Volume 85 | December 2018
The Baha'i Faith teaches that we should enjoy the material things of life as long as we do not become too attached to them. The best use of our material wealth is in service to humanity. 

During this time of year, when American retailers are urging us all to shop, shop, shop, we bring you two stories of Baha'is who find spiritual rewards in owning fewer possessions.
The Panes: Baha'is living a decluttered life
As a couple, Lucia and Jeremy Pane have pared down their possessions over the past several years and say they are living ever more intentionally as time goes on.


Corinne Herrmann:
"Living what I believe"
Cat-and-book loving Chicagoan Corinne Herrmann, a university Math instructor, chats with Editor Joyce Litoff about the spiritual benefits of living a minimalist lifestyle.
Jeremy and Lucia Pane
Corinne Herrmann
From Brilliant Star Magazine

For Kids:

For Parents and Teachers:
Baha’is join world-embracing event in Toronto
Pursuing global understanding, reconciliation and change was much on the agenda last month at the 2018 Parliament of the World’s Religions in Toronto, Ontario.

Representatives of more than 142 religious organizations convened to host booths and exhibit space that welcomed more than 8,300 visitors.

Through talks, presentations and films, music direction, service to the planning council, and collaboration on programming for children, Baha’is made significant contributions to the event.
Indigenous dancers at 2018 Parliament of the World's Religions opening ceremonies at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Photo courtesy of Joyce Olinga
Baha'i choir singers help create magic at Carnegie Hall
The Baha’i Choral Festival Choir of 62 singers made up the largest and most diverse group at a Thanksgiving weekend performance of Handel’s “Messiah” at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
 
On Sunday, November 25, the singers, brought together by Van Gilmer, music director of the Baha’i House of Worship, joined a 467-voice chorus organized by Distinguished Concerts International New York. The audience that filled the 2,000-plus seat hall was rewarded with an afternoon that was not only musically fulfilling, but also spiritually uplifting.
Baha'i singers Karl Slater and Sue Benjamin at Carnegie Hall in New York. Photo courtesy of Sue Benjamin
"Firesides" Online and IRL

Gatherings for introductory discussions about the Baha'i Faith and how its teachings relate to contemporary life are called "Firesides." You can take part in one of these discussions either online or in real life.

To find a "Fireside" near you, call
800-22-UNITE (800-228-6483) or email

Register to participate in this month's online introductory discussion on
Monday, December 17
8:00 pm Eastern; 7:00 pm Central;
5:00 pm Pacific.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.


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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NEW!

An online book discussion group is now forming for Tuesday evenings in January. The group will read together and discuss "The Book of Certitude" by Baha'u'llah. The Persian name of this book is the "Kitab-i-Iqan."

In it Baha'u'llah explains the continuity of revealed religion through the ages. He addresses themes that have always been central to religious life: the existence of God, the station of God's messengers, the nature of humanity, and the purpose of life.

Register in advance for this group. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information about how to join the Zoom meetings. 

FREE book ONLINE
Purchase the book HERE
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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)