National virtual space for all who are learning about devotional gatherings

21 November 2021 / 19 Power 178

To all Local Spiritual Assemblies,
Regional Bahá’í Councils and Registered Groups

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

The National Spiritual Assembly’s July 2020 call for devotional gatherings in every home was raised when the global health crisis was new and its long-term effects as yet unknown. Since that time, through waves of lockdowns and subsequent easing of public health restrictions, the friends have been constant in embracing many others in this central activity, whether within families or in those gatherings open to all. Though numbers do not tell the complete story, they nonetheless speak of a remarkable victory. In this 16-month period, the number of devotional gatherings has more than doubled to 5,600, with a regular participation of almost 20,000.

To share and build on this experience, we are delighted to extend an invitation to all those who are engaged in learning about enhancing the devotional character of our communities to join the Counsellors and the National Assembly, along with panelists with experience in various aspects of a devotional gathering, in a virtual national space. This Zoom event is planned for Sunday, 5 December, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST, and further connection details will be provided closer to the date of the event. Please register at this link: https://forms.gle/PCCBxfXkJ1Kr6jMV8. Since this gathering will be open to friends all across the country and since restrictions on small in-person gatherings have been lifted in most regions, we hope that groups of friends who are regularly participating together in a devotional gathering might join as a group in one physical space.

Among the questions that will be explored by panelists and in breakout sessions are:

• Taking the first steps – learning to share prayers and invite others to a devotional gathering: what has allowed so many new devotional gatherings to be established?
• Fostering profound conversations in the context of a devotional gathering: how is the devotional gathering connecting souls with the Word of God and with each other in meaningful conversations?
• Introducing participants to the training institute and inviting their participation
• The devotional gathering and service – an expanding nucleus: how is the devotional gathering growing and helping others to arise and serve?
• Learning about special populations: what are the special characteristics of devotional gatherings that are engaging particular populations?
• Working with families, within the home and with groups of families: what experience has been growing of devotional gatherings strengthening family bonds, and bonds between families?

Dear friends, we pray that this opportunity to hear from friends across the country and consult with them will aid your efforts to prepare for the new Plan. We ask that you disseminate this invitation to all the friends as quickly and widely as possible.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,
Karen McKye, Secretary