To the Editor,
On May 1st the Baha’is of the Gorge sponsored a gathering of more than 60 people from a variety of backgrounds to explore the topic “Building Vibrant Community in the Gorge” at Daubenspeck Park in Bingen. Participants in the day-long event came from a variety of faiths and backgrounds, contributing music, art, dance, prayers, and perspectives. In addition to the Baha’is present, participants represented Christian, Buddist, and Jewish faiths, indigenous traditions, and area organizations. The day created an opportunity to gather in fellowship, create spiritual connections, celebrate our common humanity, enjoy music and the arts, and meet new partners for building a positive vision of the future.
This local event was a part of a series of conferences being held around the world sponsored by the Baha’i Faith exploring the oneness of humanity and a universal call to work for the betterment of the world by focusing on ways to unite and transform our local communities.
The gathering was the beginning of an ongoing process of creating an ever-widening circle of people engaged in the betterment of our Gorge Community. The Baha’is are interested in working side by side with other individuals, groups, and organizations. Only by working together with others can we live together in fellowship and harmony and address the problems and inequities that exist in our collective community.
The Conversation continued on Saturday, May 14th at Sorosis Park in The Dalles, as we reflected on the insights gained in our May 1 gathering and continued to shape a vision for the future.
Our next gathering will be at the Lyle Community Center on Saturday, 16 July starting at 12:00 noon. We welcome new voices and perspectives as well as all who have participated on May 1st and May 14th and look forward to an ongoing conversation among well-wishers of humanity, striving to foster communities that work for everyone, celebrating that we are all one human family.
For more information on this and future events please contact Rene Weiler at 509-281-0477.
- Annette A Luthy