Greetings CTU members and friends,
As we continue to find our way through this challenging time, please know that our beloved Unitarian community is here to provide strength and support. We each can commit to be there for each other, and to help heal ourselves, our family, our friends and the world.
On Saturday 23 January, 3 - 4:30 pm, an online overview of Unitarianism will be presented, and all are welcome to attend. If you want to know more about becoming a member of Cape Town Unitarians on 7 February, let me know.
Also, I will be teaching a six-week Basics of Buddhism class each Tuesday starting on the 19th January 6:00 - 7:30 pm. See below for details.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you need some additional support during these trying times. I am grateful to have you all in my life.
With light and love,
Rev. Nima
nimajanettaylor@gmail.com / WhatsApp number: 0760249120
UPCOMING SUNDAY TOPICS
3 January Inner Smile Meditation with Shelley Adams: This is a Taoist exercise that examines your insides, literally and figuratively! It is a practice that focuses gratitude and joy to resolve our physical and mental tensions.
10 January Inspiring ourselves and others through art: How is it that works of art can awe and inspire us? Together we’ll explore the poetry of Rumi and others, as well as various ways to create our own art--through poetry, songs, dance, drawing etc. If you like, bring whatever tools you might need (pen, paper, songs, paints, etc.) as well as any artwork that inspires you in your life.
17 January How dreams inspire our lives: Let’s explore together how dreams can inspire us through a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Nima will describe the practice of lucid dreaming, which Tibetans have been practicing for centuries before scientists began researching the same process.
24 January Walk in Newlands Forest (if allowed per COVID rules): We will take advantage of our beautiful summer weather and Cape Town’s natural beauty to ignite our imagination. We can walk together building our bond with each other, and exploring poetry about nature. We will meet in the car park near the Forest Fire Station at 10:30 am. Please bring water and snacks.
31 January Our Sixth Unitarian Principle: How might we use our imagination to cultivate a world community with the three characteristics of peace, liberty and justice for all? Unitarianism is founded upon cherishing our fellow world citizens, helping ourselves and each other to find greater peace and a fulfilling life.
2021 PLEDGE CAMPAIGN
Thanks to all who are now pledging monthly! And if you haven’t yet done so, it’s not too late to make a pledge. Pledges are critical to us being able to sustain our Unitarian community! Please contact William Lester at capetownunitarians@gmail.com with your pledge amount.
UPCOMING EVENTS
10 January, Sunday, 12 - 3 pm via Zoom : Lay Leaders Programme
Rev. Roux Malan continues the third of his three-part series on social justice. All are welcome. Contact NimaJanetTaylor@gmail.com for more information.
19 January until 23 February, Tuesdays, 6:00 - 7:30 pm via Zoom : Basics of Buddhism
Nima will teach a Basics of Buddhism class from 6:00 - 7:30 pm each Tuesday from 19 January until 23 February via Zoom. She will review several key Buddhist concepts like the four noble truths, the five skandhas and others, as well as explore ways to incorporate Buddhist practices into everyday life. She will share meditation tips, chanting and visualisation practices that can transform the way we experience ourselves and the world around us. RSVP to NimaJanetTaylor@gmail.com.
Suggested donation of R 400 for all six classes can be made through our website homepage. Just scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the donation button for R 400. Contact Nima for information about bursaries.
23 January, Saturday, 3:00 - 4:30 pm : Overview of Unitarianism
Nima will be offering a 1.5 hour class on Unitarianism on Saturday, 23 January from 3:00 - 4:30 pm. If you are interested in learning more, contact NimaJanetTaylor@gmail.com, for a packet of information and more details.
6 February, Saturday, 2:30 - 4:30 pm via Zoom : Chalice Circle Mowbray
This month’s topic is imagination. Email nataliebillingsarch@gmail.com for information and materials.
The Somerset West and Johannesburg Unitarian Fellowships are not meeting at this time.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
2021 Youth Religious Education Project
Nima will begin Youth classes, starting at 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm on Saturday, 6 February. The first hour will be for the younger kids and the second hour for the older kids. Contact Nima at nimajanettaylor@gmail.com to RSVP.
Buy a Cape Town Unitarians t-shirt
Buy one shirt and get one free! T-shirts are for sale for R150 each. Contact Celeste Esau via WhatsApp at 0824338815 to place your order.
Donate to Cape Town Unitarians Though we are not holding in-person services, our running costs are the same. We would be grateful if you could EFT a little extra this month to compensate for the in-person collections that we can’t take:
Standard Bank, Unitarian Church
Branch 051001, A/C # 070440719
Swift Code: SBZAZAJJ
If you are struggling financially or emotionally, please let Rev. Nima know so that our Pastoral Care Team can provide you with as much support as we can. Thank you.
CTU COUNCIL MEMBERS
Melanie Ferreira, Secretary: 081-790-8030
Eduan Hauman, Treasurer: 083-580-2038
Martha Holmes, Member: 072-521-4504
Leigh Meinert, Chairperson: 082-408-4525
Laura Pohl, Member: 060-488-0372
Nima Taylor, Minister: 076-024-9120
William Lester, Church Administrator: capetownunitarians@gmail.com