Family makes meaningful trip to Turkey, Israel

David and Jilla Simmons had visited Israel on a Baha’i pilgrimage as newlyweds more than 20 years ago. This summer they made the trip again with their grown daughters.

“It was exciting to be able to return with my family,” said David Simmons. “It was especially meaningful and fulfilling to see it through their eyes.”

“We didn’t go sooner because they were too young to appreciate it,” said Julie Simmons. Daughter Elham is 22 and Nasim is 21.

The Simmons family spent a week in Turkey and two weeks in Israel visiting sites considered holy in the Baha’i faith. One of those sites was a prison in Akka where the founders of the Baha’i faith were imprisoned for preaching their message. “We had a chance to visit the prison and see the cells,” Jilla Simmons said.

The faith was founded in the mid-19th Century by Baha’u’llah and preaches unity. The faith is built on the belief that there is one God and one religion, said David Simmons. “We believe there’s only one God,” he said. “It doesn’t matter what you call him.” He considers the various faiths different chapters of the same religion, not different religions.

The center of the Baha’i faith, called the Shrine of the Bab, is located in Israel. Pilgrims from all over the world come to visit, with 200 people cycling through every two weeks. Would-be pilgrims must apply for the limited tour spots. “It can take you several years to wait your turn,” he said.

David Simmons said his faith was strengthened during the visit, particularly since the Baha’i faith does not use clergy. “You’re on your own,” he said. “It’s a goal the Baha’i have to go on pilgrimage. It’s a spiritual, mystical journey.”

The Simmons’ said they had no problems while traveling through Israel. “In Israel we noticed there was a lot of security,” he said. “It was not obtrusive.”

“There were some areas we were advised not to go to,” like Jerusalem, Jilla Simmons said. “In Turkey people were so nice and helpful.”

Fall auction at Zion Lutheran

Zion Lutheran Church will host its annual fall auction next Saturday. The event will raise money for the church’s youth group and recent remodeling that added a handicap accessible bathroom and new carpet.

Silent auction bidding will begin at 3:30 p.m. next Saturday. A dinner catered by Longhorn Barbecue will be served at 5 p.m., followed by live auction bidding at 6.

Items up for bid include crafts, quilts, baked goods, toys and a seven-day vacation to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The cost of the evening is $12, which includes the dinner and both auctions.

Call the church office at 926-5407 for more information or to purchase tickets. The church is at 8304 E. Buckeye Ave.

Rally Day at the park

Opportunity Christian Church will host its Rally Day activities to kick off the Sunday school year Sunday at Valley Mission Park, 11123 E. Mission Ave.

The morning will start at 11 a.m. with a worship service, so be prepared and bring a lawn chair. A potluck lunch will follow. Those attending are asked to bring salads and desserts to share. The church will provide hot dogs, hamburgers, Polish sausages and drinks.

The church is also planning horse shoe, bingo and volleyball games.

New fall schedule

Worship services at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church will now begin at 8:30 and 11 a.m. each Sunday. Christian education classes will start at 9:45 a.m. each week.

The church is at 810 S. Sullivan Road.