June Monthly Village View
Dear friends,
The first half of 2020 has been a trying time for all of us. Revising Charles Dickens’ famous lines, it has mostly NOT been the best of times.
The Abode community, like so many others, has been greatly impacted by the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, the dislocation and economic crisis that has followed, and the cry of humanity that has arisen in the wake of the killing of George Floyd.
Yet even so, rays of light have broken through. While we have distanced, mourned and protested, we have also watched in joy and gratitude as people of duty, conscience and consciousness came together to serve those in need, and raised their voices and demanded action against systems and symbols of hate, intolerance and oppression that still pervades too much of the human condition. This is work that must be done to clear the path to healing.
Photos by Aimée Johnson
Healing will take time, care, effort, faith, practice, and fortitude. As we contemplate our future, we are committing the Abode to serve in the healing effort.
Over the past two years, we have made a conscious effort to extend our service beyond our traditional Sufi base and past activities. We intentionally expanded our connections to organizations serving a diversity of interests and needs. We believe that this is how we can best serve the Message, by supporting emerging needs and new realities.
The Abode’s future offering must start with the heart. All of our hearts, collectively and individually.
If anybody asks you, “What is Sufism?” … you may answer: “Sufism is the religion of the heart, the religion in which the most important thing is to seek God in the heart of humanity.” — Hazrat Inayat Khan
For 45 years, the Abode has provided an interfaith sanctuary for people seeking to connect more deeply with their inner selves and with others. Our principles and practices are rooted in universal Sufism, and our hands and hearts serve all paths, and all who seek connection, community and enlightenment.
We are now even more committed to this path, and are exploring how we accomplish this, given the current challenges. The Abode is a place of physical connection in a time where meeting that basic human need is highly problematic. The field that we are now tilling and the seed that we are sowing will take time and tending to blossom.
The call to service starts in the heart. And we are working to make the heart of the Abode stronger. We have been blessed to count you among those who have nourished us with energy, love and a kindred spirit.
“Every morning, wake up and remind yourself: it’s not about me. Then ask yourself:
How can I contribute to another person’s life today?”
– Tom Rath
We will move past these current shadows, and as we do, the Abode will fasten a new fate and emerge stronger and more focused on serving ‘the cry of humanity.’
More to come…
With gratitude.
Al
Sufi Message Class | Thursday, June 18 | 7:00 PM EDT
We pray you are well, healthy, and happy! The Inayati Center at the Abode will be Zooming it’s Thursday classes for the foreseeable future. Please join us on line for inspiration, meditation and social sharing! All are welcome.
Here is the link! Use the Password: 493634
*Today!* Universal Worship | Sunday, June 14 | 11:00 AM EDT
We are offering an informal Zoom service for families and friends and all children, big and small. All welcome!
In honor of Pride Month, the Abode will be sharing quotes and messages from LGBTI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, & Intersex) leaders of faith. This week we share a quote from Rev. Frederick Davie. Born and raised in North Carolina, Davie attended Yale Divinity School. He moved to New York City in the early 1980s, where he worked with the Board of Education to implement a more diverse and inclusive curriculum. Rev. Fred Davie has contributed greatly as an advocate for Black LGBTI rights and inclusion. Learn more about his work in this article by GSN.
