Photo by Nadine Marfurt on Unsplash
Greetings, CTU Members and Friends –
Our theme for November is “CTU’s Purpose”. Why did CTU form in 1867? What was its purpose then and now? Come learn some of CTU’s history and current goals to achieve this purpose.
I HAVE A VERY SPECIAL REQUEST TO EVERYONE: Please tap on the link here: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/fred-and-denise to read the beautiful story of our long-time member Fred and his wife Denise. I would be deeply grateful if you might be able to make any amount of donation to this important cause. Our beloved community has been loved by Fred for decades, and our building was painstakingly cared for in his competent and compassionate hands. And thank you to everyone who has already donated!
Take a look below at all the exciting activities happening this month
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
Fundraising
Community Choir
Council Updates
Sunday Services
Please note: All Sunday services are hybrid and start at 10:30 am SA time
(unless stated otherwise)
2 November, A Place to Belong: The Human Need for Spiritual Companionship. What is our mission? We will explore the reason we come together as a community. NOTE: THIS SERVICE WILL BE ONLINE ONLY.
9 November, What if God dwells in Everything? Led by Gur Mouanga. Gur will share some thoughts about the pantheist view of the world to embrace the interestedness of the Universe.
16 November, A Place to Grow: Spiritual Community as a Practice Ground for Transformation. When people first find their way into a spiritual community, they often come looking for comfort. But over time, many discover that true community does not only comfort — it challenges. Because growth, by its nature, involves discomfort. It asks us to soften our certainties, to open our hearts to difference, to listen when we would rather speak. NOTE: THIS SERVICE WILL BE ONLINE ONLY.
23 November, The Power of Interfaith Dialogue, by Rev. Berry Behr. Berry will share a message of the power of interfaith dialogue in our society and even within our CTU community. What can we learn from others who have different religious or spiritual beliefs?
30 November, A Place to Serve — Healing the World Together. If love means anything, it means connection — and connection calls us into responsibility. Here at Cape Town Unitarians, we gather not only to be comforted but to be commissioned — to become agents of compassion in a hurting world. NOTE: THIS SERVICE WILL BE ONLINE ONLY.
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
Somerset West Fellowship
Somerset West Fellowship
Vonke Meeting Room, Vonke House, 121 Lourensford Rd, Somerset West
10 am, Saturday, 1 November 2025
“Discover the Forgotten Free Thinker of South Africa’s Past”
More than 140 years ago, Dr. Pieter Carel Vintcent, founder of the Free Protestant Church in Graaff-Reinet, challenged dogma and called for a faith that frees the human spirit. Join us as we rediscover this visionary and reflect on his relevance today.
📞 **Contact:** Rev. Roux Malan – 084 679 5466
🌐 **Website:** https://swunitarians.carrd.co
🌟 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, 15 November
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.” We are currently on Chapters 9 and 10 (“Is that so?” and “Practicing with Money”). No need to read the book unless you want to!
Contact Nima for the Zoom link.
A special thank you!
“Ces arbres qu’il plante et à l’ombre desquels il ne s’assoira pas,
il les aime pour eux-mêmes et pour ses enfants,
et pour les enfants de ses enfants…”
“These trees which he plants, and under whose shade he shall never sit, he loves them for themselves, and for the sake of his children and his children’s children.”
~ French theologian Hyacinthe Loyson, Paris 1866
A special shout out of heart full thanks! to our 25+ elves and donors, who laboured selflessly, who partnered in the spirit of teamwork, and who invested charity and loving kindness in our communal gifting activity for the annual Santa Shoebox. This is the ultimate expression of altruism, gifting of selfless service even when you do not stand to personally gain from the action.
“Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”
~ Marcel Proust
Thank you to all of our fellow participants and contributors, you are the charming gardeners that make our Unitarian soul blossom 🌱💒🙏🏽
Fundraising
Fred Benning’s wife 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’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.
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 meeting will be 16 November at 12-2 pm. All are welcome. Contact Nolu at community@CapeTownUnitarians.org to receive the documents to be reviewed and the zoom link.
Have questions or comments for Council? Please email us at community@capetownunitarians.org.