Greetings, CTU Members and Friends –
We continue our exploration of our Principle Statement with the theme of “How do we value diversity and inclusion?”
Please consider joining us in Somerset West at 10 am SA time on Saturday 3 May as we celebrate Dave and Jeanie Mayes for the decades-long stewardship of the Somerset West fellowship.
Gur Mouanga is graduating from seminary! Please join us on Sunday, 18 May at 10 pm (yes 22:00!) for his graduation ceremony online. Gur was unable to attend in person in Chicago because of his visa delay, so we need everyone to help make this a BIG celebration for his achievement–THE FIRST AFRICAN TO GRADUATE FROM MEADVILLE LOMBARD SEMINARY!!! If you’d like to help with the planning, let me know. We need food and beverages, decorating and miscellaneous party planning skills.
Lastly, if you would like to officially become a member of CTU, let me know. I will send our community guidelines and an overview of our ritual of welcoming you as a CTU member. We will have a welcoming ceremony on Sunday 4 May. Also, you will be able to vote at the upcoming Annual General Meeting.
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
Upcoming Activities: Community Choir, Buddhist Sangha Gathering, Somerset West Fellowship
Community Highlights
Council Updates
Sunday Services
Please note: All Sunday services are hybrid and start at 10:30 am SA time
4 May - New Members Sunday. Celebrate our new members with songs and readings that speak to the importance of being in community together.
11 May - The Power of our Differences . Nima will share a reflection on how our differences are what make us stronger as a community. Come share your own perspective on our theme for this month of the power of diversity and inclusion.
18 May - STEP OUT OF THE RUT—TURN TOWARD THE LIGHT, presented by Zascha Brésilley (Aetherius Society Cape Town). Join us for an inspiring and uplifting taster session designed to bring peace, healing, and spiritual empowerment. Guided by the timeless teachings in Realize Your Inner Potential—as taught by renowned Yoga Master and advanced medium Dr. George King—this event offers simple, practical techniques for balanced spiritual development. These powerful practices will help you connect more deeply with your inner self and radiate spiritual energy for personal transformation and global healing.
25 May - Annual General Meeting (AGM). Our service this Sunday will be shortened to 30 minutes from 10:30 - 11 am, in order to begin the AGM that is required for all NPOs. The AGM will follow at 11:00 until 13:00. We’ll have a bring and share of food and beverages as we learn about the important details of our community and elect our council members.
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
Somerset West Fellowship
10 am Saturday 3 May 2025
Vonke House, 121c Lourensford Rd, Somerset West, 7600
"Memories & Celebration as vehicles of Identity and Inspiration - Sharing the history and stories of Somerset West Fellowship."
Buddhist Sangha gathering
In Person | 64 Hout Street
Saturday, 17 May | 2–4 pm (SA time)
Dear friends,
You're warmly invited to our next Cape Town Buddhist gathering. We’ll share simple yet profound practices from the Buddhist tradition: sitting in stillness, chanting, reflecting on timeless teachings, and connecting in spiritual community.
This is a space of spiritual friendship rooted in compassion, liberation, and belonging. You don’t need to be a Buddhist to attend—just come as you are.
Feel free to reach out with any questions.
May all beings be well.
CTU Choir
You are welcome to join your voice when you are ready. All are welcome, irrespective of experience level.
Please contact Camille with any questions you may have about the choir.
Community Highlights
Heart Fund Creation
CTU is delighted to announce the creation of a new “Heart Fund”; a donation fund held by the church for the express purpose of offering temporary support to members in need. This fund can be applied to for support for medical emergencies, emergency bill pay, and food access. Funds may be applied for no more than 2x/year. In some cases we may consider small business start-up requests(in situation of members in long-term poverty).
Please apply using this form:
https://forms.gle/cJq5tR3rZbcdHcaU6
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Please donate by contacting Altaira, Nima, Camille or Hans.
Donations can be made by EFT: Unitarian Church
Standard Bank, Branch 051001, Account # 070440719
Swift Code: SBZAZAJJ
Notate funds to be used for Heart Fund, or email us
We have already received several donations from community members!
Council Updates
The next council meeting will be Sunday, 4 May 12:00 - 14:00 SA time. All are welcome. Contact Nolu at community@capetownunitarians.org for the materials to be covered.
Have questions or comments for Council? Please email us at community@capetownunitarians.org.