CHATTers at Cavendish Book Fair

CHATT members enjoyed helping out the Cathedral Book & Bric-a-Brac Shop at this year's Cavendish Book Fair. The Bookshop raises significant funds, which support Cathedral ministries and community outreach.

In addition to assisting in tidying and selling books, the book fair is also an excellent opportunity to get to know and buy interesting books and to catch up with Pat and friends over a nice cappuccino!

A spectacular night of music!

On Friday 28 August, the Fikelela AIDS Project and St. George's Cathedral HIV/AIDS Task Team hosted a beautiful night of music. Four big bands - Rondebosch Boys' Preparatory School Jazz Band, SACS Big Band, SACS Junior Jazz Band and SACS Concert Band - filled the Cathedral with incredible music.

The event raised 21,000 Rands for Zonnebloem Cottage. The children's home cares for six children - all aspects of their lives.

The evening was a real celebration of youth talent and music!

 

"An injury to one is an injury to all" - Women's Day at St. George's Cathedral

Upon CHATT and the Cathedral's request, Fr. Rowan Smith preached at our Cathedral on Women's Day (9 August). Fr. Rowan reminded us why we mark Women's Day and talked about the diverse and united group of women who marched in 1956 for equality and against discrimination.

Powerful quotes from Fr. Rowan's talk:

• In 2015, women still are not safe to walk without harassment and abuse.
• We must speak out against patriarchy, including in our own church.
• If we are talking about human dignity and human rights, it is wrong to exclude women from ministry. Their call comes from Jesus.
• As Christians, our task is to contribute to God's world of justice, truth and love.
• We are called daily to transform our communities. Everyday is an opportunity to show God's love.

Thank you Fr. Rowan for the reminder that 'an injury to one is an injury to all' and for challenging us to confront stigma and discrimination in our Cathedral and city.

A colourful review meeting!

The CHATT family held a review workshop on Saturday 13 June at Little Streams in Constantia. This is an event that CHATT organises every two years to reflect on how we are doing as a team and to look ahead for the next two years.

This year, CHATT decided to stick with our aim of addressing HIV-related stigma, which continues to be a real issue in our community. We spent time together discussing practical ways to tackle stigma in our Cathedral and wider Cape Town community.

Here are some pics from beautiful Little Streams and from a special morning together:

 

Candlelight Memorial: 'Supporting the Future'

Currently, we are not meeting the needs of people living with HIV, with many facing lack of access to treatment, care and support. Many are also facing discrimination and criminalisation. The theme for Candlelight Memorial this year was ‘Supporting the future’. Members of St. George's Cathedral joined thousands of people around the world in remembering people who have died of HIV, celebrating the lives of people living with HIV and praying for a sustainable HIV response.

Carers' Retreat 2015

On 8 – 10 May 2015, CHATT held a Carers’ Retreat at St. Raphael’s Retreat House in Faure with carers from Heaven’s Nest, St. Michael’s and St. George’s children homes. The carers work with children who are vulnerable and displaced. Many of the children are living with or affected by HIV. Several CHATT members joined the retreat and enjoyed activities, games, reflections and time with the carers. Father Raphael Mxolisi of St. George’s Cathedral led a special service on 10 May with the carers.

It is so important to care for the Carers, as without rest, they cannot continue giving the 110% they do every day to the children in their care, as well as their own families.

TB - a massive health concern for us all

To mark International TB Day (24 March), the Cathedral stocked up on TB information and communication materials and distributed leaflets after the 9.30am service on Sunday 22 March. We also had special prayers for people affected by TB.  TB is an important issue in our community and particularly affects people living with HIV who are susceptible to contracting illnesses due to their weak immune systems. We all have a role to play in ensuring we stay healthy and supporting others to stay healthy.

CHATT new year brunch at De Waal Park

To celebrate CHATT's work in 2014 and to look ahead to another successful year, CHATT members organised and enjoyed brunch together at De Waal Park. The weather forecast said rain, but we had beautiful sunshine instead and fun and games with some children at the park. A beautiful Saturday morning!

World AIDS Day with carers in our community

For World AIDS Day 2014, CHATT members organised a day at the Cathedral for carers from three Anglican Children's Homes (St. George's, St. Francis's and St. Michael's). The carers do so much for children, including bathing and dressing them, counselling, teaching, helping them with medication, connecting with social workers and more. It was a great day, which included a special service led by Cathedral clergy, some meditation and a delicious lunch (the quiche was a particular hit)!

Also for World AIDS Day, CHATT contributed financially to an initiative by Fikelela AIDS Project and Stop Hunger Now, which involved organising health packs for people living with HIV.