About Taize

The Community of Taize started from the experience of its founder, Brother Roger in World War II. Their website says:

When the Second World War began, he had the conviction that without wasting time he should come to the assistance of people going through this ordeal, just as his grandmother had done during the First World War. The small village of Taizé, where he settled, was quite close to the demarcation line dividing France in two: it was well situated for sheltering refugees fleeing the war.

After a disruption later in the war, Brother Roger returned to Taize and formed an intentional community with others, committing themselves to the Rule of Taize, a code of intentionality and simplicity that makes the common life possible. Today, "The Taizé Community comprises around eighty brothers from different church backgrounds – Catholic, Anglican, Protestant – and from nearly thirty countries. By its very existence, it is a 'parable of community': a tangible sign of reconciliation between divided Christians and separated peoples."

On Maundy Thursday, the First Christian Church, the First United Methodist Church, and we at the First Presbyterian Church will join together for a service of sung prayer in the style of the Community of Taize, France. Communion will be served. In describing their music, they say, "To open the gates of trust in God, nothing can replace the beauty of human voices united in song. This beauty can give us a glimpse of 'heaven’s joy on earth,' as Eastern Christians put it. And an inner life begins to blossom within us." We hope that the beautiful, meditative, and peaceful music will be a respite from the tumult of the world. We hope that you'll join us on Thursday, April 17, at 6:00pm to unite in both song and spirit.

--Chas