Please get this on your calendar NOW as we think this will be one of the most centering, reflective, emotionally evocative services you might experience this year as we incorporate some of the practices of Taize into our worship.
From The Companion to the Book of Common Worship ((Geneva Press, 2003):
The Lenten journey from the ashes of death to resurrected life begins on the first day of Lent, Ash Wednesday, which signifies a time to turn around, to change directions, to repent. This first day of Lent reminds us that unless we are willing to die to our old selves, we cannot be raised to new life with Christ.
The first step of this journey calls us to acknowledge and confront our mortality, individually and corporately, symbolized by the imposition of ashes on the forehead or wrist in the shape of the cross. During the imposition of ashes the words: “You are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19) are repeated again and again. We are to remember that we are but temporary creatures, always on the edge of death. The ashes we take as we begin our Lenten journey symbolize the dust and broken debris of our lives as we begin our Lenten trek through the desert toward Easter.
What is Taize?
The Taizé Community is an ecumenical Christian monastic community located in Taizé, France. It was founded in 1940 by Brother Roger Schütz, a Swiss Protestant, with the vision of fostering reconciliation and unity among Christians. Over the decades, Taizé has grown into an international pilgrimage site, especially for young people seeking prayer, reflection, and community life.
A defining feature of Taizé is its music and chants, which have become widely recognized and used in churches worldwide. Taizé music is characterized by simple, repetitive chants, often based on short scriptural phrases. These meditative chants create an atmosphere of prayerful contemplation, allowing worshippers to engage in deep spiritual reflection without the distraction of complex lyrics or melodies. The repetitive nature of the songs encourages participation and creates a sense of unity amidst our diversity.
Room for silence is also a vital part of the Taizé tradition, offering individuals space to listen to God and reflect on their spiritual journey. Readers will share three different scripture readings and the choir and musicians will lead several modern chants from the Taizé community.
The Taizé experience has inspired countless people around the world. We pray that it meets you where you most thirst for Christ as we begin our Lenten journey together.