"Prayer is a serene force at work within human beings, stirring them up, transforming them, never allowing them to close their eyes in the face of evil, or wars, of all that threatens the weak of this world. From it we draw energy to wage other struggles – to enable our loved ones to survive, to transform the human condition, to make the earth a place fit to live in."
Brother Roger of Taize

Taize (pronounced tah-ZAY) is a monastic community in southeastern France. It was founded in 1940 with the mission of healing the divisions between Christians and within the human family. The community seeks to create an environment where reconciliation could become a concrete reality every day.  It is an ecumenical community which includes 100 brothers from over twenty different countries.

Thousands of Christian people from all over the world, young and old, gather at Taize every week to pray, to search, to sing, and to find refreshment and renewal. The Taize service is marked by its depth and by its simplicity. It lasts for about an hour and consists mostly of singing with periods of silent meditation, prayers of intercession, and with readings from the book of Psalms and Gospels.

The songs are not meant to be sung as hymns, but rather as a series of prayers. Some are sung in Latin and others in English. They are repeated many times over transforming themselves into melodic chants and mesmerizing mantras. The hope is that the repetitiveness will be helpful in not only learning the words and music, but also in allowing the songs to become prayers of the heart.

Time is suspended in a Taize service. Silence is a central part of this service and is a gift to those leading busy, hectic lives. It provides an opportunity to commune with God through the heart and bring a measure of peace to one’s mind and spirit.

For more information on the Taize Community, visit: http://www.taize.fr/en (english version)


TAIZE MUSIC

Here's a direct link to the website's music section.  Look under the Learning the Songs section to see, hear, and learn the music.


TAIZE SERVICES IN GEORGIA

If you are aware of Taize services in Georgia that are not listed below, please send information to bsp2323@yahoo.com

Service schedules may change during holy seasons, so I suggest calling to confirm dates and times.

The following links are not being maintained unless I am advised of changes.  
Please check with the locations before going to their location.

METRO-ATLANTA AREA (by day and week of service)

NON-ATLANTA AREA

Emory University     Cannon Chapel 529 Kilgo Street Atlanta/Decatur Contact:   Ivan Maddox  (404-727-6225) Every Monday evening 5:30 p.m. Emory Presbyterian Church 1886 North Decatur Road Atlanta (30307) 404-325-4551 Homepage Contact: First Monday of each month 8:00 p.m.   Macland Presbyterian Church   3615 Macland Road Powder Springs 30127 770-439-1548 Homepage Contact: Milan Savic or Pastor Ray Jones First Monday of each month 8:00 p.m. Shallowford Presbyterian Church   2375 Shallowford Road, NE Atlanta 30341 404-321-1844 Homepage Contact: Bob Chambless First Monday of each month 7:30 p.m. Free child care available Central Presbyterian Church   201 Washington Street Atlanta 30308 404-659-0274 Homepage Contact: Rev. Gary W. Charles First Tuesday of each month 8:00 p.m. Columbia Presbyterian Church      711 South Columbia Dr. Decatur 30030 Phone:  404-284-2441 Homepage Contact:   Rev. Tom Hagood Every Tuesday evening 7:00 p.m. Church of the Savior   1950 Old Alabama Road Roswell 770-998-6789 Contact: Reverend Chris Graham First Thursday of each month 8:00 p.m. St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church 1790 LaVista Road, NE         Atlanta 404-634-3336 Homepage Contact: The Reverend Beverly Elliott Second Monday of each month 8:00 p.m. Holy Trinity Episcopal Church 515 E. Ponce de Leon Ave. Decatur 404-377-2622 Homepage Contact: Charles Asher 770-560-2806 Third Sunday of each month 7:00pm (Labyrinth available starting at 5:00pm)     Cathedral of St. Phillip 2744 Peachtree Road, NW Atlanta (Buckhead) 404-365-1000 Homepage Contact: Janet Romano (404-365-1063) Third Monday of each month 8:00 p.m. Ogelthorpe Presbyterian 3016 Lanier Drive, NE Atlanta 404-233-5469 Contact: Third Thursday of each month 8:00 p.m. Druid Hills Presbyterian Church     1026 Ponce de Leon Ave, NE Atlanta (1/2 block west of N. Highland) 404-875-7591 Homepage Fourth Monday of each month 8:00 p.m. DISCONTINUED SERVICES Church of the Epiphany Second Monday of each month St. Paul United Methodist Church (Grant Park) Fourth Monday of each month All Saints Episcopal Church      Fourth Friday of each month Decatur Presbyterian Church  Fifth Monday

Calvary Episcopal Church   408 S. Lee Street       Americus, GA 31709 229-974-3908 Contact: Mike Carscaddon Last Sunday of each month 6:30 p.m. Valdosta First United     Methodist Church   220 West Valley Street  Valdosta, GA 31601 229-242-4050 Contact: Assoc. Pastor Diane Shedd Third Sunday of each month in the sanctuary 6:30 p.m.