More than stand-alone events . . .

From the recent message for the Feast of Azamat, from the NSA:

•  How can we engage in “meaningful conversations” with the greatest possible number of our fellow citizens, representing the rich diversity of our nation?

•  What is the nature of these “meaningful conversations”? For example, are we inviting people simply to attend an event or to take part in a process of spiritual and social transformation?

•  How might the coming bicentenaries of the Twin Holy Birthdays complement the overall aims and processes of the Plan?

•  What plans have we made for the participation of children and youth in these events? Have they been invited to join in the planning process? What about friends of the Faith whose hearts are attracted to Bahá’u’lláh, even if they have not yet formally enrolled?

•  How can we ensure that the bicentenary observances are more than just standalone events? What are our plans for following up with those who attend? How will our relationships with them be further developed?

. . .  the bicentenaries call for universal participation in the celebration of these sacred anniversaries―expressed in a variety of settings, including homes, neighborhoods, Bahá’í Centers, and other venues, and expressive of the wide range of creativity possessed by the diverse populace of America. As the Supreme Body put the matter:

“In this worthy occupation all find a calling, and of the joy that comes from being engaged in this work none should deprive themselves. We entreat the one Beloved that the whole of this bicentennial year may be filled with this joy that is purest and sweetest: telling another soul of the dawning of the Day of God.”

The single greatest opportunity!

“The first of the two bicentenaries to be celebrated by the Bahá’í world is thus an occasion with prospects most thrilling. …this year presents the single greatest worldwide opportunity there has ever been for connecting hearts to Bahá’u’lláh. In the months ahead, let all be mindful of this precious chance and alert to the possibilities that exist in every space for acquainting others with His life and sublime mission” (Ridvan message 2017, Universal House of Justice)

Setting personal goals

Only six months before the staggeringly significant event--the Bicentenary of the Birth of Bahá'u'lláh! As we grapple with what our communities might with to plan and do, it's wise to set some personal goals related to the commemoration.

My friend Bret Breneman writes this:  "Next October, Baha'is and friends around the world--in cities and villages, jungles and deserts, mountains and islands--will observe with exultant dignity the Bicentenary of the Birth of Baha'u'llah. He will be honored for what He endured and achieved, for His edifying and inspiring vision, for His utterly incomparable Writings, and for His transformative influence evident already in the world. I--this insignificant little devotee--have set myself the goal of engaging in 500 conversations about the Bicentenary between February and late October. I'm glad to report I've done 90 now, am closing in on the first one hundred!"

Isn't this a marvelous personal goal? Hope you are inspired by this example! 

Dramatic Reading for Birth of Baha'u'llah

A Bahá'í friend in Irving, Texas sent this idea: to use the text from the Phillip Hinton reading from the 1992 World Congress (available on CD, with the music as his beautiful voice) as a LIVE dramatic reading, with various parts. So, I offer the keyboarded version, below. You can copy and paste it into a document to use it. (I am not sure if any permissions might be needed.)

O Bahá’u’lláh

Dramatic reading from the 2^nd Bahá’i World Congress

O Bahá’u’lláh, what hast Thou done?

New Resource Website

I am very excited that this blog is listed as a resource on the new website from the Baha'i National Center!  Conversely, I am pleased to offer that site as an over-arching resource re. the Twin Holy Days:
www.bahai.us/bicentenary-resources

2016 Programs--Precursors to Upcoming Bicentenaries

Reports are coming in from various people who sponsored commemorations of the Twin Holy Birthdays this year.  For example, Marlene Macke writes:
"Yesterday we had one of the best Holy Day commemorations in St. Marys [Ontario, Canada] in a long time. The Dramatic Reading [see earlier blog post with Marlene's script] was a huge hit. It left several of us in tears. Everybody was moved by it, seeing both the early life of the Bab through the eyes of those who knew and loved him best as a child and young man, and learning a lot about those people, especially his mother and wife. Those were my two goals, and it is so satisfying they were sensed so convincingly by both the Baha'is and others in the gathering. We had a lengthy discussion about the events afterwards, and then it morphed into even more stories about the Bab and His mission." 

For our part, we did an ambitious program at the International Museum of Cultures in Duncanville--an area not known for staging elaborate programs (we usually do these in larger communities, where we can do rehearsals beforehand). Nonetheless, it worked out well--we combined both programs into one and gave marked scripts to various individuals who participated as readers. We also used video and music and slide visuals.

our simple staging, not simple to set up

One highlight for me was playing the video of "O Baha'u'llah" from the World Congress. It was nostalgic for those who had experienced that in 1992 and impressive for those coming to a Baha'i event for the first time, with Susan Engle as soloist and a great choir and orchestra. 


Also, we used the song "This Newborn Child," by Ramine Yazari, which has excerpts from one of the new Tablets revealed for the Birth of Baha'u'llah in the lyrics and also an instrumental version. So, I had Tim edit the music so that I could read the Tablet and the excerpts would come up at the right place. Nice! We also used Elika Mahony's "Arise" just at after reading the verse from another Tablet that she sings. IN OTHER WORDS, the ARTS contributed much to the program! 

------------------------  The next night, I attended a program in Richardson, TX, which was very well planned and included a barbershop quartet, prayers read in various languages, drumming, folk dancing, and presentations about the Bab and Baha'u'llah. It was inspiring--yet I felt it could have included more visual elements and music.  We provided the folk dance--and four of my dance friends came, including Clarence, our Chinese leader!  It provided a lively, fun, and meaningful activity. One rhythmic dance involved everyone sitting and doing arm gestures.  Communities are trying out various ways to celebrate!

Sample Program for Birth of Bahá'u'lláh

In Celebration of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh 

Script by Anne Perry with sections by David Hoffman; can be adapted /shortened. 

Slide show with titles of Bahá’u’lláh by Anne Perry, with music by Margie DeRosso   

CD music suggested, but live music would be better. 

For 5 readers plus MC and technical assistants 

Reader 2 reads character part, Faris Effendi

Reader 1 reads words of EG Browne
Optional: procession of participants
(Program below photos) 

 

 

  

MC:  Good evening.  We greet you with joy and gratitude in our hearts on this special occasion of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh. Because of the special and reverent nature of tonight’s program, we ask that you turn off your cell phones and do not applaud any of the aspects of the program until the very end.

 (PERSIAN TRANSLATION of ANNOUNCEMENTS.) 

And now join us in commemorating the anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Music or Persian Chant OR Procession of Participants (ethnic costumes)

        Procession Music: "See the Light of His Glory" from World Congress (or other)