Village View – January 2021
Dear Friends of the Abode,
I am honored to have been elected to the position of Chair to the Abode Board of Trustees. Our past Chair, Gabriel Steadman will be taking the position as the Board Treasurer. His devotion to the Abode has been and will continue to be an essential part of our navigating through uncharted territory we find ourselves in.
We are passing through a period of unprecedented events and uncertainty, which will likely continue for some time. Just as it often rains the heaviest as the departing edge of a storm approaches, continued patience, diligence, love, sacrifice… are in order. Collectively, we can travel through this upheaval to a far safer, more stable future. This requires cooperation, which under the current circumstances, often requires remaining physically separated.
Though the Abode remains closed to visitors until the Pandemic is brought under control, we will always desire to be a home to you at heart. During this period, some work that we can accomplish safely continues. Phase one of courtyard project being the most significant, is now nearing completion. There are ongoing efforts to help ensure, a secure passage to reopening the Abode when the time is safe and as appropriate.
Together with the board, our executive director, management team, staff, volunteers and your continued encouragement and support, I look forward to the challenges and opportunities that await us.
Love,
Mahbub – Blair Davis
Chair, Abode Board of Trustees
The Abode is a retreat and spiritual center situated in an 19th century Shaker Village on Mount Lebanon, NY. Each year, the Abode welcomes visitors to its historic campus for contemplative and rejuvenating activities.
The Abode service team is a group of dedicated people helping to tend a facility and land that have been considered sacred since the land’s earliest known stewards, the Mahicans. The Abode’s spiritual and service focus is the basis for offering sacred hospitality to all who cross our threshold.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the Abode has been closed to guests, and has been working on a rejuvenation of its campus structures and facilities.
As 2021 arrives, and we plan for a Spring opening, we are seeking to recruit experienced maintenance and facilities folks to help us undertake day-to-day care and upkeep and to facilitate upgrades. If you are looking to apply your skills and experience to preserving and rehabilitating something worthwhile, and to belong to a service-oriented team, please see the position descriptions below and connect with us!
Universal Worship
Sunday, January 17 | 11:00 AM EDT
Join us for January’s Universal Worship, led by Saraswati!
Held via Zoom every third Sunday with password: 472313
Sufi Message Class
Thursday, January 21 | 7:00 PM EDT
Over the next three weeks, Shakur will be guiding participants on practices on Light; Compassion; Heart to Heart Connections; and Healing. These practices help us to be present and aware of our own inner light and soul. Shakur will be continuing his lessons on the Chivalric Rules in January. Over the course of the month, the class will read and delve into the final Iron Rule, as well as the first two Copper Rules. Prior experience with the Chivalric Rules is not necessary to join the class.
This week, the class will focus on the second Copper Rule: My conscientious self, be polite to all.
Weekly Sufi Message Classes are free and open to all; held via Zoom on Thursdays with password: 493634