Greetings, CTU Members and Friends –
Our theme for July is “Identity”. What identity do we want for CTU? What does it mean to be a Unitarian? These are the types of questions we will be asking ourselves in the services as well as at the upcoming workshop led by Melanie and Shelley, coming up at 12:30 pm on Sunday, 4 July. (See below for more details.)
Thanks to everyone for helping us all get through the cold of winter by hovering around the Zoom “fire” together. Let us weather this lockdown as best we can, supporting each other with our prayers and our presence.
I look forward to seeing you all soon!
Nima
nimajanettaylor@gmail.com // WhatsApp number: 0760249120
UPCOMING SUNDAY TOPICS
4 July - What does it mean to be a Unitarian? There are many diverse ways to identify as a Unitarian. This Sunday, we’ll explore together the various components that might have meaning to each of us, and we’ll have some time to share with each other what it means for you, or perhaps there’s another identity that has more spiritual significance for you?
11 July - Who or what am I: Buddhist practices to uncover the essence of being: In Tibetan Buddhism, there are practices designed to enable us to experience each moment in a dramatically different way from our sometimes distracted way of living. Nima will share some Buddhist tools and techniques that might help each of us recognise the essence of our being.
18 July - Nelson Mandela Day Reflections : Join Celeste and Hans for a conversation in the spirit of Mandela Day. Have a cup of your preferred beverage on hand as we spend time sharing, exploring and laughing together. #MANDELADAY2021 The essence of Mandela Day – take action, inspire change, and make every day a Mandela Day – is more important than ever before.
25 July - What do I value? How do my values create my identity?: With the important work being facilitated by Shelley and Melanie, we can explore together how our values create our identity, and how we can discover what are our deepest held values.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Thursdays, 1 - 1:30 pm - Mid-Week Meditation: Join any Thursday in July for a short guided meditation then time to just sit, just breathe and just be. After the meditation, we are making time to share with each other whatever might be on our mind or our heart. Email NimaJanetTaylor@gmail.com for the Zoom link.
3 July, 3 - 5 pm – Chalice Circle Mowbray: This month’s topic is Play. Email nataliebillingsarch@gmail.com for more information and materials.
4 July, Sunday, 12:30 - 14:30 pm - Workshop to explore our identity, values and principles: We invite you to participate in a workshop that explores what values and/or principles we have in common and how this identity shapes who we are individually and as Unitarians in our African context. As a way of starting the conversation we ask that you consider these questions: 1. What cultural or personal values do you identify with, if any? 2. How do those values impact how you are a Unitarian? Ask Melanie.Ferreira3@gmail.com for the zoom link.
18 July, Sunday at 12:00 pm - We will be holding a CTU Council meeting. Updates on decisions taken will be posted in the next newsletter.
01 August, Sunday: We will be celebrating the Annual Africa Unitarian Day. WATCH THIS SPACE!
UPDATES
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.
Blood Donation: If you wish to donate blood, contact the Western Cape Blood Service to find out when/where they will be having their next drive. Their contact details are as follows: (021) 507 6300 or register on their website: https://www.wcbs.org.za.
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
On behalf of the Unitarian church, Georgia, Dave and Hans made a yummy meal of curried butternut and onions with veggie stock samp, as part of an act of community service within the Obs Can Feed You (OCFY) programme.
They served at around 5:30 pm on Fri, 25 June, and an estimated 25 street neighbours served plenty of seconds and thirds for those who wanted. A few expressed their gratitude, so the OCFY efforts and contributions are very much appreciated, especially on a cold, wet Friday evening such as this one. Stay warm, dry and healthy folks ~ counting our blessings to have a roof over our heads, full tummies and a warm bed, on nights like this.
(The Unitarians were planning to actively participate in this initiative at least every other week, but this might be hampered by newly intensified Covid regulations.)
We had a great time with Soraya Salie and the Bonteheuwel Walking Ladies, celebrating the 2nd birthday of the David Profit Peace Garden! They have invited us back in September for our annual Flower Communion service!
PROFILE:
CAROLINA REDDY
What was your experience of religion or education growing up?
As a child our family was not part of any particular church though there was a sense that we were Christians. I was exposed to Anglican and Moravian family members from time to time. When we eventually moved into our own home, I was introduced to different charismatic, NK Kerk and Catholic Church goers as well as Muslim neighbours, to name a few.
At the age of 11, I had a school teacher who ran bible classes for a year and that led to me "giving my heart to Jesus" and becoming "born again" along with my older sister. In my later teens, I gave my heart to the Lord AGAIN when invited to Christian "coffee shops" (music, preaching and coffee). At the age of 22, I became involved in Christian outreach, providing support to a gospel band and met my then husband who was singing with them. That started a journey with Baptist churches until a few years after my divorce.
It was both scary and enlightening with so many voices around me claiming that they were on the right path and the rest of us would burn in hell, should we not convert.
How/when did you first discover Unitarianism?
I signed up for a healing meditation class on Meet Up with Nima earlier this year. What followed was some sleuthing into the Unitarian community and connecting with your services.
Why did you choose to participate in Cape Town Unitarian’s spiritual community?
It started out with the resonance that people from all walks of life are welcome and accepted in your community. It's also apparent that you have a real home for the LGBTQI community, as well. I'm also inspired by the diverse subject matter discussed/presented.