Tuesday 31 October 2006

Oct 31 : Visit to Gurudwara Sri Guru Harkrishan Sahib Ji (Sikh temple) near Salford

We paid a visit to Gurudwara Sri Guru Harkrishan Sahib Ji (Sikh temple). All of us enjoyed the readings from the Guru Granth Sahib (the sikh holy scripture), the lovely kirtan or devotional music, the prasad (blessing) of delicious halwa sweets and most of all the great food and hospitality.

Special thanks to Mo for finding out about the Gurudwara, Tim for driving us all there (simply couldnt have walked to the place !!!) and also to our new friend Gurdeep Singh (at the gurudwara) for so kindly telling us so much about Sikhism and sharing with us the story of his life, not minding that his own food got cold for talking to us for hours! If any of you are interested in attending their Saturday service from around 7 pm (and the meal afterwards) for which we have been invited, its name is Gurudwara Sri Guru Harkrishan Sahib ji and address is 12 Sherborne Street, Manchester, M3 1FE Website: http://www.gsghks.org.uk/

Tuesday 24 October 2006

Oct 24: Film (comedy) social

Because of reading week it seems not many people turned up: we saw a movie as planned: My Big Fat Greek Wedding. We also decided on the plan of the events for coming weeks.

Tuesday 17 October 2006

Oct 17: Scripture Study and guest lecture on Bahai faith by Dr Tim Anglin

After the usual icebreaker, we had a nice presentation including some presentations about different religions mostly by people who did not follow that religion including about Hinduism (by John), Zoroastrianism (by Nicholas), 7th day adventist (by Shimon), the Quaker faith (by Hugo), a fact about Judaism (by Michael). We had a few people including myself, James and Mo who could not speak about the faith they had prepared due to lack of time but dont worry: we shall have their presentation at the next available oppurtunity. We also had a session of question about the Bahai faith that was kindly led by Tim.

Tuesday 10 October 2006

Oct 10: Visit to Bahai Centre, Fallowfield

We visited the Bahai centre in Fallowfield.

First Shimon gave an introduction to the Bahai faith, and Nicholas answered questions. Then we were shown pictures of various Bahai temples all over the world. After that we had tea and biscuits kindly provided by our hosts, and had a discussion that lasted until 12:45 am for some of us (poor Nicholas!). For those who want to know more about the Bahai faith, heres a website http://bahai.org.uk/

Sunday 8 October 2006

Oct 8: Visit to the Manchester Reform Synagogue

The visit to the Manchester Reform Synagogue was a huge success, I believe. the service was beautiful and moving, everyone was friendly, shaking the branches was exciting and the tent outside was beautiful. I hope we could come there again for some other holiday. We had a security check on entering the synagogue, and the men had to cover their heads. There was a traditional Torah reading (in Hebrew) by the Rabbi and a few other people during the service.

Tuesday 3 October 2006

Oct 3: Scripture Study

Each of us again introduced themselves and their religion. We had some music yet again. Then we had a scripture study: each person produced their favourite quote from their scripture, including the Bible (Christian scripture), Quaker faith and practice, Bhagavad Gita (Hindu scripture), Dhammapada (Buddhist scripture), Quran (Islamic scripture). Then we will had tea and biscuits as usual.