Greetings, CTU Members and Friends –
Our theme for November is Change, and we’ll have several speakers addressing this topic from different perspectives, as well as an opportunity for the community to share.
Diarise Sunday 13 November 12:30 - 4:30 pm Open House / braai at my house. Details below, including a zoom interaction at 2:30 pm for everyone not in Cape Town to participate virtually in the braai!
Be sure to check out another Womanpriest Patricia Fresen’s talk on the I AM teachings in November.
In November and December, we are asking for everyone who is able to consider making a monthly pledge to CTU or increasing your current pledge! in 2023, our UUA grant is not renewable, so we will need more donations to cover our important projects, like Chalice Kids, Lay Leaders training, maintaining our building, and more. Thank you in advance for considering supporting CTU with your time, talents and treasures.
With love and light,
Nima
nimajanettaylor@gmail.com // WhatsApp number: 0760249120
UPCOMING SUNDAY TOPICS
Please note: All services are now hybrid
6 November– Traditional Unitarian Service: Join us as we reflect on the history of change in our community, and the history of change in your own life. This will be important time for us to share our inspiration for change with each other!
13 November–The Power of Language to Change Your life: Nima will explore the how each of us have this superpower: to understand what language we use to describe ourselves, our situation and the world around us, and how each of us can decide what language best serves us. Together we’ll consider what changes in our language might benefit our experience of being.
20 November–What is the changing direction of CTU, This Sunday, Nima invites everyone to join in the discussion of what is the future of CTU. We need everyone’s voice to find our future self. Come enjoy the warmth of our community and the power of feeling in the future!
27 November– Womanpriest Patricia Fresen, Introducing the I AM teachings of Jesus. In the Gospel of John, Jesus gives us seven “I am” sayings, which tell us a great deal about Jesus himself, his self-image and his teaching. This is especially true when we translate these sayings from the original Aramaic, rather than just from the Greek translation. Patricia will be talking about “I am the way, the truth and the life”, which she believe is one of the richest, most helpful of the “I am” sayings of Jesus.
The I am teachings help us discover our own inner voice of guidance, connected to that of the Holy One. Even one of the I am sayings may be enough for you to find or find again your purpose in life. There is a greater reality behind what we see and experience and, as we study these ”I am” sayings, we can open ourselves to where God may be leading each of us personally.
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
Somerset West Fellowship
5 November, Saturday, 10 am – Vonke House in the Park Chapel Room at 121 Lourensford Road
The speaker for the Somerset West Unitarian Fellowship meeting on Saturday, 5 November, will be Reverend Berry Behr. Rev Behr is an ordained Interfaith/Inter-spiritual minister. She is Chairperson of the Cape Town Interfaith Initiative, Faith Leader Liaison for Southern African Faith Communities Environment Institute (SAFCEI) and an executive Board member for Religions for Peace South Africa. Berry co-ordinates multi-faith, multicultural events aimed at promoting an inclusive society based on understanding, compassion, inclusivity and respect. Over the past 30 years Berry has acquired qualifications in Neuro Linguistic Programming and Metaphysical Healing and is widely experienced in a range of personal development techniques. In her spare time, she is celebrant for sacred occasions such as weddings, memorials and baby blessings, as well as a facilitator and teacher of stress management practices.
Of her talk Berry says: "So much has changed since Covid 19 arrived. Many are trying desperately to get 'back to normal'. It is the obvious temptation, to return to that which we know and find comfort in. But we all know that things will never be the same. Our worlds have expanded through the necessity of connecting via Zoom and other virtual platforms. Relationships have taken on a deeper meaning; we are more aware of the grief of the world and of the fragility of life. In the Interfaith world, we have been diving deeply into our hearts to explore what we are called to do, right here and right now. I will explore some of these outcomes as well as a few of the prophecies for these times and look at how these are being played out in the world. What is the role of people of faith at this strange time in history? I will also look at how we as individuals, families and communities, can build resilience by having the courage to respond differently."
There is no charge for attending the meeting, and refreshments will be served. Attendance is limited to 30. Please register by contacting Dave Mayes davidjeanmayes@gmail.com
Cacao Ceremony
08 November, 18:00pm-21:00pm at 64 Hout Street
The full moon is a time to reflect, let go of what no longer serves us and manifest the world we want to see. Join George aka Kuchina Madeleine Michael Mohau for an encounter with IxCacao, the mother of chocolate. Her medicine helps us travel towards our hearts and connect with those around us. The ceremony will involve storytelling, sharing, a guided visualization meditation, as well as a supported art process to help to integrate the medicine of IxCacao and the Full Moon.
Exchange: Donation based (contact George for EFT information)
RSVP: Georgia at 0837759090
Nima; open house / braai
13 November, 12:30 - 4:30 pm
Join Nima and Erica at their home for an afternoon of fun conversation and food! Feel free to come and go as you would like. Erica will have some delightful wines available, or feel free to bring some other beverage you prefer. Also, if you are able, bring some food to share. Hans and Makuba has generously offered to my our braai masters, so be sure to give them both a big THANK YOU!
NOTE: Nima will sign into Zoom at 2:30 - 3 pm for a virtual interaction with anyone not in Cape Town—ask Nima for the link.
Spiritual Care Cafe Presented by the Spiritual Care Team
12 November Saturday, 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm on Zoom
29 November, 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
19 November, Saturday, 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm on Zoom
Nima is leading this Chalice Circle. Contact her at nimajanettaylor@gmail.com for more details.
Come join Santa Claus, Every Sunday in November, 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.
Come hear Santa's story of his climate awareness/action - and an opportunity to share yours at this family-friendly event!
Copies of the book will be available for R100 each. ALL of the profits from these book sales will be donated to Gift of the Givers for their KZN Flood intervention. A meaningful "stocking stuffer" for a good cause!
COMMUNITY UPDATES
Chalice Kids
We have a robust Chalice Kids education project every month. This month will be exploring the theme. 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 interest and want more information, let Nima know. ?
Birthday and Anniversaries!
To celebrate each of you in our beloved community, we have created this form so that, if you wish to do so, you can fill out your birthdate and any anniversaries you would like us to celebrate with you.