Photo by Tyler Lastovich on Unsplash
Greetings, CTU Members and Friends –
In August, our theme will be Awe! Thanks to Nadia for this beautiful short video about a 96 year young woman’s thoughts on AWE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-rHc8tm5_c.
We had an awesome interactive meeting about the future strategic priorities for CTUHere is what was discussed:
Deeper spiritual connection: let's plan some outings and maybe a retreat, deeper discussions, etc.
Greater depth of spiritual practices. Looking at the specific practices from different paths.
More speakers on a variety of spiritual paths
Also keep some the older spiritual traditions of this community.Indigenous practices
How to better connect with online, outreach, Somerset West
How best to describe our community? What is our "elevator speech"?
Get to know our diverse community. Have opportunities to learn about our diverse heritage.
Discuss how to provide equal access to events and activities, overcoming cost and transport challenges.
How to make our building safe/secure for events and activities
Opportunities for everyone to participate in the services
Shared acts of service
Ensure our young members have a voice
Before we discuss and finalise our priorities at the 8 September Council meeting, let me know if you would like to add an item to the list! Together we are working towards a thriving community and better society!
Also, don’t miss the new “What is Unitarianism?” discussion group at 12 - 1:30 pm on Sunday 15 September (hybrid). Roux Malan is working on a course for us all to learn more about Unitarianism in Africa.
With love and light,
Nima
nimajanettaylor@gmail.com // WhatsApp 076 024 9120
In This Issue of the Newsletter
Check out our events page to view our church calendar. This includes events posted in the building and outside of the building. If you would like your event added, please contact us at via email: community@capetownunitarians.org
Sunday Services
Calendar of Events: Somerset West Fellowship, Mid-week Meditations, Create Space, Wardrobe Rejuvenation, Chalice Kids, Community Choir
Council Updates
UPCOMING SUNDAY TOPICS
Please note: All Sunday services are hybrid and start at 10:30 am
1 September – Traditional African Services - Rituals and Story Telling: Join us as Nolu guides us through elements of a traditional African service. She will also explain many rituals and practices throughout South Africa via multiple personal stories and videos. We will sing, dance, and enjoy amazing food a beverages in our time together.
Dr. Athambile Masola
8 September – Dr. Athambile Masola. My journey to understanding the lives of Black Women through literature and language. Dr Athambile Masola received her PhD from Rhodes University. Her dissertation was an exploration of black women’s life writing with a particular focus on Noni Jabavu and Sisonke Msimang’s memoirs. Her primary research focuses on black women’s life writing and historiography. Her research is also informed by the early 20th century newspaper archive in South Africa (particularly written in isiXhosa). She is primarily concerned with the nature of erasure and the ways in which multiple forms of reading a variety of texts can inform archival research.
15 September - The Buddhist way of Clear Seeing: Nima will share some of the Buddhist teachings on ways of seeing.
22 September - Flower communion: Join us in a celebration of spring with our beautiful flower communion and spring equinox celebration. We invite everyone to bring flowers or plants to the service.
29 September - Beauty Before Me - The Artist's Way: CTU has hosted several participants to read Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way this winter. In this service, we will share some of the activities and insights learned from the experience.
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
Saturday 10 am 7 September
Vonke House, Chapel Room at 121 Lourensford Road
Guest Speaker: Rev. Roux Malan
Cost: Free, as well as free light refreshments.
We are limited to having 30 attendees. That means you will need to sign up for each meeting when it is publicised. You can do this by phoning us on 021 850 0863 or emailing davidjeanmayes@gmail.com
Midweek Meditation (online only)
We’re back at 12:30 pm on Thursdays, starting 6 June. Join us every week for some light meditation instructions. We start promptly at 12:30 pm and end promptly at 1 pm
Bring ‘n Share
Saturday, 21 September ~ 4-9pm
64 Hout street
It’s been a long winter of hibernation. With the advent of a new Spring season, we invite members to reacquaint and to be in community, as we share a hearty meal. So come and show your fresh blooms, and share your plans for this time of renewal that is upon us ~
Please bring a dish, beverage and snacks to share. You can check with Hans via WhatsApp on what food and drink items might be needed, +27721276497
We look forward to being in community with you. Thank you
Creative credit: Molly Cules
Unitarianism? What is it? With Nima.
22 September, 12 pm - 1:30 pm
In our building (64 Hout Street)
Join us for a discussion about what Unitarianism is and what it is not. Bring your own spiritual perspective and insights.
Chalice Kids - IN PERSON
We have a robust Chalice Kids education project every month. If you would like your child to participate, email Nima at nimajanettaylor@gmail.com. She will help you choose the right group for your kid(s) and share the homes where we are meeting.
CTU Community Choir
Council Updates
The Council will meet on Sunday, 8th September from 12 pm - 2 pm. SA time. If you would like to join the meeting, let Nolu know, and she’ll send you the zoom link and the files.
Have questions or comments for Council? Please email us at community@capetownunitarians.org.