Photo by Damian Patkowski on Unsplash
Greetings, CTU Members and Friends –
We are grieving the loss of our dear Jeanie Mayes, who died peacefully in the early morning on 24 July. There will be a special sharing of memories of Jeanie at the Somerset West Fellowship this Saturday at 10 am. Her husband Dave will be there. See details below. (Note the change in venue of the Somerset West Fellowship going forward to the Rotary Club House.)
We had an amazing Strategic Planning meeting on the 26 July. We spoke of four “acorns” that we want to “water”:
Widening our identity to include the exciting activities happening with the Pan African Unitarian Leaders group as well as the Somerset West and Durban fellowships.
Exploring new uses of our building. One idea is as an interfaith history museum!
New ways to gather and connect with each other.
Exploring a three-person minister team to replace me when I step down on 31 December of this year.
Thank you to all you participated in this visioning for our community going forward. More information will be shared in the coming weeks.
As noted, services in August will be online only. Sunday 2 August of Pan African Unitarian Day! We will be celebrating our fellow Unitarians throughout Africa, as well as the founding of our community on the first Sunday in August 1867. See below for the other exciting topics this month.
Lastly, our very own Leigh Meinert will be speaking at a breakfast meeting at Gate House on 6 August. Her topic will be Medical Assistance in Dying. Details below. Note that space is limited, so you will need to RSVP.
With love and light,
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
Upcoming Activities
Council Updates
Sunday Services
All services will start at 10:30 am SA time
Contact Community@CapeTownUnitarians.org for the link
2 August, Pan African Unitarian Day. Come celebrate our fellow Unitarians throughout Africa, and hear the story of our founder, David Faure, who started a Sunday meeting at the Old Mutual Building in CBD in August of 1867.
9 August, . Baháʼí Faith in principle and practice: Paula Otukile will share a reflection on the Baháʼí Faith, as she was a member for many years.
16 August. Echoes of Memory - The Gemini Twins, with Gordon Oliver. Gordon Oliver will share his spiritual story and personal myth.
23 August. The makings of a professional troublemaker, with Carl Lindemann. Carl will share his proposal for a spiritual story and personal myth service.
30 August. Zorastrianism and its impact on the Abrahamic religions. Zoroastrianism is an ancient Persian faith that profoundly shaped the landscape of modern spirituality by introducing foundational concepts to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. As one of the world's earliest monotheistic traditions, it pioneered beliefs in a cosmic battle between good and evil, a final judgment, heaven and hell, and the coming of a savior. By exploring this enduring heritage, we discover the deep, interconnected roots of our shared global religious history.
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
Somerset West Fellowship
SATURDAY, 1 AUGUST 2026 @ 10h00
Venue: Rotary Club of Somerset West, cnr Lourensford & Cloetenberg Rds
INVITATION TO SHARE YOUR LOVING MEMORIES OF JEANIE MAYES
Please join us as we dedicate the first 30 minutes of our Saturday morning gathering to informally share memories to celebrate Jeanie’s life (Jean Marie Mayes). Jeanie was born on 11 July 1942 and passed away in the early morning of Friday, 24th of July.
We warmly invite everyone who knew her to come and share a story, a moment, or simply to listen as we honour her together. After this time of remembrance, we will continue with the scheduled talk – but you are welcome to come for either part, or both.
THE HISTORY OF RELIGION
“From Animism to Modern Thought”
How did religion evolve from the earliest human societies into the diverse traditions we know today?
Join us as *Francis Clerke* takes us on a fascinating historical journey through the development of religion, beginning with humanity's earliest spiritual beliefs and following their evolution into the great religious traditions of the world. Along the way, he explores the rise of Christianity, compares it with the rich religious heritage of the Far East, and considers the striking differences between Eastern and Western approaches to spirituality and religious tolerance.
The presentation also examines how religious thought was shaped by the Medieval and Early Modern periods before turning to the remarkable contribution of Sir Isaac Newton, whose work sought to bring together science and theology. Throughout the morning, we will reflect on the historical forces that have influenced religious belief and consider what this long story can teach us about the place of religion in the modern world.
Whether you have a long-standing interest in history, religion, philosophy or simply enjoy exploring big ideas, this promises to be an engaging and thought-provoking discussion.
We will spend the first 30 minutes as informal memory sharing for Jeanie and then cover the topic above.
Vonke Meeting Room, Vonke House, 121 Lourensford Rd, Somerset West
📞 **Contact:** Rev. Roux Malan – 084 679 5466
🌐 **Website:** https://swunitarians.carrd.co
This is a free event—all are welcome!
Venue: Gate House Centre, 91 Brommersvlei Rd, Constantia
Cost: R50.00 includes a light breakfast of muffins and fruit, tea and coffee.
Date: Thursday 6 August 2026
Time: 8.30am to 10.30am
RSVP: gatehousesc@gmail.com or WhatsApp text 060 993 3771
Website link: https://capetownswing.co.za/
Instagram link: https://www.instagram.com/capetownswing
WhatsApp Group Link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/D18f5nNmtSRHI4dI3lXNLV
Council Updates
Next Council meeting is scheduled for Sunday 9 August, 12-2 pm. Contact Nimajanettaylor@gmail.com if you would like to attend.
Have questions or comments for Council? Please email us at community@capetownunitarians.org.