Thames Valley Bahá’í Community

Story time:

Stanwood Cobb, the renowned educator, wrote,

‘This philosophy of joy was the keynote of all of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s teaching.

“Are you happy?” was His frequent greeting to His visitors.

“Be happy!” ‘Those who were unhappy (and who of us are not at times!) would weep at this. And ‘Abdu’l-Bahá would smile as if to say, “

Yes, weep on. Beyond the tears is sunshine.”

‘And sometimes He would wipe away with His own hands the tears from their wet cheeks, and they would leave His presence transfigured.’ In California it was observed that ‘despite the Master’s fatigue at times, and His physical ailments, He welcomed everyone with a beaming smile, and in His pleasing and vibrant voice would ask,

“Are you happy?”’

Source: Vignettes from the Life of ‘Abdu’l-Baha

On behalf of the Baha’i Community of Newbury, Anthony Fleming attended a UNA (United Nations Association) meeting at St. John’s Church Room to discuss the branch’s future.

The Mayor, Councillor David Harman, welcomed members, describing the UNA as a bridge between local and global communities. MP Lee Dillon highlighted the importance of connecting Newbury with the wider world and the United Nations Association, describing it as “a place where people that care can meet, share ideas and take action,” continuing a tradition since 1946.

Tony Vickers encouraged “faith in our future,” stressing the importance of maintaining belief in the UN and supporting a local UNA branch, while emphasising that younger generations will carry forward international cooperation and a shared commitment to global responsibility.

The meeting welcomed local groups, noted progress on the High Seas Treaty, and raised concerns about conflicts lacking UN backing. It concluded with plans for a steering committee and a World Refugee Day event on Saturday 4 July, ending on a positive note of unity and commitment to peace.