Blog

The chaos surrounding us at present is mind numbing– chaos in the natural environment, in the political arena, everywhere in our local and global communities. (Do you find yourself wishing for a “mind-mute” button?) Before we can hold the calm, we first have to find it. That’s the challenge! Just maybe if we change our perspective we can begin to perceive something else in the chaos, like the calm in the eye of the hurricane. Surrounded by the storm, there might be somethi

With so much uncertainty surrounding us it is easy to forget to be hopeful. There are such wide divisions in our community and all over the world. What we need is a new vision–one that aims for the well-being of all humankind. We have the ability to make lasting change, and it starts with listening to each other, sharing in meaningful conversations and building collective will. This is the goal of the Finding Common Ground series. The Baha’i community of Salem invites you to

Delivery Day at the Foster Care Office The Baha’is and their friends in the Salem area recently delivered an amazing collection of needed items to the Marion County Foster Care office. For the last four years the office has shared a list of needed items. This year the request was for microwavable meals and diapers. We invited the wider Salem community to join in the donation drive through ads in the "Salem Reporter" and a donation table at the Salem Public Library. A special

Thank you to Dick Blick Art Materials for their generous donation of a $200 gift card for our service project benefitting youth in foster care! This is the third year we have received a donation from Blick for our annual project. From it, we will include sketch books and drawing materials for youth in foster care. Drawing and journaling can be calming for the soul.

Many folks have been enjoying seeing old and new friends in person. The Salem LSA has arranged a new set of weekly gatherings for the months of July and August to Brighten our Spirits. Each gathering will be unique, including devotions, thoughtful stories and wonderful conversations. These are challenging times that we live in, and coming together can definitely brighten spirits. Friday Gathering The first weekend of the month (July 7 & August 4) has an in-person gathering at

Dear Friends, It's time to be together again in person. Come join us in our flower garden to share good thoughts and friendship. Thoughts and words are powerful; they can change our world. When a thought of war comes, oppose it by a stronger thought of peace. A thought of hatred must be destroyed by a more powerful thought of love. -Bahá'u'lláh We are hosting Good Thoughts in the Garden gatherings during the summer on the third Sunday mornings at 11:00 a.m. There will be

Shrine of the Bab in Haifa, Israel This holiday commemorates the 1850 execution of the co-founder of the Baha'i faith, the Báb, in Persia. It is one of nine holy days during which work and school is suspended. On July 9th, 1850, the Báb, the forerunner to Baha’u’llah was executed in Tabriz, Persia by a firing squad of 750 men. The Báb, which means “the Gate” in Arabic, was a Messenger of God, whose role can be likened to that of John the Baptist (who told of the coming of Ch

There's room for everyone at the table. Genuine change happens heart to heart- So that's where we are starting. We invite you & your friends to two grassroots gatherings to explore ways of building better communities for Everyone! With music and creative activities, we will explore a positive vision for humanity. Themes include- Our Vision for Humanity, Building Vibrant Neighborhoods, Role of Education in our Community and Contributing to Social Transformation. These gather

Each year, the Salem Baha'i Community chooses a community-oriented service project for Ayyam-i-Ha. These are 4 days of service, socializing, and gift-giving at the end of February, just before the 19 days of the Baha'i fast in the last month of the Baha'i calendar. This year Baha'is in Marion and Polk County, with the help of Blick Art Materials, lovingly collected new, quality art supplies for older children in foster care in Marion County in the hope that this love and care

Pringle Park Community Center, Salem Revisit our wonderful gathering to remember the priceless contributions of 'Abdu'l-Baha to humanity. Here are photographs of the day. (How wonderful to see friends after such a long absence!) Thank you to our Junior Youth for their contributions as speakers and to Anisa Foroughi for their reminder to "Be Happy". Thank you to Yosi Mesbah for sharing her beautiful voice and to all the readers from out Cluster for sharing the wisdom of Ábd

Architectural drawing of Shrine of 'Abdul-Baha under construction near 'Akka, Israel People around the world will celebrate the Life of a man who changed the path of humanity by bringing his Father's Message of the Oneness of Humankind and the Unity of Religion to the world, over a century ago. Join us- Sunday, November 28, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., Pringle Hall, 606 Church St. SE, Salem, OR. The story of his life will be told through music, his own words, stories and video. (For

This is a share from a recent neighborhood gathering, sharing thoughts, music and new perspectives on bringing people together- in a new way. "O Thou compassionate Lord, Thou Who art generous and able! We are servants of Thine sheltered beneath Thy providence. Cast Thy glance of favor upon us. Give light to our eyes, hearing to our ears, and understanding and love to our hearts. Render our souls joyous and happy through Thy glad tidings. O Lord! Point out to us the path

The earth is celebrating the Most Great Festival of Ridvan. Baha'is around the world are celebrating the announcement of Baha'u'llah's Message to humanity. The festival is called "Ridvan," or "Paradise", the Most Great Festival. Here is a brief story of the events of that time, in 1863, created by a group of Baha'i youth.

Study circles provide an informal learning environment for studying the Baha'i Writings.

Baha'is and friends gather together to pray in an informal yet respectful atmosphere.

Junior Youth Groups empower young teens to find their voice and build their inner capacities.

Baha’i children’s classes nurture children by helping them develop spiritual qualities.