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Syrian refugees: a global crisis
Episcopalians, Anglicans take action to help those displaced
Images of Aylan, a toddler who was drowned with his mother and brother as their family tried to escape violence in Syria, have brought the plight of refugees into painfully sharp focus in recent days. But Episcopal Relief & Development, an agency of the wider Episcopal Church, was already responding to the crisis by reaching out to similar agencies in that area of the world. According to the United Nations' Office of the High Commissioner on Refugees (UNHCR), more than 381,000 refugees and migrants have crossed the Mediterranean into Europe in 2015, half of this number from Syria. Between April 2011 and July 2015, 348,540 Syrians applied for asylum in Europe. The large influx of Syrian refugees into Europe is challenging host countries, some of which are also sheltering people displaced by conflict and instability in Iraq, Afghanistan, Eritrea and other countries. Read more here.
Photo / Jorge Felix Costa / Shutterstock.com
Two events in Washington, DC,
to mark installation of presiding bishop
The public is invited to two events highlighting the installation of Michael Bruce Curry as the 27th presiding bishop and primate of the Episcopal Church. Curry, bishop of the Diocese of North Carolina, was elected and confirmed on June 27 during the 78th General Convention, held in Salt Lake City June 25 - July 3. His nine-year term begins Nov. 1.
All are invited to join a Vigil Celebration and Eucharist sponsored by the Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE) in honor of Bishop Curry, the first African-American to be elected as presiding bishop, on Saturday, Oct. 31 at 11 a.m. (Eastern time) at the Armory, 2001 E. Capital St. SE, Washington, D.C. The Episcopal Church will sponsor a live webcast of the Vigil Celebration, available here. Additional information about the Oct. 31 event is on the UBE website here; ticket applications are available here. The Holy Eucharist with the Installation of the 27th Presiding Bishop will occur on Sunday, Nov. 1 at noon (Eastern time) at Washington National Cathedral. The service will be live webcast on the cathedral website here. Tickets to the service will be distributed by lottery; more information here.
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 People ...
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 Sarah Nolan receives
Beatitudes Society fellowship The Beatitudes Society has announced that Sarah Nolan, graduate of the Claremont School of Theology, lay chaplain at Cal Sate University, Channel Islands, and staff member at The Abundant Table in Camarillo, has been awarded a $5,000 Beatitudes Fellowship. She is one of 12 "emerging faith leaders" from across the United States selected for the annual award, according to a release from the society. Each fellow develops his or her own model for progressive ministry within the local faith community. The fellows gather four times throughout the year for coaching and mentoring to bring their idea to fruition.
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 Events & announcements ...
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 Fighting Ebola; local doctor to speak about experience in Liberia
Dr. Kathryn Challoner, former LAC+USC Medical Center emergency physician and faculty member, will speak about her recent experience fighting the Ebola outbreak at St. Thomas' Church, Hollywood, at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 20. Part of the congregation's "Let's Talk About ..." series, Challoner's talk is titled "Ebola, Liberia: The Diary of a Franciscan." Challoner (pictured at left with a Liberian Ebola orphan), a lifelong tertiary member of the Society of St. Francis, retired in January 2015 from her position at LAC+USC in order to respond to the Ebola crisis in West Africa. In addition to on-the-ground work with Ebola patients in Liberia, Challoner and other donors provided funding for medical equipment, medical supplies and teaching symposiums for hospitals, especially Phebe Hospital, an Episcopal/Lutheran facility in rural Liberia. She also maintains and runs a medical scholarship program with administrative support from the Third Order Society of St. Francis and outside donor support that pays tuition costs for Nigerians earning degrees in nursing, public health, health administration and medicine. In addition, Challoner is helping to establish a free school, health care, and support for Ebola orphans in Lofa County at Bolahun, an area in Liberia hard hit by the epidemic. The Sept. 20 talk is free and open to the public. St. Thomas' Church is located at 7501 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood (Los Angeles). for information, call 323.876.2102.
 St. George's, Riverside, to open Interfaith Meditation Garden St. George's Church, Riverside, in partnership with the local interfaith and ecumenical community, has established an Interfaith Meditation Garden, which it will open on Sunday, Sept. 27 at 4 p.m.
J. Jon Bruno, bishop of the Diocese of Los Angeles and president of the Los Angeles Council of Religious Leaders, will dedicate the garden at the event, which will be attended by leaders of local Jewish, Islamic, Sikh, Hindu, Buddhist and Christian congregations, as well as community leaders and members of St. George's. The garden, according to the Rev. Khushnud Azariah, vicar of St. George's, was planned to provide a quiet place for meditation, prayer and relaxation; to build a bridge of cooperation among people of varied experiences, faiths and beliefs; and to promote tolerance, peace and harmony. All are welcome to the dedication. St. George's Episcopal Church is located at 950 Spruce Street, Riverside 92507. For information, call the parish office at 626.862.1502.
 Oktoberfest comes to Blessed Sacrament Church on Sept. 19 The Church of the Blessed Sacrament, Placentia, will hold its first Oktoberfest on Saturday, Sept. 19, 5 - 8 p.m., with food, fun and fellowship for all. Tickets are $10 for adults,, $5 for children ages 6 to 17, and include dinner (a brat, two side dishes and bottled water). Children 5 and under eat free (a hot dog, chips and a small drink). Beverages, pretzels and desserts will be available for purchase. Games will be provided for all ages. Silent and live auctions will feature Dodger and Angel baseball memorabilia. Blessed Sacrament Church is located at 1314 N. Angelina Drive, Placentia 92870. For information, call 714.528.2995.
 Beverly Hills parish to offer misconduct prevention training All Saints' Church, Beverly Hills, will host a Safeguarding God's Children and Safeguarding God's People Workshop on Saturday, Oct. 17, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Rev. Rachel Nyback will facilitate the training. Employees and many volunteers at churches -- including Sunday school teachers, lay Eucharistic ministers and others -- in the Diocese of Los Angeles are required to complete such misconduct prevention training at least once every five years. Cost is $10. For information and reservations, contact Christal Ellis at 310.275.0123, ext. 123, or cellis@allsaintsbh.org.
 All are invited to get down and dirty to work in Echo Park garden Seeds of Hope will sponsor "Dinner, Dirt and Drinks," a garden-building party at Edendale Grove Garden at the Cathedral Center in Echo Park, on Friday, Sept. 11, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Participants are invited to wear clothes for getting dirty as they help to set out winter plantings in the garden, located next to the Cathedral Center of St. Paul at 840 Echo Park Avenue, Los Angeles. Light snacks will be served during the work time; dinner will be provided afterwards. For more information and reservations, visit the event page on Facebook.
 End-of-life planning workshops
to be offered in Westchester Are you prepared for that time when life draws to a close? Are your affairs in order? Do you have advance directives in place? Is your service planned? A series of Wednesday night programs in September at Church of the Holy Nativity in Westchester (Los Angeles) will help deal with these difficult topics. Each session will begin at 7 p.m. and conclude by 9 p.m.
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Sept. 16: Carrie Ryan, a Rhodes scholar and doctoral candidate at the University of Oxford in the School for Social and Cultural Anthropology will explore how end-of-life-care issues in America can be addressed more radically and more holistically.
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Sept. 23: Features Edgar Saenz, a Westchester attorney, who specializes in asset protection, living trust, and probate law, and Mary Pat Curran, who is a paralegal and has recent, first-hand experience with issues of sudden life-threatening situations.
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Sept. 30: Featuring Olivia Bareham, an ordained interfaith minister and death midwife and founder of Sacred Crossings, a Los Angeles-based company with a mission of empowering and guiding families to reclaim the lost art and healing ritual of a home funeral.
Holy Nativity Church is located at 6700 W. 83rd Street, Westchester (Los Angeles) 90045. For information, call 310.670.4777.
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This week around the diocese ...
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FRIDAY - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 - 17
Labyrinth Week: A Circle of Peace and Healing
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
1221 Wass Street, Tustin
Information: 714.544.3141 or laura@stpauls.org
The week will begin with an Interfaith Walk for Peace beginning at 7 p.m. on Sept. 11, featuring Taizé music and prayers led by community members representing a variety of faith traditions. Several opportunities will be available for prayer and meditative walking throughout the following week:
- Holy Eucharist around the labyrinth, Saturday, Sept. 12, at 5 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 13, at 9 a.m.
- Daily open walking hours: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday, Sept. 14, through Thursday, Sept. 17. Eucharist will be said at 12 noon on Thursday.
- Evening hours, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, beginning with Evening Prayer at 6 p.m., followed by open time to walk until 8 p.m.
Docents will be available to answer questions and provide informational literature on the spiritual practice of labyrinth walking. Note: This is an indoor canvas labyrinth and must be walked in stocking feet. The surface is smooth and the path to the center is visible.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Stillpoint: A Seasoned Call - A Retreat for Spiritual Directors and Soul Care Workers
Ascension Lutheran Church
1600 E. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks 91362
Information/Registration: www.stillpointca.org
Participants will "pray, learn and share with members of our tribe as we explore new practices and invite our bodies and souls into the spacious depths of spirituality," according to the Stillpoint announcement. Presentation and discussion on spiritual direction and formation with young adults; people of unconventional and post-conventional spirituality; those struggling with addiction, dual diagnosis and process addictions. Opportunities for working with images, journaling, bodywork, walking meditation. For people from all spiritual traditions. All spiritual directors, interns in spiritual formation programs, hospice workers, chaplains, deacons and soul care workers are welcome. Fee: $58. Presented by Stillpoint: The Center for Christian Spirituality.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 5 - 8 p.m.
Chili Cook-Off, Silent Auction and Trivia Contest
Holy Trinity Church
100 N. Third Avenue, Covina 91723.
Information: 626.967.3939
Contestants will compete for the title of Holy Trinity Chili King or Queen. In addition to sampling the chili chefs' handiwork, guests can bid on a variety of items and engage in a trivia match against the church's three priests, hosted by "King Trivia." Entering the trivia match will cost $5, but the chili will be free.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 4 - 6 p.m.
Open House and Dedication of Renovated Classrooms and the Kelly Watson Reading Garden
The Gooden School
192 North Baldwin Avenue, Sierra Madre
Information: 626.355.2410
The Gooden School, an independent Episcopal K - 8 school in Sierra Madre, will dedicate its newly renovated kindergarten and primary school classrooms and the Kelly Watson Reading Garden. Interim Head of School Merrily Dunlap, the Rev. Michael Cooper, chaplain, and the school's board of trustees will dedicate the new facilities. A reception will follow. The open house will feature tours of the new facilities, performances by the school orchestra, a play area for younger children, and light refreshments.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Practicing Radical Compassion
Cathedral Center of St. Paul
840 Echo Park Avenue, Los Angeles 90026
Information/Reservations: Ravi Verma, raviver@sbcglobal.net
As part of the commitment made at the 2014 Diocesan Convention to live out the Charter of Compassion, the program Group on Ecumenical and Interfaith Life will present this program on compassionate living within the family, workplace, ministry and community. Attendees will participate in spiritual practices that are designed to help cultivate compassion, and will begin the discussion on how to work with communities in conflict. The program will be led by Frank Rogers, professor of spiritual formation at the Claremont School of Theology, and co-director of the Center for Engaged Compassion at Claremont Lincoln University. His new book is titled Practicing Compassion. All are welcome. A suggested donation of $10 will cover lunch.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 10 a.m - 2 p.m.
Faith Leaders' Health Summit H.O.P.E.'s House Christian Ministries
10654 Balboa Blvd., Granada Hills 91344
Information/Registration: 323.643.1135 or here.
The Greater Los Angeles Training & Resource Center, with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Champions for Change program, invite faith, health, and community leaders to the second Faith Leaders' Health Summit on Wednesday , Sept. 16, at the H.O.P.E.'s House Christian Ministries. The Diocese of Los Angeles' Seeds of Hope ministry will take part in the event, which will feature panel presentations and inspiring keynote speakers, as well as opportunities to network with peers and discuss the role of faith-based institutions in advancing the health of congregations and communities. Admission is free, but registration is required; lunch will be provided.
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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Information Session:
Young Adult Pilgrimage to the Holy Lands
Cathedral Center of St. Paul
840 Echo Park Avenue, Los Angeles 90026
Information: Chris Tumilty, 213.482.2040 or ctumilty@ladiocese.org.
A general information and Q & A session for all people interested in joining the 2015 Young Adult Pilgrimage to the Holy Lands. The pilgrimage will be held this Christmas season, Dec. 16 - 28, and is open to people 18 - 40 years of age.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 5 - 8 p.m.
Camp Sing-a-long Octoberfest
Trinity Episcopal Church
419 S. Fourth Street, Redlands 92373
Information: 909.793.2014
Trinity Church invites you to a celebration of its annual summer camp which is now 104 years old. You will enjoy Food: Brats, Potato Salad, Pretzels and German Chocolate Cake. Music: We will blast the roof off the Parish Hall with the songs from Church Camp. These songs get the blood pumpin' and the foot tappin'. It's fun, it's funny and it is a spiritual renewal. Please join us: $10 per person or $30 for a family of four.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Versed: Hard Truths - A Study of Prophecy (Session 1 of 6)
Cathedral Center of St. Paul
840 Echo Park Avenue, Los Angeles 90026
Information: 213.482.2040
Registration here
What is a prophet? Who is a prophet? Where did the prophets of the Bible go? The Program Group on Youth & Young Adult Ministry invites young adults (21-39 years of age, clergy or lay) to explore the human nature of prophecy at a six-week series of biblical discussions led by Bishops Jon Bruno, Diane Jardine Bruce and Mary Glasspool, and three guest speakers. Participants will eat, learn and reflect together on the bishops' teachings as they become well "versed" in the scriptures. Cost per person is $60 for the series. Sessions will begin with dinner at 7:30 p.m. and conclude at 9:30 p.m. The topic for this session is "Why should I care about prophecy?"
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This week in liturgy and the arts ...
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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 7 p.m.
Concert for Syrian and Iraqi Refugee Children
with Alice Burla, pianist
Saint Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church
3233 Pacific View Drive, Corona del Mar 92625
Information: 949.644.0463
"Together for Hope" piano recital features 18-year old musical prodigy Burla in a fundraiser for Middle East refugees. Burla will perform music by Rachmaninoff, Scriabin and Chopin. The program also includes readings of stories from children in Jordan, Iraq, and Lebanon. Admission is free; an offering will be taken to benefit Medair, an international humanitarian aid agency, to support Middle East refugees. Seating is limited: for reservations, email to events@medair.org, or call Graham Smith at 949.228.4025.
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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 7 p.m.
Chorus Profectus in Concert
Church of the Transfiguration
1881 S. First Street, Arcadia 91006
Information: 626.445.3340
This professional chamber choir will perform music of Ivo Antognini, G. P. Da Palestrina, Joshua Shanks, James Erb/Tama Shutts, Alice Parker, Rene Clausen, and others. Chorus Profectus' goal is to bring the beauty of classical choral music to the public by helping to educate their audiences through exchanges with local churches and schools. Free admission. An offering for Episcopal Relief and Development will be taken.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 7 p.m.
Benefit Concert featuring Robert Cassidy, piano
St. Mark's-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church
2901 Nojoqui Avenue, Los Olivos
Information/Tickets: 805-688-9533 or www.artsoutreach.com
Robert Cassidy will perform on the church's magnificent Steinway B grand piano. His program includes works by David Noon, Debussy, Joel Feigin, Bach/Busoni and Schubert. Cassidy has received critical acclaim for his performances and recordings of solo piano repertoire and chamber music and appears throughout the USA and internationally. He received his bachelor and master's degrees in piano performance from the Manhattan School of Music; and doctor of arts from Ball State University. He teaches and maintains at studio at Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara. Tickets: $25 general admission ($10 students). Proceeds benefit Arts Outreach.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 4 p.m.
'Voices in Bronze' Solo Handbell Recital
St. Gregory's Episcopal Church
6201 E. Willow Sreet, Long Beach 90815
Information: 562. 420.1311
Solo handbell artist, Christine D. Anderson will amaze and delight you with her ability to ring so many bells by herself.
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Recurring Services ...
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The worship services or events listed below occur on a regular basis; weekly or monthly. Note that some are suspended on holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas or Holy Week. Please check with individual churches for exceptions to the regular schedule.
MONDAYS, 5 - 5:30 p.m.
Lectio Divina Centering Prayer
St. Mary's Episcopal Church
428 Park Avenue, Laguna Beach 92651
Information: 949.494.3542 or parishoffice@stmaryslb.org
Lectio Divina is the ancient practice of holy listening to scripture. A passage from the upcoming Sunday lessons is read, and in silent prayer we are gradually led from mind to heart, taking the word of God deeper and deeper into the self. Followed by Centering Prayer (see listing below).
MONDAYS, 5:30 - 6 p.m.
Centering Prayer
St. Mary's Episcopal Church
428 Park Avenue, Laguna Beach 92651
Information: 949.494.3542 or parishoffice@stmaryslb.org
Preceded by Lectio Divina (see listing above).
MONDAYS, 7 p.m.
Centering Prayer
St. James' Episcopal Church
1325 Monterey Road, South Pasadena
Information: 626.799.9194
Come and experience a method of Contemplative Prayer. This group is led by parishioners, and meets weekly in the Guild Room.
TUESDAYS, 6:15 p.m.
Centering Prayer
The Church of Our Saviour
535 W. Roses Road, San Gabriel
Information: 626.282.5147
No previous experience is necessary. Centering Prayer group meets in St. Luke's Chapel.
TUESDAYS, 7 p.m.
Contemplative Prayer
Church of the Messiah
614 N. Bush Street, Santa Ana
Information: 714.543.9389
Contemplative Prayer meets every Tuesday evening for an extended period of silent meditation and prayer in the Upper Room. Those unfamiliar with this method of prayer are welcome to join others who have practiced contemplative prayer before.
WEDNESDAYS, 6 p.m.
Eventide and Supper
All Saints-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church
83 Eucalyptus Lane, Santa Barbara 93108
Information: 805.969.4771
The midweek service is at 6:00 p.m. every Wednesday and combines the language, symbols, music, and actions from the rich heritage of the worshiping Church. Eventide has become an important worship opportunity for those wanting a mid-week boost in their spiritual lives and a main worship service for those who prefer this more intimate, casual, yet distinctly Anglican worship experience. Casual supper to follow.
WEDNESDAYS, 7 p.m.
Taizé Worship Service
St. Mark's Episcopal Church
330 E. 16th Street, Upland
Information: 909.920.5565
THURSDAYS, 1 p.m.
Centering Prayer
St. Alban's Episcopal Church
580 Hilgard, Westwood (Los Angeles)
Information: The Rev. Paul Elder, 818.398.4541
SATURDAYS, 9:30 - 11 a.m.
Saturday Singing
Church of Our Saviour (Music Room)
535 W. Roses Road, San Gabriel 91175
Information: 626.282.5147
Members and friends of The Church of Our Saviour, San Gabriel, and anyone else in the community who likes to sing are invited. Led by musician Roger Cairne-Berteau, Each gathering will be a just-for-fun adult time for singing and meeting people. Since this is not a choir and there will be no performances, there are no auditions and no music reading is required.
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SECOND WEDNESDAYS, 6:30 p.m. (September 9)
Candlelit Recovery Eucharist
Holy Trinity Episcopal Church
100 N. Third Avenue, Covina, CA
Information: 626.967.3939
On the second Wednesday of each month Holy Trinity Church offers a Candlelit Eucharist (Bilingual). Come find the serenity and strength a loving God and a supportive community can provide you in recovery. Everyone is welcome.
SECOND THURSDAYS, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (September 10)
Monthly Contemplative Gathering
Prince of Peace Episcopal Church
5700 Rudnick Avenue, Woodland Hills 91364
Information: Chantel ZImmerman, chantel@artandsoullab.com
Based on "Bridges to Contemplative Living with Thomas Merton."
SECOND FRIDAYS, 7 p.m. (September 11)
Celtic Contemplative Prayer
St. Columba's Episcopal Church
1251 Las Posas Road, Camarillo
Information: 805.482.8831
Are you looking for an alternative to the stress and busyness of life? Come and be a part of this Contemplative Prayer experience, inspired by services from the Iona and Taizé Communities (spoken word and prayer, meditative song, silence).
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THIRD THURSDAYS, 6:30 - 8 p.m. (September 17)
Outdoor Community Labyrinth Walk
Prince of Peace Episcopal Church
5700 Rudnick Avenue, Woodland Hills 91364
Information: Chantel Zimmerman, chantel@aratndsoullab.com
Labyrinth walking, an ancient form of moving meditation, offers stress reduction, contemplation, and increased relaxation. Found all over the world, labyrinths provide space to decompress from the busy-ness of life. Free and open to the public. Rain or shine; dress appropriately. Facilitated by certified Veriditas-trained labyrinth facilitator Chantel Zimmerman of Art and Soul Lab.
THIRD SUNDAYS, 6 p.m. (September 20)
Service of Taizé
St. Alban's Episcopal Church
580 Hilgard Avenue, Westwood (Los Angeles)
Information: The Rev. PaulElder, 818.398.4541
Dinner is served at 6, followed by the service.
THIRD SUNDAYS, 7 p.m. (September 20)
Sacramentum
St. James' Church
1325 Monterey Road, South Pasadena
Information: 626.799.9194 or www.sjcsp.org
A monthly, candlelit Eucharist that blends ancient liturgy with new music, media, reflection and prayer. Sacramentum is on the third Sunday of each month at 7 p.m.
THIRD SUNDAYS, 9 p.m. (September 20)
Compline at the Cathedral
St. John's ProCathedral
514 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles
Information here
A community of prayer for students and young adults. Thirty minutes of candlelight, prayer, stillness and song, followed by food and fellowship. First and third Sundays.
FOURTH TUESDAYS, 7 p.m. (September 22)
Taizé Worship Service
St. Francis Episcopal Church (chapel)
2200 Via Rosa, Palos Verdes Estates
Information: 310.375.4617
A meditative Taizé service of healing and wholeness that includes candlelight, periods of silence, chants and intercessory prayer with a prayer team leader. Followed by a reception with light refreshments. Taizé is a calming and beautiful form of sung contemplative prayer developed in an ecumenical monastery in France. Taizé services are offered throughout the year on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Donations are welcome.
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