ÒRight at the depth of the human condition, lies
the longing for a presence, the silent desire for a communion. Let us never forget
that this simple desire for God is already the beginning of faith.Ó
Brother Roger of TaizŽ
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See below for:
Ongoing TaizŽ Prayer Schedule in Atlanta
From Br. Roger: ÒAVery Simple RealityÓ
Resourceful Links
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Welcome!
This
Atlanta-based website was established in 2006 on the occasion of the visit of
two TaizŽ brothers to the
Southeast.
As
the brothers passed through, connections between people practicing this prayer were
formed. Conversations about a ÒPilgrimage of TrustÓ in the Atlanta
area began.
We
hope those who have taken groups to TaizŽ, France will connect with others upon their
return and be able to use this site as a resource.
We
hope this website will be an ongoing resource for people who pray using the
music of TaizŽ and seek to deepen in
their own ÒPilgrimage of Trust on Earth,Ó inspired by The Community of TaizŽ in TaizŽ, France.
Pilgrimage to TaizŽ
A
trip to TaizŽ provides profound
experiences of prayer, song, and of the international communion that is ChristÕs
body. Everyone who participates meets others from around the world, who
are searching for insight into how to live out the Gospel in their own
particular circumstances. In addition to prayer three times a day, there
is regular small group reflection on scripture, daily work together (cooking,
cleaning, etc) and extraordinary fellowship opportunities. Each week in
the summer months there can be 6-8,000 young people from up to 25 countries at
any given time visiting on week-long retreat. The TaizŽ Community provides a
living parable of GodÕs kingdom on earth.
For
more information about taking pilgrimages to TaizŽ see their website: www.taizŽ.fr.
If you have taken groups from here before and would be available for advising
others, please let us know.
Pilgrimage in Georgia
Here in Atlanta, we have a world community of our own. One idea for a Pilgrimage of Trust here in our city, is to pilgrimage among different churches over the course of a week with focused time for reflection together.
The
prayers listed below have formed organically over time without any central
organization. Feel free to contact
any of the churches below for directions or advice in beginning a prayer in
your setting.
Peace,
Lisa
P.
Parishioner,
St. BartholomewÕs Episcopal Church
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Ongoing
Prayers in Song and Silence
In Metro Atlanta
Since
1992 there have been regular prayers in the Atlanta area using the music of the
TaizŽ Community in TaizŽ, France. After a
prayer at the Cathedral of St. Philip during the Olympics in 1996, churches began to host monthly prayers
on Monday nights. Regular prayers can be found on many nights aside from
the Monday round, and in many different denominations. People travel
among the churches from week to week. This is not an exhaustive list of
current TaizŽ style prayers in the
metro area. Please update us with your information.
First Mondays, 8:00 p.m.
1886 North Decatur Rd.
(404) 325-4551
Contact: Sue Sandell
Every Tuesday, 7:00 p.m.
Columbia Presbyterian Church
711 South Columbia Drive, Decatur, 30030
(404) 284-2441
Contact: Tamra Erde
First Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m.
Every Tuesday during Advent and Lent
201 Washington St. S.W.
Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 659-0274
Contact: David VanderMeer
Second Mondays, 8:00 p.m.
St.
Bartholomew's Episcopal Church
1790 LaVista Road NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30329
(404) 634.3336
Contact: Rev. Beverly Elliott
Third Sundays, 7:00 p.m.
Recorded music with
labyrinth open for walking, 6-8:00pm
515 East Ponce de Leon Ave
Decatur, GA 30030
(404) 377-2622
Contact: Rev. Anne Maxwell
Third Mondays, 8:00 p.m.
2699 Peachtree Rd. NE
Atlanta, GA (Buckhead)
(404) 233-2145
Contact: Rev. Bill Payton
Fourth Mondays, 8:00 p.m.
Druid Hills Presbyterian
Church
1026 Ponce De Leon Ave
(404) 875-7591
Contact: J Clark
We would like to know about your TaizŽ prayer anywhere in
Georgia.
People involved with these prayers are
available to support you in your efforts to start at prayer in your community.
Please contact us with your feedback,
additions and questions via email: lisa@atlantataize.org
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ÒA very simple realityÓ
When
we open the Gospel, each of us can say, ÒThese words of Jesus are rather like a
very ancient letter written in an unknown language. But since it is written to
me by someone who loves me, I am going to try to understand its meaning, and to
put into practice right away the little I have grasped.ÓÉ
Extensive
knowledge is not important at the outset. In time that will be of great value.
But it is through the heart, in the depths of themselves, that human beings
begin to grasp the Mystery of Faith. Everything is not granted at once. An
inner life is developed step by step. Today, more than in the past, we enter
into the faith by going forward in stages.
Right
at the depth of the human condition, lies the longing for a presence, the
silent desire for a communion. Let us never forget that this simple desire for
God is already the beginning of faith.
Moreover,
no one is able to understand the entire Gospel in isolation from others. Each
person has to say, ÒIn this unique communion that is the Church, what I do not
understand of the faith is understood by others who are living from it. I do
not rely on my faith alone but on the faith of Christians of all times, those
who have gone before us, from the time of Mary and the apostles to those of
today. And day after day I prepare inwardly to put my trust in the Mystery of
Faith.Ó
So
it becomes clear that faith Ð trusting in God Ð is a very simple reality, so
simple that everyone could receive it. It is like surging upwards again and
again, a thousand times, throughout our life, and until our very last breath.
Brother Roger of TaizŽ
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Links
For
information about the Taize Community go to: www.taizŽ.fr
To
order books by Brother Roger of TaizŽ, CDÕs and printed music go to: www.giamusic.com
Last updated: February 8, 2008
Website established: May 2, 2006