Living life in all its fullness!

CHATT celebrated World AIDS Day 2012 with Fikelela and several Churches in the Cape Town CBD.

The day begun with the lighting of candles at St. George's Cathedral by our faith leaders. This was followed by a drama called Lucky the Hero. Art, music and stalls were organised at nearby churches. Voluntary counselling and testing was available for all of us who were interested in knowing our HIV status.

The events culminated in a special service at the Methodist Church on Greenmarket Square. Zackie Achmat joined us in raising a big yellow banner, which reads ARVs have come to give you life in all its fullness!

The spirit of Ubuntu

The morning of Saturday 10 November was a perfect warm late spring day, not a cloud in the sky, with a very gentle breeze playing on my face, coming off the sea. The beautiful Green Point Park was the chosen venue for our little annual picnic of thanksgiving to twenty women who care for abandoned children affected by HIV.

On arrival I sensed a delightful spirit of joy and fun between all. Our guests started singing and dancing to some of their traditional songs, and I felt that we were all participating in the spirit of Ubuntu. Georgina presented us with our timetable for lunch, recreation and sharing, which was preceded with a prayer of Grace and thanksgiving by Sis Freda Mfenyana. We sat on the lawns enjoying the well prepared food and drinks, whilst mingling with one another. At 1pm people could meander and walk around the park, enjoying its beauty.

We assembled again at 2pm. CHATT members had prepared a special certificate of appreciation for each one of the carers together with a lovely little gift for them to enjoy. Thereafter Dr Walter Loening encouraged them to share with us some of their joys and challenges about their work, that they do with such love and dedication. It was with great interest that we could listen to their stories and learn a little about their lives.

At 3pm it was time for us to bid farewell to each other: I left with a wonderful feeling of gratitude and enrichment for the privilege of being able to honour these wonderful women who with such care and love care for these orphaned children. Our Master Jesus said ‘In as much as you have done it to the least of my brethren, you have done it unto me’ (Matthew 25: Verse 40).

Sarita Stern

Talking about sex

In October 2012, Fikelela supported CHATT and St. George’s Cathedral in facilitating sessions for confirmands on sex and sexuality within the context of our Christian faith. Through interactive exercises, St. George’s young people participated in discussions about relationships, intimacy and marriage. This is an important part of our growth as Christians. Thank you to St. George’s for the support and opportunity to hold the sessions and to Fikelela for facilitating such fun, deep and real talk!

Fun selling books

On a wet and windy Saturday morning, CHATT members supported the Cathedral's Shop in selling a whole range of books at the Cavendish Booksale. The Cathedral Shop was very successful and as CHATT we really enjoyed the experience of people-watching and supporting them in picking some awesome books to read!

Bands rocked at St. G's!

On Friday 24 August, CHATT and Fikelela hosted a benefit concert for the Fikelela Children's Centre. Bands rocked it at the concert and we raised over 10,000 Rands! Can't wait for next year!!

 SACS band

Langa choir

Free hugs and cupcakes!

On 17 June, CHATT members celebrated young people in our Cathedral and in our community by organising free hugs in the Cathedral car park after the service and coke and cupcakes for members of the Cathedral after the 9.30am service. It was a colourful event and reminded us about the young people in our Cathedral and how they touch our lives through their creativity and fun!

Remembering people living with and affected by HIV

St. George's Cathedral commemorated AIDS Candlelight Memorial Day and Orphan's Day at our 9.30am service on 20 May 2012. Supported by young people preparing for confirmation at the Cathedral, CHATT members participated in the procession, a special commemoration of people who have died of HIV and AIDS, and prayers for people who are living with and affected by HIV. It was a very moving service. The theme for AIDS Candlelight Memorial this year was 'Promoting Health and Dignity Together'!