St. John’s congregation celebrated Epiphany on Jan. 6 at 4 p.m. with an evening service in the manner of Taizé. This meditative time of music, prayers and silence was extremely well received by our parishioners.
The service takes its name from the town in France where it originated and where it is attended by thousands of pilgrims each year. Following the bloodshed and devastation of the Second World War a small group of reformed ministers committed themselves to forming a spiritual community dedicated to the efforts of peace and reconciliation in the world. The style of worship they developed, with readings from the scriptures interspersed with mantra-like chants sung by all, allows the worshipper the time and space to open oneself to the movement of the Holy Spirit – in healing, love, support and joy.
The center of the service allows the worshipper time to approach the altar with a lighted candle, placing it in a container to help light the room, the community and the world. Silence is a key ingredient of this worship, and in a world of noise, confusion and turbulent activity, a service in the Taizé style offers us a brief oasis of peace in our lives.
Originally published in St. John’s Epistle, February 2013.