The Taizé experience offers worshippers an opportunity to reclaim their calm, sure focus on God’s presence in their lives.

Taizé started in France as a youth movement after the Second World War, as a way to bring hope and peace to a discouraged generation. Today, Taizé has spread throughout the world, bringing its message of healing to an ever-growing number of participants.

Singing is one of the most important forms of prayer. St Augustine said that “he who sings, prays twice”. A few words sung over and over again reinforce the meditative quality of the prayer. They express a basic reality of faith that can quickly be grasped by the intellect, and that gradually penetrates the heart and the whole being. These simple chants also provide a way of praying when one is alone, during the day or night, or even in the silence of one’s heart while working.

Taize services will be conducted on the first Saturday in the month, May – December 2015. This type of worship is unlike many other forms of liturgical activity – there are often periods of silence, and the Taize chants are repeated and embellished as a form of musical meditation. One can participate actively or sit quietly, listening to the prayer and music.

Dates for Taize at Christ Church in 2015 are as follows. The service will begin at 6.00pm, and a simple meal of bread, wine and soup will follow.

2nd May, 6th June, 4th July, 1st August,  5th September, 3rd October, 7th November and 5th December.