Cluster Reflection Gathering

Friends across the cluster gathered at the Bahá’í Center to share stories, joy, and fellowship about so many activities taking place in so many neighborhoods! As part of a regular pattern of reflecting on what we're learning during each three-month cycle of expansion and consolidation, the cluster reflection gathering lets us hear, see, and feel the energy and excitement of the friends who are working alongside those "practitioners of peace" to contribute to the betterment of the world. We shared some insights with data on our progress during the last cycle (ending Oct 31). We heard from Dr. Javaheri about the mid-point of the Nine Year Plan, then sang together and enjoyed food. The youth and children had a gathering dedicated to story-telling too. Friends from 8 nuclei shared stories of progress toward the goals and plans for the next cycle.

Looking at our cluster’s growth, the Area Teaching Committee and the cluster agencies consider home visits, devotional gatherings, children’s classes, junior youth spiritual empowerment groups and study circles.

Highlights: All activities had increases: the number of JY groups increased from 7 to 9. Regular core activities increased from 255 to 308. Devotional meetings went from 224 to 276; Friends of the Faith attending devotionals went from 633 to 698. A total of 38 new children joined a children’s class.

Insight: The number of children’s classes went down because children are continuing on with their education and formed the 2 new JY groups. This data was enhanced through the story-telling that went on later in the afternoon.

In the 9YP the House of Justice shares learning from all over the world about activities in neighborhoods led by “a nucleus of friends in a cluster who are working and consulting together and arranging activities.” The number of nuclei in the Charlotte cluster is growing. We group together due to proximity, but also identifying populations of people who can come together and engage in a process of learning. Click here to read about some of the nuclei who shared.

OMany of you have seen the wonderful videos on the Nine Year Plan by Dr. Javaheri, helping us understand the impact of the plan and particularly our role in bringing about the internal and external transformation necessary to achieve the plan’s goals. As we reach the mid-pojnt of the year, in the run up to Ridván, we again learn about how to think about the Nine Year Plan, where we are in history and our role, as individuals, families and community. We watched the first 15 minutes of the video, then broke into small groups to answer questions and consult.

MORE 9YP STUDY RESOURCES

Friends took the concepts from Dr. Javaheri's talk and consulted together on 4 questions:

1. What is one single, small, systematic step you can commit to this cycle to ensure its organic growth?

2. What is one "audacious" yet feasible teaching goal—based on consultation with your friends—that your nucleus or neighborhood can set?

3. What is the greatest barrier (perceived or real) preventing you from inviting your neighbors to participate?

4. Who is one specific person you would like to partner with, or one family you could identify?

We have a rich tapestry of places and people with whom we can connect and study the guidance that is coming from our senior Institutions. Not only in the Universal House of Justice providing us invaluable guidance, but the National Spiritual Assembly of the US has recently come out with two significant letters to the American believers, helping us navigate the present urgency of time we in which we find ourselves.

Getting to know your neighbors is such an art. Learning what each is interested in and finding time in everyone’s busy schedule is key to making home visits that matter. In Huntersville, the love and persistence has turned acquaintances into friends and chats into meaningful conversations. The process means discovering what each new friend is passionate about and connecting that to an aspect of the Faith

Rita, Ivan and Suzy make friends and share meals, provide service to friends in need and share the teachings of Baháʼu'lláh. The get to know their friends and develop relationships at each unique pace. In addition, they make friends through activities like pickleball and over time nurture these friends through prayer and meaningful conversations. 

Home visits with youth led to the formation of a children’s class held in the park each week. Moms of neighbors were so impressed with the sacrifice of youth serving children, they wanted to come too. Now there’s a group of moms in the park each week, asking to study materials and inviting their friends! A JY group meets each week, strengthening connection through friendships and systematically working through the text.

This neighborhood had 3 JY share about their service to others in the community and learning to invite others and share with their neighbors about what they are doing and learning. There are 2 JY groups, one just formed as the children complete their children’s classes and advanced into the JYSEP. These friends even taught the group a song they love about unity - “So, so powerful is the light of unity!” There is also a children’s class studying Grade 3 of Ruhi Book 3 and will graduate next year.

There is dedicated effort underway in this population from regular devotional gatherings to a Book 1 and Book 8. In addition, the Overcoming Racism discussion series is approaching its 3rd year, leveraging partnerships with community organizations and professionals tackling this most vital and challenging issue. Several other initiatives have come about and several friends of the Faith attending Book 1 have come through this series.

With regular study and gatherings, the Persian friends in the cluster have a robust connection and are using their bi-monthly gatherings as a way to invite other Persians to come and learn about the framework for action. There are on-going home visits, study of Ruhi Book 9 and weekly study of the Aqdas.

Regular weekly home visits across the neighborhood, friendships, using the Center for food distribution, devotional gatherings held by Friends of the Faith, weekly children’s classes of up to 30 children and at least 75 youth and junior youth engaged in some way with the program. Several youth from the neighborhood were able to make a pilgrimage to the Mother Temple of the West in Wilmette, gathering with other African-American friends to make connections, pray and expand their understanding of the spiritual aspect of the Faith.

Junior Youth and youth are teaching children’s classes in SailBoat Bay. More and more children are coming to classes as friends invite friends. A new JY group started after summer of service, expanding the number of JY engaging in the institute process. Families from Kiswahili speaking countries and accompanying one another to invite more friends into the Institute Process. Friends are learning about helping one another, offering to be of service to their neighbors.

In the 9YP the House of Justice shares learning from all over the world about activities in neighborhoods led by “a nucleus of friends in a cluster who are working and consulting together and arranging activities.” The number of nuclei in the Charlotte cluster is growing. We group together due to proximity, but also identifying populations of people who can come together and engage in a process of learning. We’re seeing activities in the West sector of the cluster as well as the North. Both organizing around Feast sectors and natural groupings of friends has led to these gatherings and visits.