The Bahá’ís of Ponte Vedra, Nocatee and St. Johns County, along with other North Florida Bahá’í communities, will recognize the 200th anniversary of the birth of Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í faith, on the evening of Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. Plans include a dinner and celebration festivities at the Jacksonville Bahá’í Center at 5034 Greenland Road in Jacksonville.
Bahá’u’lláh (1817-1892) was a spiritual teacher who announced in 1863 that he was the bearer of a new revelation from God. His teachings are centered on the recognition of the oneness of God, that each religion originates from God and is suited to the age and place in which it is revealed. His teachings also say the greatest need for this age is the recognition of the oneness of humanity as an antidote to the racial prejudice and materialism that is afflicting human society.
The area celebration consists of a series of activities generated at the grassroots level in the North Florida area, which will reinforce Bahá’u’lláh’s vision of the oneness of humanity. Activities will include drama, music, art exhibits, storytelling, service projects, prayer and devotional programs scheduled as follows:
· Friday, Sept. 22, 6:30 p.m. Community dinner and dialogue on race unity at University of North Florida, Student Union, Building 58 West, Room 3805, 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville.
· Sunday, Sept. 24, noon to 2 p.m. 200 Canvases For Unity Art project with lunch, Jacksonville Baha'i Center.
· Sunday, Oct. 15, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 200 blood donations, Mobile Blood Bank at Jacksonville Baha'i Center.
· Sunday, Oct. 15, noon to 2 p.m. Time capsule and history of Baha'is of North Florida, Jacksonville Baha'i Center. Bring items you want to place in the time capsule—opening many years later.
· Saturday, Oct. 21, 7 p.m. Celebration of bicentennial birth of Baha'u'llah, Jacksonville Baha'i Center. Share our special dinner and joyous program for North Florida Baha'i community and guests.
· Sunday, Oct. 29, 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Introduction to Baha'i faith, open house and lunch, Jacksonville Baha'i Center.
For more information visit http://www.bahainorthflorida.com or call Robert Thaggard at 904-860-1040.
