You may view this eNewsletter online at
http://www.bahai.us/newsletter/greenacreJANUARY2009.html

REGISTRATION FOR MARCH AND APRIL COURSES

OPENS SATURDAY, JANUARY 10 AT 10AM

May and June Registration (through June 14th) will open on January 24 at 10am.

Try registering online at http://www.greenacre.org/programs.aspx

If you need help, the extension for the Registrar is x7006

A Bahá'í Perspective on Islam

with Peter Terry
1/23/2009 - 1/25/2009

Much is said about the religion of Islam from varied and diverse sources who either do or don't believe in the prophethood of Muhammad or the divine revelation of the Qur'an. Much is said about Islam ... but what is a Baha'i to believe, who is a Baha'i to trust? The Bab and Baha'u'llah wrote about Islam, about Muhammad, the Imams and the Qur'an. 'Abdu'l-Baha and Shoghi Effendi helped clarify those writings. During this weekend we will immerse ourselves in the ocean of their words, and seek to glean from them a comprehensive understanding of Islam ... an understanding based on the truth contained inthe Writings of the Twin Manifestations of God.

Details and Registration

Health and Spirituality: Spiritual Tools for Coping with Disease and Death

with Dr. Claire Levesque
1/23/2009 - 1/25/2009

Abdu’l-Baha tells us “Although ill health is one of the unavoidable conditions of man, truly it is hard to bear”. Coping with illness, particularly chronic disease, is a major test on the path of life. And life ultimately culminates in the test of facing death. Although death is called “a messenger of joy” by Baha’u’llah, we often fear it for ourselves and our loved ones. We will discuss using spiritual tools to cope with chronic disease. We will also investigate death as part of the continuum of life and part of our spiritual path. This course will be appropriate for anyone who has an interest in these topics, whether as a health care professional or as a patient or caregiver.

Details and Registration

Parenting Spiritually-Minded Children

with Josh Lincoln & Monette Van Lith
1/30/2009 - 2/1/2009

Read and review together some of the central themes of the spiritual parenting of children. Focus on passages from the Baha'i Writings on the purpose of spiritual education, the development of spiritual identity, the centrality of being and doing, the fostering of positive habits, and the importance of environment. Participants will get the opportunity to reflect at the level of principle, which can in turn be readily put into practice.

Details and Registration

Igniting the "Light of the Spirit"

with Clyde Herring, Carl Murrell, and Rabi Musah
2/6/2009 - 2/8/2009

This weekend is designed for new believers and seekers of African descent. The proceedings will bring the participants closer to Baha'u'llah, and help to consolidate their belief in the Lord of the Age. The program will also help inform them of the unique gifts which they have to contribute to the building of His new world order. If a person of African descent participates in your Study Circle or Devotional Gathering, or if you are directly engaged in teaching them the Faith, you also are encouraged to participate.

Details and Registration

Baha’u’llah’s Social and Moral Principles as revealed in The Tabernacle of Unity, Bisharat, Tarazat, Tajalliyat, and Kalimat-i-Firdawsiyyih

with Farhad Rassekh
2/6/2009 - 2/8/2009

Participants will take part in an intensive study of the moral and social principles elucidated and enshrined in these Tables of Baha'u'llah. These principles are sorely lacking in today's world but promise to "brighten and illumine the lamp of the realities of mankind" (UHJ). Our study will center upon defining the standards Baha'u'llah offers to mankind, raising our individual and collective standards of excellence, and striving to exert a powerful influence on society in the context of the current Five Year Plan.

Details and Registration

Married Couples Weekend – The Signs of Harmony and Unity

with Firouzeh Nur-Vaccaro & Stephen Vaccaro
2/20/2009 - 2/22/2009

Spouses Firouzeh Nur-Vaccaro and Stephen Vaccaro will explore the Writings regarding the Bahá'í vision for marriage and guide married couples through group and couple activities and interactive discussions. Become acquainted with the research on key factors for marital satisfaction and learn some practical steps that will guide you on your path to making your marriage a “fortress for wellbeing and salvation” and which will cause you “…to become the signs of harmony and unity until the end of time.”

Details and Registration

Investigate Your Reality -

What Are The Qualities That Will Distinguish Your Service?

with Phyllis Ring and Ron Tomanio

2/20/2009 - 2/22/2009

When we investigate our spiritual reality, we gradually relinquish blind imitation which 'Abdu'l-Bahá identified as the root of all prejudice. We ready our hearts to receive divine love and knowledge, and to reflect the kinds of qualities that will distinguish our service to the peoples of the world. As we deepen our perception of the honor and nobility of every human being, our thoughts and actions are eventually freed of any trace of prejudice. This inevitably leads to happiness and true unity in both our being and our doing, as we also become a source of joy and fragrance for others. Session materials and activities will offer participants practice in using the wider vision of the eyes of our hearts to see beyond seeming limitations and negative conditions, and to help others do the same.

Details and Registration

REGISTRATION FOR MARCH AND APRIL COURSES

OPENS SATURDAY, JANUARY 10 AT 10AM

May and June Registration, through June 14, will open on January 24 at 10am.

Try registering online at http://www.greenacre.org/programs.aspx

If you need help, the extension for the Registrar is x7006

Note: Children's Theatre Company with Mehr Mansuri has not yet been scheduled..

All programs are subject to change. Please check the website frequently.