“It is a time to rest in God, to let the words listened to and sung penetrate one’s being” — Brother John, Taize monk
Advent Season- according to the church is a time for waiting and hoping and prayerful expectation. Yet, for most of us, our culture pulls us into a frenzy of shopping, decorating, planning and schedules out of control.
Enter the chapel. The lights are dim, there is quiet and stillness. The space is softly lit with candles.
Taize worship pulls us back into the spirit of Advent. It is meditative worship consisting of a simple service of repetitive musical chants, short scripture readings and silence. Silence allows us to be in the moment “letting Christ, through the Holy Spirit, pray in us.”
Taize prayer was created by brothers in a monastic community in Taize, France during the Second World War. The idea was ecumenical in nature with a goal of reconciliation of Christians and divided peoples. The community is currently comprised of brothers from all denominations and from all parts of the world who continue to pray three times a day, seven days a week.
Please plan to experience Taize Worship on December 13 at 7:00 p.m. in the Ellsworth Chapel at Central College. We thank Beth Buehler for suggesting and coordinating the event. To give you an idea of the nature of a Taize service, click here to watch a YouTube clip. (The audio isn’t the best, but the clip will give you an idea of the structure of the service.)
