Photo by Pascal Bernardon
Greetings, CTU Members and Friends –
Our theme for the month of February will be the Ancient Celtic religion, commonly known as Celtic Paganism, which was the religion of the ancient Celtic peoples of Europe. Celtic paganism was one of a larger group of polytheistic Indo-European religions beginning in the Late Bronze Age (c. 1200–900 BCE). Their beliefs include many gods and goddesses, and sacred spaces, both outdoors and inside their homes. Their mythology promoted their values of deep respect for the environment (rivers, trees, mountains), honouring seasonal cycles through festivals, hospitality, and a belief in the soul's immortality and the Otherworld. See below for some of our speakers and topics on this theme (thanks to Wikipedia, Google and ChatGPT for this summary!)
More exciting news! After discussion with several members and an assessment of the negative impact of hybrid services, we have decided to try some new formats and locations starting in February. Therefore, our one in-person service will be on the second Sunday, 8 February. The other three Sundays will be online only. Then we are excited to explore some new locations as well in the coming months. Stay tuned for more information.
Lastly, in March we will be hosting a Pan African Unitarian conference here in Cape Town. Please diarise a dinner with everyone on Thursday 19th March, and a big lunch on Sunday 22nd March! We will need everyone’s help to care for our fellow Unitarians coming from several different African countries. And we’ll host special speakers to give us inspiration and support. If you’d like to be part of the planning committee or help in a specific area, please let me know. It’ll be a fun and joyful way to celebrate Unitarianism as it is practiced in different parts of the African continent.
With love and light,
Nima
nimajanettaylor@gmail.com // WhatsApp 076 024 9120
INVITATION TO JOIN THE MINISTERIAL SEARCH COMMITTEE
Nima has informed the Council that she will be stepping down at the end of this year and we would like to begin the search for our next Minister in a proactive manner. Members of the congregation are warmly invited to join the Committee which will meet for the first time in late February. Up to three places are available. For more about the process, please contact leighmeinert@gmail.com
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 via email at: community@capetownunitarians.org
Sunday Services
Somerset West Update
Buddhist Sangha meeting - no meeting in February or March
Council Updates
Sunday Services
All services will start at 10:30 am SA time
Please note: All Sunday services in February will be ONLINE ONLY,
EXCEPT for 8 February, which will be IN PERSON ONLY.
Contact Community@CapeTownUnitarians.org for the link
1 February, An overview of Celtic Paganism, ONLINE ONLY. Nima will start the month with some different aspects of the Celtic belief systems and some practices. Join in the fun exploring this pre-Christian way of life that informed many Christian practices.
8, February, Celtic practices, IN PERSON ONLY. Nima will share the seasonal rituals of Celtic paganism, as well as some of the daily practices we might consider integrating into our own daily lives.
15 February, Hospitality as a Sacred duty: A core value of Celtic Spirituality, ONLINE ONLY. While Hospitality is at the Centre of many indigenous traditions, it has a deeper spiritual meaning in Celtic tradition. Gur will share some thoughts about how hospitality as seen by Celtics can inspire healthy societies and beloved communities.
22 February, Linda Everitt, ONLINE ONLY. Linda is a Celtic practitioner and Wiccan. She will speak to her lived experience living the values of Celtic Paganism.
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
Somerset West Fellowship
SATURDAY, 7 FEBRUARY 2026 at 10 AM
Theo and Thandi Mayekiso: “The Spiritual Significance of Thaba-Bosiu in Lesotho”
Vonke Meeting Room, Vonke House, 121 Lourensford Rd, Somerset West
The Somerset West Unitarian Fellowship invites you to join us for a gathering led by Theo and Thandi Mayekiso, Ubuntu-rooted educators and community development practitioners. Drawing on their recent fact-finding visit to Lesotho, Theo and Thandi will share insights from their engagement with local partners, observations of the country’s educational landscape, and reflections on child-centred community development.
Their presentation, “The Spiritual Significance of Thaba-Bosiu in Lesotho,” will explore the deep spiritual and cultural meaning of Thaba-Bosiu, a mountain of profound significance to the Basotho people. Theo and Thandi will both lead the meeting and conduct the presentation.
📞 **Contact:** Rev. Roux Malan – 084 679 5466
🌐 **Website:** https://swunitarians.carrd.co
This is a free event—all are welcome!
Gur’s Ordination!
Save the date for the celebration of Gur Mouanga graduating from the Unitarian Seminary in Chicago, and now being officially ordained as a Unitarian minister. More information to follow!
Sangha: Cape Town Buddhist Gathering
No Sangha meeting in February or March
Fundraising
FRED NEEDS YOUR HELP: Fred Benning’s wife, Denise, became paralysed after back surgery with a rare (0.5% likelihood) side effect. As a result she needs a full-time carer in their home. Fred asks that you read his loving request on BackaBuddy: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/fred-and-denise
GUR NEEDS YOUR HELP: Gur’s GoFundMe link: https://gofund.me/150067d08
We almost have the money needed to change Gur and his family’s life dramatically for the better by getting their permanent residency approved. Most have donated via EFT to CTU. If you’d like to give in that way, here are the details: Unitarian Church, Standard Bank, account # 070440719, Swift Code SBZAZAJJ. 50 people giving R500 will achieve our goal! 5 people giving R5,000 works as well. Any amount is appreciated.
Council Updates
Council Highlights – January 2026
2026 Priorities: Council discussed plans to rebuild community connection through surveys, small groups, leadership development, and renewed community planning.
Ministerial Search: The process and timeline were approved; a call for congregational participation will be shared soon.
Worship & Community Life: Council is exploring a blended model of online and in-person services, with longer-term venue options under consideration.
Administration & Capacity: Changes were agreed to simplify administration and support sustainable workloads.
Finance & Ministry: Grant funding has been secured for the conference and building repairs; conference planning is now a key focus.
Have questions or comments for Council? Please email us at community@capetownunitarians.org.
