FOP rainbow
April 2011
 
 
Farm of Peace and Sufi Spiritual Retreat Center, Warfordsburg, PA

April garden

Our Mission: The Farm of Peace is a spiritual community that provides love, peace, healing, nourishment and spiritual guidance to all of creation. We seek to bring peace and healing to individuals -- adults and children -- and the world by putting into practice the Love at the core of all religions.

Dear Friends,

Another welcome spring finds the Farm awash in green at last! The fields are greening and the forsythia and daffodils sharing their bright yellows - a feast for the eyes prompting a deep appreciation for Allah's generosity in this season. In the photo above, Mu'min, Abd'Allah and Shamsa leand a hand in the garden at the teaching barn.

As always, this time of year is characterized by movement and growth: 15 ewes are now delivering their lambs -- the first 9 arrived this week; the earth in the garden beds is soft, and some seeds are in the ground; new trees are planted in the orchard; a big strawberry patch is being readied; several new programs are being developed to serve our beloveds' walking and bring healing to those in need; our community is renewing our vision for continued growth.

More news and growth: Halima Jen and Kyle (age 10) are now managing the laying hens as Kyle's home-schooling project. Kyle collects the eggs every day and packages them for you to bring home to your breakfast table -- lots of eggs are available now, $3.50 a dozen. Ducks! We now have three lively white ducks enjoying life around the farmhouse and its little creek. The CSA membership is already bigger than last year's and there is still time to sign up for fresh produce this year. Also new: check out our new and improved look at farmofpeace.com! Thanks to our friend John O'Donovan for his continued expertise in developing this project.

We welcome our dear sister Hadeel al-Barrak, wife of our guide, Sidi, to the Farm. It is such a blessing to receive the gift of Hadeel's wisdom and experience, and her kind heart. Hadeel plans to offer Arabic classes and a workshop on the Qur'an, inshallah. We'll let you know the details once she finishes her exams at the end of the month.

Salima's Gardens of Truth monthly Sufi school has been a great success, with many beloveds coming to drink from the wisdom of the Sufi path and taste the beauty of our way. The three days are filled with teachings from the Sufi masters, healing, experiencing the sacred letters and the secrets of the qualities, whirling and more. Don't miss your chance to establish a deeper connection to the Sufi wisdom and your heart's knowing of the real mercy, love and peace. The next Gardens of Truth takes place April 21-24; call 717-573-4722 to register.

In our last newsletter we shared information about Maryam Whalen's new workshop for women, Daughters of Rabi'ah. You can now attend either or both of two 3-day workshops this summer. There will be an introductory "taster" weekend coming April 30-May 1 at the IPC. Cost is $150; please contact Maryam at maryam@maryamwhalen.com if you are interested in attending.

Our zawiyah program here at the International Peace Center is a real jewel for beloveds seeking a deeper connection to Allah. It's always gratifying to welcome our brothers and sisters from our community and from around the nation who come for retreat in this peaceful setting. We invite you to come and be held in the sacred silence of the Farm of Peace for your zawiyah; just call to schedule your retreat (717-573-4722).

We send our prayers for our brother Hud Robert Clark, of Baltimore, who passed recently after an illness, and send our prayers as well for his beloved, Latifah.

It's a delight to welcome friends new and old to the Farm. Come and make a day of it -- have a cup of tea, give a few hours of service, reflect and refresh in zawiyah -- there are so many opportunities here. All are invited to come and share the peace and beauty of Allah's creation.

Peace and blessings to all,

Halima Reilly, Editor

CSA Garden Is Underway for 2011
by Jesse Amin Mills, CSA Manager
Amin & Rifqa in the garden The ground was covered in snow on the last day of March but the grass was green underneath (all melted now!). The garlic up in the garden is standing about six inches tall and is bright green as well. We have a number of beds planted with peas, turnips, spinach, kohlrabi, carrot, and arugula seeds. They are just waiting for the conditions to be right for them to germinate and grow.

The basement of the IPC is loaded with seedlings growing until the appropriate time to go out, and others are "hardening off" to go in the garden as soon as weather permits. We will soon have seed potatoes and onion sets arriving, and before too much longer, in early May, sweet potato slips should be here.

Pictured here, on a recent delightfully sunny spring day, Rifqa Zaban-Boylan helped put nutrient-rich manure on the 175 asparagus plants that will be flourishing for next year's CSA, inshallah.

Lord willing, inshallah, we are doing what we can to grow and expand the program this year, and for future years. Asparagus and the strawberries that were planted last fall are perennial, they last year after year. We do what we can and leave the rest up to Allah -- that is my favorite part! The garden is much more than the sum of its parts.

If you haven't yet signed up to become a CSA member and enjoy the fruits of our garden all spring and summer, there is still time. It's easy to join and pay online at farmofpeace.com (see link below), or call Halima Jen at 717-573-2956. Memberships are $500 for a full share (17 weeks) and $265 for a half-share (8 weeks).

An Invitation To Learn the Secrets of the Qur'an
by Dr. Hadeel Al Barrak
Hadeel Bismi'llah ir-rahman ir-rahim. I am a Sufi from Baghdad, and I started my Sufi path when I was 18 years old. Now I am the Director of Arabic and Qur'anic Studies at the University of Spiritual Healing and Sufism. Previously I taught for more than 15 years at the University of Baghdad and other research centers and institutes.

I have always balanced the inner and outer dimensions of life. At the same time as I was raising my children and obtaining a Ph.D. in plant protection, I was facing Allah in every moment. I have spent my life immersed in the Holy Qur'an and by the grace of God I have learned it by heart. I know all the tafsir (explications) of the Qur'an, and Allah in his generosity has opened the secrets to me.

It will be my great pleasure, inshallah, to provide my students with the fragrance of these holy secrets. It is our goal to teach our students classical Arabic through their acquisition of the sacred knowledge. Inshallah, this will be achieved in a three-level program in which it is hoped that our students will dive deeper and deeper into the ocean of the truth.

Inshallah, our students will come to a deep and abiding love of Allah's book, learning that it provides healing wisdom and answers for every time, place and person. To learn Arabic in this way will, inshallah, connect the hearts of our students not only to the Qur'an, but also to the prophet of Allah, salla allahu alayhi wa salam. To learn to speak the words that he uttered during the divine revelation is a real gift, the words are as beautiful today as when the angel Jibril, alayhi salam, brought them from Allah. Inshallah, soon the students will learn many ayah of Qur'an, using them in prayer, supplication and healing.

May all our students have great success in their studies; it is my honor to help guide them through this rich learning process through which they may, inshallah, with hard work and deep sincerity, move into proximity with Allah, subhanhu wa tala. I thank Allah for the chance to serve Him in this way. Wa salam alaykum.

We are so grateful that in addition to teaching the students at USHS, Hadeel will offer classes here at the Farm of Peace. We'll let you know the dates and details soon.

Learn Skills for Peaceful, Harmonious Relationships
Peace Partners Series with John AQ & Jamila Davies
John AQ & Jamila Mother Teresa once said, "If you want to create world peace, go home and love your family."

It's a simple idea, but sometimes not so easy to accomplish. Often it is those who are closest to us, whether family, friends or co-workers, who provide us with the greatest relationship challenges.

Loving, supportive relationships bring meaning, joy and success in life. Come and learn how to reconcile differences for honest, dynamic, successful relationships, families, organizations and communities. You'll also learn to recognize the hidden gifts in difficult relationships and situations that can open into mutual support, harmony and intimacy.

"They held us in love and shone a clear and expert light on the unconscious behaviors and thought patterns that were dragging our life into chaos. We were able to resolve several previously intractable issues. John has rare gifts and a highly developed professional competence, so deeply healing on both individual and societal levels." - Darby, participant from related workshop.

Free! Introductory teleclass with John Abd al Qadir and Jamila Davies: Tuesdays, April 26, May 10, June 7 at 7:00-8:30 p.m. Conference line: 605-475-4000, pin 316181#.

Peace Partners: Aug. 5-7; Oct. 28-30; Dec. 9-11; Mar. 16-18, 2012. $1,100 for the series; $300 per individual class. Meals and lodging at the IPC available at additional charge. For more information or to enroll: John AQ Davies, 240-441-8712 or jaqdavies@gmail.com or Jamila Davies, 240-441-8715 or Vicki_d@hotmail.com.

The Perfect Place for a Blessed Wedding
Farm Weddings at the Farm of Peace
wedding What a beautiful transformation for the Teaching Barn as Ahmad El-Khatib and Rima Kharuf celebrated their wedding in the company of a hundred friends and family this past weekend. Their wedding inaugurated the Farm of Peace as a place where families can come together to enjoy a very special wedding.

Farms are an increasingly popular venue for weddings, and the Farm of Peace is excited to initiate a farm weddings program here. The Teaching Barn is a perfect site for a ceremony, reception, dancing and dining. We're especially pleased to offer such an ideal place for families who will appreciate an alcohol-free environment for their celebration.

For Ahmad and Rima's wedding, the groom's mom, Mary, planned a sumptuous affair with beautiful table arrangements, delicious traditional Palestinian food specially catered, a traditional ceremony and dancing, and more! The Teaching Barn was filled with twinkling lights, flowers and the joy of celebration. All the guests, who traveled from near and far, loved being at the Farm of Peace.

"I could not have asked for a more perfect wedding. The barn was so magical and peaceful. I really felt that there was an abundance of peace and blessings throughout our entire ceremony. I never imagined that it was going to be so perfect!!," said Rima.

If you, your family member, or a friend are looking for a very special place to hold your wedding, give us a call to find out rental information, and we'll help you to make your wedding at the Farm of Peace a cherished memory that will last a lifetime.

Setting the Vision for the Next Three Years
Farm Community Visioning Meeting
visioning meeting Close to 40 beloveds gathered over the weekend of March 26-27 to participate in the Farm of Peace community visioning process. Hamida Silber, Nuh Ross and Amin Whalen, along with Salima Adelstein, facilitated the meeting, leading community members through a series of exercises to set intentions for our one-year and three-year vision for the Farm, based on what Allah is asking of us now.

One of the most gratifying realizations was to note that with one exception, all the goals that had been established in the first community visioning process seven years ago are now a reality! The remaining goal, creating an orphanage at the Farm, was carried forward in the current visioning.

What do we want to create for our community and the world? In one exercise, several small groups and used their creativity (with crayons, feathers, markers and glitter) to put their ideas on paper -- a kind of visual brainstorming process. In the photo here, one of the small groups shares their creation with the gathering.

Vision elements included: a masjid at the core of the community, with a surrounding campus; successful entrepreneurial activities centered around agriculture; a coop/thrift store/market on the Farm; the Farm as the center of a broad virtual community with internet and video connections; more people connected to and served by the community; a children's school, housing for farm staff and workers, a medical/healing clinic, a retirement center; burial space and services; an orphanage; financial sustainability.

The process led to the group addressing seven major areas of focus. A small group was formed to focus on each area and develop a set of one-year and three-year outcomes (goals) and one-year activities toward meeting those goals.

  • Strengthen our community
  • Create the masjid
  • Generate revenue
  • Expand programs/outreach
  • Develop a children's school
  • Establish financial sustainability at the Farm
  • Establish Farm of Peace/SSCE as an independent non-profit organization

The children also contributed to the Farm's vision. Rahima Pasko cared for about 10 children over the weekend and guided them to create posters sharing their hopes for the future. "I will help the Farm of Peace by planting carrots"; "I will help the Farm of Peace by planting vegetables" are some of the ways the children provided a model for giving. In the final portion of the meeting, for all the grown-ups wrote down their own commitments about how they would help the Farm of Peace in the next 10 days.

Thanks to Hamida, Salima, Nuh and Amin, and all the beloveds who shared their hearts' vision, wisdom and enthusiasm in working together to map the future of our community's development.

The farm managers and circles will be refining and revising the one-year and three-year outcomes, and then developing each area's one-year plan. The Circle of Trusted Servants (CoTS) will be revising the Mission/Vision/Guiding Principles based on output from the visioning meeting. All the goals will be integrated by CoTS and will be presented to the community via a web survey to receive everyone's feedback. CoTs will revise the goals based on feedback, and then the circles will develop one-year operating plans to reach the goals. Save the date! A community picnic and meeting is scheduled for July 16 for everyone to come together to share the developments and begin implementing the action plans.

What's Happening at the Farm
Updates from Farm of Peace Circles
New trees for the orchard Farm managers shared highlights about some of the projects and activities that are taking place in the Farm community. The managers are the leads for the mid-level circles that coordinate the activity of related activity-specific circles. If you would like more information or want to participate, please feel free to contact the appropriate manager via the email address listed.

Farm Operations: Maryam Hand, orchard manager (in photo), planted 10 new pear and apple trees, as well as 30 strawberry plants donated by Wahida and Hassan Kass.Three beautiful ducks have come from Salima and Habib's home to waddle and swim around the farmhouse. The sheep were sheared recently and are due to start lambing very soon. More information: Kamila Dinning, kgdinnig@yahoo.com

Facilities: Potholes, potholes, potholes! Many have developed this year on Haven Lane, and many thanks to Habib Reinke, who has filled most of them. Spring cleaning is underway and we are preparing the gardens around the IPC and the teaching barn for the upcoming warmer weather. We're cleaning the pole barn and teaching barn early this year. More information: Mu'min Shay, robertshay@aol.com

Development (Marketing, Outreach, Gratitude): Kathy Zahra took a supply of donated baby clothes, toys and books to a family in New York with a new baby. The free healing day is still being held and each person receives a free healing at the events or is scheduled for a healing. We continue to focus on fundraising for our new Khadijah Mosque project; many thanks to everyone who has donated so far. More information: Mu'min Shay, robertshay@aol.com

Programs: A new healing program begins this year: Dr. Mary Claire (Asiya) Wise, MD, leads a new five-day program that includes functional medicine, spiritual healings and many other healing treatments. Dates are October 5-9 and November 2-6. We are blessed to have Hadeel al Barrak starting Arabic classes as well as offering a weekend workshop, The Qur'an Unveiled. Dates to be announced. The Program Circle has a new Virtual Programs circle led by Wahida Kass. With our new video-conferencing equipment, we will be able to share classes live. More information: Sabura Myers, daphnehmyers@gmail.com

Community Relations: The Zawiyah Circle has been working to open the energy of our zawiyah program, and to get more zawiyah teachers trained and ready to serve. The Residents Circle will be working to develop a policy on community service for all farm residents. The new Sufi Life Circle is working in many areas: how to hold and nurture the spiritual life of the beloveds in our community, and how to support all of us in our walking and interpersonal relationships. The Sufi Life Circle is especially looking for new members! More information: Maryam Whalen, maryam@maryamwhalen.com.

Planning: The Davies expect to move into their new home at the Farm next month! The Khadijah Mosque circle has selected an architect for the mosque project, and the circle meetings will recommence soon. The Children's School circle has been working to develop a business plan and curriculum for the school; there is a strong commitment from families to make this happen. Planning is underway to establish a USHS Alumni Association for our community, to provide graduates with follow-up learning and support, and to plan events to encourage new USHS students. More information: Abd al Qadir Davies, jaqdavies@gmail.com

New Virtual Programs Technology at the Farm
by Wahida Kass
A new circle was born at the Community Visioning weekend - Virtual Programs! This circle will provide a container for our emerging video and internet programming which will expand the audience for Farm of Peace programming to other communities linked to this video conferencing system. Inshallah, we will also soon be able to stream some programming directly to personal computers!

The Virtual Programs circle lead is Wahida Kass, who has been the FOP liaison for acquiring and setting up the new video conference system. This circle will interface closely with and support all the other program circles, since it's a method of presenting programs rather than an actual program.

We're excited about the possibilities in sharing video programs with beloveds in Minneapolis and Boston area, as well as USHS, and we expect that other centers will want to acquire this technology to bring virtual programs to their communities.

Reflections on the Zawiyah
Participants Share Their Experience
Hassan I needed some time to completely disengage from the demands of my life and reconnect to my relationship with the divine. The zawiyah team really understood how to support me and give me the space to take my chance with this unique opportunity. The rural setting offered a quiet refuge.

I was very impressed with the beauty of the holiness of the International Peace Center. I highly recommend zawiyah at the Farm of Peace; it is my hope that more and more people will take advantage of this incredible resource.

-- Hassan Janeff, Austin, Tx.

The Kitchen's Bounty
A Favorite Farm of Peace Recipe
Guests have been clamoring for this recipe that's been a favorite at the Farm of Peace for some time. Thanks to Maryam Reimer, who shared this delicious recipe when she was the cook at the Farm years ago.

Maryam's Meatloaf

  • 1 1/3 lb. ground turkey
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup rolled oats
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup each diced carrots & diced celery
  • Parsley - generous amount
  • 1 ½ teaspoons sage
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • For glaze: 1 tablespoon each mustard & honey

Saute carrots, celery & herbs in olive oil. In separate bowl, mix raw turkey, eggs, oats & cranberries. When vegetables are soft, add to turkey mixture & mix thoroughly. Place mixture in an oiled loaf pan.

In a small bowl, mix honey and mustard, then spread it on the top of the meat loaf. Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes at 350 degrees F.

Thank You!
Your Giving Makes A Difference
Halima Courter Thank you to everyone who gives in so many ways to help the Farm of Peace.

Halima Courter (pictured here), Shamsa Houck and Kamila Dinning helped clean the IPC during Maryam Hand's absence last month. Thanks so much!

Thank you to Annette Hall, who helped with cooking during a workshop, and also is part of the team responsible for handling the technical aspects of our new video conferencing system; that team includes Wahida Kass and Rifqa Parrino. Thanks to all of you.

Jamila Davies noticed that some al-wird/Allah cards were needed for the farmhouse, and she had some printed. Thank you, Jamila. We also appreciate the beautiful basket of pink petunias that Belqis Loeliger gave to add a touch of spring at the IPC. Thanks!

Many, many thanks to Habib Reineke for doing so much for the farm, including collecting wood to fuel the woodstove and filling the ever-blossoming potholes on Haven Lane. (A good reminder to all who drive on Haven Lane to please drive slowly -- 15 mph maximum -- to save our road and create safety for your fellow drivers.)

Thanks to Isa Konecki, who helped Mu'min and Kamila with spring cleanup at the pole barn and teaching barn, in preparation for a wedding celebration taking place at the farm. Russ Burns and his sons gave their time to help out in the orchard. Thank you all so much. Our gratitude goes out to Jamil Batress for helping with the flock on sheep-shearing day. Thanks, Jamil.

We are grateful to all who are making financial donations to help the Farm continue its mission to bring the real love to the world and to care for the creation. For everyone whose heart is called, your donations are most welcome. You may send your check made to "Farm of Peace" to 1212 Haven Lane, Warfordsburg, PA 17267; or call us at 717-573-2956 and we will take your credit card information for your donation. Thank you!

Upcoming Events
April 21-24: Gardens of Truth Monthly Sufi School. Join Salima for dhikr on Thurs. evening and journey with her for three days of learning about Sufi masters, sacred alphabet, whirling, healing and much, much more. $250. Lodging and meals available (additional). Next: May 26-29.

April 26: Free Intro Teleclass for Peace Partners. John AQ and Jamila Davies present an introduction to their four-part program designed to bring harmony to relationships. Program begins Aug. 5-7. $300 per session; $1,100 for the series. Call Jamila at 240-441-8715 for information.

April 30-May 1: Daughters of Rabi'ah "Taster" weekend. For women who have taken hand with Sidi; led by Maryam Whalen. $150. Meals and lodging at IPC at additional charge. Register at 717-573-4722.

May 14: Free Healing Day, 2-4 p.m. This is a great way to introduce your friends to Sufi teachings and healing. There is no charge. Free Healing Day also held in Silver Spring, Md. Next Silver Spring event: May 22; call 301-565-7878 to RSVP.

May 14-15: Community Day at the Farm of Peace. Starts Saturday at 1:30 pm with a teaching to nourish hearts; potluck dinner at 5:30 & an evening of fun and games. Sunday there is a pancake breakfast and fun working together around the Farm. Free! Come and bring the whole family & enjoy being together with our community.

Zawiyah Spiritual Retreat: Give your heart the gift of walking more deeply in proximity to God. Zawiyah is ongoing at the Farm of Peace. Cost: $130 per day includes teachings, room & board. Call the Farm for information and to register: 717-573-4722.

Dhikr: Sundays, 5:30 p.m. & Thursdays, 7 p.m. Sufi healing circle for healing of body, mind, heart and spirit. All are welcome! (Potluck supper follows Sunday's dhikr.)

Jumah: Every Friday, 1:30 p.m. Gather in community for prayers and teachings from the Qu'ran and Sidi's writings.

Salima Healing Seminar. In this individual three-day seminar, Salima offers a unique opportunity for deep healing. You'll receive individual assessments and healings with Salima, and a series of complementary sessions and bodywork. Call the Farm at 717-573-4722 to schedule.

Farm Stay: Enjoy a mid-week getaway in the country. Guests age 16 & older are welcome to stay at the farm (in the IPC) and enjoy the woods, fields and animals in a peaceful, secluded environment, restful and revitalizing in all seasons of the year. Call 717-573-2956 to make your reservations. The Farm of Peace is a member of the Pennsylvania Farm Vacation Association, www.pafarmstay.com.

phone: 717-573-2956 or 877-FOR-SSCE

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