Q. What were your initial thoughts when you were invited to join a study circle?
A. I was interested to find out more about the Faith. I initially thought this was a deepening but when I saw the book I thought this was the ticket, I thought they had got their act together.
Q. Has studying the materials made an impact on your daily life?
A. Yes, the Faith is constantly in my mind. It has helped me to discover things that previously I had not thought about. It expands on what we do individually.
Q. How do you find the memorization? Do you find a benefit in knowing some of the quotations off by heart?
A. The quotes that resonate with me are much easier to learn. The beauty, relevance and profundity make it more possible and desirable.
Q. What are your thoughts about the practice element? Does it come naturally for you to share a prayer with someone, or do you need a certain amount of preparation to ask someone to share a prayer with you?
A. Helps adopt a prayerful attitude. Creates a desirable atmosphere when you share prayers with others.
Q. What has been the most enjoyable aspect of the study circle for you?
A. Everyones contribution. Learning more about the Faith. Discussions on spiritual matters.
Q. Would you recommend joining a study circle to your friends?
A. Absolutely. I would invite people who want to explore spirituality, those who are responsive to the Faith and those who want to learn more about the Faith.
Q. Has the study circle sparked off any new activities within your life?
A. It has given me more motivation and drive. I now read more. I want to do more books so as to be able to learn how to teach the Faith and become a more active Bahá'í.
Report by Cluster Coordinator Mahan Hashemi-zadeh
Did you know? This is the largest cluster in Northern Ireland (geographically speaking). The cluster covers an area of 1,704 square miles, but only has a population of 185,795 (including Vida and Rustam, who are known to 185,793!). This year, the subject of Omaghs World Religion Day on Sunday 21 January is Junior Youth.
The "Stars of the West" cluster extends from Belcoo in Fermanagh to Cookstown in Tyrone with Omagh somewhere in the middle. Despite the distance and difficulty in travelling (not everyone has their own car, and direct public transport between Cookstown and Omagh does not exist) we all try to get together and support each other as much as possible. The young community in Fermanagh (just Catherine and Nuala) has just started its first study circle in Book 1 with a member from the community of interest participating. The first children's class is also about to start in a few weeks time. Recently a member of the Baháí community was invited to give a talk on the faith to a cross-community group in Brookborough.
The friends in Cookstown and Omagh attend each others 19 Day Feasts from time to time and also join to celebrate some of the Holy Days. The Cluster Reflection meetings rotate between the communities, with the next one in November being held in Enniskillen.
The communities in this cluster are small but they are all striving to reach out to the wider community, inviting them to devotional meetings, firesides and study circles, and to bring their children to the classes, leading to positive results in many cases. When Fermanagh get their children's class under way, this will mean that there are two classes in this cluster, with four of the children attending being from the community of interest. Over the many years the community in Omagh has had regular contact and support from their neighbouring communities in Magherafelt, Londonderry and Letterkenny. This support is still ongoing, and is very much appreciated.
We recently had the bounty of having the Bahá'í Council for Northern Ireland hold one of its meetings in this cluster, and the love and support shown to those who attended the consultation with the Council was most heart-warming and encouraging. We have also had a very informative and exciting meeting with the junior youth co-ordinator Edwina Agahi and YOS volunteer Soha Graham, and we hope to be in the position, before too long, to embark on an animator training course.
So dear friends throughout Northern Ireland: we would very much appreciate your prayers for the progress of our beloved faith in this cluster, and do come west and visit us, we will make you most welcome.
Article by Rosemary Jamshidi
Recently a Ruhi Book 1 started in Enniskillen and a childrens class in Omagh. There is also a regular devotional meeting on-going in Omagh. The next Reflection Meeting for this cluster will be held on Sunday 5 November 2006 in Enniskillen. Please pray for us!
Report by Cluster Coordinator Vida Lake
CLUSTER
Baháís
Friends
Total
Northern Lights
15
19
34
Stars of the West
0
3
Hainsworth
7
4
11
Seven Valleys
5
TOTAL
22
31
53
Cluster 1 (Northern Lights): Mahan Hashemi-zadeh
Cluster 2 (Stars of the West): Vida Lake
Cluster 3 (Hainsworth): Anne Munro
Cluster 4 (Seven Valleys): Sina Rezvani
Junior Youth Coordinator for Northern Ireland: Edwina Agahi
Childrens Class Coordinator for Northern Ireland: Pat Jamshidi
Regional Coordinator for Northern Ireland: Arjang Agahi
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