Greetings, CTU Members and Friends –
Photo courtesy of John Tyson
Our theme for September is Belonging. Where do you feel like you belong? How can we create relationships that cultivate a sense of belonging? What does belonging feel like to you?
We have many fun activities planned for September: more Spiritual Care Cafes, Chalice Circles and our annual trip to the Peace Garden in Bonteheuwel for our flower communion.
I am extra excited to announce that our beloved organist, Alexios Vicatos, will be playing for our more traditional service on Sunday, 5 September.
With love and light,
Nima
nimajanettaylor@gmail.com // WhatsApp number: 0760249120
UPCOMING SUNDAY TOPICS
Please note: All services are now hybrid
4 September – Traditional Unitarian Service: Come listen as our awesome organist, Alexios Vicatos, plays some of our familiar songs, and reflect on the history of our community.
11 September – Louis Mwatsika: Creating a Sense of Belonging in a New Country : Louis is an amazing young man whom Nima will interview about his experiences coming to South Africa from Zimbabwe and working diligently to achieve his goals. Come support Louis and hear his inspiring journey.
18 September – Belonging With the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas: In these chaotic times, it is easy to feel alone. In Buddhism, we are encouraged to visualize that all the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are all around us, encouraging us on our spiritual path. Join us for some chanting, meditation and reflection.
25 September – Flower Communion Bonteheuwel: Join Cele and others as we celebrate spring with our Flower communion with Soraya Salie and the Bonteheuwel Walking Ladies Club. It’s always a delightful time in their Peace Garden! If you’d like to ride with Nima and others, let Nima know by emailing her at nimajanettaylor@gmail.com.
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
Somerset West Fellowship
3 September, Saturday, 10 am – Vonke House in the Park Chapel Room at 121 Lourensford Road
Rev. Sarah Rule will speak. She is a Roman Catholic Womanpriest (RCWP) who lives in Stellenbosch. She grew up in a Jewish family and will talk about her spiritual journey from that heritage to becoming a RCWP. RSVP to Dave and Jeanie Mayes at 021 850 0863 or emailing davidjeanmayes@gmail.com.
Spiritual Care Cafe Presented by the Spiritual Care Team
10 September, Saturday, 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm on Zoom
27 September, Tuesday, 7:00 pm- 8:30 pm on Zoom
Join Nima, Melanie and Karin as we co-create with you a sacred safe space for our community. Come as you are and share your joys, sorrows or concerns; or if you are feeling alone or lonely, come and join us. You are allowed to come as you are, without your sparkle, or if you are feeling particularly sparkly, join us! Format: Quaker-style sharing/meditation. Bring a candle. Contact Nima at nimajanettaylor@gmail.com for more information.
Online/Hout Street Chalice Circle
17 September, Saturday, 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm on Zoom and at 64 Hout Street
Nima is leading a Chalice Circle that is always a hybrid event. Contact her at nimajanettaylor@gmail.com for more details.
Council Meeting
18 September, Sunday, 12 Noon – 2:00 pm
All are welcome. Let Nolu know at community@capetownunitarians.org if you’d like to attend, and she will provide the Zoom link.
Chalice Kids
We have a robust Chalice Kids education project every month. This month will be exploring the theme of Joy with some song and dance with drumming! If you would like for your child to participate, contact Nima, who will help you choose the right group for your kid(s). Email Nima at nimajanettaylor@gmail.com, and she will share the homes where we are currently meeting.
Young Adults Chalice Circle
We have a group of young adults who gather for various fun activities and deep discussions. Contact Johan Groenewald at +27-82-897-5000 for more information.
COMMUNITY UPDATES
Wellness Workshop Success
We had a great time at the Wellness Day last month. Thanks to everyone who came out! And a big thanks to Hans for planning this event.
Thank You for Taking the CTU Brand Survey
Thanks to everyone who responded to our online survey about refreshing CTU’s brand. We received 23 responses and a lot of thoughtful, detailed feedback. Over the next several weeks we’ll contact some of you who indicated you were open to further conversation about your survey responses. We look forward to this brand refresh and we’ll be sure to share updates along the way. Thank you again!
Getting creative at CTU’s Wellness Workshop last month. Photos courtesy of Nima.
Update on the Elders Project
The Elders Project is continuing! In August, we interviewed Bridget Stoddart, whose family are descendants of Rev. Ramadan Balmforth, who took over our community when our founder, Rev. David Faure retired in 1897. Bridget shared some fascinating and delightful stories about our early leaders and her own role as part of the Cape Town Unitarians. In September, we will interview Fred Benning, also a long-time member of CTU. We hope to complete the interviews early next year and unveil the edited video later in 2023. What a joy to preserve our history! Thanks to Johan and Jeremiah for their dedication to this important project.