Taizé reports

Zosia Bajorek writes about the 2007 visit

Seven years ago I heard about the Taizé community whilst at university and was always keen to go. From 21st to 30th July last year, a fine young group from St James' and Poverest Road Baptist Church made our way to the monastic community. Over the last 70 years Taizé has attracted young pilgrims, looking for something – be it spiritual fulfilment, or to develop their relationship with God. Today the community sees anywhere up to 5,000 visitors a week.

In Taizé, there is prayer three times a day, morning (8.15am), midday (12.15pm) and evening (8.15pm). There was also a 7.30am Eucharist for those who could make it (and after attempting to sleep in a tent at night, I was generally up to make it). The prayers consisted of the Taizé chants, a reading, silence and bidding prayers said in a variety of languages. About 5,000 people sitting in silence and praying is really something to experience, and almost impossible to describe. It was beautiful. The silence was, at first difficult to concentrate in, but I was soon able to adapt to it, reflecting on what had just been said or sung, and asking questions such as: Who are we following? Why do we follow? What is the next step in our faith or relationship with God?

Prayer is a big part of the Taizé day, but so are the chores. I never thought cleaning toilets would be so fun, but it was a part of the day we really enjoyed… we even had a cleaning the toilet song (more than one!). After the tasks had been done, we drank our well earned bowl of Taizé tea. Through toilet cleaning we made very good friends, and have since visited some of our international Taizé friends.

In the afternoon there were also Bible studies. I chose the Luke studies, based upon how this scripture can challenge us. International Bible studies were sometimes difficult, but it was good to have the opportunity to talk about God.

The food was interesting (edible but sometimes not identifiable). I know that Fr Bryan really appreciated the Sunday potato salad… and a roll of bread and a stick of chocolate became a brilliant way to start a day. And a bowl of Taizé tea really went down a treat!

Taizé was a brilliant week – we all had the opportunity to meet such diverse people from many, many nations, and a chance to improve our language skills. But most importantly, we all had the chance to spend time with God in prayer and song, and develop the most important relationship of all. The end of the week, and the coach journey home came very quickly, and I think I speak on behalf of the group when I say no one wanted to leave. We all went to Taizé with our own questions and anxieties, and during the week, we had the chance to put these to God, and Taizé gave us the time and space to do this.

This year, we hope to go to Taizé again, with churches from the Petts Wood and Bromley area. This will give us the opportunity to meet other Christians in the area, and also to have the chance to partake in this special prayer environment again. I would like to thank Fr Bryan and Teresa for taking us there, and always willing to help us when out there. I believe its an opportunity not to be missed! More details about Taizé 2008 will be available shortly.

Taizé Service at St James'

On Sunday evening, 25th November, about 150 people from different churches in Petts Wood, gathered to recreate the wonderful ambience of Taizé worship. With the church lit almost entirely by candle, the repetitive chants were led by a group of Taizé devotees. The rest of the congregation were quickly able to pick up the chants, and so fill the church with haunting sound, praising God in this evocative manner. Readings in six different languages added to the mood of Taizé. After the service, many of us processed to the Social Centre, carrying our candles and continuing to chant until all were present. We then enjoyed hot drinks in a convivial atmosphere. (Reported by a member of the congregation.)

Click here for images of the service (these open in a new window)

Taizé reports

The 2009 visit

The 2008 visit and pictures

The 2007 visit

Images of 2007

Taizé service at St James' 25th November 2007

Taizé service at St James' 29th June 2008