This post is for discussions regarding our Taize Prayer Service
5 comments:
Anonymous
said...
Since the Taize prayer seems to be rather simple, why can't we have it at St. Thomas this year, maybe sometime during Holy Week. We have many wonderful singers and I understand only one instrument is needed. I know time is always the problem, but, I think, this is the most important time in our church calendar.
Last week, I attended the St. John Center Taize service at St. Kenneth's. My notes/observations: Music consisted of a choir of about 10 people, including a pianist and a flutist. No priest was present (this is typical, unless there is eucharistic adoration). An icon of Jesus was at the altar, as was a large, burlap-draped cross in which participants were invited to each place a nail into the cross (it was made of styrofoam) as a Lenten sign of reverence for Jesus' ultimate sacrifice. There were candles on the altar (there was a candle-lighting ceremony about 1/3 way into the service, which I felt was more distracting than symbolic) and a bowl of flames (e.g., sterno) in the center aisle that was lit at the same time. The whole effect of the candles/flames would have been enhanced if they had dimmed the church lights at that point, but they didn't.
So far, I've attended about eight Taize prayer services at four different churches (one of which was Episcopal). Based on this sampling, I have found the services at Our Lady of Sorrows in Farmington to be the most deeply spiritual of all. The music was beautiful and reflective and not overpowering. The acoustic instruments used (piano, flute, finger chimes, etc.) enhanced the music, which included cantor-led chants and occasionally a solo from a choir member. The altar was bathed in the light of dozens of candles, but no overhead church lights.
If you have a chance, there are still two Taize services remaining in Lent at Sorrows: tonight and next Tues., both at 7:30 p.m. I can't make the one tonight, but if anyone would like to join me (e.g., carpool) for next Tuesday evening, that would be great. Just give me a couple days' notice if possible. If we plan to make Taize happen for Advent 2008, I strongly encourage you to check out Sorrows. Jeanine G. (jmgillikin@wowway.com)
Though having a Taize service during Holy Week would be wonderful, I do think it's a bit late to put it together well. Things that look simple are not necessarily so...there's a lot of work put in behind it.
My vote is that we put it on the calendar during Advent. First, we'll have a music budget that can handle it. Second, we can really figure out the 'focus' of the service and tie it into the focus that we decide on for Advent. Third, I think (my opinion here) that there should be a sub-committee meeting (probably starting after Easter) to really plan it out in detail (scriptures, music, idols, seating, art & environment, etc.). Fourth, this would give us enough time to really get the word out not only to the St. Thomas a'Becket community but to other parishes as well...if we start strong, it will only help towards our goal of making this something we do throughout the year.
The calendar meeting is in May. If we pick a couple of dates, I'll make sure to push for them and get in on the calendar.
5 comments:
Since the Taize prayer seems to be rather simple, why can't we have it at St. Thomas this year, maybe sometime during Holy Week. We have many wonderful singers and I understand only one instrument is needed. I know time is always the problem, but, I think, this is the most important time in our church calendar.
February 28, 2008 11:42 AM
Dear Anonymous...
I believe we have targeted the Fall. As I understand it, the music is yet to be procured.
Last week, I attended the St. John Center Taize service at St. Kenneth's. My notes/observations: Music consisted of a choir of about 10 people, including a pianist and a flutist. No priest was present (this is typical, unless there is eucharistic adoration). An icon of Jesus was at the altar, as was a large, burlap-draped cross in which participants were invited to each place a nail into the cross (it was made of styrofoam) as a Lenten sign of reverence for Jesus' ultimate sacrifice. There were candles on the altar (there was a candle-lighting ceremony about 1/3 way into the service, which I felt was more distracting than symbolic) and a bowl of flames (e.g., sterno) in the center aisle that was lit at the same time. The whole effect of the candles/flames would have been enhanced if they had dimmed the church lights at that point, but they didn't.
So far, I've attended about eight Taize prayer services at four different churches (one of which was Episcopal). Based on this sampling, I have found the services at Our Lady of Sorrows in Farmington to be the most deeply spiritual of all. The music was beautiful and reflective and not overpowering. The acoustic instruments used (piano, flute, finger chimes, etc.) enhanced the music, which included cantor-led chants and occasionally a solo from a choir member. The altar was bathed in the light of dozens of candles, but no overhead church lights.
If you have a chance, there are still two Taize services remaining in Lent at Sorrows: tonight and next Tues., both at 7:30 p.m. I can't make the one tonight, but if anyone would like to join me (e.g., carpool) for next Tuesday evening, that would be great. Just give me a couple days' notice if possible. If we plan to make Taize happen for Advent 2008, I strongly encourage you to check out Sorrows.
Jeanine G. (jmgillikin@wowway.com)
Here's the link to the original Taize community in France:
http://www.taize.fr/en_rubrique12.html
Hi everyone,
Though having a Taize service during Holy Week would be wonderful, I do think it's a bit late to put it together well. Things that look simple are not necessarily so...there's a lot of work put in behind it.
My vote is that we put it on the calendar during Advent. First, we'll have a music budget that can handle it. Second, we can really figure out the 'focus' of the service and tie it into the focus that we decide on for Advent. Third, I think (my opinion here) that there should be a sub-committee meeting (probably starting after Easter) to really plan it out in detail (scriptures, music, idols, seating, art & environment, etc.). Fourth, this would give us enough time to really get the word out not only to the St. Thomas a'Becket community but to other parishes as well...if we start strong, it will only help towards our goal of making this something we do throughout the year.
The calendar meeting is in May. If we pick a couple of dates, I'll make sure to push for them and get in on the calendar.
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