The American Bahá’í/Volume 11/Issue 1/Text
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3 Bahá’ís Attend Iran Embassy Meeting[edit]
Last November 1, three members of the U.S. Bahá’í community attended a discussion of the Bahá’í situation held at the Iranian Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Present at the meeting were Judge James F. Nelson, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly; Glenford E. Mitchell, secretary of the National Assembly; and Anita Chapman of the Washington, D.C., Bahá’í community.
MUCH OF THEIR discussion with Iranian officials centered around charges made previously in a statement issued by the Embassy along with a letter dated October 17. The National Spiritual Assembly prepared a statement giving the Bahá’í response to questions raised in the following areas:
- The demolition of the House of the Báb.
- The accusation that Bahá’ís are a political group.
- The alleged cooperation of the Bahá’ís with Israel and Zionism.
- The Bahá’í attitude toward Iran.
In summarizing Bahá’í feelings toward Iran, the birthplace of the Bahá’í Faith, the National Assembly’s statement reads in part:
“ALTHOUGH THE Bahá’ís by training are inclined toward world-mindedness, believing as they do in the oneness of humanity and the necessity of uniting nations, the Iranian Bahá’ís are loyal to their country and have faithfully served its interests ...
“The Iranian Bahá’ís are known to recite and teach their children to memorize a prayer in which they supplicate to God to be their helper and supporter in serving their country.
“Besides, the Bahá’ís in more than 300 countries and territories respect and harbor affection for Iran as the birthplace of their religion.
“The Bahá’í principles requiring loyalty to government and abstention from subversive activities are known to every Bahá’í community in the world and are upheld by the Iranian Bahá’í community.”
The statement continues:
“THE FACT that the Iranian officials regard the Bahá’ís as a political group and not a religion is a polemic that no amount of discussion might succeed immediately in resolving.
“However, it must be appreciated that its adherents believe the Bahá’í Faith to be an independent religion which upholds uncompromisingly the truths of previous religions, including Islam, recognizes unreservedly their divine origin and disclaims any intention of lowering the stations of their Founders in the eyes of their followers.”
As to the charges of cooperation with Israel and Zionism, the statement says:
“The holiest shrines of the Bahá’í Faith, around which its world administrative center has been established, are situated in the Holy Land because of events which occurred more than half a century before the establishment of Israel and other Middle Eastern countries as independent nations.
“THE HOLY SHRINES of the Muslims, Christians, and Jews are also located in the Holy Land. Therefore, it is simple enmity to attack the Bahá’í Faith on the basis of the geographical location of its holy shrines ...
“The Iranian Bahá’ís categorically deny any political dealings with Israel. Similar charges linking the Iranian Bahá’ís with the political interests of the British, Russian and United States governments are also odious fabrications of long standing, many of them having been promulgated under the aegis of the previous regimes.”
While expressing pleasure at “the assurance of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran that the national Government did not order the destruction of the House of the Báb,” the National Spiritual Assembly’s statement notes that “it is a fact that local officials in Shíráz participated in the attack.”
The report adds:
“This suggests that it (the attack) was not really a spontaneous outbreak of revenge stemming from the mourning of the people over what had happened a year earlier, as is alleged by the fact sheet issued by the Iranian Embassy.”
In a footnote, the statement notes that a second attack in early November destroyed what was left of the House of the Báb, the holiest Bahá’í Shrine in Iran.
A copy of the Bahá’í statement was sent to all Local Spiritual Assemblies on November 21, and is being circulated among public officials to help counter recent slanderous attacks on the Faith.
Children of the Olympia, Washington, Bahá’í community presented the books The Gift and Blessed Is the Spot last November 6 to the Timberland Regional Library System in honor of the International Year of the Child. Shown (left to right) are Kerry Cullen, children’s library assistant Judy Kennedy, Magdalene McCarty, and Micah McCarty. The Olympia Bahá’í community also participated (with the Tumwater Bahá’í community) in the Olympia Lakefair Parade last July, sponsored 11 taped messages on a local radio station, and placed posters and ‘Love That Child’ brochures in stores.
Dr. Kazemzadeh’s Visits Bolster Persian Friends[edit]
Dr. Firuz Kazemzadeh, vice-chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, recently visited four U.S. cities to advise the friends about the present situation of Bahá’ís in Iran, and to encourage newly-arrived Persian believers to participate as fully as possible in the activities of their new communities.
Since the Iranian revolution that toppled the Sháh in early 1979, large numbers of Persian Bahá’ís have come to this country, and the National Spiritual Assembly is taking steps to help them adjust to their new home.
AMONG THE measures already initiated are a quarterly page in Persian in The American Bahá’í, occasional gatherings specifically for the Persian believers, and establishment of a Persian “desk” at the Bahá’í National Center.
To further pursue the task of orienting the Persian friends to life in the U.S., the National Assembly sent Dr. Kazemzadeh to Atlanta, Georgia; Washington, D.C.; Columbia, Maryland; and San Francisco, California, to discuss more fully some of their specific concerns.
At special meetings arranged for and with the Persian believers, Dr. Kazemzadeh welcomed them to America on behalf of the National Assembly, explained the functioning of the Administrative Order in this country, and warmly encouraged them to become active members of their new communities.
Dr. Kazemzadeh also spoke to groups of American believers, calling on them to redouble their teaching efforts to compensate for the inability of the Bahá’ís in Iran to exercise that privilege, and explaining more fully the nature of recent persecutions in Iran.
Dr. Kazemzadeh will be undertaking similar visits to cities in Florida, Oklahoma and Texas, where large groups of Persian Bahá’ís also reside.
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Inside ... CONTRIBUTIONS to the National Fund show a 25 per cent increase over last year. Page 3 THE GREATER Boston, Massachusetts, teaching campaign aims to double the number of believers in that area. Page 4 WORLD CITIZEN, a new magazine for Bahá’í youth, makes its debut. Page 5 THE NATIONAL Teaching Committee turns its focus toward saving more than 130 jeopardized Local Spiritual Assemblies. Page 6 THE EDUCATION Committee introduces the first of five articles on improving the efficiency of Local Assemblies. Page 7 THE PUBLISHING Trust recommends Bahá’í literature for the nationwide fireside teaching campaign. Page 8 |
Trust Names General Manager
Ed Ryland has been appointed General Manager of the Bahá’í Publishing Trust by the National Spiritual Assembly.
Mr. Ryland, who began work at the Trust on December 3, comes to the National Center from San Clemente, California, where he served as president and senior executive officer of Surfer Publishing Group Products.
He was listed in Who’s Who in the Ski Industry in 1979 for his accomplishments in purchasing, inventory control and credit.
Mr. Ryland also has owned and operated an interior design firm and two manufacturing companies.
Mr. Ryland, his wife, Michel, and their daughter, Tahirih, are living in Evanston, Illinois.
The Hand of the Cause of God Raḥmatu’lláh Muhájir (standing at left) met last October 4 with Bahá’ís in South Florida. Dr. Muhájir encouraged the friends to hold daily firesides in 18-day sequences, and to travel and teach in the Caribbean area to help win the Seven Year Plan goals there. As a result of his visit, six families volunteered to host regular firesides, while 12 individuals said they would travel and teach in the Caribbean. Their names were forwarded to the International Goals Committee for processing.
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Editorials Are Fifteen Enough? Some American Bahá’ís apparently are under the impression that there should be no more than 15 adult Bahá’ís in a given community, and that when a community has more than 15, some of its members should disperse to open new localities and form new Assemblies. While the spirit of this idea is commendable, it is not a policy of the National Spiritual Assembly or any other Bahá’í institution that communities should not grow beyond the size of 15 adult believers. THIS NOTION stems from a partial understanding of a statement made by the beloved Guardian in a letter to the U.S. Bahá’í community in 1954 and published in Citadel of Faith under the title, “American Bahá’ís in Time of World Peril.” The letter, written at the beginning of the second year of the Ten Year Crusade, appealed to the American believers to respond to the pressing needs on the homefront. Little progress had been made in forming Local Spiritual Assemblies or opening localities, and the Guardian was concerned about a stagnation that had occurred in the teaching work. To turn things around, Shoghi Effendi called for “a veritable exodus from the large cities where a considerable number of believers have, over a period of years, congregated, both on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, as well as in the heart of the country, and where, owing to the tempo and distractions of city life, the progress of the Faith has been retarded ...” The Guardian then called upon New York City and Chicago, which, he said, “rank among the oldest of and occupy the most honored positions among, the cities throughout the American Union,” to take the lead. “INDEED,” he concluded, “so grave are the exigencies of the present hour, and so critical the political position of the country, that were a bare 15 adult Bahá’ís to be left in each of these cities, over which unsuspected dangers are hanging, it would still be regarded as adequate for the maintenance of their Local Spiritual Assemblies.” It may well be argued that the situation we face today is no less serious than the situation we faced in 1954. Indeed, Bahá’ís in the larger cities could serve the Faith well by moving away from urban areas to goal localities. In fact, in its guidelines for the first two-year phase of the Seven Year Plan (published in the October 1979 issue of Bahá’í National Review), the National Spiritual Assembly referred to communities with 30 or more believers as “the manpower bases from which pioneers are supplied for the homefront and the international field.” It would be incorrect, however, to say that in his statement the Guardian set a limit of 15 on the size of any Bahá’í community. WHILE WE STILL must think in terms of the proliferation of Local Spiritual Assemblies and the opening of new localities, the Faith has advanced to the point where we must now think also in terms of having communities of hundreds and thousands of Bahá’ís. Once a community has a large number of believers, a new dynamic occurs. The financial and human resources of the Faith multiply and distinctive Bahá’í institutions can be formed. The Local Spiritual Assembly can begin to function as the governing body; the pattern of Bahá’í life can be established on a noticeable scale, and the distinctive characteristics of Bahá’í life can be systematically developed. While dispersion from big cities continues to be necessary, we must realize that it does not preclude building large, strong and active Bahá’í communities. Iran Crisis Fraught With Opportunities The crisis in Iran has opened the eyes of America to a new world. The terms “Islam,” “mulla,” “Iran,” and to a lesser extent, “Bahá’í,” appear daily in the media. This presents Bahá’ís with a golden opportunity that we would do well to take advantage of. The early history of the Faith, the Bahá’í position on loyalty to government and non-involvement in partisan politics, the spiritual destiny of America, and the relationship of the Faith to Islam, Christianity and Judaism are among the subjects that could be discussed at firesides and public meetings. As always, our goal in teaching the Faith is to build bridges of understanding that help people see how the Faith is relevant to the world’s ills and the individual’s needs. Seizing the opportunities that the Greater Plan of God presents is a sure way to attract those who are interested in meaningful, long-lasting solutions to contemporary problems. Reflections on Fireside Teaching Shoghi Effendi wrote, through his secretary, that “...the most effective method of teaching is the fireside ...” The fireside enables the seeker to experience Bahá’í hospitality, to feel the love and warmth of Bahá’í fellowship, and to discuss in a relaxed and cordial atmosphere those subjects that concern him. Reports indicate that the number of firesides being held throughout the country is increasing. This is encouraging, and we hope the trend will continue. FOR THE FIRESIDE method to be effective, it must be sustained. It takes months for results to be achieved and we must resist the tendency to drop the habit of holding firesides because we fail to have new enrollments immediately. If one finds that he lacks a sufficient number of individuals to invite, he might do well to consider widening his circle of friends and acquaintances by increasing his involvement in organizations with aims similar to our own, as suggested by the Guardian in The Advent of Divine Justice (Page 43): “Let him also attempt to devise such methods as association with clubs, exhibitions, and societies, lectures on subjects akin to the teachings and ideals of his Cause such as temperance, morality, social welfare, religious and racial tolerance, economic cooperation, Islam, and comparative religion, or participation in social, cultural, humanitarian, charitable, and educational organizations and enterprises which, while safeguarding the integrity of his Faith, will open up to him a multitude of ways and means whereby he can enlist successively the sympathy, the support, and ultimately the allegiance of those with whom he comes in contact.” |
COMMENT
1980: Time Now to Offer Disabled ‘Helping Hand’[edit]
By SUSAN BERKMAN
The designation by the United Nations of 1980 as the Year of the Disabled is only a small testament to the developing awareness of what has been a “hidden minority.”
I say “hidden” because, until recently, the disabled were severely limited in their ability to travel—not because they are incapable, but because our society was not prepared to accommodate those whose mobility is impaired by a physical limitation.
WHEELCHAIRS were burdens at street corners; elevators and doors were not marked in Braille; buses weren’t able to accommodate wheelchairs; physical barriers made entrance to and exit from buildings extremely difficult
Only in recent years have laws been changed or written to require that facilities be modified to accommodate everyone including those who are physically disabled.
In my view, we can help in this process of change by looking for ways to be of service to the disabled who are struggling to gain sufficient self-confidence to find an active place for themselves in society.
I work as a music teacher at the Braille Institute in Los Angeles. My students are mostly adults who lost their sight later in life due to diseases such as diabetes or glaucoma, or from cataracts.
IT IS THROUGH my experience at the Institute that I have observed in my students the strength of spirit that exemplifies man’s remarkable determination to grow.
On one especially memorable evening, folk dancing was taught to our deaf-blind students. Many of these people had had some hearing earlier in their lives, but hadn’t danced since losing it.
Their rediscovery of a form of recreation that most of us take for granted produced in them an elation seldom seen in those of us without disabilities who learn new things.
Unfortunately, not enough of us have had such close contact with these wonderful people; as a result, we often respond quickly and judgmentally to someone who can’t perform the same simple tasks we can, or who cannot answer our questions verbally or quickly.
WE SOMETIMES tend to regard these individuals as having a diminished capacity to understand, although ‘Abdu’l-Bahá reminds us that
“when ... thou dost contemplate the innermost essence of all things, and the individuality of each, thou wilt behold the signs of thy Lord’s mercy in every created thing, and see the spreading rays of His Names and attributes throughout all the realm of being ...” (Selections From the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 41)
We know, therefore, that each being, regardless of his physical garment, has attributes of God inherent within him.
To Bahá’ís who are familiar with the Teachings on the unity of mankind, some of these conclusions are obvious. As Bahá’u’lláh states:
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This month’s article, “A Helping Hand for the Disabled,” was written by Susan Berkman of Hermosa Beach, California. |
“...all men have been created in the nature made by God, the Guardian, the Self-Subsisting. Unto each one hath been prescribed a pre-ordained measure, as decreed in God’s mighty and guarded Tablets. All that ye potentially possess can, however, be manifested only as a result of your own volition.” (Gleanings, p. 149)
SOMETIMES, without realizing the implications, we may tend to regard someone who is physically disabled as having been “ordained a lesser measure,” and as a result, our attitude may be one of pity for people we perceive as less fortunate than we.
What should be realized, however, is that through his volition, man can attain more things—and develop more attributes than what may appear possible.
We often prevent ourselves from accomplishing the possible by telling ourselves it can’t be done, thus short-circuiting the very mechanism that can help us achieve our goals.
The problem is compounded for someone who has a physical disability. If we do not believe that a disabled person is capable of becoming independently mobile or financially or socially self-sufficient, we deny him necessary support and contribute to the misconception that physical limitations are equivalent to a diminished capacity.
A UNITED Nations year dedicated to the disabled offers an opportunity to increase our sensitivity to the problems they face and to the need for changes to enable them to participate more fully in society.
It has been my experience that many bright and qualified individuals are indirectly excluded from opportunities to participate because there are no adequate services or allowances made to help them gain the skills they need.
Public transportation systems aren’t usually adequate for someone who is disabled; not enough tutors or readers are available for college students; service centers often are understaffed.
As Bahá’ís, we might translate our interest in the welfare of humanity into such service-oriented projects as being a reader for a college student, making a “talking book” (books recorded on cassette or open-reel tapes that are distributed by the Library of Congress to the blind and other disabled people who cannot turn the pages of a book), becoming a driver, or working with an agency such as the Braille Institute on any number of tasks.
IN ADDITION to public proclamations, firesides and other methods of teaching the Faith, we can teach through an example of service to others while we help integrate disabled people into society through our contact, love and support.
There are no magic answers, but a first step is to recognize that everyone, regardless of his or her physical condition, has the capacity to know and to love God. Bahá’u’lláh says:
“...the soul of man is exalted above, and is independent of all infirmities of body or mind... the soul itself remaineth unaffected by any bodily ailments ... Every pure, every refined and sanctified soul will be endowed with tremendous power, and shall rejoice with exceeding gladness.” (Bahá’í World Faith, p. 120)
We can help others to realize their capacities and encourage them to grow by first helping them to see that through their own volition, they can achieve the lofty purpose for which they were created.
Tenth Anniversary[edit]
This issue marks the 10th anniversary of The American Bahá’í which was first published in January 1970.
The paper has experienced many changes since then, all designed to enhance its service to the American Bahá’í community.
The American Bahá’í is scheduled to undergo another “facelift” soon. We hope you’ll like the changes you see in the coming months.—Ed.
Fund Income Shows a 25 Per Cent Gain[edit]
Contributions to the National Fund have increased by 25 per cent this year over the same period last year.
Credit for the increase belongs primarily to individuals, who have increased their contributions to the National Fund by 44 per cent. Last year at this time, contributions from individuals totaled $597,000; the total so far this year is $862,000.
THE NUMBER of individuals contributing has also increased from an average of about 1,900 to an average of nearly 2,200 each month.
These figures indicate that there are more individuals directly supporting the National Fund, and that they have increased the amount of their contributions.
Participation by Local Spiritual Assemblies also has increased, although that increase is not as dramatic as that of individuals.
The number of Assemblies contributing is up about 7 per cent, from a monthly average of 630 last year to an average of 675 Local Spiritual Assemblies contributing each Bahá’í month this year. The dollar amount of contributions received from Assemblies has increased by 12 per cent.
GOOD NEWS can also be found in the amount contributed this year to the Bahá’í International Fund. Earmarked contributions to this Fund (not included in the National Spiritual Assembly’s monthly contribution) total $2,150,000 so far!
The National Spiritual Assembly has budgeted $1 million to be sent to the International Fund; to date, about half that amount has been sent.
This means that in earmarked gifts and budgeted contributions alone, more than $2,600,000 has been sent to the International Fund this year.
In addition to this, Assemblies, Groups and individuals send contributions directly to the International Fund. It appears that the American Bahá’í community is doing its utmost to support both the National and International Funds during this time of financial crisis.
The National Spiritual Assembly is hopeful that the continued emphasis on economy at all levels—individual, local, and national—coupled with the increased emphasis on sacrifice and the growing awareness of the central role of the Fund in all our activities will enable the American Bahá’í community to continue to meet the needs of the Faith at this critical time.
Fund Contribution Makes Superb Ayyám-i-Há Gift[edit]
Ayyám-i-Há is coming! At this joyous time of the Bahá’í year we make extra efforts to bring happiness to our friends through special gifts.
A gift that would make any Bahá’í happy at this critical time is a contribution to the Bahá’í Fund in his or her honor.
WHEN SUCH a gift is made, the individual you have named receives an engraved card from the National Treasurer informing him that you have remembered him at Ayyám-i-Há through your contribution to the Fund.
Other occasions when this card would be appropriate include birthdays, declarations, Holy Days, anniversaries, weddings, or the arrival of a new baby—or it may simply be sent as a message of friendship.
The Office of the Treasurer also sends an acknowledgment to bereaved families when a contribution is made in someone’s memory. The Memorial Card is embossed with a nine-pointed star above the following quotation from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá:
“The progress of man’s spirit in the divine world, after the severance of its connection with the body of dust, is through the bounty and grace of the Lord alone, or through the intercession and the sincere prayers of other human souls, or through the charities and important good works which are performed in its name.”
GIFT contributions also help make it possible to teach the Faith.
Lillian Richards of Kalamazoo, Michigan, has told us that, since she is unable to get out and teach often, she seizes every opportunity to contribute to the Fund in honor of her non-Bahá’í friends and acquaintances. Not only do these gifts demonstrate the contributor’s commitment to the Faith, but each card represents the “spiritualization” of a material gift.
A request for a Memorial or Honor Card can take three weeks to process from the time it is received.
First, the contribution must be coded and processed; due to the large volume of mail, this may take two or three days.
Next, names and addresses are verified, and the cards and envelopes are prepared and readied for mailing. This is done on a weekly basis.
To expedite the handling of your request, the Office of the Treasurer has the following suggestions:
• Write or print clearly. Illegible names and addresses can cause personal embarrassment or make it impossible for the card to be delivered.
• Give the complete name and address (including the zip code) of the individual who is to receive the card. Many cards are returned because of incorrect addresses.
• For Memorial Cards, include the name of the deceased. For Honor Cards, include the occasion being celebrated.
• Include your complete name, Bahá’í identification number, and address.
• Plan ahead. Allow at least three weeks for the card to be delivered.
Sample Memorial Card request: “Please accept this contribution in memory of Mort Grimm. Please send the acknowledgment to Mrs. Lula Candle, 978 Hobnob St., Wallace Square, Washington 99333. From Mr. Gregory Daniels, ID No. 21111, 1919 Briar Court, Seattle, Washington 98765.”
Sample Honor Card request: “This contribution is sent in honor of the marriage of David and Jill Simon, 2100 Finnish Way, Wymore, Nebraska 68686. From Theodore Ward, ID No. 20871, 1015 Bayshore Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60000.”
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The National Bahá’í Fund has received a contribution in honor of Ayyám-i-Há This gift was lovingly donated by : Theodora Ward May we also add our congratulations
Dorothy W. Nelson Treasurer |
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Power—Qudrat
136 B.E. National Bahá’í Individual Participation
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Loan Program Helps Further National Assembly’s Economy[edit]
In its Seven Year Plan message, the Universal House of Justice made an appeal to Bahá’ís to practice economy in their daily affairs.
One of the ways the National Spiritual Assembly has been able to practice economy is through its loan program from individual believers.
Because both the expenses and the incoming contributions to the National Center are irregular, the National Spiritual Assembly on occasion has to draw on its “working capital” to help pay current bills until enough contributions are received to cover expenses.
BUSINESSES frequently do this by turning to banks for temporary financing. If the National Spiritual Assembly were to borrow money from a bank, it would be charged the current prime lending rate of more than 15 per cent.
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However, individual believers have made direct loans to the National Spiritual Assembly that provide enough working capital so that the National Assembly does not have to go to the banks.
These loans, which range in size from $1,000 to $50,000, are made to the National Spiritual Assembly at lower interest rates than the banks charge (about 4 per cent); in fact, a large number of the loans are made by individuals without any interest charge.
This valuable support from individuals gives the National Spiritual Assembly needed working capital, and saves the Fund thousands of dollars.
Boston Teaching Project Aims at Large Expansion[edit]
Twenty-eight Bahá’ís from 10 communities in Massachusetts met last June 22 to launch the Greater Boston Teaching and Consolidation Project sponsored by the Massachusetts District Teaching Committee.
A week later, believers from the Boston area gathered for a day-long institute to study the Writings about teaching, listen to excerpts from a tape by Continental Counsellor Hedi Ahmadiyyih, and consult on the special needs and concerns of the Boston project.
THE INITIAL expansion goals of the project were:
• To establish stable Bahá’í communities of 15 or more adult believers in the Assembly areas of Arlington, Medford, Newton, Somerville, Waltham, Watertown and Woburn, all of which are in the Boston area.
• To raise the town of Malden and other Groups of five or more adult members to Assembly status.
• To open the localities of Westwood, Winchester, Everett, Dover, Stoneham, Winthrop and Chelsea to the Faith.
Consolidation goals were:
• To ensure visits to new believers at least once every Bahá’í month.
• TO ESTABLISH area-wide deepening courses for newly-enrolled Bahá’ís.
• To develop systematic consolidation plans in each locality.
• To hold monthly deepening institutes for Project teachers.
• To arrange one community-sponsored teaching activity per Bahá’í month, after the close of the Project, in each area.
A “telephone tree” was set up between participating communities for official communications, and a newsletter, The Heavenly Herald, was begun on a regular basis.
The project initially focused on one locality for two weeks, then moved to another.
THE BOSTON campaign got off to an eventful start in Waltham the weekend of July 21-22. Eighteen Bahá’ís including three from Rhode Island and one from Japan participated the first day.
For many, it was their first direct teaching experience. In all, projecteers contacted 512 people that weekend. Follow-up literature was sent to 12, while 18 others requested another visit from a Bahá’í.
After Waltham, the Project continued in Medford where about eight believers taught on weekends from August 4 through 17. There were two declarations there, while 19 people requested further visits and 20 seekers attended a fireside.
In Watertown, the focus of the campaign in mid-August, the Assembly conducted an extensive media campaign to lay the groundwork for teaching.
POSTERS in buses and stores, electronic sign messages, newspaper articles, a Bahá’í booth at a shopping mall, and a mass mailing to 450 homes were among the steps taken by the Watertown Assembly to publicize the effort.
In late August, projecteers were delighted by an unexpected visit by the Hand of the Cause of God Rahmatu’lláh Muhájir. Responding to his suggestion, they adopted a goal of forming three new Local Spiritual Assemblies by November 12, the anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh.
The following day, the Bahá’í community of Malden reported that two believers from Boston had moved there, raising their number to nine.
Soon afterward, a Persian family opened the locality of Westwood, a Project goal area and extension teaching goal of Brookline, Massachusetts.
ON SEPTEMBER 1, the National Spiritual Assembly met with Bahá’ís from the New England area and announced that Massachusetts would join California, Illinois and New York as special goal states during the Seven Year Plan.
Massachusetts was given the task of doubling the number of believers in that state during the first two years of the Plan.
The Greater Boston Project thereupon adopted an additional goal of doubling the number of believers in the Greater Boston area.
With mounting enthusiasm and expanded goals, the Project was modified and intensified. Acting on a suggestion by Dr. Muhájir, and under the guidance of the District Teaching Committee, the Project initiated a “cluster system” to better organize teaching in the Greater Boston area.
THE PROJECT was divided into six “clusters” of two to three communities each with its own director working under the supervision of a Local Spiritual Assembly. One additional cluster of university students and Bahá’í clubs was formed.
The Boston area has been divided in half so that two clusters can work simultaneously. Clusters are lettered from A through F; teaching efforts focus on two clusters every 19 days.
In other words, clusters A and B will be the focus of teaching in their area, with the help of other clusters, for 19 days. After that 19-day period, A and B will consolidate, while teaching focuses on C and D, and so on.
Special efforts are being made to reach blacks, Hispanics and other minorities, as well as women.
EACH CLUSTER determines its own teaching methods, but direct door-to-door teaching has proven successful, and will continue.
When news of the brutal slaying in Uganda of the Hand of the Cause of God Enoch Olinga, his wife and three of their children was received in mid-September, the remainder of the Project was dedicated to their memory.
By the end of November, the Project had led to the enrollment of 25 believers. An Assembly had been formed in Malden, and the localities of Westwood and Everett were opened to the Faith.
Teachers make follow-up check lists of people who are interested in receiving literature or visits from Bahá’ís. Deepenings for new believers are held once each week, while regular institutes for teachers and cluster liaisons also are being held.
Enthusiasm generated by the Project has spread, and the Bahá’ís in Western Massachusetts have begun a similar teaching and consolidation project involving five Spiritual Assemblies.
The Boston Project has regularly scheduled prayer vigils, unity feasts, mobile children’s classes, cluster teaching efforts, Holy Day observances, and special conferences and deepenings planned up to Riḍván 1980.
Three Bahá’í Groups and one Assembly pooled their efforts to produce this float in last year’s Derby Days parade in Port Angeles, Washington. The float was sponsored by the Bahá’í Group of Clallam County District No. 2.
Mayor Carole McLellan of Austin, Texas (center) receives a ‘Love That Child’ T-shirt and a copy of The Violence-Free Society from Bahá’í representatives Dee Kelley (left), Kala Miller and Heather Miller. November 11-17 was Youth Focus Week in Austin in honor of the International Year of the Child, and the Bahá’í community participated with a booth at a special ‘Kids’ Day’ celebration at the city coliseum.
Fireside Campaign Sets Alamogordo Community Aflame[edit]
The month-long program of community firesides suggested last November by the National Teaching Committee had a galvanizing effect on the Bahá’í community of Alamogordo, New Mexico.
Although Alamogordo has had an Assembly for several years, it wasn’t functioning well when, in mid-September, one of its members, Karen Pagel, received an information packet from the National Teaching Committee outlining plans for a series of community-sponsored firesides to be held for 18 consecutive days.
MRS. PAGEL looked over the plan with enthusiasm, then discussed it with other members of the Assembly.
At its next meeting, the Assembly agreed that the plan should be carried out, and on November 2, the Friday before the campaign was to begin, placed an ad in the local paper announcing the firesides.
Eighteen chapters were chosen in advance from Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era as fireside topics, and community members were signed up as volunteers to host the gatherings.
The list of topics was incorporated into an invitation for local Bahá’ís to give to their friends.
FIRESIDES consisted of a 15- to 20-minute talk, followed by a question-and-answer period, fellowship, and music.
A total of 10 seekers attended the firesides, with most of them attending regularly. Unless they had to work or attend school, the Alamogordo Bahá’ís supported these events faithfully.
So far, the fireside campaign has led to one enrollment. Diane Cox, a young woman who first heard of the Faith at a concert by Bahá’í entertainers Seals & Crofts, became the newest believer in Alamogordo.
During the campaign, a Bahá’í couple living in Alamogordo phoned to ask about the firesides. They had seen the ad in the paper, they said, and hadn’t known before then that there were any other Bahá’ís in the city. They also attended the firesides regularly.
“We’re really excited,” says Mrs. Pagel. “The community feels this has done more to bring us together than anything else.”
THE ASSEMBLY has been infused with a new spirit, she says, and the community turned out in full to support the celebration of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh.
Support for the fireside campaign has created a desire among the Alamogordo believers to be together. They are eager to see what they can do next.
Regular weekly firesides are planned, and the Bahá’ís hope to make the 18-day fireside campaign an annual fall event.
Once together, the friends discovered they had many talented members in the community, and music and singing have played a large part in their meetings.
Fifty-eight people attended a Bahá’í Teaching Institute last September 1-3 at Camp Buffalo in Washington, Pennsylvania. The action-oriented institute was sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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VANGUARD Youth News |
World Citizen, Magazine for Bahá’í Youth, Debuts[edit]
If you’ve ever wanted a magazine designed especially for Bahá’í youth, now you have it. The first issue of World Citizen magazine has been published and is receiving praise from its growing number of subscribers.
World Citizen, sponsored by the National Youth Committee, is put together entirely by youth and young adults in the Houston, Texas, area. These young people have worked for more than three years to create a high-quality, pertinent magazine for Bahá’í youth.
PRODUCED bi-monthly, World Citizen will cover a broad range of topics of interest to youth, from teaching the Faith to problems with peer pressure.
The premier issue, for January-February 1980, contains more than 30 pages and includes articles on teaching experiences, such as “Travel Teaching in the Bahamas.”
A biography of Thomas Breakwell gives information on the early days of the Faith. And those readers who need help in choosing a career will find the article “Quo Vadis?” especially helpful.
In addition, there are sections devoted to music, poetry, hobbies and anecdotes. Cartoons and photos appear throughout each issue.
The editors of World Citizen say they want a “professional” magazine that “will make Bahá’í youth feel that they are in touch with other youth around the country.”
THE MAGAZINE needs and welcomes contributors. Adults and youth are encouraged to write articles, stories or poems, and to submit cartoons, art work and/or photos.
The subject matter can range from the history of the Faith, teaching experiences, and articles on religions or careers to editorials, how you coped with a particular situation, or even an anecdote that pertains to the Faith. All contributions are subject to approval by the editorial staff.
The subscription rate for World Citizen is $8 for one year (six issues). Please make checks or money orders payable to World Citizen and send them to Shervin Bahi Hawley, 10110 Margate Drive, Houston, TX 77099.
UNICEF Concert[edit]
Seventy-five people including 31 non-Bahá’ís were present last September 30 at the Wayne, Michigan, community center for a benefit concert for UNICEF sponsored by the Bahá’í community of Wayne.
Among those attending was the mayor of Wayne who proclaimed September 30 “Universal Children’s Day” in that city.
The concert featured singing, dancing, juggling and mime, two clowns, and an appearance by two members of the Detroit Caesars professional softball team who signed autographs.
Following the concert, a check for $75 was sent to UNICEF on behalf of the Bahá’ís of Wayne.
The editorial staff of World Citizen, a new youth-oriented Bahá’í magazine produced in the Houston, Texas, area, includes (back row left to right) Shiidon Bahi Hawley, Charles Pau, Payam Adlparvari, and (front row left to right) Shervin Bahi Hawley, Kamran Mouzoon, Roy Lee, Cindy Leonard. Not pictured are staffers Ramm Hessari Maani and Mary Lloyd.
‘Children of Bahá’ Headline West Hollywood Holiday Show[edit]
“The Children of Bahá,” a 25-member singing group of children from four to 14 years of age, highlighted the Holiday Show on December 22 at West Hollywood Park in California.
The afternoon and evening shows were directed by John Angelo, a Bahá’í from West Hollywood. Another Bahá’í, Lorraine M. King, also from West Hollywood, was musical director and also performed in the evening show.
The program, dedicated to the International Year of the Child, also featured the Pixie Players, directed by Mr. Angelo, in his play, “Are You Ready, Santa?” and the Jeanne Christie Dancers.
The Children of Bahá, formed in 1976 and directed by Mary Zemke, sing about the Bahá’í Teachings of the oneness of God, mankind and religion.
They have sung at many fairs, dinners, parades and other events, and were especially busy during the Year of the Child in 1979, appearing at the 50th anniversary celebration of the National Conference of Christians and Jews, a Human Rights Day celebration, and videotaping four songs for the Year of the Child to be released in Hawaii.
Editorial
Faith Needs Trained Professionals in Every Field[edit]
When you think about your future, do you say to yourself, “I’m going to choose a career that follows Bahá’í principles”?
No doubt, you’ve investigated the various options and many of you have decided to begin a career in education, medicine, social work, agriculture, engineering or the arts. All of these fields are praiseworthy and necessary to the development of a Bahá’í society.
BUT HOW MANY of you have rejected law as a career because you found its ethics or practitioners to be “against Bahá’í principles”? Or business and finance because it is concerned with money and materialism? Or marble-cutting because it is an obscure and dying art, of no possible use to the Faith?
The current Bahá’í world is sadly lacking qualified individuals in fields that traditionally have been viewed with disfavor by Bahá’ís.
As a result, our institutions have had to rely on non-Bahá’í professionals to assist the Faith.
For instance, the present world situation has increased the need for Bahá’ís trained in international law. Such believers are in great demand by the World Centre, as well as certain National Spiritual Assemblies.
THE BUILDING of the Seat of the Universal House of Justice has brought to light the dwindling number of skilled marble craftsmen in the world. It is distinctly possible that, in the future, when the Seat of the Universal House of Justice (and even the Bahá’í House of Worship in the U.S.) needs repairs or restoration, or when Houses of Worship need to be built, there will be no individuals with the knowledge to do the job.
And with the global economic picture becoming more grim each day, Bahá’ís are going to be needed who are trained in business and finance. Shoghi Effendi also encouraged young people to study economics.
Yet, even with these needs, a growing number of Bahá’í youth are either ignoring or abandoning fields such as law and finance in favor of the more heavily represented fields of education and medicine.
Of course, a person should assess his skills, goals, psychological makeup and interests and enter an occupation that supports his inclinations. But the National Youth Committee office has received letters and verbal reports such as: “I started to study law at college but dropped it because it didn’t follow Bahá’í principles.” Or, “The people I work with act so differently from the Bahá’í Teachings that I’m going to give up this job and go into something else.”
NO BAHA’Í should be forced to compromise his spiritual and moral integrity. But can’t it be said that many of these pressures represent 20th century, industrialized equivalents of the pressures faced by the Babís more than 130 years ago?
Bahá’ís in the U.S. have been told repeatedly that we will face “severe mental tests” for our Faith. Surely, to be a shining light in a corrupt profession is a supreme test of our inner strength.
If Bahá’ís continue to keep out of the so-called “old world” occupations and professions, how will they ever become “new World Order” occupations and professions?
Many citizens’ groups and environmental organizations are working to improve the actions of certain companies and businesses, but one of the most effective means of bringing about change is by working from within.
WE NEED lawyers who can re-introduce ethics in the legal system; we need bankers who can place money in its proper perspective; we need craftsmen who can keep our Houses of Worship from ruin.
The Faith encourages reform, excellence and pride, and the Bahá’í way of life will be even more visible in professions that all too sadly lack these qualities.
Even if one’s job requires choices, none of which seem “Bahá’í-like,” to be able to offer the most ethical course of action is a service to society.
Of course, other careers are open besides the ones that have been discussed here. Psychiatry and psychology, sociology, real estate management, auto mechanics, law enforcement and many other fields can benefit from having Bahá’ís working in them. And a great number of these occupations can be used for pioneering (many countries will admit only specialized, skilled professionals).
So before you decide to drop out of law school, or change your career to teaching because it’s “more consistent with the Faith,” consider the alternatives. Don’t compromise your interests and goals, but don’t exclude occupations that really need Bahá’ís, either.
Because if Bahá’ís don’t fill the void, who will?
Teaching Committee Acts To Avoid Assembly Loss[edit]
The National Teaching Committee is calling on the friends to lend every possible assistance to more than 130 Local Spiritual Assemblies having fewer than nine members so that there will be no losses next Riḍván.
What can be done to assist these Assemblies? First, those who live in the communities should make every effort to remain at their post. The beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, asked us time and again to consider preserving our Local Assemblies as one of the most important tasks in building the new World Order.
SECOND, an emphasis on teaching activities should take place. Bahá’ís in nearby communities can pledge their help to the numerically jeopardized Assemblies in supporting firesides and other events in order to find and confirm new believers.
Third, homefront pioneers continue to play an important part not only in opening new localities, but in maintaining currently endangered Assemblies.
If you can help one of the Assemblies listed here, please contact that Assembly, the District Teaching Committee, or the National Teaching Committee.
Some of our newly-arrived friends from Iran may be able to help through homefront pioneering.
This suggestion is printed below in Persian with the request that those friends who would like more detailed information phone the Persian desk at the Bahá’í National Center. 312-256-4400.
Paula and Bill Hillman of Clovis, California, like to ride bicycles. In fact, they are so fond of bikes that last summer they bicycled from Portland, Oregon, to Portland, Maine. The Hillmans, who arrived for a brief visit at the Bahá’í House of Worship on September 19, four weeks after setting out from Oregon, are shown with Bruce Whitmore (right), manager of the House of Worship Activities Office. Bill, 27, and Paula, 22, are students at Fresno State University. They averaged between 100 and 130 miles a day during their cross country trip.
(As of December 1, 1979)
WESTERN REGION
- Arizona Northern: Peoria (8).
- Colorado Eastern: Broomfield (8), Florence (8), Greeley (6).
- Colorado Western: Clifton (6), Cortez (6), Delta (8), Glenwood Springs (5).
- Idaho North, Washington East: Ellenswood (7), Millwood (8).
- Montana: Miles City (7).
- Navajo-Hopi: Tuba City Chapter (6).
- New Mexico Northern: San Juan County (6), Santa Fe County (6), Taos County (7).
- Oklahoma Eastern: Sapulpa (7).
- Oregon: Burns (7), Deschutes County (6), Forest Grove (5).
- Texas Eastern 1: Euless (8), Mansfield (8).
- Texas Northern: Canyon (6), Graham (8), Plainview (8).
- Washington Northwest: Mountlake Terrace (3), Shoreline (8), Des Moines (8), Lynnwood (8), Snoqualmie Valley (8).
- Washington Southwest: Aberdeen (8), Pierce County Peninsula (7), Sumner (8).
- Wyoming: Riverton (7).
- California Central 1: Belmont (7), Carmel (7), Gilroy (7), Menlo Park (8), Pacific Grove (8), San Carlos (7).
- California Northern 1: Central Valley JD (8), Chico JD (7), Fairfield (8).
- California Northern 2: Sebastopol (7).
- California Southern 1: Maywood (8), Monterey Park (8), Sierra Madre (8), South Gate (8), Temple City (8), Norwalk (8).
- California Southern 2: Indio (6), La Habra (8), San Clemente (7), Vista (8), Laguna Beach (6), Corona (8), Imperial Beach (7).
- California Southern 3: Grover City (8), Santa Maria JD (7).
SOUTHERN REGION
- Alabama South, Florida Northwest: Mobile County (8).
- Alabama Northern: Homewood (8), Madison (7).
- Florida Southern: Collier County (7), Davie (7), West Palm Beach (7).
- Georgia Northern: Clarke County (8), Douglasville (7), Jones County (6).
- Georgia Southern: Glynn County (7).
- Kentucky: Berea (3).
- Maryland-DC: Montgomery County Northeast (5), Montgomery County Northwest (6).
- South Carolina Northern: Blacksburg (7), Greater Cowpens (7), Williamston (8).
- South Carolina Western: Greenwood County North (8).
- South Carolina Southern: Sheldon (8).
- Virginia Northern: Arlington County Northeast (6).
CENTRAL REGION
- Illinois Northern 1: DeKalb (8), Freeport (8), Harlem Twp (8), Wood Dale (7).
- Illinois Northern 2: Blue Island (5), Cicero (7), Hoffman Estates (4).
- Illinois Southern: Champaign Twp (8), Edwardsville Twp (5), Mahomet Twp (8), Washington (7), Wood River (8).
- Iowa: Boone (8), Warren County (8).
- Kansas: Dodge City (8), Salina (7), Overland Park (7).
- Michigan: Delta Twp (8), Mt. Pleasant (7), Pittsfield Twp (4), Royal Oak Twp (8), Taylor (8).
- Minnesota Northern: Bemidji (7), Virginia (7).
- Minnesota Southern: Anoka (7), Falcon Heights (7).
- Missouri: Missouri River Twp (8).
- Nebraska: Sarpy County (7).
- North Dakota: Jamestown (7).
- South Dakota: Mapleton Twp (8), Pierre (8), Rapid City (8).
- Wisconsin-Michigan: Appleton (8), Menomonie (5).
- Wisconsin Southern: Burlington (8), Brookfield (8).
NORTHEAST REGION
- Connecticut: Milford (8).
- Massachusetts: Belchertown (6), Ipswich (8), Salem (8), S. Hadley Town (8), Woburn (6), Dartmouth (7), Medford (8).
- New Hampshire: Claremont (7).
- New Jersey: Hackensack (7).
- New York Western: Brighton Town (7), Cheektowaga Town (4), Henrietta Town (6), Ithaca (8), Webster (7).
- Pennsylvania Eastern: Lower Merion (8), Radnor Twp (8), Swarthmore (8).
- Rhode Island: E. Providence (7), S. Kingstown (6).
- Vermont: Brattleboro (8), Rochester (8).
Dr. Asimov, NASA Scientist To Appear on Bahá’í Panel[edit]
Renowned scientist/author Dr. Isaac Asimov and NASA scientist Jesco von Puttkamer will be among the panelists next March 29-30 when the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of New York City hosts a conference on “Science and the Future of Mankind” at the New York City Bahá’í Center.
The panel moderator will be Dr. Wilma Brady, the representative of the Bahá’í International Community to the United Nations.
One of the main purposes of the conference is to proclaim the Bahá’í principle of the agreement of science and religion while calling attention to the enlightened guidance given by Bahá’u’lláh with respect to the staggering technological and economic problems that confront modern society.
Dr. Asimov appeared at the Bahá’í Center on February 12, 1978, to offer a commentary on the film, “Fantastic Voyage,” on which he served as a technical adviser.
He and Mr. von Puttkamer had been contacted initially at Star Trek conventions in New York City at which the Bahá’ís have had a booth for the last four years.
Mr. von Puttkamer, who is program manager in NASA’s Advanced Programs Office, Office of Space Transportation Systems (OSTS) in Washington, D.C., gave an audio-visual presentation last October 27 at the Bahá’í Center during a cultural workshop titled “Space: Achievements, Goals, Benefits.”
He was a close associate of the late Dr. Wernher von Braun, having joined Dr. von Braun’s rocket development team in Huntsville, Alabama, in 1961.
Mr. von Puttkamer has received special NASA commendations for his contributions toward the development of the Saturn-5 launch vehicle that carried astronauts to the moon, and the achievement of the nation’s Apollo lunar landing goal.
Caribbean Needs Traveling Teachers[edit]
Traveling teachers are needed to help with teaching and consolidation work in the Leeward and Virgin Islands and in Barbados and the Windward Islands.
A special need exists for self-supporting teams of Bahá’í youth, preferably male, in the Leeward and Virgin Islands, but women are most welcome too, in teams of two or more.
Barbados and the Windward Islands especially need teachers who can help strengthen and develop Local Spiritual Assemblies.
For more details, please contact the International Goals Committee, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-256-4400.
Strong Assembly Takes Work, Not Luck[edit]
(EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first of five articles on improving the efficiency of the Local Spiritual Assembly written for the National Education Committee by Ronald S. Gilpatrick of San Jose, California. Mr. Gilpatrick, an elementary school principal, is an assistant to Auxiliary Board member Margaret Gallagher and serves on the Bosch Bahá’í School Council.)
•
11:30 p.m. is fast approaching. You know you have to be up by 6 the next morning to prepare for work. You were out late the night before at Feast, and you have a fireside to prepare for later in the week. It has been a long, tedious day.
As another lengthy Assembly meeting grinds to a close you feel tired, frustrated, and overburdened.
“WHY CAN’T our Assembly get it together?” you ask yourself. Why must consultation take forever? Why can’t decisions be made more expeditiously?
Why is it that really important matters seem to come to the attention of the Assembly so late in the evening? Why is the Assembly’s time so taken up with personal problems? And why is it that the Assembly can’t seem to devote more time to teaching activities?
Nearly every Spiritual Assembly has grappled with these questions at various times. Assembly members have often left a meeting with the feeling that closure was not attained, and that important matters were not adequately addressed.
A strong, well-organized, smoothly-functioning Spiritual Assembly is not the result of luck or accident.
WHEN A Spiritual Assembly operates with dispatch, efficiency and purpose, it is always because that Assembly has taken the necessary steps to analyze its actions and behavior, marshal the individual talents of each of its members into collective unified actions, evaluate its programs with an eye toward adjusting its plans to meet unanticipated events, and finally, to incorporate the Bahá’í principles of prayer, consultation, referral to the Writings, and unity into its operating procedures.
Shoghi Effendi reminds Assembly members that they “must endeavour to promote amity and concord amongst the friends, efface every lingering trace of distrust, coolness, and estrangement from every heart, and secure in its stead an active and wholehearted co-operation for the service of the Cause.” (Principles of Bahá’í Administration, p. 38)
Further, the beloved Guardian encourages Assembly members to develop their spiritual qualities, stating:
“The members of these Assemblies, on their part, must disregard utterly their own likes and dislikes, their personal interests and inclinations, and concentrate their minds upon those measures that will conduce to the welfare and happiness of the Bahá’í community and promote the common weal.” (Principles of Bahá’í Administration, p. 40)
PROMOTING amity and concord among the friends while disregarding one’s own likes and dislikes is a test for all Spiritual Assembly members. Yet, a smoothly-running Assembly is a bounty and blessing from God, and certainly is a goal to which all Assemblies should aspire.
There are a number of techniques, helpful hints, short-cuts, and common-sense practices that can substantially aid the Local Spiritual Assembly in its quest for efficient, meaningful meetings and programs. This, and our subsequent articles in The American Bahá’í, will examine and amplify these techniques.
We plan to discuss some key concepts that several Spiritual Assemblies have successfully incorporated into their operating procedures.
In future articles, we will discuss (1) a common-sense approach to constructing an Assembly agenda, (2) how to make sure important items are fully discussed and still have time for other business, yet avoid marathon meetings, (3) how to avoid “drifting” consultation and stick to issues, (4) how to get the most mileage out of committees and task forces, (5) how to provide adequate time for “brainstorming” and creativity in Assembly meetings, and (6) how to cut the red tape of lengthy “personal problem” meetings.
WHEN THESE areas are well addressed by an Assembly, meetings become happy occasions. Members look forward to each Assembly gathering. The community begins to bustle with activity, and Assembly members feel good about what they are doing.
On the other hand, failure to adequately address these areas stifles Assembly and community growth and causes entropy—decay from within.
A member who leaves a Spiritual Assembly meeting exhausted, perplexed and unfulfilled soon becomes demoralized and spiritually ineffective.
Spiritual Assemblies must take the requisite time to assure their collective well-being as well as that of their individual members.
AN AILING Spiritual Assembly will very quickly place spiritual stress on the entire community. Newly-declared Bahá’ís whose grounding in the Faith is still at the introductory level may be frightened into inactivity when the bedrock of the community—the Local Spiritual Assembly—is unable to function.
A strong Assembly is one of the surest means for communities to burst forth with renewed vigor and teaching strength.
Bahá’ís are at their strongest spiritually when they are teaching. It really is up to the Local Spiritual Assembly to prepare the spiritual environment for its community to function with vitality.
In our next article we will dive right into the discussion of an Assembly’s agenda and the most effective utilization of Assembly meeting time.
IT MAY SURPRISE some members of Assemblies to know that a good agenda, well thought out and prepared well in advance of meetings, is one of the key elements an Assembly must have to function efficiently.
There are a number of Spiritual Assemblies that try to “go with the flow” and “wing it” in their meetings, creating an agenda during the meeting itself.
Such an Assembly must ask itself how well it really operates, and whether it is ready for “entry by troops” in the community over which it will one day have jurisdiction.
It is our aim to help you uncover a few ideas you may not have considered, and thus to motivate you to help your Assembly spruce up its operation.
After all, Bahá’u’lláh has told us that our Spiritual Assemblies are “The trusted ones of the Merciful” and “...the guardians appointed of God for all that dwell on earth.”
Time is short. The old world order is tottering and being rolled up. A new Day has come! We must be ready for a world that will, as Shoghi Effendi so aptly told us, turn to us as “the last refuge...”
Leonard Sandel (second from left), the mayor of Rockville Centre, New York, presents a proclamation designating October 1 ‘Universal Children’s Day’ in that city to (left to right) Sharareh Esmalian, Rouha Sobham, Lon Hernandez, and Mansour Sobham, members of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Rockville Centre.
Olympia, Washington, Believer Gains UN Consultative Status[edit]
Janet M. Cullen, a member of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Olympia, Washington, has been granted consultative status with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Mrs. Cullen, who earned a master’s degree in urban planning at the University of Washington, has served as a consultant on several major projects including preparation of the criteria used by Congress to evaluate an implementation plan for the Earthquake Hazard Reduction Act of 1977.
She was recommended for the UN status by representatives of the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth’s Interior (IAVCEI) as a result of her assessment of the hazards to the Puyallup Valley from an eruption of Mount Rainier, and for her work in 1974 with the Washington State Senate’s ad hoc committee for the study of geological hazards in Washington.
Mrs. Cullen prepared North America’s first detailed study of the impact of volcanic hazards on urban areas near an active or dormant volcano.
She was a member of the risk analysis team for Seattle City Light Company’s proposed Copper Creek dam project, and is co-founder of Citizens and Scientists Concerned About Dangers in Environment (CASCADE).
This float built by the Bahá’í community of Springfield, Oregon won first prize in its division in last year’s Fourth of July parade in Springfield. The Springfield community was supported by nearby Bahá’í communities who came with their children to walk in front of and behind the float. About 300 ‘Love That Child’ balloons were given to parade watchers.
Treasurer’s ‘Progress Survey’ Monitors Local Funds’ Status[edit]
In November, the Office of the Treasurer distributed a “Bahá’í Fund Progress Survey” to all Local Spiritual Assemblies and Bahá’í Groups.
This annual questionnaire is designed to provide the National Spiritual Assembly with information about the status of Local Funds throughout the country.
IN ADDITION, it gives communities an opportunity to request specific assistance from a National Treasurer’s Representative and to make comments and suggestions to the Treasurer’s Office.
The Universal House of Justice recently asked the National Spiritual Assembly to provide statistics about the activities of Local Assemblies in the U.S., such as Holy Day observances, Assembly meetings, children’s classes, youth activities, etc. These questions have been included in this year’s “Fund Progress Survey.”
After collating and evaluating the responses to this survey, the Office of the Treasurer will prepare a report for the National Spiritual Assembly and the Universal House of Justice. A summary of that report will appear in a future issue of The American Bahá’í.
‘Song, Season’ Serves As Fine Deepening Tool[edit]
Looking for a new way to deepen your knowledge of the Bahá’í Faith?
If so, you’ll probably enjoy Roger White’s Another Song, Another Season: Poems and Portrayals, a new book published last fall by George Ronald and now available through the Bahá’í Publishing Trust. Prices are $7.50 NET (cloth, Catalog No. 7-32-36) and $3.50 NET (paper, Catalog No. 7-32-37).
Another Song, Another Season is a collection of poems and prose by a writer who has won a considerable reputation in Bahá’í circles.
The book includes vivid, sympathetic portraits of martyrs, pioneers, and other people.
The collection is arranged in six parts: “Portrayals” focuses on more than 20 well-known Bahá’ís including Louis G. Gregory, Fujita, and Martha Root; “Glimpses of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá” is adapted from the diary of Juliet Thompson; “Lines From a Persian Notebook” includes poems about famous Persian Bahá’ís; “Songs and Sonnets,” “The Confused Muse,” and “A Twist of Lemon” make up the last three sections.
In the foreword, David Hofman writes that Mr. White’s poetry is “spiritual and religious but neither didactic nor obscure.”
THE AUTHOR, he says, “has the remarkable gift of knowing how to present high themes—nobility, dedication, the beauty of sacrifice, the eternal battle of the soul—in modes of common speech and everyday concepts ...”
Marzieh Gail, author and translator, writes: “Here is a Bahá’í literary album, which will tell you more about this Faith in an hour than will many an hour of study.”
The author, Roger White, a native of Toronto, Canada, is known as a writer, artist and craftsman of many talents who works successfully in various media.
He embraced the Bahá’í Faith while living in Belleville, Ontario, in the 1950’s. From 1966 to 1969, he was secretary to the Hands of the Cause in Africa, and from 1969 to 1971 he served as secretary and research assistant to the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears in California.
Since 1971 Mr. White has contributed his literary talents to the work of the Bahá’í Faith at the World Centre in Haifa, Israel.
To order Another Song, Another Season, see your Bahá’í librarian or send a check or money order to the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091. Please add 75 cents for postage and handling on orders under $5.
Trust Suggests Literature for Fireside Campaign[edit]
The fireside teaching campaign planned by the National Teaching Committee and announced last fall is now under way.
To assist the friends in selecting Bahá’í literature for the campaign, the Publishing Trust has prepared a list of suggested pamphlets, books and other materials.
THE MAIN feature of the fireside campaign is cycles of fireside teaching, each two Bahá’í months long, and each with its own theme. The two-month cycles began last November 22 and will end during Riḍván on April 27.
During the four cycles, the National Teaching Committee suggests that Bahá’ís concentrate their teaching efforts on the following groups:
Non-Bahá’í family members and people of other religions (November 22-December 30); youth (December 31-February 6); minority groups (February 7-March 20); women and women teaching women (March 21-April 27).
The key to the success of the campaign lies with the individual believer, whose privilege and responsibility it is to share the Message of Bahá’u’lláh with his family, friends and associates through firesides in the home and spontaneous informal discussions.
IN PREPARATION for the firesides you plan to hold in your home, you may want to consider buying a number of books, pamphlets or recordings.
If the people you invite to your firesides are attracted to the Bahá’í Faith by your hospitality and warmth, your gift (or loan) of a pamphlet or book may help draw them closer to membership in the Bahá’í community.
To help you decide what literature and materials to have on hand at your firesides, the Publishing Trust offers the following suggestions for your consideration.
These are only suggestions—please use your own judgment in deciding what each seeker is ready to read. Whatever materials you use, always read or skim them yourself first so that you will be familiar with the material you are sharing.
November 22-April 27: Eight months of individual firesides focusing on various groups. In all your teaching, remember to make use of the Bahá’í sacred Writings. Some suggested literature:
- Bahá’í Prayers (General) ($3.75)
- Communion With God (25 cents)
- Selected Writings of Bahá’u’lláh ($4.50 cloth gift ed.; $1.10 paper)
- The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh ($3 cloth; $1.85 paper)
- The Divine Art of Living ($2.75)
- The Reality of Man ($3)
November 22-December 30: Two months of individual firesides focusing on teaching non-Bahá’í members of families and people of other religions. Suggested literature and music:
For Christians
- Christ’s Promise Fulfilled ($1.35)
- Thief in the Night ($1.95)
- Prophecy Fulfilled (10/$1.60)
For Jews
- Another Religion Calls Israel Home (10/$1.60)
- The Lord Is One (10/$2.65)
For Hindus
- My Quest for the Fulfillment of Hinduism (10/$2.65)
For Buddhists
- Buddha Maitrya-Amitabha Has Appeared ($16 cloth; $12.50 paper)
For all faiths and family members
- The Bahá’í Faith teaching booklet ($1)
- Lote Tree stereo LP ($10)
December 31-February 6: Two months of individual firesides focusing on teaching youth. Suggested literature and music:
For youth
- The Bahá’í Faith teaching booklet ($1)
- The Bahá’í Faith: An Introduction (65 cents)
- Bahá’í: Follower of the Light ($1.25)
For college students
- Becoming Your True Self (10/$2.65)
- The Spiritual Revolution (55 cents)
- Call to the Nations ($3.50 cloth; $1.75 paper)
For the musically inclined
- Lote Tree stereo LP ($10)
February 7-March 20: Two months of individual firesides focusing on teaching minority groups. Suggested literature:
For all minorities
- The Bahá’í Faith teaching booklet ($1)
For blacks
- Above All Barriers: The Story of Louis G. Gregory (10/$2.15)
- Bahá’í: A Way of Life for Millions (Ebony reprint) (10/$2.15)
For American Indians
- The Bahá’í Faith: The Spirit Way (80 cents)
For Spanish-speaking people
- The Bahá’í Faith: Dawn of a New Day (Spanish) (10/$1.40)
- Bahá’í Prayers (Spanish) ($1)
March 21-April 27: Two months of individual firesides focusing on teaching women and women teaching women. Suggested literature:
On the equality of men and women
- Equality of Men and Women: A New Reality (10/$1.05)
- Women: Attaining Their Birthright (55 cents)
For mothers
- ‘Love That Child’ brochure (10/$1.50)
- The Violence-Free Society: A Gift for Our Children ($1.50)
Many of the pamphlets listed here are sold in quantities of 10 or more. If you would like an assortment of 30 or more individual pamphlets and brochures without having to order minimum quantities, send for the Sample Pamphlet Assortment ($4.50).
Your local Bahá’í librarian may have many of the materials listed here in stock. If not, please order the items of your choice from the librarian or send a check or money order to the Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.
Please enclose full payment plus 75 cents for postage and handling on orders under $5.
Marriage Course Set[edit]
“Bahá’í Marriage: Framework for Growth” is the theme of a session to be held February 15-18 at the Bosch Bahá’í School near Santa Cruz, California.
The session, planned for older youth and adults, is the second on this subject planned by the Bosch Council.
“A similar session, held in 1979, was so well received that the Council felt the need to repeat the subject matter,” said a Council spokesman.
Classes, workshops and other activities will be designed to help the participants understand the purpose of Bahá’í marriage, Bahá’í marriage laws, the responsibility of parents, and the role of the Local Spiritual Assembly in Bahá’í marriage.
Registration for this session may be made by sending a $10 deposit for each person wishing to attend to: The Registrar, Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
Frank E. Meese (left), chairman of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Fort Myers, Florida, is shown with Mayor Burt Underhill of Fort Myers as the mayor signed a proclamation designating Monday, October 1, 1979 ‘Universal Children’s Day’ in that city.
[Page 9]
Letters to the Editor
N. Texas Set to Launch Teaching Drive[edit]
Dear Bahá’í Friends:
We are all aware of the great importance of teaching. North Texas already has witnessed great success through the efforts of a small teaching team in the summer of 1979.
The Iranian situation has made the serious state of our society apparent, and gives us even more incentive to teach.
THE CENTRAL Figures of the Faith and the Universal House of Justice, all of whom have foretold these present calamities, also have told us that teaching offers the only cure for the world’s ills.
We are also assured that a sincere and prayerful effort will bring about victory. The need for direct teaching and consolidation is immediate; the time for “entry by troops” has arrived.
The North Texas District Teaching Committee has organized the Darab-Darvon (The Homeless One) teaching team.
This team will engage in a synchronized plan of direct teaching and consolidation, as well as establishing regular community deepenings and firesides, distribution of literature, preliminary Assembly training, and regular follow-up of all contacts.
The team, consisting of a nucleus of full-time personnel and as many short-term participants as possible, will begin its work in the North Texas area.
THE OPPORTUNITIES to arise to serve mankind have never been so many or so great. We are assured by Bahá’u’lláh Himself that victory will be ours if we only arise in His Name.
This teaching team needs your support through prayers, funds and direct participation as a teacher.
If you wish to take part in raising the Standard of Bahá’u’lláh by helping the Darab-Darvon teaching team in any way, please contact the North Texas District Teaching Committee, c/o Mike Kelley, 3302 26th St., Lubbock, TX 79410.
We are planning to start this campaign the first week in January, so please let us hear from you as soon as possible.
With sincere Bahá’í love,
Teaching Committee
Dear Bahá’í Friends:
We wish to address and endorse your editorial of October 1979. How important it is that we, as Bahá’ís, “get our act together,” as the younger people say, and learn to extend our lives and loves to everyone who lives in this world.
How many times has a member of the Faith been in distress—hospitalized; troubled by the loss of a loved one; or in any number of distressing situations?
EACH OF US has experienced such distress and turmoil in his life, and would have welcomed another Bahá’í as a visitor or confidant.
We know that prayer and living the life are of utmost importance. We should also be aware that we are never alone—Bahá’u’lláh sees to that.
Nevertheless, in distressing situations, how nice it would be, and how comforting, to have Bahá’í visitors who would come to pray with us and bring our Faith to fruition by visiting.
Some of us travel extensively. If something should happen to us, and we were in need of assistance and prayer, would Bahá’ís be there to offer their help and comfort?
WE WOULD LIKE to suggest to every Bahá’í community that the packet of information given to public service agencies and funeral homes be delivered, along with the community’s Bahá’í telephone number, to hospitals and other facilities with which the friends might come in contact.
These facilities could then be advised to contact the local Bahá’í community whenever one of its members was in distress.
We would further suggest that, upon receiving a call from any of these agencies, the local friends make every effort to visit the believer who is in distress and offer prayers for him.
We are all members of the Family of Man, and should be ready and willing to extend ourselves for every other member of the family.
Atascadero, California
Dear Bahá’í Friends:
As you have learned, the island of Martinique will have its own National Spiritual Assembly during the Seven Year Plan.
The seat of this future Institution already exists at Fort de France, thanks to the generous contributions of the believers of the U.S. during the Five Year Plan, which called for the purchase of this Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds.
As the National Spiritual Assembly of the French Antilles did not exist at the time of the purchase, we had no opportunity to thank you for it. That is why today we wish to express to our Bahá’í friends in the U.S. our deepest gratitude.
Many improvements have been made on this property by the Bahá’ís themselves, and especially by Mr. Stanley Bagley, a pioneer from the U.S.
This Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds already has rendered great service to the Bahá’í community of Martinique, and as it is destined to become the seat of the National Assembly, it will certainly be of even greater service in the future.
Our warmest appreciation for your help in the past and in the future.
Of the Bahá’ís of the French Antilles
Dear Bahá’í Friends:
When I read the letter to the editor (October 1979) regarding how children should be treated at Feast, I was amused.
When I read the next letter, which said the disciplining of children is a delicate matter and that only the parents, etc., should take the responsibility, I was saddened.
Perhaps this was because the real answer lies somewhere between these two solutions.
Children aren’t the only ones affected when Feast is delayed for an hour. Promptness is a courtesy. When Feast is stated to begin at a certain time, it is reasonable to assume that the friends should be at Feast at that time.
This is people-to-people respect and courtesy, not something we as Bahá’ís might do to accommodate the children.
Since discipline requires training and teaching, the person who wrote the second letter has a point when she says the ultimate responsibility should come from the adult who is “responsible” for the child in question.
However, we all teach by example. Everyone who is responsible for his or her own actions is teaching the Faith.
At Feast, they are setting an example for the younger members of the community to follow. When there is bickering, personal attacks, displays of temper, or apathy, children are learning these things too.
All the patient prayers for understanding, the daily talks a loving Bahá’í parent may have with his or her children, and the patience and endurance of children’s teachers are of no use when “responsible” Bahá’ís set a poor example through their behavior.
I think it boils down to treating every individual with respect, courtesy, and loving-kindness.
Arrive on time, with your heart and mind ready for the Feast, have some alternative ready for the younger ones in the community, and the Feast will be the blessing it was meant to be.
Davis, California
Speakers at a public program on the health, safety and education of children held last fall in Forest Park, Illinois, included (left to right) Bahá’ís Delane Hein of Evanston and Rick Czerniejewski of Park Ridge, Illinois; Forest Park police lieutenant Fred Zimmerman; and Richard Gray, public information officer of the Forest Park fire department. The program was part of a month-long series of events planned by the Bahá’í community of Forest Park to celebrate the International Year of the Child.
Month-Long Program Salutes ‘Year of Child’ in Illinois[edit]
The Bahá’í community of Forest Park, Illinois, observed the International Year of the Child last fall with a month-long series of special public events.
Included were programs for public officials, parents and children.
The series began with a presentation of children’s books to the Forest Park public library. A brief talk on the International Year of the Child and a UNICEF filmstrip preceded the presentation.
Bookplates will be placed in each book stating that Bahá’ís donated the book in honor of the Year of the Child.
The second program, held the following week, was a panel discussion on the health, safety and education of children.
Speakers included Forest Park police lieutenant Fred Zimmerman; Richard Gray of the Forest Park fire department; Rick Czerniejewski, a former resident of Forest Park who is a pediatrician and a Bahá’í; and Delane Hein, a Bahá’í and former schoolteacher who now lives in Evanston, Illinois.
The third event included the donation of a blue spruce tree to a local park. The mayor of Forest Park accepted the tree on behalf of local officials.
The presentation was followed by recreation, art work for children, and a picnic at which Bahá’ís distributed helium-filled “Love That Child” balloons to children at a playground.
The series of events ended with a visit to the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette.
The Bahá’ís of Forest Park had planned to rent a bus to accommodate local citizens who wished to see the House of Worship, but response to advertisements was so minimal that private cars were used.
A few non-Bahá’ís attended all of the programs. Coverage in the local newspaper included five 10-inch ads, three articles and two photos.
Flyers and posters advertising the events were distributed to many local businesses.
To honor the anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh last November 12, the Bahá’ís of Deerfield, Illinois, a village of about 19,000 people 30 miles north of Chicago, planted 700 tulip bulbs in the shape of a nine-pointed star at the entrance to the village railroad station. The tulips will bloom next spring, offering a colorful daily reminder of the symbol of unity exemplified by the Faith. The Deerfield village administration fully supported the project, donating top soil and a decorative center stone, and published news of the Bahá’í planting in its weekly bulletin.
New Mexico Conference Salutes Plan’s Opening[edit]
More than 125 Bahá’ís from 30 communities in New Mexico and surrounding states gathered last October 20-21 in Bosque Farms, New Mexico, for a “Gateways to Victories” conference that celebrated the opening of the new Seven Year Plan.
The conference was sponsored by the Auxiliary Board and hosted by the 11-member Bahá’í community of the village of Bosque Farms.
PRESENT AT the conference were Auxiliary Board members Nancy Phillips of Phoenix, Arizona, and Ernest Bruss of Salt Lake City, Utah.
Among the highlights was a message to the Bahá’ís of North America and Europe by H. Borrah Kavelin, a member of the Universal House of Justice, taped during his recent visit to the U.S. to explain the implications to the Faith of the present crisis in Iran.
A Sunday morning session devoted to “The Most Momentous Task” featured a review of Seven Year Plan teaching goals and presentations by three District Teaching Committees: the Navajo/Hopi, Southern New Mexico/West Texas, and Northern New Mexico, each of whom outlined plans developed for areas under its jurisdiction.
An auction was held during the conference, resulting in a donation of $745.03 to the International Fund, with another $118.55 given to help defray the cost of the conference.
Numerous proclamation efforts were made possible by the conference, while publicity included a feature article about the Faith in a local newspaper.
Children’s classes were an important part of the ‘Gateways to Victories’ Conference last October 20-21 at Bosque Farms, New Mexico.
Auxiliary Board members Nancy Phillips and Ernest Bruss (seated) review the agenda and arrangements for the ‘Gateways to Victories’ Conference at Bosque Farms, New Mexico, with (left to right) Karen Patterson, Behin Turfler, and conference chairman David Bower.
Bosch Bahá’í School to Offer 2 December-January Sessions[edit]
The Bosch Bahá’í School near Santa Cruz, California, will offer two Winter School sessions during the December-January period.
The first of these, from December 22-26, has as its theme “The Joys of Being a Bahá’í.”
This will be a general session, open to all ages. Classes will explore the joys of the Bahá’í life, our role in “God’s plan” for this Age, and our roles in current issues in light of Bahá’í guidance.
The second session, “Building and Maintaining a Bahá’í World: The Urgency of Teaching,” will be held from December 28-January 1.
This session is limited to adults, 15 and older.
Participants will study the various ways of teaching, the need for teaching to build a Bahá’í world, effective pioneering and traveling teaching, and guidance needed for these times.
Individuals who are interested in attending either session should send a $10 deposit for each person wishing to attend to: The Registrar, Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
Oregon Art Project Aids Fund[edit]
Early last September, the Spiritual Assembly of Clackamas County North (Oregon) sent a letter to every Bahá’í locality in the state inviting their children to participate in a statewide art project to raise funds for the Seat of the Universal House of Justice.
Children were asked to draw a picture on the theme “One Bahá’í World” and send it to the Clackamas County North Assembly.
The pictures were to be offered for sale at the annual Oregon District Convention, with proceeds going to the Universal House of Justice from the Bahá’í children of Oregon.
The response to the invitation was excellent, with pictures coming in from all over Oregon. The friends were equally responsive, purchasing $200 worth of pictures at the Convention.
Nine samples of the pictures were sent to the Universal House of Justice with a check for $200 from the Bahá’í children of Oregon.
George Hill (left), religion writer for the Carson (California) Courier, is the first Bahá’í to become a member of the Religion Newswriters Association of North America (RNA). He is shown here at the organization’s annual convention in Denver, Colorado, with Katie Theus of the Alexandria (Louisiana) Daily Town Talk and Nat Sheppard of The New York Times. Thirty-five religion writers from the 125-member association attended the convention. Other publications represented included Time magazine, the Los Angeles Times, Dallas Times-Herald, Washington Post, Houston Chronicle, Denver Post, Dallas Morning News, and the Nashville Tennessean.
‘Memories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’ Warm California Portrait[edit]
A major new book on ‘Abdu’l-Bahá is being released this month by the Bahá’í Publishing Trust.
Memories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Recollections of the Early Days of the Bahá’í Faith in California, by Ramona Brown, is a moving account of the early days of the Faith in California, days highlighted by the visit in 1912 of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. ($9.95, cloth, Catalog No. 7-32-10, 122 pp., notes, index, 25 black and white plates.)
THE AUTHOR speaks from a unique vantage point. Ramona Brown (1889-1975) was one of the earliest Bahá’ís in the San Francisco area and thus witnessed some of the first stirrings of the Bahá’í Faith in California.
Memories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá is arranged in four parts. Part 1 describes the early believers in California; part 2, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in California—what He did, where He spoke, how He instructed and educated the friends; part 3, what some of the early believers did to serve the Faith after ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had returned to Haifa; and part 4, the author’s description of her pilgrimage in 1954, her pioneering, and her account of the Bahá’í World Congress in London in 1963.
The highlight of the book is Ramona Brown’s account of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to California. As a result of that visit, those few early Bahá’ís were galvanized into action and raised to heights of service they could not have imagined.
Ramona Brown’s own response to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit is perhaps typical of that of the early Bahá’ís:
“AS HE LOOKED into my eyes, His gentle smiling eyes touched my soul; they seemed to tell me that He knew what was in my heart and everything about me. I felt as though I were in another world. At that moment I silently gave my heart and dedicated my life to Him.”
Throughout Memories, the reader meets many people whose names are now recorded indelibly in Bahá’í history.
Such names as Helen Goodall, Ella Goodall Cooper, Phoebe Hearst, Kanichi Yamamoto, Lua Getsinger, Thornton Chase, Emogene Hoagg, Georgia Groupon Ralston, Saichiro Fujita, Ella Bailey, and others are brought to life through the author’s warm, personal recollections.
In the preface, she explains that she wrote the book after the Hand of the Cause of God William Sears asked her, in 1969, to “write everything you can remember” about being with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá when He visited California in 1912 and about the early history of the Faith in the Oakland area.
“MR. SEARS later reminded me,” she writes, “that this material would be ‘very important and valuable because people are starving for stories about ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the early days.’”
Memories includes 29 black and white photographs—several of them courtesy of the author and not published elsewhere—showing ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, some of the places He visited in California, and many of the early believers. It also has a complete index.
To order a copy of Memories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, see your Bahá’í librarian or use the coupon order form provided in the Publishing Trust’s ad in this month’s American Bahá’í.
[Page 11]
A replica of the Bahá’í House of Worship was displayed for two weeks last October at the public library in Attleboro, Massachusetts. The display, which honored United Nations Day and the International Year of the Child, was made by members of a Bahá’í children’s class directed by Mrs. Lillian Carter of Wrentham, Massachusetts. This photo was published in the local newspaper, the Attleboro Sun-Chronicle.
Children from the Bahá’í community of Altoona, Pennsylvania, presented two copies of the book The Gift (in English and Spanish with a cassette narration) and a check for $100 to the Children’s Room of the Altoona Public Library last October 20. The presentation was made in honor of the International Year of the Child. The check represented proceeds from a Bahá’í children’s booth at last year’s Keystone Country Festival. Standing (left to right) are Mordachi Black, David Tarlo, and Michael Hite. Seated (left to right) are Mee Hea Tarlo and librarian Virginia Sankey.
Long Beach Bahá’ís Fete UN’s 34th Anniversary With Dinner[edit]
Judge James F. Nelson of Los Angeles, chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, was the speaker last October 23 at a dinner in Long Beach, California, honoring the 34th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations.
The dinner, which also commemorated the UN Declaration of the Rights of the Child, was sponsored by the Long Beach Chapter of the United Nations Association. It was attended by 50 people, the majority of whom were not Bahá’ís.
Entertainment was provided by the Bahá’í Children’s Chorus of Southern California directed by Mary Zemke.
The appearances by Judge Nelson and the children’s chorus were arranged by Evelyn Diliberto, the Long Beach Bahá’í community’s representative to the United Nations Association.
Entertainment at the United Nations Day dinner last October 23 in Long Beach, California, was supplied by the Bahá’í Children’s Chorus of Southern California directed by Mary Zemke.
Judge James F. Nelson (center), chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly, who was the speaker last October 23 at the United Nations Day dinner in Long Beach, California, with (left to right) Evelyn Diliberto, the Long Beach Bahá’í community’s representative to the United Nations Association and Long Beach city councilwoman Eunice Sato.
[Page 12]
An exhibit of children’s art from around the world was held last November 4–12 at the Bahá’í Center in Gallup, New Mexico. The exhibit resulted from the response to an ad asking for examples of children’s art that was placed in two international Esperanto periodicals by the Bahá’í Esperanto League. Among those who attended the exhibit were the mayor of Gallup and his wife. In this photo, which appeared in the local newspaper, the Gallup Independent, Amoz Tong, the 3-year-old son of Dr. and Mrs. Gordon Tong of Gallup, looks at drawings by Japanese children. As another result of the ad, children in Gallup have exchanged drawings with children in Japan and Finland.
Governor Bill Clinton of Arkansas (back row center), the youngest governor in the country, stands with a group of Bahá’ís in front of the state capitol building in Little Rock during International Year of the Child activities last November.
Approximately 75 adults participated last October 28 in the fifth annual International Potluck Dinner hosted by the Bahá’í communities of Mt. Airy and Surry County, North Carolina, at Surry Community College in Dobson. Among the countries represented were the Philippines, Vietnam, Germany, Iran, Holland, Portugal, Italy, Mexico, Peru and Singapore. Activities included games, singing, dancing, a meal of special dishes from all over the world, and a slide presentation on the International Year of the Child. Here, children dressed in colorful native costume gather beneath a candy-filled piñata in the shape of a globe.
Bahá’ís from Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho gathered last September 2 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, for the third annual Bahá’í Craft Auction sponsored by the Spiritual Assembly of Coeur d’Alene. Proceeds from the auctions are sent to the Universal House of Justice. About 90 adults and children participated, helping to raise $2,018 for the Supreme Institution of the Faith. The first of these auctions raised $460, the second, $501.
An estimated 30,000 people saw this float entered by the Bahá’í Youth Club of Ventura, California, last October 3 in the Ventura County Fair parade. The truck was loaned to the Ventura Bahá’í community by Michael Mayberry of Santa Paula who also served as its driver.
[Page 13]
This painting by Ginny Mair, a Bahá’í from Allentown, Pennsylvania, honors the International Year of the Child. It stands in the office of Dr. Ghodratollah Rowshan, a Bahá’í physician whose practice is in Easton, Pennsylvania. To help observe IYC, Dr. Rowshan and Ms. Mair devised a button with the statement, ‘I’m ONEderful,’ that is given by Dr. Rowshan to each child who visits his office. He began with 1,000 and by the end of October had given away 800. The slogan also was used to promote a successful proclamation event last October 20 at the Allentown Public Library.
Teaching Is Theme At W. Virginia Meet[edit]
Twenty-six Bahá’ís including Auxiliary Board member Albert James were present last September 15 at a “new believers’ conference” in Morgantown, West Virginia. Audacious teaching was the theme of the conference at which Mr. James and his assistant, Ed Grych, stressed even closer cooperation among the friends in each community to help win the goals of the Seven Year Plan.
Meet a Hand of the Cause of God[edit]
With Bahá’í Films[edit]
These 16 mm color films are suitable for Bahá’ís and those close to the Faith. Each can be rented for $29 (three-day rental, three showings).
Retrospective
One of our newest rental films—a tribute to the Hand of the Cause of God John A. Robarts on the occasion of his fortieth anniversary as a member of the Bahá’í community. “As a source of deepening for the friends, and a confirming experience for many, it will find intense use at summer schools, conferences, institutes, wherever Bahá’ís and those close to the Faith are gathered.”—Audio-Visual Dept., Bahá’í World Center. Produced by Ciné Bahá’í. 50 minutes.
Invitation
A warm and personal interview with the Hand of the Cause of God Rúḥíyyih Khánum in Montreal, Canada, on the occasion of the 1975 commemoration of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to Canada in 1912. Produced by Ciné Bahá’í. 60 minutes.
To order: Order through community Librarians if possible! Send a letter separate from other orders and payments indicating title of film you wish to rent and first, second, and third choices of dates desired. Order at least one month in advance of first choice date. Enclose full payment. For immediate film rental info., call the Bahá’í Book Store at (312) 256-4400.
Bahá’í Publishing Trust
415 LINDEN AVE • WILMETTE, IL 60091
Classified Ads[edit]
CLASSIFIED ADS in The American Bahá’í are intended as a service to the U.S. Bahá’í community and are printed free of charge.
•
ENERGETIC and skilled workers are needed to fill vacancies at the Bahá’í National Center. Applications are currently being accepted for the following positions: GENERAL BUSINESS SERVICES—Mail Room Assistant: Assists with pick-up, distribution, delivery and metering of mail from all National Center locations. Knowledge of postal regulations and shipping/receiving experience preferred, but not required. Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to operate a vehicle with manual transmission. BAHÁ’Í PUBLISHING TRUST—Production Artist: Performs typesetting, layout and paste-up work. Operates Mergenthaler phototypesetter, assists with camera work. Typesetting and paste-up experience required, camera experience preferred. FACILITIES MAINTENANCE — HVAC Plumber: Maintains, installs and repairs all facility pipeline systems as needed. Requires 5 years plumbing, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems repair experience. Bahá’ís with qualifications for any of these positions are urged to send resumes to the Personnel Office, Bahá’í National Center, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091 or phone 312-256-4400.
CORRESPONDENCE to and from the Hand of the Cause of God Louis G. Gregory is wanted for possible inclusion in a forthcoming book on his life. Also sought are photos, newspaper clippings, and other historical materials connected with Mr. Gregory. Please send materials to World Order magazine, c/o Dr. Betty J. Fisher, associate editor, 415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.
THE GREATER PHOENIX Bahá’í Media Committee, through its Electronic Media Team, and in conjunction with the producers of the Get It On television show, is planning the entertainment agenda for the June 14, 1980, celebration of Juneteenth Tradition: 1980, to be held in South Phoenix, Arizona. Juneteenth is an annual celebration by the black community of the Emancipation Proclamation reaching the Southwest and freeing the slaves in 1863. In addition to local publicity, a TV show is to be produced featuring the Juneteenth:1980 participants. An invitation is extended to Bahá’í entertainers and road shows to participate if your itinerary puts you in or near Phoenix next June 14. If you are interested in taking part, please send promos and demos to the Greater Phoenix Bahá’í Media Committee, c/o the Electronic Media Team, P.O. Box 885, Tempe, AZ 85282, or phone Doug Carpa at 602-838-1518, or 602-831-0108.
AN 18-WEEK teaching expedition to Kenya is being organized by the National Spiritual Assembly of Sweden. A British tour company will arrange ground transportation for the tour, which leaves Southampton, England, September 14, 1980. The cost from Southampton to Nairobi is estimated at $2,400. If you are interested in this expedition, please contact the International Goals Committee, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091, as soon as possible, or phone 312-256-4400.
WANTED: A family nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant. Bahá’í preferred. Tropical medicine experience and foreign language skills helpful. Please contact Nick Amato or Dr. James P. Carter, International Seamen’s Clinic, 1770 Tchoupitoulas, New Orleans, LA 70130.
BOSCH BAHÁ’Í School needs a maintenance handyman to perform preventive and corrective maintenance. Must have knowledge of facilities and grounds maintenance, such as carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, and general repair work. For more information, please contact Jim Kelly, Bosch Bahá’í School, 500 Comstock Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, or phone 408-423-3387.
TWO PIONEERS to the Republic of Kiribati in the central Pacific area are conducting a feasibility study with a view toward establishing a fiberglass boatbuilding industry, and would like to hear from any Bahá’í who is experienced in the manufacture of fiberglass craft in the 3 to 9 meter range who would be interested in coming to Kiribati for two to three years to help set up, run and train labor for such an industry. Inquiries from Bahá’ís experienced in other facets of the fiberglass industry, or in wood or steel boat building, also would be welcomed. This would offer an opportunity for a Bahá’í to help the pioneer effort in these islands, participating fully in Bahá’í community life. Please address inquiries, including full particulars of experience and relevant qualifications, to the International Goals Committee, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-256-2980.
ENTRY BY TROOPS may soon be a reality in North Texas and surrounding areas. Full-time and short term teachers are urgently needed. Please contact the North Texas District Teaching Committee, c/o Mike Kelley, 3302 26th St., Lubbock, TX 79410. Funds are available to deputize a few people. If you have a few weeks or months to spare, please contact the Committee immediately.
RADIO BAHÁ’Í in Ecuador is seeking individuals who can support themselves for one to two years without salaried employment while helping with the Bahá’í radio station. A background in education, communications or electronics is useful but not required. It costs about $150 a month for a single person to live simply but well in Ecuador. Interested? Please contact the International Goals Committee, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-256-4400.
MOVING to the Los Angeles area? Want to have that “hometown” feeling? El Segundo is a community of 18,000 including eight adult Bahá’ís and two youth. You could help save an Assembly and still be only 28 minutes from downtown Los Angeles, five minutes from the International Airport and two minutes from the beach. Please contact S. Azarkadeh, 315 Sierra St., El Segundo, CA 90245, or phone 213-322-6934.
LAST CALL for personal stories to be included in a forthcoming book to be titled “How I Became a Bahá’í.” The purpose of the book is to help confirm those who are close to the Faith as they read stories of how others became Bahá’ís, and to help Bahá’ís improve the quality of their teaching by giving them a glimpse of the variety of ways in which others have been led to embrace the Cause. If you’d like to share your story, please write or tape it, and mail (along with a signed and dated note giving permission to publish it) to Randie Gottlieb, 331 Bayview Avenue, Cranston, RI 02905.
JOB POSSIBILITIES exist in Ecuador for licensed tradespeople skilled in carpentry, masonry, plumbing, electrical repair and other fields. For further information, please contact the International Goals Committee, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.
WANTED: Good quality fiction or nonfiction articles for Child’s Way magazine. Please encourage talented writers in your area to contact us. Articles are needed in any of the following categories: read-aloud stories, fiction for beginning readers and advanced readers, photo essays, science, craft activities, recipes, picture stories, poetry, Bahá’í history, plays, music, puzzles, games and activities, parents’ page, and letters to the editor (especially from children). Write to the editor, Child’s Way magazine, c/o Mary Kay Radpour, 6446 Ridge Lake Road, Hixson, TN 37343 for a sheet of guidelines for contributions.
THE BAHÁ’Í community of Freeport, Illinois, needs homefront pioneers to help save its Assembly. Freeport, a thriving industrial city offering many employment opportunities in factory work or professions such as insurance, is 120 miles west of Chicago and 30 miles west of Rockford. It has an excellent school system that includes a community college. For information please contact Jack Sroka, 1540 West Harrison, Freeport, IL 61032, or phone 815-233-9081.
HOMEFRONT PIONEERS in Castle Rock, Colorado, a town of about 5,000 people midway between Denver and Colorado Springs, must leave their post and would like to rent their home to other homefront pioneers. The Castle Rock Bahá’í community includes two adults and three youth. The house is on a half-acre of land in town. It includes three bedrooms, dining room, living room, kitchen and bath, and there is a cottage on the property that could be rented. It is 1/2-block from an elementary school, within walking distance of stores and shops, and commands a lovely view of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. For more information, please write to Joan Hoover, P.O. Box 783, Castle Rock, CO 80104, or phone 303-688-4653.
WASHINGTON, Illinois, 15 miles from Peoria, needs two adult Bahá’ís to restore its Assembly to full strength. Washington has excellent schools, parks and recreational facilities. For information, please write to the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Washington, P.O. Box 464, Washington, IL 61571.
SOME ANSWERED Questions, by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, currently out of print, is needed by Bahá’ís in North Miami, Florida, who will gladly pay the cost of the book plus postage to anyone who is able to send them a copy. If you can do so, please write to Stuart Rien, 1800 San Souci Blvd., North Miami, FL 33181.
GIG HARBOR, in the Puget Sound area of Washington State, requests the immediate assistance of homefront pioneers to help restore its Assembly status. Ample employment opportunities, schools, colleges, and housing are available in this lovely, healthful environment, along with hospitals and excellent teaching opportunities. We are a small but active and loving Bahá’í community of five adults and four children. Please contact the Bahá’ís of Pierce County Peninsula, P.O. Box 852, Gig Harbor, WA 98335, or phone Linda Bruce, 206-265-3660, or Barbara Peters, 206-858-3360.
ECUADOR offers an opportunity for you to pioneer, improve your Spanish, and complete your final year of high school. For further information, please contact the International Goals Committee, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091, or phone 312-256-4400.
NORTHERN California District No. 1 is looking for homefront pioneers. This District has it all: mountains, valleys, the benefits of city and country living, ski resorts, schools, farming, a National Park, rivers and lakes—all north of Sacramento. Wide open spaces with a need for Bahá’ís to fill them. If you’d like to consider a move to lovely Northern California, please write to Bunny Jenkins, secretary, Northern California District No. 1 Teaching Committee, 1003 Downing Avenue, Chico, CA 95926.
Lunch Honors IYC in Spokane[edit]
The Bahá’í community of Spokane, Washington, participated last October 24 at a luncheon sponsored by the Spokane United Nations Association and UNICEF whose theme was the International Year of the Child.
ADDRESSES OF FUNDS
- National Bahá’í Fund
- 112 Linden Avenue
- Wilmette, IL 60091
- Continental Bahá’í Fund
- 418 Forest Avenue
- Wilmette, IL 60091
- Bahá’í International Fund
- P.O. Box 155
- Haifa, Israel 31-000
(Note to Persian believers: The obligation to contribute to these Funds is separate from the Law of Huqúqu’lláh. For information on Huqúqu’lláh, write to K. Kazemzadeh, 15276 De Pauw St., Pacific Palisades, CA 90272.)
The Bahá’ís of Spokane furnished place cards for the 160 participants that featured pen-and-ink drawings of two Indian girls with the UN Declaration of the Rights of the Child printed inside the cards.
An announcement was made at the luncheon about the forthcoming gift of an oil painting of the most famous chief of the Spokane Indian tribe, Chief Garry, by the Spokane Bahá’í community to the sister city of Luebeck, Germany.
Bahá’í literature on the International Year of the Child was displayed and given out to those who were interested.
Estate Bequests Help Ease Budget Balancing Task[edit]
The task of balancing the budget has always been difficult, due primarily to our rapidly multiplying needs and the lag time in the community’s response to meet these needs. This finance problem has been eased somewhat by the receipt of large estate bequests.
Nine Year Plan[edit]
During the Nine Year Plan, for example, estate income was used to supplement the budget. This income allowed us to take on projects we otherwise could not afford.
As a result, expenses grew at a more rapid rate than contributions, which in turn led to the accumulation of a sizeable deficit of approximately $300,000 by the end of the Plan in 1973.
With a year intervening between the end of the Nine Year Plan and the beginning of the new Plan, the National Treasury was afforded a much-needed opportunity to recover the deficit.
Many committee projects were curtailed, and a concerted effort was made to eliminate the deficit. The effort was successful in this regard, and we entered the Five Year Plan on a sound financial basis. The Fund was “in the black” and monthly income was on a par with expenses.
Five Year Plan[edit]
The Five Year Plan brought a new set of needs and with it new committees and personnel to carry out assignments.
Again, estate income played a major role in financing national projects. In three out of the five years of the Plan, income was significantly augmented through estate bequests.
We also benefited from vigorous year-end rallies that enabled the Fund to finish each year with a modest surplus.
Many times, though, projects were scaled down, delayed or even canceled to avoid incurring a deficit. As a result of this constant effort to keep expenses in line with income, we were able to complete the Plan with a modest operating surplus.
In addition, we were able to set aside funds for capital expansion.
Seven Year Plan[edit]
The Seven Year Plan was launched immediately after the close of the Five Year Plan. Unlike the end of the Nine Year Plan, there was no year of respite. Instead, the opposite occurred.
The Bahá’ís have responded quickly to the new challenges, but the response has not been sufficient.
As a result of our recent increased contribution to the International Fund (now at $1 million a year) and the increased costs of our own central administration, the Fund is now spending approximately $100,000 a month more than it is receiving.
In addition, we see income from estates dropping sharply at a time when expenses are increasing. Obviously, this trend cannot continue.
The National Spiritual Assembly sees three possible solutions to this situation:
- An increase in contributions from individuals, Assemblies and Bahá’í Groups.
- Further reduction in costs (and programs) at the National Center.
- Using the money set aside for capital projects to cover operating expenses.
With a new office building, plans for construction of the National Archives Building, and the Louhelen school project in the offing, we obviously want to maintain our capital projects reserves.
The situation in Iran and the goals of the new Plan show us that this is clearly the time for expansion. Rather than curtailing programs, we should be seeing a dramatic increase in the work of the National Center.
The American Bahá’í community is already working to increase its support of the Fund. Undoubtedly, each of us can do more, but more importantly, we need to continue to teach and to grow in numbers, so that the financial needs of the Faith will be supported by the ever growing, sacrificial support of a rapidly-expanding community of believers.
The surest way of overcoming our financial difficulties is to grow in size. In this light, each of us should regard teaching the Faith as one of the most important aspects of supporting the National Fund.
Bahá’ís and their guests at the Recognition Ceremony last October 13 for the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Omaha Indian Reservation in Macy, Nebraska, admire a large attractive sign placed by the Assembly on Bahá’í property on the Reservation until a Bahá’í Center can be built there.
‘First’ Assembly Restored On Omaha Reservation[edit]
A large audience that included believers from Iowa and South Dakota gathered last October 13 at the Indian Cultural Center in Macy, Nebraska, for the Recognition Ceremony of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Omaha Indian Reservation.
Among the approximately 60 people present were Auxiliary Board member Darrell Borland; Charlotte Babcock, an assistant to Auxiliary Board member Ronna Santoscoy; and John Cook, representing the American Indian Teaching Committee.
THE FORMATION last year of an Assembly on the Omaha Reservation was a cause for great joy; an Assembly had been formed there in the mid-1930’s, the first Assembly ever raised on an Indian Reservation in the U.S., but that Assembly later was lost.
The Recognition Ceremony was preceded by a prayer service in honor of the Hand of the Cause of God Enoch Olinga, who was slain last September 16 with his wife and three of their children in Kampala, Uganda.
Mr. Borland, who chaired the ceremony, began with a presentation on the Bahá’í Faith and the importance of the American Indian as recorded in its Writings.
THE CHIEF of the Omaha Tribal Council welcomed the Bahá’ís, after which Mr. Cook spoke of the history of the Faith in Macy.
Next, the gathering was addressed by Calvin Tyndall, whose parents were members of the original Assembly on the Omaha Reservation and whose brother is one of its present members.
It was Mr. Tyndall who took the photograph of that original Assembly that now hangs at Bahjí. He was enrolled in the Faith one week before the Recognition Ceremony.
The formal program ended with an address by Blair Nichols, chairman of the Omaha Assembly. It was followed by a dinner that included a roast pig and side dishes prepared by the Iowa believers.
Afterward, some of the older residents of Macy, at the request of the Spiritual Assembly, led an Indian “hand game,” bringing to an end this joyous and memorable occasion.
Michigan Songfest[edit]
The Bahá’ís of St. Joseph and Benton Township, Michigan, observed United Nations Day last October 24 with a “Festival of Song” at the YWCA in St. Joseph.
More than 140 people, including about 120 non-Bahá’ís, attended the program that was co-sponsored by the Michigan International Council.
The program featured songs by the youth group from Temple B’nai Shalom in Benton Harbor; the children’s choir of the Second Baptist Church in Benton Harbor, and the choral group of Lake Michigan Catholic High School.
Also on the program was the “Flower Garden Puppet Theatre” from the Benton Township Bahá’í community which presented “The Lion and the Mouse,” adapted from one of Aesop’s fables.
New Education Handbook Available[edit]
Copies of the Bahá’í Child Education Teaching Training Handbook can now be obtained by writing to the National Education Committee office, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.
The manual is specifically designed for persons with a background in education. Topics include “Educational Principles and Methods,” “Materials and Resources,” “Curricular Samples,” and miscellaneous subjects ranging from “Recreation” to “Activities for Youth/Pre-Youth.”
The manual is loose-leaf and does not include a binder. It is 3-hole punched.
The cost of the manual is $9. When ordering, please make checks payable to “Bahá’í Services Fund,” and be sure to indicate the address to which you want the manual sent.
‘Future Society’ Conference Draws Bahá’í Participants[edit]
Three prominent educators who are Bahá’ís spoke last October 18-21 at an education conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota, sponsored by the World Future Society.
The World Future Society is a nonpolitical, non-ideological society of people who are interested in future sociological and technological developments.
DR. DWIGHT Allen of Old Dominion (Virginia) University, who has been involved in the World Future Society since 1970, spoke on “Student Demand for the Study of the Future.”
Dr. Edward Carpenter of New York University, a member of the Future Society for more than 10 years, spoke on “The Campus High School: The School for the Future.”
Dr. John Anastacio of Rutgers University presented a paper entitled “The Future of Faculty Development: A Proposed Cost-Effective Approach.”
One week before the Minneapolis conference, the Bahá’í Metromedia Committee of the Greater Atlanta area had sponsored a Bahá’í booth at another World Future Society conference, “Issues for Tomorrow.” The booth included Bahá’í literature and pamphlets, and a display.
Six Bahá’ís from the Chicago area attended a recent meeting of the Chicago chapter of the World Future Society.
One of them, Jerry Woodall, was invited to speak on the need for a universal auxiliary language.
Mr. Woodall says most of the people at that meeting had heard of the Faith, and when it was noted that six of the 17 people present were Bahá’ís, someone asked, “Are all Bahá’ís Futurists, or are all Futurists Bahá’ís?”
In Memoriam[edit]
- Mohammad Badkoubei
- Montrose, California
- July 19, 1979
- Curtis Bell
- Terrell, Texas
- September 22, 1979
- Mrs. Janie Bethea
- Dillon, South Carolina
- 1976
- Howard Duff Sr.
- Findlay, Ohio
- July 30, 1979
- Elizabeth Edwards
- Chicago, Illinois
- Date Unknown
- Merritt B. Gordon
- Hendersonville, North Carolina
- September 5, 1979
- Howard T. Graham
- Mira Loma, California
- November 4, 1979
- Mrs. Hattie Hayes
- Dillon, South Carolina
- 1976
- Mary Hill
- Lisle, Illinois
- November 10, 1979
- Sank Nelson Jr.
- Dillon, South Carolina
- Date Unknown
- Herbert J. Patzer
- New Haven, Connecticut
- September 12, 1979
- L.C. Paye
- Dillon, South Carolina
- 1976
- Johnnie D. Rogers
- Dillon, South Carolina
- Date Unknown
- Mrs. Marie Robinson
- Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
- October 4, 1979
- Olmon Strickland
- Nichols, South Carolina
- 1977
- Mrs. Elease Strickland
- Nichols, South Carolina
- July 1979
- Oscar W. Swanson
- Yakima, Washington
- October 26, 1979
- Mrs. Nellie E. Wheeler
- Latta, South Carolina
- Date Unknown
from the
Bahá’í Publishing Trust
New Bahá’í Literature[edit]
Selected Writings of Bahá’u’lláh
By Bahá’u’lláh. A new cloth gift edition of a popular selection of Bahá’u’lláh’s Writings. Set in relatively large type on large pages, the new edition is inviting and easy to read. Grey ribbon bookmark. A perfect gift for seekers, new Bahá’ís, friends of the Faith, local dignitaries. 125 pp., references.
7-03-24 cloth $4.50; 40/$171.00
7-03-23 paper (1975 edition) $1.10; 10/$8.50
The Brilliant Stars:
The Bahá’í Faith and the Education of Children
By H.T.D. Rost, M.A., Ed.D. Are you a parent? Spiritual Assembly member? Are you interested in the education of your community’s children? This new book may interest you—or someone you know. The Brilliant Stars:
- shows how the Bahá’í education of children contributes to the unification of the world
- discusses virtues and perfections children may attain
- surveys the development of Bahá’í education from 1844 to the present
- contains quotations from the Bahá’í Writings
“... a splendid piece of research....a very needed and comprehensive treatment of the subject.”—Dr. Stanwood Cobb. Published by George Ronald. 161 pp., references.
7-32-45 cloth $8.95 NET
7-32-46 paper $3.50 NET
Memories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá:
Recollections of the Early Days of the Bahá’í Faith in California
By Ramona A. Brown. Coming in mid-January! A moving account of the early days of the Bahá’í Faith in California. Before 1912 the Bahá’ís in California were few in number and loosely organized. Memories introduces the reader to those believers and shows how ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit—the highlight of the book—galvanized them into action. The book also describes what some of the early Bahá’ís did to serve the Faith after ‘Abdu’l-Bahá returned to Haifa.
As the Foreword states, Memories of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, like other memoirs about the Master such as Portals to Freedom and Daily Lessons Received at ‘Akká, gives one “a sense of the vibrancy, of the love and patience, of the foresight and wisdom of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.”
An excellent Ayyám-i-Há gift. Also suitable for presentation to public and school libraries, especially in California. 29 black and white photographs. 122 pp., notes, index.
7-32-10 cloth $9.95
New Recording/Gift Idea[edit]
Happy Ayyám-i-Há! stereo LP
Coming this month—the first Bahá’í children’s album in many years. Features Hand of the Cause of God William Sears, Bahá’í children, and professional musical accompanists. Mr. Sears talks to the children between selections, explaining the songs and the Bahá’í Faith in a warm and easy-to-understand way.
Nine songs on Bahá’í themes, including “God Loves the Best of Us,” “The Ayyám-i-Há Song,” “Oh ‘Abdu’l-Bahá,” “The Abhá Kingdom,” and “Oh God! Educate These Children.”
An ideal gift for Bahá’í children and those familiar with the Bahá’í Faith. For deepening, teaching, lifting the spirits of kids and adults. Printed lyrics enclosed. Produced by Danny and Joyce Deardorff in cooperation with Prism Productions.
6-35-19 stereo LP $10.00
1980 Bahá’í Calendars[edit]
For Personal, Community Use Buy yours now!
| 6-69-10 Bahá’í Planning Calendar, 137 B.E. | $2.50; 5/$12.00 |
| 6-69-50 Bahá’í Date Book, 1980 | $1.00; 10/$9.50 |
| 6-69-40 Bahá’í Wall Calendar, 1980 | $.50; 10/$4.50; 50/$18.50 |
| 6-69-60 Bahá’í Pocket Calendar, 1980 | $.10; 10/$.90; 100/$7.50 |
| 6-69-90 Bahá’í Memo Pad Calendar, 1980 | $2.00; 10/$19.00 |
Happy Ayyám-i-Há! Greeting Cards[edit]
Ayyám-i-Há is coming! This year you can celebrate Intercalary Days by sending festive cards to your friends and relatives, Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís. Two cards are available, each in packets of ten.
The Ayyám-i-Há tulip card features a beautiful full-color photograph of fragrant flowers—a sign of spring to come. The greeting inside says “Ayyám-i-Há—days of joy, days of hospitality, and a time for remembering family and friends.” (6¼ x 4⅝ inches)
The Ayyám-i-Há leaf design card, drawn by Mary Jean Rowe, is a richly patterned arrangement of leaves in shades of red, green, and yellow on a dark blue background. The greeting inside reads simply Happy Ayyám-i-Há! (8⅛ x 3½ inches)
Printed inside both cards, on the left, is an explanation of Ayyám-i-Há telling when and how it is celebrated.
Use the new cards to spread good cheer and create awareness of a joyous time in the Bahá’í year. Supplies are limited, so order yours today!
6-48-45 tulip card (per packet) $3.50
6-48-46 leaf design card (per packet) $3.50
‘New Games’ Stress Cooperative Play[edit]
(The following article on “New Games” was written for the National Education Committee by J.F. Strain of Greencastle, Indiana.)
•
Are you looking for a new and exciting way of bringing people together and forming a warm, sensitive feeling of community?
Would you and your children like to improve cooperation, respect, courtesy and discipline?
Are your youth desperate for a socially acceptable way of relating to others, releasing energy, and expressing feelings and the need for support and physical contact?
ONE ANSWER for your community may be “cooperative games,” also known as “New Games.”
New Games can be high-energy or subdued, take five seconds or an hour. Some are complex, and some are quite simple, or even silly.
They can be for children, or adults, or both. They are often noncompetitive.
What are some characteristics of New Games? In New Games (1) people are more important than points, (2) the process is more important than the goal, (3) cooperative group effort is required, and (4) adults, youth and children of varying skill ranges are accommodated.
Why play games at all?
On a spiritual level, games are very life-like. The same qualities that should be developed in our daily lives, such as cooperation, trust, honesty and determination are necessary to participate successfully in games.
WHILE HELPING us to develop lifelike virtues, games contain ingredients that help speed the growth process.
Since a game is a “closed system,” the natural consequences of any action are much more readily obvious.
For example, in real life an improvement in communications might take months to produce a measurable effect, whereas in a game, better communication between players immediately changes the quality of that game.
Since we receive immediate feedback of the benefits of practicing such virtues as cooperation, trust, honesty and effort, we can quickly experience the consequences of our actions.
Also, a game can be a safe way to experiment and learn. In a game, a person can afford to make mistakes.
THE OLD saying, “try, try again” is much easier to practice when one’s job, relationships or self-esteem are not being placed on the line.
There is a great deal to know and to say about New Games, yet they are simple and fun to play.
You can ask at your public library for books on Cooperative/New Games. Among these books are The New Games Book by the New Games Foundation, and The Cooperative Sports and Games Book by Terry Orlick.
If your community has been trying to find new ways to get to know one another better, or to integrate youth and children more actively in community life, you might wish to investigate New Games.
These games call for a new spirit of play—a spirit of cooperation and unity.
Bahá’ís around the U.S. are beginning to use New Games as one tool for experiencing this spirit within their community.
One of the more enjoyable aspects of last summer’s session at the Louhelen Bahá’í School in Michigan was a New Games Festival. New Games offer an addition and new direction to traditional sports activity—a way of playing that is exciting and fun, yet requires no exceptional athletic ability. It incorporates the attitude that people can and should play together simply for the fun of it. Shown here are two representative New Games, ‘caterpillar’ and ‘people pass.’
Youth and adults participate in the New Games program at the Minnesota Bahá’í Summer School in Frontenac.
