WORSHIP

TAIZE

On the first Wednesday of each month, October through May, at 6 pm, First Presbyterian Church holds a Taizé-style service in the Chapel. Taizé is a contemplative style of worship, incorporating song, prayer, silence, sacrament, and scripture in a deeply reflective service during which participants are invited to shed all distraction in favor of prayerful meditation. This service is open to all and children's participation is encouraged!

Taizé is practiced in many faith traditions throughout the world. It began in 1940, when a young man from Switzerland, Brother Roger, came to the small village of Taizé in the Burgundy Region of France with the dream of starting an ecumenical community for contemplation and for the reconciliation of Christians of all faiths. Today the community is made up of 100 brothers from several continents and various denominations, and is one of the world’s sites of Christian pilgrimage.

What to expect

Taizé engages both mind and spirit. The 45-minute service begins with several songs. Taizé songs are simple phrases, often lines from the Psalms or other scripture, sung repetitively to quiet the mind.

“Singing is one of the most important forms of prayer. A few words, sung over and over again reinforce the meditative quality of the prayer. These simple chants also provide a way of praying when one is alone, during the day or at night, or even in the silence of one’s heart while one is working.” Brother Roger, founder of Taizé

There are short scripture readings, prayers, candle-lighting and a 10-minute period of silence. “Be still and know that I am God.” Silence is an integral part of the Taizé experience, providing space for meditation, reflection and prayer.

Please use the south parking lot door to enter. Take the stairs (or elevator) to the first floor; Chapel doors are on your right.