May 2021 Newsletter

Greetings, CTU Members and Friends –

Our theme for June is “Play”. How can we inject more play in our lives in the midst of a pandemic? Join us on Sundays at 10:30 am as we explore this theme, along with deepening our bonds with each other in the CTU community.

We will also have a game day at the church IF the third wave doesn’t arrive. Mark your calendars for Sunday, 5 June after the service (we will try in person and online).

WE NEED YOUR FEEDBACK! Here is a short 5-minute survey on our Sunday services. We would be so grateful if you completed it. Click here to go to the survey.

I’m sending each of you light and love,

Nima
nimajanettaylor@gmail.com // WhatsApp number: 0760249120

 

UPCOMING SUNDAY TOPICS

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2 May -Celebrating our Lay Leaders: We have nine members graduating from our first year-long Lay Leaders Programme. Come celebrate these amazing people who are leading our community in so many ways.

9 May - Freedom from the known ... Gogo Aubrey Matshiqi is a traditional healer who will discuss how knowledge from the past limits our way of thinking in the present. We will explore the possibility of freeing ourselves from the known in order to live more fully in the now.

16 May - The Story of Water: Celeste Esau and others will explore how water is woven into the fabric of our lives and our planet. Bring your stories of water to share!

23 May - Annual General Meeting: All are welcome to attend CTU’s AGM and learn more about our community. We’ll have a 30-minute mini-service before beginning the AGM at 11 am.

30 May - Roux Malan will present an eco reflection: "I can breathe again! The Spirit of Life and the restoration of Earth and our vital energy." In conversation with the writings of Laurenti Magesa (one of Africa's best known Catholic theologians) and Jürgen Moltman (one of Europe's foremost Reformed theologians).

UPCOMING EVENTS

Thursdays, 1:00 - 1:30 pm - Mid-Week Meditation: Join any Thursday in May for a short guided meditation then time to just sit, just breathe and just be. Email NimaJanetTaylor@gmail.com for the Zoom link.

15 May, 3:00 - 5:00 pm – Chalice Circle Mowbray: This month’s topic is Commitment. Email nataliebillingsarch@gmail.com for more information and materials.

16 May, 5:00 - 6:30 pm - Faith & Sexuality? We are sponsoring, along with CTII, a panel discussion on this topic with outstanding LGBTQIA speakers, author Siya Khumalo, Imam Muhsin Hendircks and Dr. Anastasia Thomson. We’ll meet via Zoom, with Justice Edwin Cameron hopefully moderating. This is an event to kick off a week of LGBTQIA events all over the world. For more information, contact NimaJanetTaylor@gmail.com.

18 May, 6 -7 pm - Zoom workshop. Nima will be providing an opportunity learn how to access the various features of Zoom. All are welcome. Contact Nima for the zoom link.

PERSONAL PROFILE:

Blanche Michael

My last visit to Istanbul in 2017

My last visit to Istanbul in 2017

What was your experience of religion or education growing up?

Although the Anglican Church of South Africa houses my family’s records back to the late 1870s, I was largely influenced by the Irish Catholic school that I attended from the age of five. The fact that Mother Theresa herself visited us in 1988 was indeed a contributing factor to bolster the Catholic presence in my formative years. I am very grateful to those grumpy old Irish nuns for the tremendous effort they made to ensure that the highest social and moral code was imparted to my compatriots and me.

I grew up in a predominantly Muslim neighbourhood and in my later years would spend several years living and working in the Middle East. People were extremely kind to me and never was I made to feel like a religious outsider.

My experience of religion and people of religion is that we are all searching for our own personal truths along life’s journey.

How/when did you first discover Unitarianism?

I first discovered Unitarianism in 2021. I was disappointed to not have known about the community in the past, as I know so many people (some of whom are no longer with us) who would have really been keen on learning from the Unitarian teachings and its all-inclusive, eclectic approach to spirituality.

Why did you choose to participate in Cape Town Unitarian’s spiritual community?

I assumed the position of a temporary administrator to the church in March 2021.

Even though I am employed by the church, I have realised that my involvement within the community is more than just a job. It is being a part of a social and spiritual cause. Many of the volunteers that I interact with on a regular basis are clearly very passionate about the projects they undertake and this has influenced my stance on my involvement with the church.

UPDATES

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Young Adults Chalice Circle is Forming: Individuals between the ages of 18 and 40 are welcome to join a new group for members to collectively and actively assist one another to enrich their Body, Mind and Soul through group activities. The group activities build a purpose-filled sense of unity by engaging with a diverse group of like-minded individuals. Young Adults meet on a regular basis as per identified activity. For more information contact Johan Groenewald on 082 897 5000.

Donate to CTU Relief Fund for Food Vouchers
In this difficult time, we know some CTU members are having difficulty putting food on the table. We have started a relief fund specifically to buy and distribute food vouchers for our friends in need. Please consider donating by emailing community@capetownunitarians.org for more information.

2021 Youth Religious Education 
We have a robust Chalice Kids education project underway. If you would like for your child to participate, contact Nima at nimajanettaylor@gmail.com.

Donate to Cape Town Unitarians
Even though we are not holding in-person services yet, our running costs are the same. We would be grateful if you can EFT a little extra this month to compensate for the in-person collections that we can’t take. Here is our bank information:

Unitarian Church
Standard Bank, Branch 051001, A/C # 070440719
Swift Code: SBZAZAJJ

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.