Newtonbrook United Church’s  Prayers with Songs from Taizé is a different style of worship developed by an international, ecumenical community in Taizé, France. The gentle, repetitive and lyrical prayers which form the basis of the service encourage peaceful meditation which many find very refreshing and inspiring. This form of prayer treasures our differences and shows us how our faith can bring us together. It was found that people arriving in Taizé spoke so many different languages that prayers were made simple, short and put to music. They were repeated many times over allowing all those present to be in harmony with each other.

The atmosphere at Newtonbrook’s Taizé Prayers is best described as tranquil. Lights are turned down low and candles glow softly at the base of the cross, having been lit from the light of the Christ candle that stands near by. All those present face the cross and soft music starts the service. Prayers are sung, spoken or silent. The scripture reading is short and is translated into different languages. The Lord’s Prayer is spoken by each worshipper in their native language. The moment to approach the cross can be done spiritually at your seat or you may come forward and kneel, stand or sit in the chairs provided.

At the Maundy Thursday Prayers from Taizé, Communion and Laying on of Hands are provided for those who wish to participate.

The candle-lit 45 minute services are usually held 7 times per year on Thursdays beginning at 7:30 pm. Please check our on-line calendar to see when the next service is scheduled. If you need a time of quiet prayer, please join us.  Upcoming Taizé service dates are,

• Thursday, October 6, 2011 - Thanksgiving
• Thursday, December 8, 2011 - Advent
• Thursday, January 19,2012 - Epiphany/Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
• Thursday, April 5, 2012 -  Maundy Thursday (with communion)
• Thursday, May 17, 2012 - Ascension Day

To find out more about this type of worship service, please click on the following link: