we have two worships on the calendar that are "Taize" worships. This is a different type of worship that comes to us from a monastic community in the small town of taize' france. this community is an ecumenical community that reaches out to the world in peace through it's young persons. it is a place of pilgrimage for youth around the world. thousands of youth show up on the grounds of taize each week during the summer months.
one of the unique aspects of their worships are that they call them 'prayers.' you would get invited to prayers, not worship. the music is very simple phrases that are based around psalms or other scriptures, but usually psalms. they are sung over and over as a sort of resting meditation. they also call their songs, prayers. in between the prayers (songs) is periods of scripture readings and silence. there is no sermon or great teaching moment. you are in essence, left alone with God.
we will be participating in two services in the spirit of Taize this fall. one on 9/11 as a vigil and worship for peace in this world at grace umc as part of the cumberland district. the second will be november 3rd at scarritt bennett. they were once one of the hubs of Christian education for the south, now they are a cultural and spiritual education center hosting various events and worships throughout the year. their service is special because they incorporate it with a labyrinth, a physical tool for prayer, emulating a pilgrimage to the holyland.
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