Taizé (teh-zay) is a small town in the Burgundy region of France. The Taizé community was founded in 1940 by Brother Roger. It began as a hostel for Jewish refugees.

Today, there are some 90 brothers from various Christian denominations and from over 20 countries who live in community. The community holds three prayer gatherings daily. Their prayer includes chanting of short musical refrains that are now used in churches around the world and the daily prayer services which include many different languages. The manner of prayer that is the model of our evening worship today originates from this ecumenical monastic community in Taize.  We chant our joys and praises, we sing our aspirations and petitions, we give thanks.

On August 16th, 2005, while Brother Roger was taking part in an evening service attended by 2,500 people, he was murdered.  Let us give thanks for his life and his legacy of music and silence, and let us pray that he be among the saints in God’s eternal presence.

The Taizé community and its rich traditions continue to thrive and we join our silence, our prayers, our song, with those around the world who make pause this day to remember holiness.

Taizé worship is a prayer service consisting of meditative singing and periods of silence in order to reach a contemplative state. All members of the community are welcome to join in this practice of music and meditation. This service is held on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7pm [excluding July and August]. Each service has a different theme.

Click here to watch at trailer about the Taizé community in France.

Please join us every fourth Wednesday of the month for our in person evening candlelight service with Reverend Amy Cousineau.