Photo by Marek Studzinski
Greetings, CTU Members and Friends –
This month our theme is Celebrating African Unitarians! See all the amazing speakers we’ll have this month.
The Kitsch’mas Bring ‘n Share was a huge success! Thanks to Hans and all who participated. Please see the shout outs of gratitude below for more info on the event. We will have another Bring ‘n Share after the service on 31 August. Details are included below.
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 via email at: community@capetownunitarians.org
Sunday Services
Somerset West Update
Buddhist Sangha meeting
Bring ‘n Share social activity
Merry Kitsch’mas social event - shout outs of gratitude!
Community Choir
Council Updates
Sunday Services
Please note: All Sunday services are hybrid and start at 10:30 am SA time
3 August - Annual Pan-African Unitarians Day. Join us for this joyful celebration of Unitarianism in Africa. We’ll be joined by our friends in other countries and will share some of the special projects underway.
10 August - Paula Otukile: The Power of Love. Our CTU member Paula from Botswana is fulfilling her practicum requirements for her lay leaders course by leading two services this month. Come celebrate her as we support her development as an African Unitarian leader. Her topic for both services is: “Tenacity and perseverance in times of hardship despite all odds, because one’s foundation and focus is love.”
17 August - Paula Otukile: The Power of Perseverance. Tenacity and perseverance in times of hardship despite all odds, because one’s foundation and focus is love.
24 August - Jenny Maria De La Luz: From Limitation to Freedom. Reverend Jenny Maria De La Luz will share from her deep experience of living the principles of A Course in Miracles (ACIM). This metaphysical path of awakening leads us through the true meaning of forgiveness—often misunderstood—to inner peace; a shift from fear-based thinking to healed perception.
Reverend Jenny Maria has devoted her life to following the Inner Guide. She gently supports others on their healing journey through retreats, Satsangs, and Awaken to Love communities in Cape Town and Southern Europe.
Find out more at awakentolove.co.za and youtube.com/@JennyMaria
31 August - Berry Behr: The Interfaith Pulse of Africa. In addition to being a CTU Council member, Berry is an interfaith minister and works globally on interfaith projects through the Emissaries of Divine Light organisation. This Sunday, she’ll reflect on Africa’s growing role in global interfaith engagement — a movement rooted in shared humanity, spiritual diversity, and the quest for peace. Join us as we explore how our continent is shaping a more just and compassionate world.
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
Somerset West Fellowship
Vonke Meeting Room, Vonke House, 121 Lourensford Rd, Somerset West
8:55 am Zen meditation
10 am on Saturday 2 August 2025
Speaker: Thabo Solomon Laholo - The Broken Pieces Of My Heart: Experiencing the Journey of Thabo Solomon Laholo in Story, Song and Verse
Join the Somerset West Unitarian Fellowship for a special gathering as we welcome poet, storyteller, and singer Thabo Solomon Laholo, author of The Broken Pieces of My Heart. His award-winning collection of multilingual poetry—written in English, Afrikaans, and isiXhosa—offers a moving reflection on South Africa’s past and present, while calling for healing, unity, and social cohesion.
Thabo will share his journey, perform selected poems, and uplift us with his songs. Come and experience a morning of reflection, connection, and hope.
All are welcome.
About the Speaker: Thabo Solomon Leholo grew up in George in the Western Cape. He graduated from the University of Western Cape with B. Juris and LLB degrees. He qualified as an admitted attorney of the High Court of South Africa and serves as Senior Manager of Civil Service of the Republic of South Africa. Thabo is a proud member of Poets Vannie Kaap and has won awards for his poetry works at The AfriCAN Honoree Authors Awards 2023, the Cape Flats Literary Awards 2024, and The Eastern Cape Literary Awards 2024.
Location: Vonke Meeting Room, Vonke House, 121 Lourensford Rd, Somerset West
Contact: Rev. Roux Malan – 084 679 5466
Website: https://swunitarians.carrd.co
Who Should Attend?
Anyone who seeks healing through story, poetry, and song.
Those interested in South Africa’s social and cultural journey—past, present, and future.
Lovers of language, justice, and shared humanity across divides.
Bonus: A free Zen meditation session will be offered beforehand at 8:55 AM in the same venue.
This is a free event—all are welcome!
Sangha: Cape Town Buddhist Gathering
Saturday, 16 August
2–3:30 pm (SA time)
Online only
Sangha is an opportunity to learn Buddhist teachings and practice with others. There is power in a community of practitioners who support and encourage each other on their spiritual paths. We’ll say some Buddhist prayers, mantras and meditate.
We will discuss the book by Ezra Bayda, “At Home in the Muddy Water: a guide to finding peace amid everyday chaos.” (No need to read the book unless you want to!)
Contact Nima for the Zoom link.
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.
Council Updates
Next Council meeting will be Sunday, 21 September 12h00-14h00 SA time. All are welcome Contact Community@CapeTownUnitarians.org for the documents to be discussed.
Have questions or comments for Council? Please email us at community@capetownunitarians.org.