An Expansive Prospect captures the efforts of individuals, communities, and institutions as they strive together to release the society-building power of the Bahá'í Teachings in ever-greater measures.
The Bahá’ís of Sumter County Florida
We believe in the essential oneness of mankind and that now is the time to realize that oneness.
Have you ever heard about the Bahá’í Faith? Who are the Bahá’ís and what do they do?
Around the globe Bahá’ís are seeking to gain an ever more profound understanding of Bahá’u’lláh's teachings—"the sovereign remedy for every disease"—and to apply them to the needs of their society.
It is within this vision that the Bahá’ís of Sumter County are committed to the prosperity of all. We are sure that the welfare of the individual rests in the welfare of society at large. We are loyal citizens who have no interest in partisanship or contests for worldly power.
This means emphasizing qualities and attitudes—such as trustworthiness, cooperation, and forbearance—that are the building blocks of a stable social order.
- Tolerance and understanding, always mindful of mankind's oneness
- Everyone is a potential partner and collaborator
- Strive to foster fellow feeling among different groups.
- Labor to cultivate conditions in which progress can occur
- Efforts advance to the alternating rhythm of action and reflection
As growing numbers are helping to build communities of this character, the power of the Cause to transform people’s social existence, as well as their inner lives, is becoming increasingly visible.
We hold Interfaith Devotions every Saturday morning at 10:00 am, where people of all faiths and all paths can come together in a spirit of harmony, worship together, have meaningful conversations, and discuss spiritual ideas. To receive an invitation to join a zoom meeting reach out.
About the Bahá’í Faith
Explore the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh and His Teachings.
Explore themes central to the Bahá’í Faith such as Devotional Life or Involvement in the Life of Society. Find information about the Bahá’ís of the United States or dig through the Bahá’í World Publication.
Videos
Beautiful videos.
Step right in and see how the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh is transforming both the spiritual and social life of peoples of all walks of life. Our local community is one of many, in diverse communities around the globe.
Insights on Elevating Conversations
Dr. John Woodall talks about Elevating Conversations as a means of sharing hope by stepping out of the mire of divisiveness.
Sorrow and Trial
An extract from Ruhiyyih Khanum’s book "Prescription for Living" about dealing with hardship and struggle.
A Short introduction to Bahá’u’lláh
An introduction into the Person of Bahá’u’lláh the founder of the Bahá’í Faith.
Summons to Service
A short film on the sacred nature of Bahá’í elections that takes place in an atmosphere of joy and devotion without campaigning or nominations. It’s time for the world to recognize that leadership translates to service to humanity.
News and Events
Whats going on?
Below are some recent events, activities, and updates from the Bahá’ís of Sumter County.
A Message from the Bahá’ís of the United States
A letter from the governing body of the Bahá’ís of the United States to the American people. The letter's central themes of hope, perseverance and honest discourse speak to the challenges prevailing in our current times.
ZOOMING every Monday and Saturday morning
We hold Interfaith Devotions every Saturday morning at 9:45 am, and every Monday morning at 9:15 am, where people of all faiths and all paths can come together in a spirit of harmony, worship together, have meaningful conversations, and discuss spiritual ideas. To receive an invitation to join a zoom meeting, email us at: [email protected] – or call at (352) 405-1514.
Fireside Discussions
Warm gatherings in the home to explore spiritual questions together, meet local Bahá’í's, and investigate topics related to the Bahá’í Faith. We are happy to schedule these any day and time, just contact us at [email protected].
Explore the Bahá’í Writings
Comparable to a vast ocean the Bahá’í Writings illuminate many topics. Search them at their official source, the Bahá’í Reference Library.
Bahá’u’lláh and His Forerunner the Báb
Twin Manifestations
Unique to any other time in history we have seen the appearance of two Divine Messengers. The Báb, meaning the Gate, declared His mission in Shiraz 1844 and prepared His followers for the declaration of Bahá’u’lláh, meaning the Glory of God, in 1863.
The Glory of God
Pearls and Gems from the Writings of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh
Bahá’u’lláh likens the Word of God to a sapling, whose roots are growing in our hearts. He encourages us to nurture it so that it may grow to great heights.
By God, the Sovereign Protector, the Self-Subsisting, the Almighty! Were I to unveil to thine eyes the gates of this city, which have been fashioned by the right hand of might and power, thou wouldst behold that which none before thee hath ever beheld, and wouldst witness that which no other soul hath ever witnessed.
Bahá’u’lláhGems of Divine Mystery
The most acceptable prayer is the one offered with the utmost spirituality and radiance; its prolongation hath not been and is not beloved by God. The more detached and the purer the prayer, the more acceptable is it in the presence of God.
The BábExcerpts from the Persian Bayán
...is not the object of every Revelation to effect a transformation in the whole character of mankind, a transformation that shall manifest itself, both outwardly and inwardly, that shall affect both its inner life and external conditions?
Bahá’u’lláhThe Kitáb-i-Íqán
By God, the Sovereign Protector, the Self-Subsisting, the Almighty! Were I to unveil to thine eyes the gates of this city, which have been fashioned by the right hand of might and power, thou wouldst behold that which none before thee hath ever beheld, and wouldst witness that which no other soul hath ever witnessed.
Bahá’u’lláhGems of Divine MysteryVerily then make your hearts the daysprings of His exalted Names as recorded in the Book, and ye shall, even as mirrors placed before the sun, be able to receive enlightenment.
The BábKitáb-i-Asmá’ (The Book of Names)
The most acceptable prayer is the one offered with the utmost spirituality and radiance; its prolongation hath not been and is not beloved by God. The more detached and the purer the prayer, the more acceptable is it in the presence of God.
The BábExcerpts from the Persian BayánYe are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch. Deal ye one with another with the utmost love and harmony, with friendliness and fellowship.
Bahá’u’lláhEpistle to the Son of the Wolf
...is not the object of every Revelation to effect a transformation in the whole character of mankind, a transformation that shall manifest itself, both outwardly and inwardly, that shall affect both its inner life and external conditions?
Bahá’u’lláhThe Kitáb-i-ÍqánBetter is it for a person to write down but one of His[Bahá’u’lláh] verses than to transcribe the whole of the Bayán and all the books which have been written in the Dispensation of the Bayán. For everything shall be set aside except His Writings, which will endure until the following Revelation.
The BábExcerpts from the Persian Bayán![Better is it for a person to write down but one of His[Bahá’u’lláh] verses than to transcribe the whole of the Bayán and all the books which have been written in the Dispensation of the Bayán. For everything shall be set aside except His Writings, which will endure until the following Revelation.](/nextImageExportOptimizer/sunset2.ccf52676-opt-3840.WEBP)
Welcome
This as a warm invitation from theBahá’ís of Sumter County to join this path of service.
At the heart of this path is the oneness of mankind, a spiritual truth that requires the establishment of lasting unity. The type of change necessary demands that all have a part to play in the establishment of a just social order. We hope that a glimpse into the endeavors of the Bahá’í community convey our deep confidence that humanity will overcome the challenges it now faces. What vision, if not Bahá’u’llá's dazzling Revelation, merits a response in committed action?