Children's Classes

Bahá'í children’s classes, offered by individuals and communities, are regular lessons that teach children moral principles and nurture spiritual development. These classes are open to any children ages five through eleven.

By striving to develop virtues such as the knowledge of God, trustworthiness, honesty, and justice, these classes aim to build a strong moral framework in each child that will assist him or her to achieve excellence in material, intellectual, and spiritual aspects of life. Lessons are brought to life through music, service, stories and games.

Please call or email us to locate or arrange a children’s class.  (352 653 0488) bahaisofmarion@aol.com

“Certainly, certainly neglect not the education of the children. Rear them to be possessed of spiritual qualities, and be assured of the gifts and favours of the Lord.”      'Abdu'l-Bahá

Do your children like to play games, read cartoons, hear stories, create crafts and do puzzles? Visit the Brilliant Star magazine online and explore virtues through fun and creative activities. Other sites to visit are: Moral and Spiritual Education for the Next Generation and Children's Spiritual Education.

Study Circles

Bahá’í study circles are regular gatherings of people who are interested in learning more about the Bahá’í Faith and their own spiritual transformation through systematic study. These courses are open to anyone age fifteen through adult.

Each course examines certain aspects of the Bahá’í Faith and provides a framework for assisting the participants to develop their own God-given talents and capacities so that they may use those skills to assist in ongoing community development.  

The study circles, which take place in people’s homes and in other locations (such as the public library or Bahá’í Center), are provided in a variety of formats which include regular weekly meetings (of about 2 hours duration each) over a period of several weeks as well as more time-intensive courses that take place over a period of several days.

Study circles are forming all the time in the greater Marion County area in order to meet the needs of those who wish to participate. To request a study circle please call or email us.

Courses Offered by the Training Institute

Reflections on the Life of the Spirit (Book 1) Topics include:  

• How to deepen one’s understanding of the Holy Word  
• The power of prayer
• The progress of the soul after death

Arising to Service (Book 2) Topics include:

• The joy of sharing God’s Word
• Basic spiritual principles of the Bahá'í Faith
• Uplifting daily conversation to spiritual themes 

Teaching Children Grade 1 (Book 3a) Topics include:

• Children as spiritual beings
• Lessons for children's classes, grade 1
• Managing classes for children  

Teaching Children Grade 2 (Book 3b) Topics include:

• Principles of Bahá'í Education
• Lessons for children’s classes, grade 2
• Skills necessary for effectively teaching children  

The Twin Manifestations (Book 4) Topics include:

• The Promised Day of God
• The Life of the Báb
• The Life of Bahá’u’lláh 

Animators of Junior Youth Groups (Book 5) Topics include:

• The unique spiritual potency of ages 12 through 14
• Providing service opportunities for junior youth
• How to initiate and maintain junior youth groups  

Teaching the Cause (Book 6): Topics include:

• Principles related to sharing the Word of God
• The spiritual nature of teaching
• Engaging in systematic teaching campaigns

Walking Together on a Path of Service (Book 7) Topics include:

• How to tutor books 1 through 6
• The importance of the arts in education
• Starting and maintaining a study circle  

Additional information about Study Circles may be found at Bahá'í International Community, and US Bahá'í

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Devotional Gatherings

Bahá’í devotional gatherings are opportunities to join in prayer with others, regardless of religious background or affiliation, in a spirit of unity. Bahá’ís host devotional gatherings in their homes and at other locations. These gatherings may include music, reading of scripture, discussion and refreshments, although the primary reason is to use the power of prayer to strengthen the spirit, transform, revitalize and unify.

Additional information on devotions and prayer can be found at Bahá’í.org

Firesides

A fireside is a presentation on the Bahá’í Faith, often in a Bahá’í’s home, which is followed by an open question and answer period. People who are interested in learning about the Bahá’í Faith are invited to attend and encouraged to ask questions.

If you are interested in attending a fireside, please call or email us. (352 653 0488) bahaisofmarion@aol.com

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Bahá'í Holy Days

The Bahá'í calendar is a solar calendar consisting of 19 months of 19 days each. There is an extra period of “Intercalary Days” (4 in a regular year and 5 in a leap year). New year begins at the spring equinox and is counted with the date notation of BE (Bahá'í Era), with March 21st, 1844 AD being it’s inaugural date.

Bahá'ís commemorate nine holy days in each year during which work should be suspended. The following are the holy days according to the Gregorian calendar:

The New Year or Naw Ruz is celebrated on March 21st.
The first Day of Ridvan, April 21st - anniversary of Bahá'u'lláh’s public proclamation.
The Ninth day of Ridvan, April 29th.
The Twelfth Day of Ridvan, May 2nd.
Declaration of the Báb May 23rd.
Ascension of Bahá'u'lláh , May 29th.
Martyrdom of the Báb, July 9th.
Birth of the Báb, October 20th.
Birth of Bahá'u'lláh, November 12th.