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Nineteen Day Feasts are for Bahá’ís Only
Although it is clearly stated in The Bahá’í Community (page 18) that only members of the Bahá’í community and visiting Bahá’ís from other localities may attend nineteen day feasts, the question is frequently asked whether persons close to the Faith and non-Bahá’í members of Bahá’í families might not be permitted to attend if they leave the room during the consultation period. It is sometimes argued that this privilege will bring these persons closer to the Faith and will dispel any feeling that there are “secrets” in the Faith.
Bahá’ís should realize that the presence of non-Bahá’ís at any portion of the Feast impedes the How of the spirit that exists between Bahá’u’lláh and His followers and between fellow Bahá’ís throughout the Feast. Furthermore, when visitors are excluded during consultation and are waiting to re-enter the room, the believers, from a sense of courtesy, feel obliged to hurry through the business and cut short the consultation so that their guests may not be kept waiting too long. Thus concentration on the essential aspects of the Feast is dissipated and sociability becomes the dominant factor.
The Universal House of Justice has elaborated upon this matter in a recent letter to the National Spiritual Assembly in which it calls attention to “the essentially domestic, administrative nature of the Nineteen Day Feast”. It states:
“With regard to the attendance of non-Bahá’ís at a Nineteen Day Feast, you can explain . . . the essentially domestic, administrative nature of the Nineteen Day Feast. During the period of consultation the Bahá’ís should be able to enjoy perfect freedom to express their views on the work of the Cause, unembarrassed by the feeling that all they are saying is being heard by someone who has not accepted Bahá’u’lláh and who might thereby, gain a very distorted picture of the Faith. It would also be very embarrassing for any sensitive non-Bahá’í to find himself plunged into the midst of a discussion of the detailed affairs of a Bahá’í Community of which he is not a part. The Guardian’s secretary wrote on his behalf on 21 September, 1946:
‘As regards your question concerning Nineteen
Day Feasts . . . as to non-Bahá’ís attending, this
should by all means be avoided, but if non-believers
come to a Nineteen Day Feast, they should not be put out, as this might hurt their feelings.’
“This is why, if a non-Bahá’í does appear at a Nineteen Day Feast he should be made to feel welcome, but a Bahá’í should certainly not invite a non-Bahá’í to attend.
“A non-Bahá’í, who asks to be invited to a Feast will usually understand if this matter is explained to him.”
If it seems essential to expose non-Bahá’í relatives or close contacts to the spirit that should prevail at the Nineteen Day Feast, special meetings can be arranged for such purpose, wherein there will be a beautifully arranged period of devotion followed “by sociability, with all members of the community in attendance.
THE HOUSE OF WORSHIP
A Shelter for Many Activities
Hospitality Committee
The Hospitality Committee, recently appointed to serve at the House of Worship, provides those little extras that together contribute toward successful Holy Day commemorations, public meetings or Special Events celebrations. Oftentimes it is the sociability over a cup of tea or punch that provides the visitor with the opening to exchange thoughts and ideas with his Bahá’í hosts, and at times gives the seeker the opportunity to empty of himself so that the Bahá’í message can enter his heart.
For special occasions during the year, pot luck dinners are held in the dining area and the Hospitality Committee provides the coordination so necessary for the success of such events. .
The Committee calls upon individuals throughout the area to assist in offering gracious hospitality, thereby enabling many more believers to serve in some way at our most precious Mother Temple.
[Page 2]
2
Bahá’ís Should Accept Their Duties
in a Spirit of Self-Sacrifice
From time to time Bahá’ís either refuse to accept election to administrative posts, or resign from membership on local spiritual assemblies because of criticism or opposition which they feel are directed against them in their efforts to serve the Faith in a manner they consider appropriate and effective.
To those who wish to be relieved of service for this or similar reasons, attention is called to the following excerpt from a communication from the beloved Guardian which was published in Bahá’í News, No. 152, page 2, April 1942:
“Concerning the question of refusal by certain believers to accept election to an administrative post, the Guardian strongly feels that criticism, opposition, or confusion do not provide sufficient grounds for either refusal or resignation. Only cases of physical or mental incapacity, which, by their very nature, are extremely rare, constitute valid reasons for such an act. The difficulties and tests involved in the acceptance of administrative posts, far from inducing the believers to dissociate themselves from the work of the Cause, should spur them on to greater exertions and to more active participation in the privileged task of resolving the problems that confront the Bahá’í community. . . . The believers, for the sake of the Cause, now in the period of its infancy, should accept their duties in a spirit of self-sacrifice, and should be animated by the desire to uphold the verdict of the electorate, and to lend their share of assistance, however difficult the circumstances, to the effective administration of the affairs of the Faith.”
Progress Being Made on New Mailing System
The dedicated Bahá’ís who have been developing the new data processing system report that it is progressing on schedule. It should be ready to handle the mailout of the July Bahá’í News, so that the present June issue will be the last mailed using the old address plates which do not in all cases show the Zip code.
The cooperation of individual Bahá’ís and of local spiritual assembly and state goals committee secretaries in providing Zip codes has minimized the comparatively costly search for these by the National Office.
The new system is as dependent as the old upon the cooperation of the friends in providing address and other changes as soon as they occur. The transitional period from one system to another is never an easy one as it involves learning new methods. The understanding and forbearance of everyone is requested when errors occur. The long-term rewards are an improved mailout procedure as well as better utilization of Bahá’í talent and experience. Basic information on this is being requested from each Bahá’í by means of a questionnaire being mailed in June. A prompt return is requested so that this phase of the plan can be carried out.
JUNE 1967
Indexing Adaptability Test Announced
During the past year a start has been made on the tremendous task of actually preparing a Master Index (combined with a full Concordance) .of the Bahá’í Revelation, according to the plan approved by the National Spiritual Assembly many years ago. Nearly ten file drawers are already filled with 3 x 5 cards that will make up this file. The indexing method has been greatly simplified. Now we need more help.
Since the beginning of its work on this project over ten years ago, the Committee has recognized the tremendous deepening effect produced by working with Creative Word which this type of service involves. So where we are asking for volunteers to work on this project, we are also offering a unique experience in deepening your knowledge of the Teachings and in heightening your awareness of spiritual realities.
But from long and discouraging experience, it has been discovered that it takes a certain natural “adaptability,” to be able to do this type of work. It seems not to be dependent on any specific education or intellect, but rather on an inborn “bent” or talent. So the Committee has prepared an Indexing Adaptability Test which will be sent gratis to any who would like to be tested. Even in accepting this test there is a spiritual bonus too, for this test was found also to be a very effective but simple Introduction to Reality —the divine reality of existence which Bahá’u’lláh has unveiled to mankind for the first time.
The test is in two parts. If you “pass” or grasp and enjoy Part One, you may request and receive Part Two.
Those who go through the exercises in both parts of this test will at least have some practical ideas about indexing their own favorite references or teaching material (besides having gained new insight into “reality”). And by that time those who wish to do so will be ready, with a few more suggestions, to try a little assignment for the Master Index. The aim is to develop a large corps of such volunteers.
If you are interested, write for Part One of this Indexing Adaptability Test to Mrs. Marian C. Lippitt, Green Ace Bahá’í School, Eliot, Maine 09003.
—NA'rIONAL REFERENCE LIBRARY COMMrrru:
Makah Reservation Council Fire
to be Held in August
The Local Spiritual Assembly of the Makah Reservation will sponsor the fifth annual Council Fire on August 12 and 13 at Neah Bay, Washington. Friends are cordially invited and urged to attend this gathering at the Bahá’í Center, which was dedicated last January, when Eugene King was guest speaker and Melba King officiated at a tree planting ceremony.
What to Bring: Camping gear, sleeping bags, cooking utensils, warm clothing, and enough food for two days. One meal will be furnished, the Saturday evening Salmon Bake.
Registration Fee: Persons 12 years and over $2.00; children 5 to 12 years $1.00; children under 5 years no charge. Pre-Bahá’í Indian guests no charge. Fee includes Saturday evening Salmon Bake.
Registrar: Send registration as early as possible to: Bahá’í COUNCIL FIRE c/o RITA A. BARBRE, P.O. Box 306, N EA}-I BAY, WASEIN'GTON 98357.
[Page 3]
U.S. SUPPLEMENT
The Story of the United Nations
Told for Young Readers
The United Nations Committee suggests, for the summer season ahead, two books for children which give an easy introduction to the work of the United Nations.
he United
Nations and some of 1 s age imaginative, humorous wa th t young can enjoy Kelen, an
_III . , . ignorance, poverty and disease. ' on the many ways the United Nations affects the lives of individual human beings in many parts of the world.
Paperback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ .50 United Nations Bookshop, United Nations, New York, N.Y.
Also at many newsstands.
Published by Gilberton Co. Inc.
Institute Scheduled in Colorado
The Rocky Mountain Institute to be held on Labor Day Weekend in Coal Creek Canyon, Colorado will cover various aspects of teaching and proclamation as well as the solving of human relations problems through consultation. There will be classes for children from preschoolers through 14 years. The location of the Institute in the mountains only twenty miles from Denver is easily accessible and will provide a beautiful setting for a very stimulating Bahá’í weekend of study and fellowship. Place: Highlander Boy's Camp, Coal Creek Canyon, Colorado
Dates: September 2 to 4 inclusive
Rates: For the entire period: Adults 18 and over $12.00; Youth 12 through 17 years $9.00; Children under 12 years $9.00. Daily: Adults $4.00; Youth $3.00; Children $2.00
Registrar: Mrs. Marilyn Fisher, 437 Pine, Boulder,
Colorado 80302
Property at Bahá’í School
to be Dedicated
The Geyserville Bahá’í School Council, with the permission of the National Spiritual Assembly, will name the Redwood Grove on the Geyserville Bahá’í School property in honor of late Hand of the Cause Leroy C. Ioas.
The dedication ceremony will take place in the Grove on July 30 at 11 a.m. before the Unity Feast. Friends are invited to attend this commemoration of the distinguished Hand of the Cause and of his efforts which accomplished so much in establishing the school as an outstanding institution for teaching the Faith and for deepening the knowledge and understanding of the believers.
Believers Invited to Visit Norway
The National Spiritual Assembly of Norway issues a standing invitation to Bahá’ís from the United States to visit Norway when feasible. They also urge visitors to use, when possible, Icelandic Air Lines, as Iceland is a goal of the Nine Year Plan for Norway and Canada.
Those who can undertake such trips should notify the FOREIGN GOALS COMMITTEE, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette 60091. The Committee will be happy to put them in touch with the National Assembly of Norway, which is anxious to be notified of these trips as early as possible.
Bahá’í House of Worship Visiting Hours
Daily
10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Devotions
Sundays
3 to 3:30 p.m.
Public Meetings
Sundays
3:45 p.m.
Calendar of Events
FEASTS
June 5 —— Nur (Light)
June 24 — Rahmat (Mercy)
July 13 —Kalimat (Words) August 1 —Kamal (Perfection)
HOLY DAY July 9—Martyrdom of the Báb
PROCLAMATION EVENT June 11—Race Unity Day
U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY MEETINGS
July 7 through 9 September 1 through 4
[Page 4]
BAHA'l DIRECTORY CHANGES
STATE GOALS COMMITTEES
Nebraska
New address for secretary: Mr. Wiggins DeMoville, 2736 S. 8th St., Lincoln 68502
Nevada
New address for secretary: Mrs. Marion West, 440 Sawyer Way, Sparks 89431
RESIGNATION FROM COMMITTEE
Advisory Committee on Education Delete name of: Mrs. LaVerne Webb
Bahá’í Marriages
Oakland, Calif.: Miss Judith Lynn Gage to Robert Petty, Jr. on April 9, 1967
Sacramento, Calif.: Mrs. Anne E. Bowman to George Pete Panos on April 16, 1967
Santa Ana, Calif; Miss Maxine Michele Laufer to Charles A. Tortorici on November 11, 1966
Meriden, Conn; Miss Cheryl Boyce to Thomas Herb on December 24, 1966
Atlanta, Ga.: Miss Sandra Corliss Andrews to James McGary Roberts, Jr. on April 6, 1967
Wilmette, 111.: Miss Torunn Thorsen to Robert S. Rhodes on January, 21, 1967
Ann Arbor, Mich.: Miss Jean Wood Pitchford to William C. Horiszny on March 19, 1967
Sparks, Nevada: Mrs. Bobbie Jean Dolley to Joseph C. Savage on March 21, 1967
Teaneck, N.J.: Miss Zohreh Kerendian to William Speckman on November 26, 1966
New York, N.Y.: Miss Sally Irene Rotondo to Zabihollah C. Mahboubi on March 25, 1967
West Chester, Penna.: Miss Nancy L. Hockenbury to Harold A. Marks, II on December 24, 1966
Tacoma, Wash.: Mrs. Brookie Earline Young to Harold Francis Campbell on March 11, 1967 (Non-Bahá’ís)
Madison, Wisc.: Mrs. Irma H. Theyerl to Louis Conrad Disch on April 15, 1967
NATIONAL BAHA'I FUND Monthly Income: 1967-‘1968
Thousand
140 100
-28: “$3523
§
OCT. NOV. DEC FEB. MAR.
e w H w o‘ ' a E 2 2 => E ‘t in
I Regular contributions Special contributions & Miscellaneous
g Estates
JUNE 1967
In Memoriam
Mrs. Jennie Poe Geyserville, Calif. April 7, 1967
Mrs. Lydia Schott Ft. Wayne, Indiana April 16, 1967
Leo Blumenstein Miami Beach, Florida April 1, 1967
Hilbert E. Dahl Royal Oak, Michigan April 19, 1967
Miss Gwendolyn M. Griflin New York, N.Y. February 10, 1967
Mrs. Myrll W. Heiskell Circleville, Ohio
Joseph Sharp Cave Creek, Arizona April 10, 1967
George R. Wilson Grand Rapids. Michigan
April 13, 1967 April 11, 1967 Dr. Hedwig A. Kuehnel Earl Winston Milwaukee. Wisconsin Chicago, Illinois
April 4, 1967 April 13, 1967
William McPhai1 Mowat Chicago, Illinois April 16, 1967
Elizabeth Hopper Funchal, Madeira April 25, 1967
Schedule of Meetings During 1967-1968
National Spiritual Assembly of the United States
The National Spiritual Assembly of the United States will hold meetings during the coming year on the following dates:
May 27-30 December 15-17 July 7-9 January 19-21 September 1-4 February 23-25 October 4 (Centenary October 5-8) March 29-31
November 10-12
CORRECTION
New Time for Training Session
The date for the training session for the Northwestern States Summer Youth Project is July 2-9 and not July 9-15. For reservations and information write to:
Mrs. Carolee B. McDonald 2250 West Side Highway Castle Rock, Washington 98611
The National Fund
Bedrock of all Bahá’í Institutions
As the activities of the American Bahá’í community expand, and its worldwide prestige correspondingly increases, the institution of the National Fund, the bedrock on which all other institutions must necessarily rest and be established, acquires added importance, and should be increasingly supported by the entire body of the believers, both in their individual capacities, aml through their collective efforts, whether organized as groups or as local Assemblies. The supply of funds, in support of the National Treasury, constitutes, at the present time, the life-blood of these nascent institutions you are laboring to erect. Its importance cannot, surely, be over-estimated. Untold blessings shall no doubt crown every effort directed to that end.
— SHOGHI EFFENDI
