What We Do
We play our part!
Highland Park Baha’is are small in numbers but strive to be of service
and foster a genuine love for our neighbors.
“We work and pray for the unity of mankind,
that all the races of the earth may become one race,
all the countries one country, and that all hearts may beat as one heart,
working together for perfect unity and brotherhood.” —Abdu’l-Bahá
Outreach Activities
Local outreach activities include engaging in social discourse, partnering with community organizers, offering neighborhood devotionals and Baha’i classes for children and adults, and taking a stand against racism, antisemitism, and all forms of hate.
We also work alongside such organizations as the HPk Clergy Association, The Art Center Highland Park, the Highwood Library, the Great Lakes Naval Base, and Rise Up & Stand.
Dr. John Woodall
Spiritual Resilience: What Happens When We Suffer
Dr. Woodall is a psychiatrist working in Newtown, CT where the tragic school shooting occurred in 2012. Along with his clinical practice, he has implemented a number of resilience building efforts that are based on his work as the Convener of the “Resilient Responses to Social Crisis Working Group” at Harvard University.
Firesides (virtual and in person) are informal talks with a speaker and Q&A. Typically held in a Baha’i’s home or venues such as The Community Center, these events occur all around the world and are known for their diversity of cultures, spiritual perspectives and hospitality!
Firesides are open to the public and focus on a variety of topics, including race discussions, equality of women & men, the environment, Baha’i history, and other relevant social issues. Highland Park Baha’is also co-sponsor a popular virtual, international fireside/discourse—with as many as 50 countries represented! Visit our contact page to obtain a schedule.
Cheryl Explains Ruhi
Ruhi Classes & Groups
This unique worldwide system of spiritual study was originally started in Columbia, South America.
Baha’is and friends all around the world use these same materials. Participants share and learn from each other and put Baha’i principles into action.
Classes are in person and virtual.
Subjects include: The Life of the Spirit, Arising to Serve, Teaching Children, Family and Community, Building Vibrant Communities, Engaging in Social Action, and more.
Ruhi Workbooks
Groups Come in All Sizes
Live your life as a prayer.
Think of every day,
every hour,
every minute as the Sabbath.
Prayer
Our prayers and meditations can be private or collective. As Baha’is, we are encouraged to use prayers revealed by the Prophets of God, as they have the greatest power. In addition to other prayers, Baha’is are obligated to recite one of three specific prayers each day.
One example is this short daily prayer:
“I bear witness, O my God, that Thou hast created me to know Thee and to worship Thee. I testify, at this moment, to my powerlessness and to Thy might, to my poverty and to Thy wealth. There is none other God but Thee, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting.” —Bahá’ulláh
Prayer For Children
“O God, guide me, protect me, make of me a shining lamp and a brilliant star. Thou art the Mighty and the Powerful.” —‘Abdu’l-Bahá
Prayer Devotionals and Community Events
Open to all, prayer devotionals and events are simple, informal gatherings for all who want to pray and meditate. All prayers, thoughts, and expressions are welcome.
Below are a few ZOOM and in-person samples. Visit our contact page to sign up for future events.
Bahá’ís believe the crucial need facing humanity is to find a unifying world vision. To learn more visit Bahai.org
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