The reflection meeting on Saturday 7 January launched the third cycle of growth in Northern Lights. It was yet another enjoyable experience that blended together reflection, consultation, the arts and encouragement.
People shared their thoughts and views, some shared how their experiences in the cycles of growth had shaped their outlook on the four core activities. It was a great pleasure to have Matthew Kennedy (Auxiliary Board Member for Propagation) present at the meeting. He shared a deeper insight into the enormous potential of home visits and thoroughly encouraged all to partake in it, with the hope that this cluster too will come to realize its fruit. The Bahá'í Council also shared an encouraging message to the cluster, looking to rally the troops into the Intensive Program of Growth.
Northern Lights had its very first tutor encounter in November. It took place on two consecutive days to allow all tutors in the cluster the choice to attend one or the other. The day consisted mainly of consultation and reflection. The program focused on the following topics:
A considerable amount of time was used to study and consult on paragraph eight of the Five Year Plan. This study gave more insight into the potential and promise of the institute process.
A large portion of time was also given to inviting one’s Community of Interest to join a study circle. Those who had found that on completing Book Two their Community of Interest had stated their recognition of Bahá'u'lláh even though they had not yet declared as a Bahá'í.
For some the challenge was developing a Community of Interest, and for others it was to take the next step and invite their Community of Interest to join a study circle. The hope is that these periodic cluster tutor encounters will progress into a gathering for the direction, focus and learning of tutors within the cluster.
Report by Cluster Coordinator Mahan Hashemi-zadeh
Devotional Meetings
Devotionals are continuing on a Sunday morning, organised by Adrian, every ,and that occasional Tranquility Zones are being held in Claudy by Nooshin.
Study Circles
A Book 6 study circle is well under way. I attended an intensive Book 3 over Christmas. Both Keith and Elizabeth are getting study circles started, Keith a Book 1 (with non-Bahá'í participants) and Elizabeth a Book 2.
Children's Classes
Children’s classes are in the process of getting started again. The venue has changed with the older class being held at Michelle's house and the younger ones in the Centre.
Junior Youth
We currently have two Junior Youth, and hope to train at least one junior youth animator soon.
Pledges given at the cluster meeting
Four people offered to study prayers with non-Bahá'ís; One person pledged to get a Book 2 started, and one a Book 1. Six of us were also beginning a Book 6. The cluster co-ordinator clarified the point concerning Home Visits, namely that they were not to be considered a part of Book 2 ONLY, but that they should be done on an ongoing basis.
For further information contact the Cluster Coordinator Anne Munro.
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
Children’s Class Coordinator for Northern Ireland: Pat Jamshidi
Regional Coordinator for Northern Ireland: Arjang Agahi
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