To the believers in the Northeast region for the Feast of Alá
Dear Friends,
The Regional Bahá’í Council is writing to share good news with you.
During the Five Year Plan, all regions had goals for clusters to advance past the first and second milestones of growth, markers mentioned in the guidance of the Universal House of Justice for notable advancement. In our region, the North Jersey cluster has been able to win two goals, first by being the first in the Northeast to advance from the first milestone to the second in the Five Year Plan and now the first cluster to advance from the second milestone to the third in the One Year Plan. Attained during Ayyám-i-Há, reaching the goal is a wonderful gift to the Supreme Body, particularly as it demonstrates unity of vision and exemplary devotion by the friends in the North Jersey cluster.
We are also thrilled to report that preparations for the 41 conferences to be held throughout the region this spring are moving forward in full force. The regional institutions have done preliminary planning in collaboration with institutions and agencies at all levels. Members of Spiritual Assemblies and cluster agencies attended meetings to learn about the invitation process for the conferences. Planning teams for each conference are being appointed, and the friends are arising enthusiastically to serve. The dates, times, and locations for each conference will be shared soon. You do not need to wait to get those details, however, before inviting Bahá’í friends and those from the wider community to attend because that process is best when it involves multiple conversations.
The Universal House of Justice explained that, among other things, the conferences will “enhance appreciation of the privilege of being part of a community that has set its gaze upon the spiritual and material transformation of society and of the bounty of being connected by bonds of love and camaraderie with brothers and sisters in a global effort…” Therefore, what is most essential is that with the utmost enthusiasm, unity, devotion, and love we each dedicate ourselves to doing all that we can to promote the conferences and commit to joyful participation when we attend them. This will uplift the hearts and inspire the minds of our co-workers, both Bahá’ís and other friends. In order that our region will achieve this, the Regional Council requests your daily prayers for the success of the conferences during the period of the Fast.
With loving regards,
Regional Bahá’í Council of the Northeastern States
Marie McNair, Secretary