October 2022 Newsletter — Cape Town Unitarians

Greetings, CTU Members and Friends –

Our theme for October is courage.

We all have done courageous acts in our lives, and there is inspiration in sharing those stories to inspire others. See the many reflections on Courage coming up this month.

We will have a Games Day after the service on 16 October. Bring your favourite games and some snacks to share!

On Saturday, 29 October at 12 pm, we are blessed to have historian, Jolene Young, lead a special historical tour of City Centre. See details below.

We have two new activities starting this month: Laura Pohl is leading a hike and Carl Lindemann is having a “Santa Soaked” storytelling event. Details below!

And save the date for a braai at my house on Sunday afternoon 13 November. Spring has sprung!

With love and light,

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

UPCOMING SUNDAY TOPICS

Please note: All services are now hybrid

2 October – Traditional Unitarian Service: Come listen as our awesome organist, Alexios Vicatos, plays some of our familiar songs, and reflect on the courageous history of our community. If you’re in the area, please come in person and support our beloved Fred Benning who will be in the building! We’ll be interviewing him after the service about his lengthy knowledge of CTU community, as part of our Oral History project.

9 October –”Luminous Void” : How can we be courageous enough to rest in the space of “emptiness” as described in Buddhist texts. The word shunyata in Sanskrit is often translated as emptiness, but some teachers say a more accurate translation is luminous void, which captures the energy of the unmanifested in the source of all. Join Nima for a time of reflection and experimenting with this precious spiritual principle.

16 October– Courageous stories: Join us as we share stories of courage from our own lives and inspire others to find the courage that is within each and every one of us! Let Nima know if you have a story you’d like to share a story.

23 October– Di Cooper: Diane Cooper was a trade unionist in the General Workers Union, later the Transport and General Workers Union, in Cape Town between 1978 and 1987. This union was one of the founding unions of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in 1985.

She worked in the Trade Union movement during the dark days of apartheid, contributing to the struggle for democracy and a more equitable society. She was in political detention and in solitary confinement for three months in 1980 and again for a short period in 1985.

Just before the birth of her first child in 1987, she left the union movement. She subsequently worked in Public Health, first at the University of Cape Town and later at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). She retired from UWC in 2020.

30 October– Pagan rituals for Spring: Join Cele and others as we explore the spring season of rebirth. We’ll share some rituals and reflect on what wants to be born anew in our own lives at this time.

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES

Somerset West Fellowship
2 October, Saturday, 10 am – Vonke House in the Park Chapel Room at 121 Lourensford Road
The speaker will be Reverend Mary Ryan. Mary is a feminist theologian and educator. She holds a doctorate in theological ethics and is an ordained Roman Catholic Womanpriest. She has worked in education, publishing and theological and spiritual formation. In 2019, with a small group of women, she initiated the Soul Carers Network to provide spiritual care to people at the end of life. She continues training end of life carers, including gardening circles for healing and grieving, and presides as a priest at the Open Table community in Cape Town.

Of her topic, Mary proposes that in times of turmoil and seeming collapse we can look back and learn from the wisdom of those who have gone before us. What can we learn from Benedict of Nursia - a 6th century spiritual teacher who lived through the turmoil of the collapsing Roman Empire? In her reflection, Mary will explore elements of the simple rules of Benedictine spirituality and what they may offer us as guidance for our times.

There is no charge for attending the meeting, and refreshments will be served. Attendance is limited to 30. Please register by contacting Dave Mayes on 021 850 0863, or davidjeanmayes@gmail.com .

Tutu Lecture Series, Sunday 7 October, 7-9 pm

The Old Granary, 11 Buitenkant St, Cape Town, 8001

The two speakers are Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Ms. Amina J. Mohammed, who will appear with best-selling author Doug Abrams. Kjellström-Matseke went on to say, “Amina Mohammed, through her extraordinary work as a global leader can share an inspiring vision for global development. This is well-paired with Doug Abrams’ intimate portraits and ability to draw out the wisdom of many of the elders of our times. I am confident that this will be a powerful moment for us to reimagine the possibilities of a bold future, shaped by collective healing and humanity.”

Deputy Secretary-General Mohammed is credited as being one of the key architects of the Sustainable Development Goals, setting an agenda for how we can develop flourishing societies and planet. She is a globally recognised leader in action to prevent climate change, having served as the Minister of Environment of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Spiritual Care Cafe Presented by the Spiritual Care Team
8 October Saturday, 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm on Zoom
25 October, 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
15 October, Saturday, 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm on Zoom
Nima is leading this Chalice Circle.. Contact her at nimajanettaylor@gmail.com for more details.

Games Day, Sunday 16 October, 12 - 2 pm
Bring your favourite game or your competitive or fun-loving spirit for an afternoon of games, snack and fun.

Spring Hike in Newlands Forest, 15 Oct., Saturday, 10:00 am to noon

Join us for a beautiful, rambling hike through Newlands Forest led by Laura. This hike is perfect for beginners and people of all ages. Though there will be a few uphill walks and climbing of stairs, we'll take plenty of breaks. Bring water, snacks, a hat and sunblock and please wear appropriate shoes. Meet in the Newlands Forest parking lot near the fire base. We leave promptly at 10:00 am. Free.

Come join Santa Claus, 23 October, Saturday, 4 pm

A new holiday tradition. Santa Claus is gathering helpers to make the greatest gift ever – a better future for our kids! Come join him as he reads his new book Santa Soaked – A Story for All Ages, the story of what’s happening with the warming at his Arctic home, how he learned about climate change, and what he’s doing about it now. Come share what’s on your wish list for a happier, healthier holidays for you, your family and friends.

City Historical Tour with Jolene Young, 29 October, Saturday, 12 - 3 pm

Ms. Jolene Young is a heritage consultant with an MA in Historical Studies (Distinction) achieved at UCT for her thesis on The Enslaved People of Simon’s Town. We will start at the Castle (parking available at the Castle or on the Parade.) The tour will take us to several historical sites in City Centre, including The Castle, the 'Slave' Lodge, the Tuan Guru Mosque, the Gardens, the District 6 museum and the town hall.We can have up to 15 people, paying R 150 per person, plus the various fees for each location which totals R 110. If you are able to donation some extra, that would cover a bursary. It’ll be fun and enlightening!

COMMUNITY UPDATES

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 are looking for someone who might want to lead a Chalice Circle for our young adults. It’s an opportunity hang with others interested in Unitarian ideas, and have fun exploring possibilities. If you might interested and want more information, let Nima know.

Vintage chairs!

Would you like a piece of CTU history? We have 8 chairs (two painted green) that our community bought 75 years ago. If you are interested in taking one or two of these special mementos of CTU home with you, we are asking for a R 300 donation each (they do need some work.)