Author Archives: rbcmwsadmin

COVID-19 Safety Guidelines for Bahá’í Community Activities

Dear Friends, The COVID-19 Learning Group which has been established by the Regional Bahá’í Council of the Midwest offers the following for members of the community who are engaged in community activities involving face-to-face contact under current conditions. Any updates or changes will be reflected on our website. The purpose of the COVID-19 learning groupContinue reading “COVID-19 Safety Guidelines for Bahá’í Community Activities”

Toledo Race Amity Festival Eases Tensions

“In a time when racial tensions continue to churn across the country, members of the local Bahá’í Faith community are working to foster friendships to bridge the divides,” commented Alexandra Mester in her May 21, 2021 article in Toledo’s The Blade.

More than 30 people attended a Race Amity Festival May 14 at Wildwood Metropark in person, while more attended virtually, she reported. People of varying backgrounds and faiths, including Jewish, Christian, Muslim and Bahá’í, listened to speakers and participated in group discussions. Activities also included ice-breakers, music and dance performances.

Youth and Peace Building

On June 14, a handful of youth demonstrated the power of devotional meetings to use Bahá’u’lláh’s Words to transform lives and build community.

The gathering on Zoom, attending by more than 50 participants touched hearts, opened minds and awakened souls — through music, visual arts and the power of the Creative Word.

“That was among the more powerful and inspiring presentations I’ve seen/participated in…” wrote Dennis Stafford of Columbus, Ohio.

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Pandemic Grows Meditative Devotional

Here is how my meditation class became a devotional meeting for a few Bahá’ís and lots of other interested souls.

The format starts with guided relaxation to achieve a meditative state. Then I recite topical quotations from varied religious traditions, including a generous selection of my favorite Bahá’í Writngs, interspersed with music on my flute.  We end with silent meditation to allow the sacred nature of the Writings to transform our hearts and souls.

Afterwards, some will stay to chat about their reactions to the quotes. This was the time for a lot of teaching by the Bahá’ís in attendance, since so many of the “Community of Interest” admired the beautiful quotes. 

Invitation: Youth and Peace Building

The Racial Justice and Unity Forum invites all youth and interested adults of all ages to a special session of the Racial Justice and Unity Forum on June 14 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. sponsored by the Regional Bahá’í Council of the Midwestern States. Created by past participants of the Michigan State University’s Multi-Racial Unity Learning Experience (MRULE), the session will explore such questions as:

  • How can we relate to one another on a deeply spiritual level?
  • How can we transform ourselves and work with others to transform our communities?
  • How can we work with others to bring peace and unity to the world?

Race Unity Day Becomes Race Unity Week

Update: Detailed schedules added.

Race Amity Day, a tradition started in 1921, will take on special significance this year, given the enormity of the events of the past 12 months.

In Columbus and Dayton Ohio, the Bahá’ís and Interfaith Forums will coordinate a series of in-person gatherings that will also be streamed via Zoom and Facebook Live.

The following weekend, Dr. Eric Dozier will lead a musical reflection on the history and significance of Juneteenth.

Another Draft Story

Hey baby Yoda let me tell you all about draft stories. Ipsum Lorem something something.

There once was a potluck in Maine.
From drinking its guests all abstained.
The concepts were high
And the spirits so fly
They decided to meet once again.

Space Filling Draft

This is an example of an excerpt, to fill space on the drafts page. It is only assigned the “Draft” category, so it will only appear on the draft page, and not on the other news pages such as “News from the Region” or “Devotions Vignettes”.

Often these excerpts are two short paragraphs.