April 2022
Ridvan:
The King of Festivals

RIDVAN (pronounced Rez-van) means “Paradise” in Arabic. The 12-day 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. He called for this time to be remembered as the "King of Festivals." Three of the 12 festival days are specially observed: 

First Day of the Festival of Ridvan – Thursday, April 21
The first day celebrates Baha’u’llah’s arrival in the Garden.

Ninth Day of the Festival of Ridvan – Friday, April 29
The ninth day marks the arrival of His family members.

Twelfth Day of the Festival of Ridvan – Monday, May 2
The twelfth day commemorates His caravan’s departure to Constantinople (present-day Istanbul).
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O Thou loving Provider! These souls have hearkened to the summons of the Kingdom, and have gazed upon the glory of the Sun of Truth. They have risen upward to the refreshing skies of love; they are enamored of Thy nature, and they worship Thy beauty. Unto Thee have they turned themselves, speaking together of Thee, seeking out Thy dwelling, and thirsting for the waterbrooks of Thy heavenly realm.
Thou art the Giver, the Bestower, the
Ever-Loving. --'Abdu'l-Baha
Conferences across nation diffuse spirit and prompt action

How does a cluster of communities equip itself to release greater measures of the society-building power of the Faith of Baha’u’llah? How does this happen within a city, or maybe a single neighborhood? What degree of effort, what kind of local planning and consultation, what capacities need to be built to strengthen a framework of worship and service inspired by Baha’i teachings?

In thousands of locales, Baha’is and their fellow well-wishers of humanity are even now shaping the responses to those questions in a global mosaic of conversation: conferences large and small, filled with prayer, inspiration, local consultation, music and artistic expression.
“Intimate Dialogue”
gathering fosters respectful
conversations on race

When Van Gilmer, an African American Baha’i living in Wilmette, Illinois, began a small devotional gathering in his living room some nine years ago, he had no way of knowing that it would evolve into an online meeting in which Black and white participants share very personal stories of the ways racism has affected their lives. 

One African American shared her experience of having white children refuse to play with her until she showed them whether or not she had a tail. A white man shared his experience of being beat up because he ate at the same table with Black friends when he was enrolled in the military.
A Garden Walk through
Sacred Space
The gardens that surround the Baha’i House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois, are extensions of the sacred space of the Temple. Come for a walk with Landscape Architect Carol Yetken as she guides us through some of the behind-the-scenes efforts in creating these lovely gardens.
From Brilliant Star Magazine
Wise Men of the West:
A Search for the Promised One in the Latter Days
America was ablaze with millennial anticipation in 1844. In Perth Amboy, New Jersey, devout Quaker Josiah Thompson is convinced the answers lie in the Holy Land, but is too aged to travel. So his son Zach and British scholar James Lawrence take up the quest, only to realize the question is far larger than they imagined. And what they discover will have profound implications not only for them, but all humanity as the modern age unfolds.
Join Us Online
Below are a few of the online gatherings that you are welcome to join. To participate in gatherings hosted by Baha'is near you call
1-800-22-UNITE
(1-800-228-6483) or
__________
Want to learn more?
Baha'i Basics
Attend an informal presentation about the Baha’i teachings. These gatherings are excellent opportunities to ask questions and learn how the Baha'i teachings relate to contemporary life.

MONDAYS at 7:00 p.m. (Central Time) REGISTER >
Wilmette Institute Webinars
Creating Engaging Stories and Devotional Content for Young Children and Their Families

Saturday, May 21st at 11:00 a.m. (Central Time)

How can we craft material that will inspire the youngest members of our communities and nurture devotional habits and meaningful conversations in the home? The need for vibrant children's literature is stronger than ever. Panelists will discuss their creative processes, the sources from which they draw inspiration, and the methods by which they see their projects through to completion.
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)