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Within Our Darkest Night:

The Spirituality of Taizé

with Peter Johns and Rev. Rachel Sciretti

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The Great Room of The Anchor House | No Cost, Registration Required 

Worship in the manner of Taizé is a valued and important expression of The Center as well as communities all over the world. But have you ever wondered about the method behind the artistry?

Why all the colors, candles and icons? Why the wooden cross and pillows? Why is the singing so repetitive? Why the different languages and minor tones? During this course, we will learn about the history, values, and practices of Taizé and its founder, Brother Roger. We will also learn about worship at Taizé and what makes their music unique. The class will meet on Wednesday Evenings in February and will culminate with a Sunday Morning Taizé Service at our regular Sunday Morning Worship time on March 2nd.
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What to Expect:

The format of this class will be a mix of lecture and discussion, blending history, biography, theology, and maybe a little bit of music theory. Questions for personal reflection will be offered, inspired by the ministry of Brother Roger and the Taizé community. Participants will be invited to engage the work of reconciliation in one’s relationship to God, self, others, their community, world, and creation.

You might be interested in this course if you: love worship in the manner of Taize, and are interested in learning more about contemplative worship at The Center.

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About Taizé

Taizé, a small village in France, is home to the Church of the Reconciliation. This ecumenical community was founded by Brother Roger during World War II as a sign of the presence of Christ in the midst of war. Brother Roger assisted the poor in France, as well as those who sought refuge from the Nazis. Brother Roger was forced to flee Taizé but returned after the war with other devoted followers of Christ. These men pledged their brotherhood to one another in the pursuit of Christ-likeness. During the 1960’s young adults from around the world began to show up and assist in their work. Today, thousands of young adults journey to Taizé weekly to join the brothers in work, worship, and prayer. Every day the community is called to corporate prayer three times, each comprised of simple meditative songs, the reading of scripture, prayer, and an extended period of silence. The meditative, chant-like singing of simple texts grew to be a staple of the community. It is a way in which thousands of worshippers from various cultures and traditions offer common prayer. The songs themselves become prayer, as their meaningful texts and beautiful harmonies work their ways into the souls of those praying.

Within Our Darkest Night: The Spirituality of Taizé Course Schedule

Current Month

February

26feb6:30 pm8:00 pmWithin Our Darkest NightThe Spirituality of Taizé

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Meet Peter Johns

PETER JOHNS grew up in Norwich, England and has been involved in music from a young age. He graduated in 1993 with a Creative Arts degree in Music Composition and Performance, having also earned a minor in Contemporary Theater, from Nottingham Trent University in England. While there, he was the first music student awarded a scholarship to study Composition and Orchestration Vysoká škola múzických umení in Bratislava, Slovakia.

Peter moved from the U.K. to Texas in 1994 to work with the United Methodist Church in Lubbock. There he composed two major choral works and collaborated with the Contemporary Music Ensemble at Texas Tech University. He has been on staff at Chapelwood United Methodist Church since 2001 where he is the Music Director for the Contemplative Worship Service. His major works include two cantatas, two children’s musicals, a Tenebrae, and a requiem mass that was performed in 2009 at Rice University, Houston, and at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Waco in 2012, 2015, and 2024.

This Fall he released his second album of Contemplative Worship Songs that were all composed for use at The Center for Christian Spirituality at Chapelwood: Everything Belongs – Songs from the Center Volume 2. When not working, Peter can usually be found cooking something elaborate in the kitchen or hunched over an obscure German board game.

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Meet Rachel Sciretti

REV. RACHEL SCIRETTI has long been intrigued by Mary Magdalene. As a young girl, she sensed a divine call to ministry in the church. Then and there she made the decision to serve in whatever capacity she was able. Her devotion to Christ, the study of Scripture, and service to God’s people became the strength and joy of her life through a difficult childhood and adolescence. As a young adult, Rachel moved into churches where her gifts would be fully affirmed and not limited simply because of her gender. Rachel holds a B.S.E. from East Texas Baptist University, a M.Div. from Truett Theological Seminary, and a Certificate in Christian Education from Campbell Divinity School. She was ordained in 2005 and has served churches in Texas and Virginia in roles as Minister to Children, Youth and Associate Pastor. She is currently living out her call as Associate Pastor at The Center for Christian Spirituality at Chapelwood UMC and is inspired by Mary Magdalene’s courage, devotion, and spiritual authority.