Programs

There have been Baha’is in Bloomington/Normal since the 1950s. The community has varied in size over the years, and is currently a small group of people from various backgrounds and walks of life. The Baha’i Community of Bloomington does not yet have a Baha’i Center. Members host meetings in their homes, or occasionally rent a larger facility for public programs. Visitors are welcome to attend the listed programs; please contact us for a schedule of dates and locations.

A weekly devotional program is held in the home of one of the local Baha’is. Those present are invited to share prayers of their own choosing, followed by reading and discussion of selections from the Baha’i Writings on a topic such as “Trusting in God,” “Prayer and Meditation,” or other themes. The evening concludes with refreshments and conversation. Participants are welcome to attend occasionally or to participate on a regular basis. Contact us for schedule.

Study Circles offer an opportunity for everyone, regardless of ideas or beliefs, to learn together about our spiritual reality, and to better understand ways in which we can improve our own lives and contribute toward the progress of society. Groups usually meet weekly for a 6 to 8-week cycle, with day, time and location agreed upon by the participants. Book I in the series is entitled, “Reflections on the Life of the Spirit,” and includes study and discussion on Understanding the Baha’i Writings, Prayer, and Life and Death. Contact us for more information.

Children of all backgrounds are welcome to participate in Baha’i Children’s Classes. Regular classes are held for children ages 4 to 12. Lessons focus on developing virtues such as kindness, truthfulness and fairness, and on promoting respect for people of all cultures. Classes include prayers, stories, music, arts and crafts, and other activities. Contact us for more information.

We welcome your interest in learning more about the Baha’i Faith. An informal program, or series of programs, can be arranged at your convenience to provide an overview of Baha’i history, teachings, scriptures, and additional resources. A lending library and a selection of free literature are also available. Study Circles and devotional meetings offer other opportunities for more in-depth study on specific topics, and occasional public programs are presented in order to reach a wider audience. See LINKS for a list of websites for your reference, and please contact us if you would like to meet with local Baha’is or have your questions answered directly.

Baha’i women and their friends in the Bloomington/Normal area meet twice-monthly to pray together and to read and discuss excerpts from the Baha’i Writings on such topics as “Faith and Certitude,” “The Nature of the Soul,” and “Marriage and Family Life.” Participants take turns serving as hostess and planning the program. Refreshments and social time contribute to the enjoyment of this spiritual sisterhood. We welcome new members. Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

Activities such as potluck dinners, picnics, game nights and service projects offer additional opportunities for Baha’is and friends to enjoy fellowship while having fun and being of service to others. New friends are always welcome!

The Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Bloomington is comprised of nine adult Baha’is who are elected annually to serve the Baha’i community. The Spiritual Assembly makes decisions as a collective body; the members hold no position of authority as individuals. The Assembly oversees the financial matters of the community, aids in planning for community development, and administers Baha’i marriage and funerals. The Spiritual Assembly is available to meet with individuals seeking guidance on personal matters. To request a meeting with the Assembly, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 309-827-5936.