Greetings, CTU Members and Friends –
Our March theme is vulnerability, and we’ll have many opportunities to explore how to cultivate more vulnerability into our lives, and why doing so helps create a profound shift at the depths of being.
The Cape Town Pride March is this Saturday 4 March. Meet at the Prestwich Primary School in De Waterkant at 10:30 am. We will be marching under the banner, “Faith Communities UNITED Against Discrimination”. Text me if you need more information.
Check out the Table of Contents with various sections just below. Find what you’re interested, and get the details!
With love and light,
Nima
nimajanettaylor@gmail.com // WhatsApp number: 0760249120
LOOK FOR THESE ACTIVITIES/UPDATES BELOW:
SUNDAY SERVICES
CAPE TOWN PRIDE MARCH, 4 MARCH
SOMERSET WEST FELLOWSHIP, 4 MARCH
CREATIVE WELLNESS WORKSHOP, 18 MARCH
CHALICE CIRCLE, 18 MARCH
CHALICE KIDS
IMAGINED EARTH REVERSE VENDING MACHINES
“WHAT IS UNITARIANISM” WORKSHOP, 1 APRIL
ORAL HISTORY PROJECT
NEXT COUNCIL MEETING
UPCOMING SUNDAY TOPICS
Please note: All services are now hybrid
5 March Sunday – Traditional Service, Jesus’ life as the ultimate demonstration of vulnerability: If we look at Jesus’ life through the eyes of the mystics, he lived in the most vulnerable way–to die to his small self and be “reborn” into Self/Source/God. There are practices that anyone can do to cultivate this deep level of vulnerability, and to tap into innate wisdom and love. Join us for some of our traditional songs and rituals as we explore this topic together.
12 March Sunday – My Surrogacy Journey with Leigh Meinert: In keeping with this month's theme of vulnerability, Lizette Robins will interview Leigh Meinert about her experience thus far as a gestational surrogate. Leigh is carrying a baby for two men and, at the time of the interview, will have just finished the risky first trimester of pregnancy.
19 March, Sunday – Spring Equinox: Cele and others will share rituals to mark our movement into Autumn. Join us for some Pagan practices that remind us of our deep connection to earth and each other.
26 March Sunday –: Dying to our small self: One of the reasons meditation may feel so challenging to many is that we are practicing giving up our small self, in order to realise our greater connection with Self/Source/God. This small act is a step in cultivating vulnerability. Together we’ll learn about some practices that help us in the process of transformation.
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
Cape Town Pride March
4 march, Saturday (meet at 10:30 am) 11 am - 2 pm
Meet at Prestwich Primary School
Join Nima and other faith leaders as we march UNITED against discrimination. We will have some placards but feel free to make your own. Message Nima (+27760249120) directly if you are planning to attend or have questions. 💃🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈
Somerset West Fellowship
4 March, Saturday, 10:00 am
Vonke House, Chapel Room at 121 Lourensford Road
The guest speaker will be Alan Ralphs. Alan is a retired Lecturer and Lifelong Learning Specialist from UWC. He is married to Rev. Mary Ryan and is an active member of Mary's Open Table Community in Cape Town.
In his talk, Alan will reflect on his recent experience walking as a pilgrim on the Camino de Santiago. He will discuss how the external dimensions of pilgrimage relate to the inner journey and soul of the pilgrim.
There is no charge for the meeting. Light refreshments will be served.
Please register by contacting Dave Mayes on 021 850 0863, or davidjeanmayes@gmail.com
Creative Wellness Workshop, Tie Dye Activity
18 March, Saturday 2:00 - 6:00 pm
64 Hout Street
When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy ~ Rumi Jalalud-Din
In this wellness workshop, we dive deep, exploring the limitless possibility for self expression through the art of tie dye. Employing the full spectrum of colour, applying a variety of resist-dyeing techniques, and featuring optional designs including the spiral, mandala, star, sunflower, the ‘cookie monster’ and others … it is an open invitation to play, to learn and to co-create with the Universe, in what wants to emerge.
A creative exercise that requires both flow and resistance to achieve its ends, much like life, this activity also brings with it a safe space offering introspection, mindfulness and healing. This workshop is offered as a personal journey to serve you; there are no pre-qualifiers, no right or wrong, no competing, and best of all, as our artist friend Salvador Dali expressed it, “Have no fear of perfection, you’ll never reach it.” As you will find, the tie dye journey mirrors much of our existence, each one of us ~ one-of-a-kind, perfect in our imperfection.
Please bring one or all of the following: one white, cotton t-shirt or garment, one solid colour, cotton t-shirt, comfy workwear clothing, snack and a drink (tea and coffee provided), a mindset and heart space open to play and wonder, fabric paints will be provided.
Please contact Hans to confirm your attendance, WhatsApp 0721276497. This event will have a hybrid online presence for those unable to attend in person.
This is a donation-based gifting event. We appreciate any contribution, your time (communal effort), talent (expertise) or treasure (financial or resource).
As Rumi affirms, “Shine like the whole Universe is yours.” We look forward to making art with you
Online Chalice Circle
We’ll meet on Saturday 18 February 3:30 - 5 p SA time. Contact Nima for the February packet of materials.
COMMUNITY UPDATES
Chalice Kids
(Chalice Kids photos) We had fun in February learning about loving ourselves and our planet, by decorating pots and planting basil. 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. (Trying to get all the kids in one photo proved impossible!)
Imagined Earth Reverse Vending Machines
Bring us your talents, your treasures, your time… And now even your TRASH!
Here's an amazing opportunity for our community to participate in making a difference in our world. start saving your trash and stay tuned for more details. More information to follow.
https://www.imaginedearth.com/
What is Unitarianism?
Nima will facilitate a class on Unitarianism on Saturday, 1 April, 2:30 - 4:30 SA time. We’ll explore the history of Unitarianism globally, as well as here in Cape Town. CTU is a democratically run community, and we count on our members to drive our future direction, so there will be information about what it means to officially become a member of CTU, without any obligation to do so. Come hear more about our beloved community!
On 5 February, we were delighted to interview Fred for our oral history project (for the second time, since the first interview was lost when Jeremiah’s phone was stolen!) Fred was even better! Stay tuned for some edited interviews of everyone–coming soon!
Join Our Next Council Meeting
Next council meeting will be held at 12 pm on Sunday, 19 March 2023. All are welcome. Contact Nolu at community@capetownunitarians.org to receive the materials that will be covered.
Have questions or comments for Council? Please email us at community@capetownunitarians.org.