December Activities 2023
To the Peoples of the World:
The Great Peace towards which people of good will throughout the centuries have inclined their hearts, of which seers and poets for countless generations have expressed their vision, and for which from age to age the sacred scriptures of mankind have constantly held the promise, is now at long last within the reach of the nations. For the first time in history it is possible for everyone to view the entire planet, with all its myriad diversified peoples, in one perspective. World peace is not only possible but inevitable. It is the next stage in the evolution of this planet -- in the words of one great thinker, "the planetization of mankind". . . .
Writing of religion as a social force, Bahá'u'lláh said: "Religion is the greatest of all means for the establishment of order in the world and for the peaceful contentment of all that dwell therein." Referring to the eclipse or corruption of religion, he wrote: "Should the lamp of religion be obscured, chaos and confusion will ensue, and the lights of fairness, of justice, of tranquillity and peace cease to shine."
(The Universal House of Justice, 1985 Oct, The Promise of World Peace)
Selected activities: (See more on the website calendar)
Stand Against Hate
Saturday, Dec. 9, 7:00-9:00 pm, Beaverton Bahá’í Center, 5355 SW Murray Blvd, Beaverton, OR 97005. This event is open to the community to spread awareness about local hate crimes and bias incidents. Unfortunately, hate crimes and bias incidents are on the rise, both in Oregon and nationally. Our “Stand Against Hate” event will feature guest speakers from the Civil Rights Unit of the Oregon Justice Department educating the local community on the existing Bias Response Hotline and how we can safely and proactively engage ourselves. Featured Speakers: Harout Akdedian & Gladys Boransing, Civil Rights Unit, Oregon Department of Justice.
The event is a tribute to Oregon's Rosa Parks Day, observed on December 1st, commemorating her historic "Stand Against Hate."
For more information or questions, call 773-580-8167.
As always at the Center there are no donations. Trimet bus route # 62, stop ID #4062.
Online Dialog: The Divine Art of Living
Friday Dec.15, 7:00 pm. Please join my book study: The Divine Art of Living: Selections from the Writings of Baha'u'llah and Abdu'l-Baha. You do not need to have the book or do any homework; we will read and discuss together each time we meet. Come to one or every meeting. If you choose to get the book, it is readily available at Amazon, Borders, Baha'i Bookstore and free online at https://bahaiebooks.org/publications/divineartliving/ For more information, please call Mary Reich 503-995-8959 or email Jen at jens19gems@gmail.com
Introductory Dialog: Gladstone
Friday Dec. 29, 6:30 pm. You are invited to Gladstone’s monthly discussion; please consider joining us for some thoughtful conversation and fellowship. For more information, call Jack and Leslie at 503 803-8796.
Grace Eagle Reed’s interview of Emily DeHoff on the Promise of World Peace last week on KBOO was a success! Listen to it here.
Contact your nearby Bahá’í friends
Please Like us on Facebook: “Portland Metro Baha’i Community" “Portland Baha'i Center” (see posts about latest news and online resources on these pages!), “Beaverton Bahá'í Community” “Baha'is of Forest Grove” (hosting Spirit Night on Tuesday) “Baha’i Center Lake Oswego" “Baha’i Faith of Newberg Oregon”
Reality and Action: Dec. 8, 4:00 PST on Zoom, from Partners in Racial Justice. Register here.
"In reality we are one family and each one of us is a member of this family " — Baha'i Writings
The Fireside Chat Series covers topics relative to Bahá'u'lláh's mission ... "to usher in a new stage in human development-the organic and spiritual unity of the peoples and nations of the world."
Enlarge the circle of nations, and you have all humanity. Come join the dialogue - it takes EVERYONE!
Interfaith Dialogue and Collaboration, from Wilmette Institute, Feb. 14-Apr. 2 online.
“At a time when religious fanaticism and fundamentalism are spreading, and an ever-increasing number of people consider themselves “spiritual but not religious,” the need to engage in fruitful interfaith dialogue is pressing. The Bahá’í Faith is in a unique position to inspire and support interfaith endeavors because the Faith’s very scriptures contain the imperative to foster interfaith dialogue and names it as one of the prerequisites for world peace.
This course draws on Bahá’í principles as well as the work of interfaith scholars and organizations, journalists, religious leaders and agencies of various faith traditions, to explore how to successfully initiate and engage in interfaith dialogue with people of all spiritual persuasions. Theoretical and practical aspects of interfaith dialogue will be examined from many perspectives. The importance of public discourse on the role of religion in society today will be explored. We will share our insights and perspectives in order to broaden our understanding and increase our participation in and support of interfaith dialogue and service in our local and global communities.”
What Does Religion Look Like in Hollywood? November 28, 2023
Prominent Hollywood actor, writer, and producer Rainn Wilson discusses his Baha’i faith, the skepticism about religion in Hollywood, and why he thinks the country is due for a spiritual reawakening. (Listen to the podcast, download, or read a transcript.)