Connecting worship and service at Sydney Temple holiday program
MONA VALE, NSW – The connection between worship and service continues to be reflected at the Sydney Baha’i House of Worship despite the temporary closure of the edifice for restorations.
Key points:
– A school holiday program exploring love and kindness was held at the Sydney Baha’i House of Worship despite the building itself being closed for restorations
– The program demonstrated how the building and its surrounding grounds not only act as a space for prayer and reflection, but also as a springboard for action and the building of vibrant communities
– The program included music, song, art and craft as well as friendship-building games and service activities and a space was also facilitated with the adults exploring the theme of family life
A recent school holiday program, aimed at promoting kindness and love, demonstrated how the building and its surrounding grounds not only act as a space for prayer and reflection, but also as a springboard for action and the building of vibrant communities.
Nineteen children participated in the holiday educational program which explored how kindness and love can bring happiness to families, schools and communities. The program included music, song, art and craft as well as friendship-building games and service activities.
Temple director Roya Shahgholi says the program filled the grounds with “laughter and vibrant energy”.
“While the children enjoyed a range of engaging educational and creative activities, parents had the opportunity to connect in different ways,” she says. “Some took peaceful walks through the beautiful Temple gardens and learned about the renovations currently underway, while others gathered in the Information Centre for meaningful conversations inspired by passages from the international governing body of the Baha’i Faith, the Universal House of Justice, about the family.”
The holiday program provided the opportunity for more families in the vicinity of the House of Worship to become aware of how the Temple marries the concept of worship and service. One parent shared that their children were looking forward to inviting their friends to the next holiday program.
“We look forward to offering the holiday program again during the next school holidays,” Roya shared, “continuing to welcome families and create spaces where children, parents, and friends can learn, serve, and build community together.”
The Temple closed its doors in May as part of the Dayspring of Light project which is dedicated to the restoration and beautification of the building and its surrounding gardens. However, the grounds are still open for prayer and reflection, and services and educational programs will continue until the building reopens in 2027.
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Sydney Baha’i House of Worship
The Baha’i House of Worship in Sydney, also known as the Baha’i Temple, stands as a symbol of the oneness of humanity. It is a place of worship open to people of all beliefs. Its primary purpose is to join worship of God with service to humanity, and therefore it is the fullest expression of Baha’i […]
Published in July, 2026, in Baha'i Institutions > Events
Available online at: horizons.bahai.org.au/bahai-institutions/connecting-worship-and-service-at-sydney-temple-holiday-program/
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