As mentioned, the picture is of the Church of Reconciliation, in the monastic community of Taize, France. This last couple of weeks I have read three novels: David Vann’s “Legend of a Suicide”, Maggie O’Farrell’s “This must be the place”, and Valerie Perrin’s “Forgotten on Sundays”. Most readable goes to Maggie O’Farrell. Most interesting goes to David Vann. Most likely to be made into a film goes to Valerie Perrin.
Whilst writing this I am listening to the wind as I open every door and window in the house in an attempt to cool down.
Fun Fact of the week: The quietest place on earth is Microsoft's Anechoic Chamber in Redmond, Washington Measuring at -20.6 decibels, it is so silent you can hear your own heartbeat, blood flow, and bones moving.
Juliette and I went away for a couple of weeks until last Sunday. The first week was in silence (more or less) at the Taize Community in France. This is a community of monks who welcome thousands of young people, and hundreds of not-so–young people, to join them in worship and prayer 3 times a day, and to become a part of the community through shared meals and working together. It has been 42 years since I first went. The community is ecumenical which means it is not Catholic or Protestant or Orthodox, it is somewhere for people from around the world to come together and seek understanding and connection. The songs are the best known part of Taize and they are sung in many different languages. One of my favourites this year was “Umefufuka we Yesu. Umefufuka we Yesu leo” which I‘m sure you don’t need me to translate from the Swahili as “The Lord is risen indeed. Christ is risen today”.
Finding silence in a busy world can be difficult. Even at Taize I found it difficult, largely because there was not a group of people sharing the silence together and intentionally encouraging each other. However, being silent, allowing the mind to be still, and opening ourselves up to accept and explore whatever might be on our minds and in our lives is so important. It is a way of prayer, a way of listening to God at the centre of our lives. Hopefully as a church community we can create opportunities for silence and we can encourage one another as we open ourselves up to discovering what lies beyond the silence in the very heart of our being. If you would be interested in discovering more about visiting Taize or discovering Silence in your every day life then let me know. I’d be very happy to share more. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTxwBRfX-VE from 37.30 - 43.00 is the ‘classic’ Taize worship experience)
As always, if you would like me to pray for, or have a conversation about anything then do get in touch. I am available to listen and share in whatever might be arising for you at this time.
"Nothing can separate us from the love of God revealed to us in Christ Jesus" Rom 8:38-39
With peace and blessings,
Rev Steve
07503164309
My day of rest this week is Monday.