Temple visit solidifies notion of worship and service

A group of families from the Australian Capital Territory are enhancing their understanding of the relationship between worship and service through strengthening their connection with Australia’s Baha’i House of Worship. 

In June, a group of families from the ACT visited the Sydney Temple in an ongoing effort to deepen their connection between one another and the House of Worship and to cultivate a greater understanding of the relationship between worship and service.

The camp was designed to nurture within families a sense of reverence, belonging, and purpose. A highlight of the weekend was a devotional program prepared by the children in collaboration with a local children’s class.  

One parent shared that the children recited and sang prayers “with grace and sincerity” and offered “a moving demonstration of their spiritual awareness and joyful participation”. 

To further strengthen their connection with the sacred space, the children also took part in a meditative tour of the Temple grounds. “This immersive experience connected the spiritual principles of the Baha’i Faith with the natural beauty of the site – its plants, animals and serene landscape – deepening the children’s appreciation of the House of Worship as a place of both spiritual and ecological harmony,” the parent shared.

Another impactful moment included a session led by Phillip Obah Junior, who guided the children through the First Nations art exhibition on display. “Through thoughtful storytelling and reflection, Phillip helped the children explore the spiritual beliefs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, drawing meaningful connections with the teachings of the Baha’i Faith.” 

Emphasising that humanity is one and instilling in the children a deepened sense of unity and shared identity, the camp concluded with an artistic activity in which the children created artworks inspired by the exhibition to express their reflections and experiences. 

Following this visit, participants left feeling more deepened in their connection to the Temple and one another, with pathways for service, learning and spiritual growth made clearer and more evident. 

One parent shared that families would return home and accompany one another in their own neighbourhoods, making plans with one another to grow the community-building process and strengthen the educational process within their own localities. 

The Baha’i House of Worship stands as a symbol of the oneness of humanity. It is a place of worship open to people of all beliefs, and its primary purpose is to join worship of God with service to humanity. It is the fullest expression of Baha’i devotional life.