We welcome you to join the activities listed on our calendar where we may introduce you to our Baha’i community. Our activities are open to peoples of all faiths and backgrounds. Below are general descriptions of the ongoing Baha’i activities.
Devotional Gatherings
In addition to practicing private prayer and meditation, Baha’is gather for devotional gatherings to share a devotional spirit of joy, love and fellowship. Readings are taken from the Baha’i writings and the scriptures of Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, and other sources. Participants are encouraged to bring their prayer books or favorite passages from the scriptures to share. These gatherings often offer prayers for healing or families and often include music from a variety of cultures. There is no established ritual and no solicitation of funds.
Classes for Children and Junior Youth
Baha’is are dedicated to fostering the moral and spiritual development of all children and youth in our communities. These classes for children and junior youth encourage participants to recognize their own nobility and the inherent nobility of their classmates. The children acquire knowledge and spiritual capacities which they can integrate into their everyday lives. Youth are encouraged to develop a strong sense of purpose, empowering their own transformation and leading them to contribute to the advancement of society. Young people’s spiritual capacity—the basis for their own happiness and sense of well-being—is a powerful force for social change.
Study Circles & Deepenings
Baha’is who wish to study in depth the Revelation of Baha’u’llah often will initiate a deepening. These deepenings are independent study of a selected book or topic. Anyone may request or begin deepening on a topic of interest with local community members.
Study circles are regular gatherings—of Baha’is and other spiritual seekers—interested in an in-depth and systematic study of the Baha’i Writings. The purpose of this study is to gain a deeper understanding of the Holy Word, to comprehend its meanings and to find ways to apply the Word to our lives through spiritual transformation and service to humanity. Each study circle is based on one of seven themes in the curriculum, which is known as the Ruhi series of courses. The frequency and duration of each study circle are set by the group, and a facilitator serves to maintain the focus and pace.
Baha’i Holy Days
Baha’is observe 11 holy days each year and abstain from work on nine of those days. Baha’i holy days include days associated with the lives of Baha’u’llah and the Bab; Naw-Ruz, the Baha’i new year, on March 21; and Ridvan, a 12-day festival in spring commemorating Baha’u’llah’s declaration of His mission. Baha’is observe holy days by gathering for prayer, reflection and fellowship.
Besides Baha’i holy days, local communities will often hold activities related to other local special events such as Race Unity day.