Spring Unity Party

Ridvan Celebration

"The arrival of Bahá’u’lláh in the Najíbíyyih Garden, subsequently designated by His followers the Garden of Riḍván, signalizes the commencement of what has come to be recognized as the holiest and most significant of all Bahá’í festivals, the festival commemorating the Declaration of His Mission to His companions. So momentous a Declaration may well be regarded both as the logical consummation of that revolutionizing process which was initiated by Himself upon His return from Sulaymáníyyih, and as a prelude to the final proclamation of that same Mission to the world and its rulers from Adrianople" ( Shoghi Effendi, God Passes By).

Firesides in Downtown Kitchener

Weekly Firesides in Downtown Kitchener: 

• Monday, May 6th at 7:30 to 9:00 pm at Sheldon's house, 65 Hohner Ave., Kitchener; topic TBA
• Sunday, May 26th from 3:30 to 5:00 pm at the Womo residence, (email or text for location information); topic TBA

Please message Sheldon by SMS text or WhatsApp at 519-504-9004 to let us know you plan to come, or if you have any questions. 

What are Baha'i "firesides"? These are typically informal gatherings with discussions on topics of spiritual import, usually related to Baha'i principles. They sometimes begin with a brief talk or reading of a passage to stimulate the conversation.

Everyone is welcome to attend and join in on the conversation, regardless of your belief background. (We will be meeting indoors, and may not have an actual fire...)

Birth of Bahá'u'lláh 1817-2017

Follow the global celebrations on the official website, including live streaming, links to inspirational writings, and much more! https://bicentenary.bahai.org/

Education is Not a Crime campaign

The Kitchener Baha'i community invites everyone to take part in the global campaign called Education is Not a Crime, in defense of those in Iran who are currently being denied access to education based on their religious beliefs.  

The story of the persecution of Iran’s Baha’is, and the creation of the Baha’i Institute for Higher Education, are the subject of the film To Light a Candle, produced by the Iranian-Canadian filmmaker Maziar Bahari. The film uses personal stories and dramatic archival footage to explore the persecution of the Baha’is and the role of their peaceful resistance in Iran’s democratic movement.


Join us for a screening of the film and a discussion at Kitchener Public Library central branch on Friday, February 27th at 3pm. All are welcome.

Join in the conversation on Facebook (#EducationIsNotaCrime) and on Twitter (@eduisnotacrime). 

Resources for Children's Education

Anyone interested in children's education will enjoy this post which points to many wonderful resources for educating children.

http://www.nineteenmonths.com/resources-for-bahai-parents/

Baha'i Movie Night continues this Friday with movie Soul Surfer

The true story is about Bethany Hamilton  American professional surfer. She is known for surviving a shark attack in which her left arm was bitten off, and for overcoming the injury to ultimately return to professional surfing. She wrote about her experience in the 2004 autobiography Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board. In April 2011, the feature film Soul Surfer was released, based on the book and additional interviews. She has appeared on many television shows since the loss of her arm.

99 College Street 7:30pm I make the popcorn and provide the snacks so come on out and bring a friend.

tonight's movie is Awakenings with Robert De Niro and Robin Williams

Based on a true story as related by neurologist Oliver Sacks, Awakenings stars Robin Williams as the Sacks counterpart, here named Dr. Malcolm Sayer. Something of a klutz and naif, Dr. Sayer takes a job at a Bronx psychiatric hospital in 1969. Here he's put in charge of several seemingly catatonic patients who, under Sayer's painstaking guidance, begin responding to certain stimulati. Apprised of the efficacy of a new drug called L-DOPA in treating degenerative-disease victims, Sayer is given permission to test the drug on one of his patients: Leonard Lowe (Robert De Niro), who has not communicated with anyone since lapsing into catatonia as a child. Gradually, Lowe comes out of his shell, encouraging Sayers to administer L-DOPA to the other patients under his care. Julie Kavner and John Heard also star. 

Brilliant Star Baha'i Children's Summer Camp

We are organizing a second Baha'i Children's Summer Camp during the week of July 28. The camp will begin at 9:00 am each day and will end at 4:30 pm at Victoria Park and will be comprised of virtues classes, hands on workshops, and arts and crafts for children ages 5-6, 7-8 and 9-10. If you have a child you would like to register for the camp you can do so at http://kwbahaisummercamp.weebly.com/

Registration costs will be by donation and can be dropped off with your children on the first day of the camp. We have a limited number of spots available for each age group so make sure you register early. Registration closes on June 30.

HELP NEEDED

We also need volunteers for teaching classes, carrying out workshops and providing snacks for the campers. If you would like to volunteer your time you can sign up on the website.

This will be the second Baha'i Summer Camp in the Kitchener-Waterloo Region and we really appreciate all the helpers that made last year's camp such a success! If you would like to help again this year (or it's your first year volunteering), whether it be helping to teach a class or two, helping the kids practice a play or helping out with lunch or snacks, just sign up using the form below. Every little bit helps and will make this year's Baha'i Children's Summer Camp a success!

Just a note: Any volunteer who wishes to help out at the camp needs to have a police background check first. It has to be vulnerable sector police check and you can find more information on it here:
http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cr-cj/vulner/index-eng.htm

Hope to see you all there!

Baha'i Movie Night continues with UP

I asked for request and I got one for this Pixar animated movie UP 

Another masterful work of art from Pixar, Up is an exciting, hilarious, and heartfelt adventure impeccably crafted and told with wit and depth. the film centers on an elderly widower named Carl Fredricksen  and an earnest young Wilderness Explorer named Russell  By tying thousands of balloons to his home, 78-year-old Carl sets out to fulfill his lifelong dream to see the wilds of South America and to complete a promise made to his lifelong love. 

This is a great film for kids and adults alike..

Show time is 7:30 pm at 99 college street in Kitchener, I will make the popcorn and provide the snacks so bring yourself and a friend.