The Pinellas Cluster reflection gathering was held on
October 20 at the Clearwater center. 22
friends met to share their experiences during the previous three months and to
prepare for Cycle 11 (Oct. 20 – Jan. 25).
www.MyStar95.com prepared an uplifting music program that
was played from 2:30 – 3:00 while the friends enjoyed fellowship and
refreshments. Two announcements were
made on the Baha’i-inspired internet radio station about the purpose of a
reflection gathering. At three o’clock,
a Baha’I prayer set to music was played and this was used to begin the
devotions at the start of the meeting.
Here are a few highlights from the consultation:
- There was much interest in the youth and young adults getting together in St. Pete Beach. The story of how this began and what they are doing was shared.
- The success of ongoing home visits to make connections and build community.
- How to help promote and participate in efforts throughout the cluster? “Supporting” each other creates energy.”
- How to better engage in efforts to eliminate racism, including use of recent NSA messages on the subject?
- A few adjustments were made for the next reflection gathering. These included the need to send out the study materials in advance so we are prepared to discuss them.
- A calendar showing the dates of the next 4 cycles, and the phases of each three-month period of activity, was handed out. This is posted at the cluster’s website: www.PinellasATCResources.blogspot.com.
Focus of Cycle 11: Devotional meetings in the company of our
households and neighbors
In addition to the many community-building efforts currently
underway in Pinellas, the Area Teaching Committee is encouraging "the
widespread holding of devotional meetings" so that more and more of the
friends “are engaged in worship in the company of their households and their
neighbours.” To assist us in learning
together about “home devotionals” two passages were read and discussed. These are posted here on the cluster’s
website.
