As divisions in churches and societies seem to pile up on top of wars, environmental crises and economic concerns, we are drawn to pray together specifically for peace - in our hearts, our homes, our churches, our communities, our world. May our prayers move us to strive for God's justice and peace wherever we are.
You are invited to join a short and simple monthly time of prayers for peace with songs from Taizé, at the end of the workday on first Thursdays of the month, at St Philip Oak Bay (2928 Eastdowne, at Neil). The Thursday timeline will be:
- 5.15-5.40 latest: optional max 20 min run-through of that day's music & non-English pronunciation as needed
- a break for silence as we gather our thoughts
- 5.45 start: 20-30 minutes of singing, intercessory prayer, and silence
- end not later than 6.15
We will enter and leave in silence. Congregational singing will be supported by the piano as needed. As the church is already set up for worship, preparation is minimal: placing the Taizé icon in its stand with a tray for candles by it. St Philip's stained glass provides wonderful light and colour to the space, and you are welcome to light a candle by the Taizé icon at any time before or during the service.
If you're interested in suggesting prayers, reading or leading prayers or intercessions, or contributing cantor parts or instrumental parts to the songs, please contact Anna.
More about music:
Everyone present is part of the choir. Feel free to sing the melody or printed harmonies from wherever you are sitting. The four or five songs for each service will be listed here for those who would like to listen to or learn them ahead of time.
2 June: The Kingdom of God | Confitemini Domino | Ô Toi, l'au-delà de tout | Let all who are thirsty come
Songs will be added to this Youtube playlist for listening and singing along.
Practice scores are available at https://archives.taize.fr/en_article10308.html
We will sing in English, French, Latin, and other languages, as is the tradition and practice at Taizé. Non-English pronunciation will be reviewed at the optional 5.15 run-through; please feel free to hum along until you are comfortable with the words.
About the Taize style of meditative singing
** It can be very warm inside St Philip at the end of a sunny summer day. If it's too hot, we'll gather at the labyrinth on the lawn instead.
Questions or suggestions? Contact Anna in the office at St Philip: admin@stphilipvictoria or 250 592 6823
Photo by Tomasz Kluz on Unsplash (detail)