Thursday, July 25, 2013

Expansion Phase: Day 6

O Lord! Confirm me with the Holy Spirit, so that I may call in Thy Name amongst the nations and give the glad tidings of the manifestation of Thy kingdom amongst mankind.

–'Abdu'l-Bahá

So much has been learned in our first wave of expansion activity in St. Paul's Payne Phalen neighborhood! Everyone involved has been genuinely enkindled by this period of service and significant realizations have been experienced by all. These last few days have offered ample time to consult and reflect on our expansion efforts thus far. With great joy we share a few learnings garnered by those in the field of action: 

"It's easy to invite other Baha'is to meet neighborhood friends. It's enriching for everyone. I've felt so grateful that my friends are meeting other Baha'is and it draws a larger picture about our community. I've learned that I need to invite more Baha'is to participate in this process."

"I'm reminded about the power and influence of prayer. Things happen that are unexplainable, and it's all because of prayer. It changes me, makes me a better person, and causes things to happen."

"I've noticed a love that's emerged among the neighbors. There is a greater closeness. As Baha'is we quite naturally celebrate diversity. This neighborhood is very diverse and I'm very pleased to experience a deeper coming together in that diversity. In this outreach we've discovered an interest and openness among some to understand and know each other—this is quite surprising! It seems to be related to these folks wanting the best for their children." 

"I admit to having great trepidation going out into the neighborhood. But as we approached the neighbors, we were greeted like friends—because we are! The Baha'is have sewed the seeds of friendship in this neighborhood for many years, so sharing information about the Junior Youth Program gave rise to wonderful discussions. People seem authentically curious and encouraged by this spiritual empowerment program. I've learned a lot about engaging receptive souls and how building bonds of love is truly the secret ingredient in a program of growth."

"Especially among the immigrant populations, our outreach has been welcomed by a sincere appreciation that we (Bahai's) would want to engage them, their home, their family. The invitation to become personal friends is warmly welcomed. For the Baha'is, this requires no preparation other than a sincere love for your neighbors." 

"There are no outsiders in this process—in the words of the Little Pigs, 'We(e), we(e),we(e) all the way home!' We're all in this together."

With the excitement generated by these learnings still kindled in our hearts, we invite all in the cluster to join in the second wave of expansion activity. We will meet at the Sterling's home for each time listed. Contact mn28secretary[-at-]gmail.com for directions, details, and queries. 

• Friday, July 26 starting at 5:00 PM;
• Saturday, July 27 starting at 1:00 PM, neighborhood devotional at 7:00 PM;
• Sunday, July 28 starting at 2:00 PM, Junior Youth at 4:00 PM (Assistance will be needed to accompany David with the younger siblings);
• Activities TBA Monday and Tuesday, July 29–30
• Wednesday, July 31—Close expansion phase at St. Paul Feast;
• (Thursday, August 1—Consolidation begins!)

Finally, we leave you with this inspiring image compliments of our cluster's very own Como Park Zoo...

For those of you completely bewildered by why a photo of this magnificent bird is included in this post, we joyfully invite you to join us in the expansion activities to find out! 

Warmly,

Your Area Teaching Committee

(Dayna and Brett)

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Expansion Phase: Day 2

This afternoon, three of us met the Sterlings at Polly's Coffee Cove to discuss the particular plans of the day. After reflecting on the events of the previous day and referring to our list of contacts to be made, we walked just down the street to the home of a twelve-year-old boy named Roberto. David and Mary Jo have built a friendship with Roberto's family, so when we approached their home and saw three kids playing soccer on the sidewalk we were warmly greeted. We were able to visit with Roberto (12), his friend Gustavo (12?), and Roberto's younger brother (6) about the Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program. Both Roberto and Gustavo expressed interest.

Not long after, Roberto, his mother, father and younger brother visited the Sterlings home where our animators, Alicia and Suzanne, joined the Sterlings in presenting the verities of the Junior Youth program. The parents expressed support. Not long thereafter a neighborhood girl, Simone (11) and her little sister (6?), joined the fold. Right there and then Alicia and Suzanne facilitated the first Jr. Youth gathering in the Sterlings neighborhood! This group plans to meet every Sunday.

The younger siblings had a wonderful time playing in the treehouse while the older kids were getting to know each other. It quickly became clear that we'll be on the lookout for a children's class teacher in the coming weeks. (The Sterlings have made neighborhood contacts that may be interested in becoming children's class teachers. In this case we may also be looking for a facilitator of a Book 3.) 

The global acknowledgment that the Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program is the gateway to community building and a center "of intense activity in neighborhoods and villages" is quickly becoming evident in this neighborhood. In the August 9, 2012 letter addressed to US National Spiritual Assembly, the House of Justice states,

Although neighborhood classes for the spiritual education of children and the junior youth spiritual empowerment program both took some time to become well established in the United States, there is every sign that they are set to flourish. As indicated above, the prospects for the junior youth program are especially bright. Its impact can be seen in the transformation that occurs within the junior youth who are its participants; they come to regard themselves as agents of social change, each endowed with a twofold sense of purpose that impels them to take charge of their own spiritual and intellectual growth and contribute to the welfare of society. It is noteworthy, however, that the program’s beneficial effects are also apparent in the rapid moral and spiritual development of many young people, be they Bahá’ís or not, who are assisted to serve as animators.

As we continue to reach out to additional youth and junior youth in this neighborhood, those serving at the grassroots sincerely appreciate your continued prayers of support. So much is being learned! We continue to invite all across our cluster to accompany us in these expansion activities. Interested in reaching our to you neighbors? Participating in this expansion outreach is a perfect opportunity to learn about community building and gain confidence doing so. Please contact mn28secretary[-at-]gmail.com to join in!


Warmly,

Your Area Teaching Committee
(Brett and Dayna) 

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Expnasion Phase: Day 1

The Area Teaching Committee would like to share a recap of the activities undertaken in the first day of our cycle's expansion phase (July 20–31). This morning we met at the Sterling's home in the Payne Phalen district in St. Paul. Our cluster gathering focused on reflecting on and understanding some of the learnings we've garnered in this last cycle in light of the 2013 Ridvan message (with particular focus on paragraphs 5 and 6.) We also identified areas where consolidation work can be concentrated. For example, engaging tutors to refresh, complete, or retake Ruhi courses with a focus on rigorous completion of the practices.

Our planning session focused on outreach into the Sterlings neighborhood. David and Mary Jo outlined five areas of activity where their neighborhood can be engaged during this expansion: 1) inviting junior youth to join an empowerment program, 2) engaging the support of parents/guardians in sustaining classes for their children and junior youth, 3) inviting area youth to the Minneapolis Youth Conference, 4) contacting neighbors who are interested in more information and/or want to join a study circle, 5) and reaching out to specific neighbors in need of prayers for healing and fellowship.

Equipped with lists of specific contacts, four groups ventured into the neighborhood. At least nine (perhaps more?) homes were visited today. Where contact was made, we were well, if not lovingly received. In addition, the seeds of new friendships are forming! Those of us that could extend our activity later into the afternoon met at Polly's Coffee Cove (a neighborhood cafe) for a follow up on the activity of the day and make a plan for tomorrow.

For those interested in joining us (and we hope that you can!) we will be meeting tomorrow, Sunday 7/21, 1:00 PM at Polly's (corner of Cottage and Payne, St. Paul) to plan the afternoon's activities. The Sterlings have made their home available for whatever firesides, etc. are necessary throughout this expansion phase. Please contact mn28secretary[-at-]gmail.com with any questions.

Warmly,

Your Area Teaching Committee
(Brett and Dayna)