As the days grow longer, the sun pokes out from behind the clouds every so often and the children escape from school we’re entering the summer and of course with summer comes another Summer School. Over a hundred Bahá'ís descended on the Lorne Centre in County Down on July 14 for what is the definite highlight of the Irish Bahá'í calendar (don’t tell Waterford though). From the United Kingdom, Ireland, and from counties far off, they came for that unique taste that only the Northern Ireland Bahá'í community can offer.
There was change in the air however as no longer were we to be treated to a simple schedule of talks but one of courses and classes. The week, with a little help from the weather, we definitely had a good bit more school than summer. This year the National Spiritual Assembly asked all summer schools to produce a series of courses, so Baha’is could learn and explore a single subject more than they would normally have the chance to at summer school. Although the reception has been mixed there was no doubt we learned a lot and there was definitely something for everyone with six courses on offer.
Each morning, for those spiritual enough to get themselves out of bed a devotional was on offer, a different taste each day from AV, children’s, musical and community based devotionals. Lesley Taherzadeh O’Mara took a plenary session each morning which offered a look into the Will and Testament of Abdul’Bahá and even with the five hours we had we only touched upon the surface of the subject.
Moojan Momen was offering an insight into “The Revelation of Bahá'u'lláh”, a more detailed look into the teachings of our religion for both Bahá'ís and visitors alike. Wendi Momen was also offering a course on marriage, family life and relationships and though it sounds like a subject for the Y chromosome members of the species to run from, many men attended and learned from Wendi’s insights into relationships and Bahá'í life. Robert (Butch) Elliott was bringing an interesting and lively look into Baha’i administration and consultation while Dan (“Our Man in Parliament”) Wheatley took a deep look into Shoghi Effendi on the New World Order. Peter Hulme offered a course on developing distinctive Baha’i communities looking at what you and your community can do to develop the Cause of God in your local area right now. Finally, but definitely not least Les Gornall took many believers on a scientific journey through creation and the proofs that science and religion are tied together while dispelling the misconceptions that hold them apart.
Arts were on offer for all those brave enough to learn something new. From jewellery making to singing, painting to sewing there was something for everyone to try and perhaps many have left with a new skill or two. Rob Weinberg, Hormoz Bastani, Michelle Chesters and Patrica Jamshidi also took the stage offering sessions on all types of subjects from “Answering Awkward Questions” to Huqúqu’lláh. Michelle Chester ‘sessions on “The Prophet’s Daughter” took a deeper look at the life of Bahíyyih Khanum, the daughter of Baha’u’llah.
Each evening saw the return of the popular ‘stories in the sitting room’ inwhich speakers such as Pete Hulme, Wendi Momen, Rob Weinberg, Dan Wheatley and Maureen Sier related stories in a more homely setting. From the personal to the extreme, the death defying to the murderously funny there wasn’t a reason to miss these talks.
Evening entertainment and fellowship were not overlooked. No matter there was entertainment to keep your spirits up! Both the Bahá’í and general knowledge quizzes had us scratching our scalps and pulling hair out over the coveted Marks and Spencer tea cake prize! The long awaited return of the Owl Man awed adults and children alike with his impressive creatures, some cuddly and some, not so cuddly. Wednesday night saw the musical presentation with dozens of local and not so local Baha’is and non-Baha’is performing the best of music. Hats off to John Giffin for holding the sound together, and all those who took part.
A different form of entertainment, Guitar Hero, took Friday night by storm! Brave souls came up to perform rock classics on their plastic guitars on this Playstation game, in front of the big screen projection of their performance as they would have liked it to be. The fun began when they chose their projected characters from the range on offer, giving some interesting insight into how they saw themselves. I’m keeping quiet on which member of the School Committee morphed into a slim purple-haired bimbette! Battles of epic proportions took place with UK NSA member Peter Hulme defeating Iain Palin and Dan Wheatley with aplomb. Even the prestige and learning of Moojan Momen, (and the support of his vocal female followers) in the culminating match of the evening were unable to defeat Pete’s guitar power.
Saturday night saw the last night entertainment extravaganza take the school by storm with hours of talented acts, musicians, poets, and much more.
There are a lot of people to thank and if I start a list I’ll miss out someone so to avoid giving offence I’ll just single out Negin Elliot and Pat Craig for the registration, overseeing and general running of the week, Julie Hajiabadi and Zarin Hulme (and helpers) for the children’s classes, and Clare in the tuck-shop. The School and its participants owe them a debt of gratitude.
See you all at NISS 2009!
CTP
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