A circumnavigation on the wings of Baha'i choral music
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Christopher LaMountain is a Northwestern University student who has been singing with the Baha’i House of Worship Choir in Wilmette, Illinois.
In the summer of 2019, Christopher set out on a remarkable trip around the world—a trip that just a few months later would seem even more remarkable due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.
Christopher’s goal was to visit Baha’i Houses of Worship around the globe and study the emerging musical culture at each.
Christopher kept a diary of his travels and we invited him into the recording studio to share some of his travel experiences with us.
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It's the Festival of Ridvan!
Happy Ridvan!
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Ridvan (pronounced Rezvan) means “Paradise” in Arabic.
The Festival of Ridvan commemorates the
announcement by Baha’u’llah
in 1863 that He is the Promised One of all religions and the Manifestation of God for this era. Baha’u’llah’s teachings, particularly the concept of the oneness of humanity, are the basis of the Baha’i Faith.
Three of these 12 days, the first, the ninth, and the twelfth, are specially observed.
On April 20, the first day of Ridvan, the Baha'i House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois, hosted a special videotaped broadcast of prayers and music that was viewed live by thousands from around the globe online.
JOIN US for the next two festival broadcasts!
Ninth Day of Ridvan:
Tuesday, April 28, 12:30 pm CDT
Twelfth Day of Ridvan:
Friday, May 1, 12:30 pm CDT
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Watch Ridvan broadcasts for the premiere of
"O Thou Compassionate Lord"
from a virtual choir directed by Van Gilmer, Music Director from the Baha'i House of Worship.
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Join an online conversation:
A haven of prayer in every home
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At a time when social distancing is keeping us safe, but isolated, are there ways that spiritual connection can help us feel comforted and connected to each other?
Baha'is are learning how gatherings for prayer--in homes and online--are providing individuals, families and communities a way to be together to find strength, hope and unity.
The national leadership of the Baha'i Faith in the US, the National Spiritual Assembly, is encouraging every household to host ongoing devotional gatherings during the coming months.
Everyone is invited to join a conversation about making every home a place of spiritual health and emotional well-being.
Thursday, May 7, 7:00 pm CDT
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Communities keep connections strong through communication, service
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Baha’is and friends in a Rockwall, Texas, neighborhood were inspired to meet a need that arose during the COVID-19 pandemic. The result was an initiative called Masked with Love.
They had become aware of the lack of personal protective equipment for local health care workers, as well as the need for everyone in the community to start wearing homemade masks when out shopping or doing other essential tasks.
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From
Brilli
ant S
tar
Magazine
FOR KIDS:
FOR PARENTS AND TEACHERS:
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During pandemic, Baha'is
keep focus on bringing
people together
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Although the arena of action has moved online, Baha’is are imaginatively connecting to bring help and hope to one another and their neighbors. Holy Day celebrations, worship and community gatherings, administrative consultations and, most important, community-building efforts have continued within laws and guidelines issued for safety and wellness.
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Guest scholars visit with online study gro
u
p
Wednesday, April 29, 8:00 p.m. CDT
Dr. Bijan Masumian discusses
Rashh-i-Ama
(The Clouds of the Realms Above) poem by Baha’u’llah
No registration required for this session.
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Wednesday, May 14, 8:00 p.m. CDT
No registration required for this session.
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Wednesday, May 6, 12:00 p.m. CDT
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information about how to join the Zoom meeting.
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Connect anytime
Do you have a particular question about the Baha'i Faith?
Let us know
if you'd like to talk with a Baha'i, request free literature, or find Baha'is near you.
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National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States
1233 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201
enewsletter@bahai.us | www.bahai.us
800-22-UNITE (800-228-6483)
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