“The Power of Consultation”
Some time ago at a meeting of the Spiritual Assembly consultation was taking place on how we were finding it somewhat difficult to widen our “community of interest”. We seemed to be running out of ideas as to who we could invite to our homes. Acting on a suggestion from that meeting that instead of inviting “in” we could go “out” we approached one of our local churches and offered the tranquillity type evening to them. Even the minister was surprised when others in his parish agreed! We have now had four evenings over the last four months with the church and the Bahá’ís organising alternating programmes. We are delighted that some of the youth from Lights of Unity join us. The fact that there are young people present has been commented on. We are making new friends and there is a feeling of unity with like-minded souls.
MK
On 20 January 20 the “Deepening in Derry” was on the life of the Guardian of the Faith. Dr Keith Munro gave a PowerPoint presentation on the life of Shoghi Effendi in a whole new way, which showed him in a whole new light. The presentation was a unique mixture of storytelling, imagery and music and Keith assisted in delivering it by Michelle Donnelly. All agreed that Keith offered an inspiring account of the life of the Guardian but of course with a life of service such as that lived by one of the Faith’s greatest figures we were really only able to catch a glimpse.
CTP
Shoghi Effendi, shortly before his passing in 1957
An intensive one week tour of the Maiden City in February took Lights of Unity into seven schools where they performed before a total of 975 students. They were received with open arms and at the end of each performance with rapturous applause. Teachers and pupils alike were enamoured by the dance presentations and they all want them back in the future. After performing, the group interacted with the students in various ways. Often the children were divided into groups where discussion on the significance of the social issues took place. Real bonding came about when everyone was taught a part of the step dance and then had to perform in front of their peers. At this point many teachers were amazed that some of their pupils would even engage!
Assessment forms are starting to come back from all schools and the reports are glowing. “Teachers and pupils are considering incorporating dance to reflect emotions into PE curriculum”, “Excellent performance, challenging, engaging, stimulating”. Another school said, “The group set a very good example and were perceived as positive role modes.” “Thank you, the performance was excellent and the boys and girls really enjoyed taking part in the dancing. Hope to have you back again.”.
All in all Lights of Unity were a big hit in Derry schools. The week ended with their putting on a public performance and six out of the seven schools had a few pupils who came, sometimes with family members. The need for the group’s message was highlighted when the departure from the venue where it was held was made eventful by close-by Saturday night rioting going on, but guests and Bahá'ís alike all got home safely, guarded by the police while they all left the building.
CKM
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