Greetings, CTU Members and Friends –
Our theme for December is wonder! How can we cultivate more wonder in our world? We’ll explore this question as we celebrate the festive season.
One Capetonian tradition I have come to love is the delightful Silly Season, which I have heard described as “time to lay down tools”. This is so UnAmerican—and I am so grateful for it. With this in mind, some of our regular monthly activities and meetings won’t take place this month, but don’t hesitate to reach out to me or one of our lay leaders if you need help.
Hans will host a Christmas Eve potluck, 5-8 pm at 64 Hout Street for anyone who wants to share a meal and conversation and maybe some Christmas Carols! Bring some food and beverages and enough to share if you can. RSVP to Hans at +27 72 127 6497.
Lastly, we hope you will consider making a pledge or increasing your pledge to our beloved community during this giving season. Contact Nolu (Community @CapeTownUnitarians.org) for more information.
With love and light,
Nima
nimajanettaylor@gmail.com // WhatsApp number: 0760249120
UPCOMING SUNDAY TOPICS
Please note: All services are now hybrid
4 December– Traditional Unitarian Service: Join us in a more traditional gathering and hear Alexios’ beautiful organ playing. We will gather to share poetry of wonder with each other. Find a poem that describes a sense of wonder or another poem that speaks to your heart.
11 December (NOTE: Special service time of 6 p.m.) Our Annual Festive Service: Join us in person or online for this special time to sing Christmas Carols and reflect on the message of Peace in various religions. After this service we will take a group photo of our beloved community — please join us!
18 December–How Can I Be of Service: Cultivating curiosity and wonder can create a generous spirit, one we can share with each person in our lives,
25 December– The Wonder of the Season: Join Nima and others as we spend time together reflecting on the Summer Solstice, and how Nature can create a sense of wonder and awe.
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
Group Photo of Our Beloved Community
11 December, Sunday, After our Evening Festive Service at 64 Hout Street
We encourage all our beloved community members to join our service in person, if possible, so we can enjoy each other’s company as the festive season starts and so we can take a group photo outside our building. If you are in another city or continent or cannot be present, text or email Nima by 8 December so we can include you in the photo. (We have some ideas!)
Come Join Santa Claus and Hear His Story “Santa Soaked”
18 December, Sunday, 4 pm at 64 Hout Street
Come hear Santa tell his climate story!
Carl Lindemann will be reading his book "Santa Soaked," an interfaith, inclusive call for youth empowerment and generational justice! You will also have an opportunity to share you story of climate awareness and action and this family-friendly event.
Copies of the book will be available for a donation of R100 (or more) to the church.
Somerset West Fellowship
No Somerset West fellowship services in December or January.
Spiritual Care Cafe Presented by the Spiritual Care Team
No cafes in December. However, don’t hesitate to reach out to Melanie (+27817908030), Karin (+27837521511), or Nima ( (+27760249120), if you are in need of some extra love and support.
Online/Hout Street Chalice Circle
No meeting in December. We’ll start again the 3rd Saturday in January!
COMMUNITY UPDATES
Chalice Kids
We have a robust Chalice Kids education project every month. If you would like for your child to participate, email Nima, who will help you choose the right group for your kid(s) and share the homes where we are meeting.
CTU Branding Refresh Update
We decided to take time to reach out to the children in our community to learn their thoughts about CTU’s brand. A big thank you to Hans for leading the effort! Now that we have received some of their feedback, we will continue forward. We hope to have another update for you soon. Thank you!
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.
NOV. 2022 COUNCIL MEETING NOTES
ADMINISTRATION
Council approved Nima’s request to apply to become a legal marriage officer under Cape Town Unitarians.
We added several members in the last three years, many of them younger adults.
COMMUNICATIONS
The oral history project has slowed down. The recording of Fred’s interview was lost when Jeremiah’s phone got stolen.
Council suggested that our website should have a page describing the different styles of marriage ceremonies we can offer.
FINANCES
There is a possibility of additional building maintenance required, so Council will try to include those costs in the 2023 budget.
PARTNERSHIPS + RELATIONSHIPS
Pippa Jones, who is on the CTII board, proposed renting our building (possibly on a weekly basis) for an adult interfaith programme she would create based on a youth programme she already runs. She would like CTU to be affiliated with the programme. Council tentatively agreed to prototype the programme starting in early 2023. Council requested she submit a full proposal in January.
Roux submitted a proposal to help fund the Mfuleni Youth Centre for plastering of their building and leveling of their floors with cement. Council awaits more information before deciding whether or not to support this endeavor.
Have questions or comments for Council? Please email us at community@capetownunitarians.org.