Now!

Calendar-Oct.

2005-11-01T11:49:00.000-05:00

click pic to zoom