Beginning at sunset on April 20 and ending at sunset on May 2, Ridvan is a twelve-day festival signifying the twelve days Baha’u’llah spent in the Garden of Ridvan, meeting with followers and friends before His exile to Turkey. Ridvan (paradise) marks Baha’u’llah’s declaration in 1863 as the Promised One of all religions. Ridvan is a celebration of this great revelation and is characterized by togetherness, joy, and continued service to the betterment of all humanity. Learn more about Ridvan and the Baha’i Faith by contacting your local community.
April, 2012
A social media documentary tracking the steps of Abdu’l-Baha’s visit to North America 100 years ago
WHEN HE ARRIVED IN AMERICA our newspapers called him the “Apostle of Peace.” He “will surely unite the East and West,” the president of Stanford University remarked, “for he treads the mystic way with practical feet.” “There is no doubt, among thinking people,” a famous columnist wrote, “that this man represents, in great degree, the growing and evolving spirit of our times.” “Let him visit any bank, factory, office building, church, and everything is laid aside, and eyes bulge and ears listen until he takes his departure.”
His name was ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
The year was 1912. A fiercely contested election challenged Americans to decide what kind of country they wanted to live in. Minorities and women fought for civil rights. Workers faced off against corporations. Soldiers landed on foreign shores, sparking debate on the nation’s role in the world. Did Americans really believe—like Theodore Roosevelt—that “The welfare of each of us is dependent fundamentally upon the welfare of all of us”?
On April 11, ‘Abdul-Bahá joined the conversation. For 239 days he traveled across America, reaching across political, religious, racial, class, and gender lines to confront Americans with a vision of human nature, social unity, and the nation’s future that was 100 years ahead of its time.
239 Days in America is a Social Media Documentary that brings to light this important time in American history. It reconstructs ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s 1912 journey moment by moment, time-shifted 100 years to the present. You will encounter ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as Americans of the time did—little by little, day by day.
239 Days in America will offer Americans a new outlook on an important piece of their past, and an opportunity to connect with this unique and unifying voice in American history.
Musical Prayer Station with Kat Key “What The Fire Is”
“Intone, O My servant, the verses of God that have been received by thee, as intoned by them who have drawn nigh unto Him, that the sweetness of thy melody may kindle thine own soul, and attract the hearts of all men.”(Baha’u’llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha’u’llah, p. 294)
What nurtures your soul? What makes your heart tender? Prayer, music, fellowship, tea poured in peace, cake shared with a smile? Whatever the answer might be, sharing songs and prayers with friends gets us all closer to the Creator and recharges us for days ahead.You and your loves ones are cordially invited to join a very special Musical Prayer Station and house concert with Katharine Key on Friday, April 6th, at 7:30 pm at the home of an Arlington Baha’i. This is the third time Kat will perform at the Arlington Prayer Station and everyone who attended the previous time, enjoyed it immensely!
Katharine Key is a singer-songwriter who loves playing music to uplift people’s hearts and enrich their lives. She is classically trained in piano and self-taught on guitar, but only plays so that she can sing — her first passion. She has been a Baha’i for 15 years and took up guitar and song-writing so that she could serve the community, since music and the arts are an essential element of Baha’i community life.
Kat will be sharing some songs from her upcoming second CD “What The Fire Is”, and some reflections on tests and difficulties from a spiritual perspective. Her first CD “Intone” will be available for sale at the concert as well as online at www.cdbaby.com/cd/katharinekey.
When she is not singing, Katharine works in the field of HIV prevention research. Look for her and drop her a note online atwww.justkat.com.
We’ll also say prayers for anyone in need, so if you can’t join us and would like to request prayers or if you need directions, please contact the host!