The nature and aims of the core activities on which we are engaged:
From the message of the Universal House of Justice, Ridvan 2010 CE
The Northern Lights reflection meeting took place on Sunday the 7th November, at Merville Garden Village, Newtownabbey. Following a review of the goals set at the previous meeting the cluster co-ordinator and the friends presented their update regarding developments in their own communities. Some consultation took place around how we balance the development of core activities with the need to integrate with the local communities in other indirect teaching ways. Some concern was raised about the possibility that core activities might be neglected or might suffer if we are stretched too far in getting involved with wider community activities. Clearly there is a need to consolidate and strengthen our teaching and devotional efforts but the need was also recognised for the wider community involvement and some communities reported good progress. Following coffee, we engaged in a ‘Sharing of Prayers’ activity, which was very beautiful. There was provided feedback from the Area Teaching Committee and they facilitated the new goals set by each community, which for the first time included non-core activities in local communities. After a happy cluster photograph everyone enjoyed a superb lunch before leaving for home.
The Seven Valleys reflection meeting was held on 21 November 2010 at the University of Ulster in Coleraine. 21 friends attended the meeting including the representatives of the Bahá'í Council for Northern Ireland and Auxiliary Board member Mr Mathew Kennedy. The meeting was mainly devoted to consultation on the learning and experiences from the previous cycle (5th cycle) and ‘community building‘ as the theme of the next cycle. The consultations raised a number of points on universal participation, the use of arts (the creative process), the significant role of core activities in the community building process and on how to enhance the social cohesion and inclusiveness of the wider community. Within this context several ideas were presented such as cross cluster activities, engagement within the broader society, development of sincere friendships and the importance of regularity and continuity of action plans. The overall participation was very enthusiastic and lively.
Learning from the previous cycle:
Sunday February 13 2011 Venue: Merville House, Newtownabbey Time: 10am – 2pm The expansion phase will run from February 12 - 27
Sunday May 8 2011 Venue: Torreblanca, 65 Mulvilly Road, Tandragee. The expansion phase will run from May 14 - 29 Time: TBC
Sunday August 14 2011 Time and Venue: TBC The expansion phase will run from August 2h - September 4
Sunday November 6 2011 Time and Venue: TBC The expansion phase will run from November 12 - 27
Please keep these dates free in your diaries.
Sunday 14 November 2010 Sunday 13 February 2011
Study Circles: Susie Agahi Junior Youth: Darragh Grahan Children's Classes: Marion Khosravi
Study Circles: Harry Coyle Children's Classes: Elizabeth Palin
Study Circles: Kevin Proudman Children's Classes: Elizabeth Palin
Study Circles: James Holmlund Junior Youth: Colin Rodgers Children's Classes: Patricia Jamshidi
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