|
|
What happened at GC from September to December? |
|
|
|
|
|
With Maharaj Ji’s kirpa, Gurmat Center was honored to have its own float in the Abbotsford Nagar Kirtan, marking our first Nagar Kirtan float after 21 years. It was beautiful to witness the love and support from the Sangat as our students did Kirtan, Gatka, Parchar, and Kavishri on the float. GC tote bags with goodies were also shared with the Sangat as a small token of gratitude and joy. |
|
|
|
ਸਾਧਸੰਗਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਸੁਪ੍ਰਸੰਨ ॥੨॥ In the Company of the Holy, O Nanak, God is totally pleased.॥2॥ |
|
|
A heartfelt thank you to all the sevadars who participated in building and decorating Gurmat Center’s Nagar Kirtan float this year. From construction to creative design and hands-on setup, every sevadar contributed unique strengths that came together. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
School Year Start-Up Staff Meeting |
|
|
As we got ready to welcome students back, Gurmat Center teachers came together for our annual school startup meeting. The session connected both new and returning teachers and helped strengthen our shared vision of teaching that is rooted in Gurmat values. We concluded with Ardaas and Hukamnama, seeking Maharaj’s blessings for guidance and Chardikla as we begin another year. |
|
|
|
|
School Year Volunteer Orientation |
|
|
To kick off the new school year, we welcomed our dedicated Sevadars for an orientation. The session introduced volunteers to Gurmat Center’s various departments, including Office, Punjabi Classes, Kirtan Classes, and Dharam Parchaar Store. Each department shared its unique role and how Sevadars can contribute through meaningful Seva during their breakout discussions. Through these opportunities, Sevadars will continue learning new skills and growing spiritually, while serving the Sangat. |
|
|
ਅਨਿਕ ਭਾਂਤਿ ਕਰਿ ਸੇਵਾ ਕਰੀਐ ॥ ਜੀਉ ਪ੍ਰਾਨ ਧਨਿ ਆਗੈ ਧਰੀਐ ॥ Serve the Lord in many different ways; Dedicate your soul, your breath of life and your wealth to Him. |
|
|
|
|
|
This September, we welcomed back over 530 students as we began another year of Punjabi, Santhia, Sikh Studies, Kirtan, Dastar Tying, and Gatka classes. Click here to find out more about Gurmat Center’s classes! |
|
|
|
ਗੁਰਪਰਸਾਦੀ ਵਿਦਿਆ ਵੀਚਾਰੈ ਪੜਿ ਪੜਿ ਪਾਵੈ ਮਾਨੁ ॥ By the Guru’s Grace, contemplate spiritual knowledge; read it and study it, and you shall be honoured. |
|
|
|
|
Sunday Youth and Family Darbar |
|
|
After a 2 month summer break, the weekly Sunday Youth & Family Darbar returned in September. To kick off the school year, the SYFD on September 21st, 2025 included ਕੀਰਤਨ, ਕਥਾ, double prizes, and cupcakes. |
|
|
|
|
ਕੋਟਿ ਬਿਘਨ ਹਿਰੇ ਖਿਨ ਮਾਹਿ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਕਥਾ ਸਾਧਸੰਗਿ ਸੁਨਾਹਿ ॥੧॥
Millions of obstacles are removed in an instant, For those who listen to the Sermon of the Lord, Har, Har, in the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy. ||1|| |
|
|
From September to December, we were blessed to have 8 different Parcharaks speak at SYFD and share the message of the Guru. Many of these Parcharaks learned at Gurmat Center, and now, with Guru Sahib’s blessings, they are inspiring and preaching to the next generation of Sikhs. |
|
|
|
Top row (left to right) Tarandeep Kaur, Tejpreet Kaur, Manveer Kaur, Pavandip Kaur, Gursimar Kaur. Bottom row (left to right) Veer Jee, Khushbash Singh, Sukhveer Singh, Kabeer Singh. |
|
|
This free weekly program is for families and youth, giving everyone the chance to learn more about Sikhi through Kirtan and English Katha. Please join us in the GC Basement every Sunday from 5:30 to 7:00 pm! |
|
|
|
|
|
3 Gurmat Center Youth Events |
|
|
Since September, Gurmat Center has hosted 3 Gurmat Center Youth programs featuring a diverse range of guest speakers. At each GCY event, youth in grades 9 or higher take part in an insightful discussion, an exciting sport or game, and a delicious dinner. |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ਸਾਧਸੰਗਤਿ ਬਿਨਾ ਭਾਉ ਨਹੀ ਊਪਜੈ ਭਾਵ ਬਿਨੁ ਭਗਤਿ ਨਹੀ ਹੋਇ ਤੇਰੀ ॥ Without the Saadh Sangat, the Company of the Holy, love for the Lord does not well up; without this love, Your devotional worship cannot be performed. |
|
|
Throughout the program, we explore ਗੁਰਮਤਿ in a supportive and non-judgemental environment. We are so fortunate to have such amazing guest speakers join us for GCY events. We look forward to seeing you at the next event! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
CANDY PACKING FOR THE 22ND ANNUAL SHAHEEDI SMAGAM |
|
|
Sevadars from grade 3 to university gathered to pack around 275 bags of candy in a little over an hour for the 22nd Annual Shaheedi Smagam! |
|
| | We are so thankful to these wonderful Sevadars! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
THE 22ND ANNUAL SHAHEEDI SMAGAM |
|
|
Our 22nd Annual Shaheedi Smagam was a success, and we sincerely thank everyone who attended. Together, we were able to commemorate the Shaheeds of 1984 and remember the atrocities inflicted on the Sikh Nation by the Indian government. It was a blessing to join the ਸੰਗਤ in remembering our history. |
|
|
ਸੂਰਾ ਸੋ ਪਹਿਚਾਨੀਐ ਜੁ ਲਰੈ ਦੀਨ ਕੇ ਹੇਤ ॥ ਪੁਰਜਾ ਪੁਰਜਾ ਕਟਿ ਮਰੈ ਕਬਹੂ ਨ ਛਾਡੈ ਖੇਤੁ ॥੨॥੨॥ He alone is known as a spiritual hero, who fights in defense of those in need. He may be cut apart, piece by piece, but he never leaves the field of battle. ||2||2|| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 GC Mothers Collective Events |
|
|
Gurmat Center Mothers Collective is our new peer support program for moms of children in GC programs. We have successfully hosted two gatherings so far. These events offer a warm and Gurmat rooted space for moms to connect and reflect. Sessions are facilitated in Punjabi and English. The program is free to attend. |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Midterm Exams and Parent Teacher Interviews |
|
|
|
Midterm exams took place in late November and early December. Students in Punjabi, Santhia, and Sikh Studies classes were tested on the material covered since September. After the exams, parent-teacher interviews were held to review student progress and discuss results. |
|
|
|
|
|
This winter, Gurmat Center hosted a family movie night where families came together to watch ਚਾਰ ਸਾਹਿਬਜ਼ਾਦੇ (Chaar Sahibzaade) and reflect on the immense sacrifices of ਗੁਰੂ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਿੰਘ ਜੀ ਮਹਾਰਾਜ (Guru Gobind Singh Jee Maharaj) and the ਸਾਹਿਬਜ਼ਾਦੇ (Sahibzaade). The film created a powerful space for the sangat to gather, learn, and reflect on the sacrifices our Father and brothers made so that we may continue practicing Sikhi today. The movie night was a huge success, with a 500+ ਸੰਗਤ count! |
|
|
|
ਨਾਰਾਇਨ ਨਰਪਤਿ ਨਮਸਕਾਰੈ ॥ ਐਸੇ ਗੁਰ ਕਉ ਬਲਿ ਬਲਿ ਜਾਈਐ ਆਪਿ ਮੁਕਤੁ ਮੋਹਿ ਤਾਰੈ ॥੧॥
The one who bows in humble reverence to the Primal Lord, the Lord of all beings - I am a sacrifice, a sacrifice to such a Guru; He Himself is liberated, and He carries me across as well. ||1||Pause|| |
|
|
|
|
Upcoming events/programs… |
|
|
| | The next Gurmat Center Youth event will be held on Saturday, January 24 from 4:30 to 8:00 pm. The evening will include a guest speaker leading a Sikhi-based discussion, followed by sports, games, and dinner. This event is open to Grade 9 and up. Click here for more information on GCY. Keep an eye out for emails in the coming weeks with more details. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | On February 28th, Sikh Studies students will be taking a trip to Sasquatch Mountain Resort for a fun-filled day of skiing. Stay on the lookout for pictures and videos from this wonderful event. Click here to learn more about Gurmat Center’s classes. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | During the first week of spring break, Gurmat Center will be holding Spring Gurmat Camp 2026. Campers will enjoy a 4-day experience full of learning and excitement. Spring Camp includes Gurmat, Sikh history, Gatka, arts and crafts, game time, daily prizes, certificates, a bowling field trip, and more. Anyone in Grade 7 or higher can apply to volunteer. Click here to learn more. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Your support helps us continue our mission… |
|
|
|
|
|
|
