Taize Service
Monday April 30, 2012 All welcome Taize 7:00-7:30 pm Music Joan Celestin
Candlelight …stillness …. prayer…chanting All most welcome – begins with a beautiful meditative pictorial journey through nature awakening … celebrates creation… refreshments in parish hall Medway deanery friends present then gather for our meeting in the Heritage room/parish hall ..let nothing hinder us, nothing separate us, nothing come between us…

Come to a Midsummer Evening Taize Service Wednesday June 20th 7:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Outdoor candlight summer solstice taize service, by water fountain garden behind church guitar Jeff W., followed by refreshments, weather permitting, in our outdoor gazebo let us know if you can bring refreshments)

The June solstice marks the first day of summer in the northern hemisphere . It occurs when the sun is at its furthest point from the equator – it reaches its northernmost point and the earth’s North Pole tilts directly towards the sun, at about 23.5 degrees A solstice occurs twice a year whenever Earth’s axis tilts the most toward or away from the Sun, causing the Sun to be farthest north or south. “Sol” and “stice” derives from a combination of the Latin words meaning “sun” and “to stand still”. As the days lengthen, the sun rises higher and higher until it seems to stand still in the sky. In Taize worship we also stand still, we rest in God’s presence, simple prayers, silence and repeated chants, open us to communion with God

A Taste of Taize
For years I struggled to learn to meditate.  I wanted to find the place of peace within myself; I wanted my soul to be refreshed.  But I couldn't seem to quiet the chatter in my mind for more than brief moments.  And that did not satisfy me.

I tried to follow meditation instructions that I found in books, went on retreats where meditation was part of the program, and even attended a weekend workshop, once, on Hindu meditation.  All those things were helpful, but I never felt as if I had truly reached a "real" meditation.  

Then along came Canon Janet Lynall who introduced Taize services to us at St. Anne's.  Having heard positive things about Taize, I was eager to attend. And from my first or second Taize service, I suddenly realized I was meditating - effortlessly.  What an amazing experience!

All my struggling and striving were probably counter-productive, because what I had needed to do was open my heart and mind to the Holy Spirit.  I needed to stop struggling and simply receive God into myself.  What followed and continues to follow Taize meditation for me, is the feeling of peace, soul refreshment and inner healing.

Taize services are comprised of chanting, periods of silence, scripture, other inspirational readings, and prayer. Singing simple, meaningful chants is said to quiet the mind and open the heart.    It certainly appears to be so.

To anyone who has not yet attended a Taize service at St. Anne's, I strongly urge you to take a taste.  The experience will be worth your while.
By Shirley G-M