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FLORIDA & PUERTO RICO

SERVICE NEWSLETTER

DECEMBER 2024

MARGATE

Opening of New Center in Commercial Space

The new commercial space was officially inaugurated on December 7, 2024. The Margate City official, Sister Waddy along with Sister Hansa as host, completed the coconut cracking and ribbon cutting ceremonies. The program was well attended by specially invited guests, including Library Managers of the Coral Springs and Pompano Beach Branches.

City of Margate, Florida Government  
2024-12-09  

Here is to new beginnings in #OurMargate ! On Saturday, December 7, the grand opening & ribbon cutting of BK Meditation Center (6000 W Atlantic Blvd) was held to celebrate both the growth of local business and wellness for Margate residents and those from surrounding cities. Here you will find a spiritually rich environment to better equip yourself with tools to thrive and develop.

Learn more: brahmakumaris.us/margate.html

IRCC participants Introductory Course.

Interested participants from the IRCC convention who came to the center are now in their 5

Library Service:Coral Springs

The introductory and Advanced classes are already scheduled on the Broward County event calendar for the Coral Springs Library. This will begin after our return from Madhuban in February, 2025.

Festive gatherings for the Christmas and New Years seasons. 
 

During this festive end of the year period, along with rounding up 2024 activities, programs were held for regular students and newcomers who completed the classes. We watched the year pass by with great joy and feelings of happiness for the coming new year 2025.

Visitors for month

We were happy to have Mataji Usha bhen, and her lokik family as visitors for December.

January Activities

A new group of 10 Participants is scheduled to begin the course at the center on Tuesdays, starting Tuesday Jan 7, 2025.

MIAMI

Follow Up Interview with Br. Enrique Simó by Laura Masnatta

The podcast host Laura Masnatta who had met BK Enrique Simó at a private dinner in Miami interviewed him after his return to Madrid, Spain. This conversation (in Spanish) is about the power of a silent mind & how this process of being able to calm the mind opens a big space to think clearly, be more creative and to have more understanding of the own self and others. This follow-up interview from Enrique Simo's visit to Miami continues to be well received on YouTube .

Br. Vijai (from Trinidad) met the family on his way back from Madhuban

Miami folks at the Florida Retreat with Eric bhai (in Tampa)

Meredith interviews singer songwriter Danielle Wertz & Robbie Schaefer

Dec 13 : Media Producer - host Meredith Porte was in conversation with singer/songwriters Danielle Wertz and Robbie Schaefer - the writers and stars of Both Sides Now: The music and Lives of Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen .

Danielle Wertz (Joni Mitchell) and Robbie Schaefer (Leonard Cohen) , the writers and stars of the musical review, give insights into the making of this show . It features 13 songs including Hallelujah, Big Yellow Taxi , Suzanne and Who By Fire.

Murli with the Colombia family

Dec 10: Sr. Waddy with Colombia familia

Eric bhai visiting Miami after the Florida retreat

Meredith interviews artist Sharon Rosenfeld Scott whose art invites meditation!

Dec 27: Media Producer - host Meredith Porte was in conversation with landscape fine artist Sharon Rosenfeld Scott whose work gives an experience of the tranquil coastal landscape. Sharon Rosenfeld Scott's art is like jumping into shifting colors of light blue and turquoise water. She paints blissful places with a unique enjoyment of pristine sites. Based in Martha's Vineyard, MA, she has also lived and been inspired by Florida's coastal landscape. Her desire is to capture moments of joy and share it with others. 
 

Elon bhai in Madhuban

Receiving Toli and blessings from Sudesh Didi

(from Nov Madhuban Meeting) 
 

Christmas with the family

Amar in Peace Village for the New Year Retreat

Special Upcoming Events

Online session via Zoom :

click on the invite above for the zoom registration link

In-person event :

click on the invite above for the registration link - tinyurl.com/PullmanJan

NAPLES

Naples classes are in full swing continuing in 2025. Four days a week we are serving the community with classes. 
The Florida retreat was such a divine celebration with the Family. A special thank you for Sr. Shireen and the retreat team. May 2025 gives us all wings of light to serve the world.

Naples group at the Florida Retreat

DELRAY

Florida Retreat :

A wonderful Retreat in Tampa both in person and online.

Tampa's ever generous Open-Hearted Hosting. always appreciated.

Nice connection with Avyakti Parivar.

Brother Eric an inspiration.

Ongoing Classes

Some New Faces joining in as well as some who come regularly.

Some of us able to join with Miami Family this month.

Gratitude for all.

Happy New Year! 
 

Not only was Deborah’s unique story featured in the latest USA newsletter, but she also shared an uplifting tip to the Tuesday morning 10:30am meditation zoomers with one of her Yuktis.

Beautiful meditations took place at Peace Place in Miramar with Madhiban pilgrims sharing drishti and inspiration to 18 souls.

UPCOMING: Next meditation in Miramar is Friday, January 10, 2025, 6:30 pm. RSVP 954 801-6639.

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Some glimpses from the Florida Retreat 2024 in Tampa

PUERTO RICO 

Christmas Reflection and Dinner

TAMPA

Glimpses from the Florida Retreat hosted in Tampa

Special Guest: Ericbhai

The Tampa Center was honored to have Ericbhai as our special guest. Although the purpose of the visit was to facilitate the Florida Retreat, during his time in Tampa he helped host a special breakfast for Important Person’s in which the conversation revolved around What time is calling us to do? 

He also had a dinner and chit chat with all of the Tampa BK brothers.

Visitors to Tampa

We were blessed with visits this month from Sister Mary from Chicago who joined the retreat as an honorary Floridian.

Sister Gita from Madhuban stayed at the center for a few days prior to the retreat.

Sister Klig from Canada visited for a few days after the retreat.

Monthly offerings

Inspired Consciousness Series 
Throughout August spiritual insights sessions contributed to personal development and individual growth. A wide range of spiritual topics was covered by a variety of experienced yogis including Br. Manoj; Br. Pritesh; Sr Saraswati; Sr Tara; Sr Nitya; Sr Dipti; Sr Dhani; Sr Jaymini

Soulful Sundays

Every Sunday a session including a short spiritual talk, spiritual conversations, and 30 minutes of collective meditation for self-reflection was held. Sessions are covered by Sister Karen.

Up-Coming Programs

OCALA

College of Central Florida in Ocala.

Dec 4: Sr. Anne presented two classes on meditation and spirituality as part of the Comparative Religions program at the college. This is an ongoing partnership of service spanning 15 years.

Events:

On Sunday, December 22nd, we had a delightful Christmas celebration at our center, filled with delicious food, joyful moments, and a special visit from Santa. The event became even more memorable as we celebrated the 85th birthdays of two cherished brothers, BK Govind and BK Kanubai, along with the birthday of a dear sister visiting from California. It was a heartwarming day of love, laughter, and togetherness. 

We also had an inspiring Zoom session with Sister Mohini, filled with powerful insights and uplifting vibrations.

Miscellaneous

We are delighted to share that online Murli class are being conducted daily in both English and Hindi. Many new students are joining the 7 days course. In December we had the privilege of welcoming many BKs from Michigan, North Carolina and California.