Simple Christmas idea #9 -- Attend an Advent prayer service

Taize Prayer -- 2014

For the past three years, a group of churches in my neighbourhood has welcomed Christians of all denominations to pray in their worship spaces one Sunday evening each month (except June to August) in the style of prayer that originated in Taizé, France. If you've never heard of the Taizé (pronounced Tay-ZAY) Community, or the beautiful music that draws people from all over the globe to go in pilgrimage to a tiny village in the Burgundy region of France, I would like to invite you to come and join us for a musical, meditative, internationally flavoured way to pray (also, see www.taize.fr).

Music is the foundation of the prayer that flows for an hour, interspersed with psalms, a gospel reading, silence and intercessory prayer. At the evening's conclusion, we gather as neighbours and friends for conversation and refreshments. Honestly, it's one of my favourite ways to pray, because I've always been strongly drawn to music as a form of worship... and because there is no preaching. We sing and listen to the scriptures and let them speak to us of God in the silence of our hearts.

I am posting the dates and times below for future reference of any of my readers who might want to attend. (If you want a printable poster of your own, email me -- my e-address is on the sidebar under profile.) All are welcome! This Sunday evening's prayer (Dec 8th, 2013) at Holyrood Mennonite Church will be a beautiful Advent meditation for all who join us.

Wait for the Lord, whose day is near; wait for the Lord, be strong, take heart!

Taizé Prayer 2014

Ecumenical, musical, meditative prayer 

in the Taizé style from 7 - 8 p.m.

January 12   St. Thomas D’Aquin Catholic Church   8410 89 Street
February 9   Hope Lutheran Church   5104 106 Avenue
March 9   Lenten Prayer St. Luke’s Anglican Church   8424 95 Avenue

April 18   Good Friday Prayer Around the Cross

Providence Renewal Centre   3005 119 Street
May 4   Easter Prayer   St. David’s Anglican Church   7751 85 Street
September 14   Assumption Catholic Church   9040 95 Avenue
October 5   Holyrood Mennonite Church   9505 79 Street
November 9    Peace Prayer    Strathearn United Church   8510 95 Avenue
December 14   Advent Prayer    First Church of God   9224 82 Street

Everyone is Welcome!

•For more information, email Maria; also see www.taize.fr

•Sponsored by these church communities, 
and the Edmonton Taizé musicians/organizing group.

•Music copyright permissions obtained through the kindness 
of the Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton,

and candles donated by Universal Church Supplies.