U.S. Supplement/Issue 112/Text

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U.S. Supplement Issue 112

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[Page 1]

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 flow 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]

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.

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.

—NATIONAL REFERENCE LIBRARY COMMITTEE

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, NEAH BAY, WASHINGTON 98357. [Page 3]

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.

For the 5-9 age group

The Valley of Trust

This book tells about the work of the United Nations and some of its agencies an imaginative, humorous way that young children can enjoy and understand. The author, Emery Kelen, an internationally known political caricaturist, has illustrated his book with great charm. The story tells how animals living together in a beautiful valley learned, because of a catastrophy which they shared, to help each other and to live in peace a lesson which children can easily apply to human beings.

Paperback .$.50 Hard Cover .$3.00

United Nations Bookshop, United Nations, New York, N.Y.

For the 9-16 age group

The United Nations (A Classics Illustrated, Special Issue)

Using the flamboyant style of a comic strip, this paperback, in full color cartoons, tells human interest stories about the work of the United Nations family of specialized agencies. The herpes are the engineers, teachers, doctors, nurses and others whose expertese help fight the villians of ignorance, poverty and disease. This book touches 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 — Núr (Light) June 24 — Rahmat (Mercy) July 13 — Kalimát (Words) August 1 — Kamál (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]

Bahá’í Directory Changes

Nebraska

STATE GOALS COMMITTEES

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, Ill.: 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 Bahá’í FUND

Monthly Income: 1967-1968

Monthly Budget

Regular contributions.

Special contributions & Miscellaneous

Estates

In Memoriam

Leo Blumenstein Miami Beach, Florida. April 1, 1967

Hilbert E. Dahl Royal Oak, Michigan April 19, 1967

Miss Gwendolyn M. Griffin New York, N.Y. February 10, 1967

Mrs. Myrll W. Heiskell Circleville, Ohio April 13, 1967

Dr. Hedwig A. Kuehnel Milwaukee, Wisconsin April 4, 1967

William McPhail Mowat Chicago, Illinois April 16, 1967

Mrs. Jennie Poe Geyserville, Calif. April 7, 1967

Mrs. Lydia Schott Ft. Wayne, Indiana April 16, 1967

Joseph Sharp Cave Creek, Arizona April 10, 1967

George R. Wilson Grand Rapids, Michigan April 11, 1967

Earl Winston Chicago, Illinois April 13, 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 July 7-9 September 1-4 October 4 (Centenary October 5-8) November 10-12 December 15-17 January 19-21 February 23-25 March 29-31

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, and 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