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Cape Town Unitarians gather outside the church for a photo, pre-Covid.
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Dear CTU members and friends,
It's been quite a year, hasn't it? I can't seem to find the words to describe what we are all going through, in so many different ways. For myself, I know that working with you all to co-create this loving, caring, compassionate community is what keeps me sane. Thank you for your inspiration, encouragement and kindness!
In August, we will explore the proposed 8th Unitarian Principle, which reads: “We commit to affirm and promote: journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.”
The purpose of this principle is to better understand then dismantle the systemic ways our society oppresses certain groups because of their skin colour, their sexual orientation or the myriad of other ways society debases the "others".
Note that on the first Sunday in August, we have a special treat! Come get a sneak peek at our first South African Unitarian publication. I will interview some of the writers and artists about their work, and we'll celebrate their diligent efforts to create our first journal. It'll be fun and informative!
With love and light,
Nima
WhatsApp: 076-024-9120
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UPCOMING SUNDAY TOPICS |
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2 August - African Unitarian Day - Rev. Nima
We celebrate Unitarianism in South Africa and all over the continent, as well as the Cape Town Unitarians' 153rd anniversary of our founding. To celebrate this important day, we will share excerpts and art from our first publication on South African Unitarianism entitled “Unitarian Perspectives: Reflections from South Africa”. Thanks to the diligent efforts of the editor, Rev. Roux Malan, and all the writers, artists, editors and proofreaders.
9 August - Women's Day: Where do we go from here? - Rev. Nima
We will explore a proposed 8th Principle which reads, “We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, commit to affirm and promote: journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural beloved community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.”
16 August - New Members Sunday - Rev. Nima
Have you considered getting more involved in the Cape Town Unitarians? Membership is not required but might be a way to feel more connected to this beloved community of wonderfully diverse and inspiring individuals. We invite anyone interested in joining the Cape Town Unitarians to contact Nima before the 16th for a New Member Information Packet.
23 August - How did the protest march with Desmond Tutu unfold in 1989? - Rev. Emeritus Gordon Oliver
Our minister emeritus, Gordon Oliver, was mayor of Cape Town on that fateful day,
13 September, 1989, when Tutu led an estimated 30,000 people in an anti-Apartheid march in Cape Town. Rev. Oliver, who lived through and led some important protests against Apartheid, has graciously agreed to share the backstory of the march.
30 August - We are the champions! - Jacqui Benson
We will finish off this month advocating activism for social justice by looking at the music of Queen, long known to celebrate the marginalised and downtrodden. Put on your dancing shoes and warm up your voices to make the most of the music in the privacy of your own home!
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Lay Leaders Program
2 Aug. • Sun. • 12 - 3 p.m. |
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We are delighted that Mary Ryan, SA’s beloved female Catholic Priest, will lead three classes on pastoral care for our lay leaders. Our next class will be her second class and the topic is “Listening and Counselling Skills”. Everyone is welcome!
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Spiritual Not Religious Check-In
Wednesdays • 8 - 9 p.m. |
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Every week we meet to talk about spiritual topics. Past discussions have covered love and loss and the book "The Little Prince".
Meeting ID: 945 1671 4009
Password: 531769
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Chalice Circle Mowbray
29 Aug. • Sat. • 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. |
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All are welcome. This group meets once a month to reflect on a specific spiritual principle. The material for this month covers the topic of “Intention”.
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Somerset West Unitarian Fellowship
There will be no meeting in August. Please contact Dave Mayes at 021-850-0863 or davidjeanmayes@gmail.com for more information.
Johannesburg Unitarian Fellowship
Due to the lockdown, meetings have been suspended. For more information about this fellowship and future meetings, please contact the Secretary, Doug Wilson at douglas.brett.wilson@gmail.com.
Durban Unitarian Fellowship
Due to the lockdown, meetings have been suspended. For more information about this fellowship and future meetings, please contact the Spokesperson Carol on carol@seedtrust.net or visit the Durban Unitarian website at www.unitarian.co.za.
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WRITER'S CORNER: JACOB RUMBLE
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Each month we would like to feature an article from one of our friends and members. For August, we are pleased to feature the late Jacob Rumble and his article entitled "Religion: Just What is it?"
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Save the date: 27 Sept. 2020 for Flower Communion |
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In June, one of our guest speakers was Soraya Salie, who started a Peace Garden in her suburb of Bonteheuwel. We have been invited to host our Flower Communion at the site of this garden. Please save the date and consider joining us (in-person with masks donned and sanitiser at hand) as a celebration of community and bringing awareness to the struggles in many of our impoverished communities across Cape Town and South Africa. Further details to follow next month.
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Donate to Cape Town Unitarians |
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Even though we are not holding in-person services yet, our running costs remain the same. If you are able to EFT a little extra this month to compensate for the collections that we won't be able to take, we would really appreciate that. Here is our bank information:
Standard Bank, Unitarian Church
Branch 051001, A/C # 070440719
Likewise though, if you are struggling financially or emotionally in this time please let Rev. Nima know so that our Pastoral Care Team can provide you with as much support as we can. Thank you.
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JULY COUNCIL MEETING NOTES
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The chair, Leigh Meinert, welcomed the new member, Laura Pohl, onto council for her first meeting. Council business included the following items:
1. Council Roles: Leigh will remain as Chair for one more year with Eduan Hauman as Treasurer and Melanie Ferreira as the new secretary.
2. Guidelines for our Community: We will engage with possibly including the 8th UUA Principle and more African perspectives in our document before we move for its adoption. Please follow this link to view the document and leave comments.
3. UUFP Grant: Our goals for the funded project are to develop a core group of lay leaders; broaden community and religious programmes; reach out to other congregations and African Unitarians; and possibly include social justice work.
4. Rev. Nima’s performance review was a conversation involving Nima, Shelley Adams and Engelie Brand. Nima reported that it was a lovely review process and she appreciates feedback. Rev. Nima is doing so much and so well – she has exceeded expectations, especially in her adapting to the world of Zoom.
COUNCIL MEMBERS
Eduan Hauman, Treasurer: 083-580-2038
Laura Pohl, Member: 060-488-0372
Leigh Meinert, Chairperson: 082-408-4525
Martha Holmes, Member: 072-521-4504
Melanie Ferreira, Secretary: 081-790-8030
Nima Taylor, Minister: 076-024-9120
Elspeth Muirhead, Church Secretary: 072-077-9911, elspethmuirhead@gmail.com
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SUNDAY SERVICE VOLUNTEER DUTIES
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Due to the lockdown the usual Sunday Service volunteer duties are suspended. Once the lockdown has been lifted, we would appreciate the assistance of all who are able to, to consider serving and helping to make our in-church gathering a success. New safety and sanitising procedures mean that more volunteers will be needed in addition to providing either flowers, being the greeter at the door, assisting at the welcome table or with collec-tions. When considering to volunteer, please bear in mind that your health is of the utmost importance and those with pre-existing health conditions or those over the age of 60, should avoid volunteering and attending in-person services.
Whilst we are meeting virtually via Zoom, would you be willing to volunteer to read some poetry or spiritual writings on each Sunday, based on that Sunday's theme? If anyone is interested, please contact Rev. Nima at nimajanettaylor@gmail.com.
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Cape Town Unitarians
64 Hout Street, Cape Town 8000
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