Jesus entered the world in silence: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” The One who was with God and was God before the beginning of all things came to be with us through a humble and lowly birth in the silence of the night: the light which shines in the darkness.

Br. Matthew of Taizé

Our 2026-27 season opens on September 27, 2026, with a meditation on “Seeking Silence.” During this time, we reflect on the importance of disconnecting from input that never ends, in an effort to truly encounter ourselves. The service will be a regular Wholeness Service at our partner church, San Gabriel Presbyterian Church. Like all of our services, this event is free and open to the public.

What are you seeking? These first words of Jesus in the Gospel of John are a question to two young people standing in the Jordan valley. Last year, six young adults from six countries across four continents heard the same question. They answered:

Silence. A direction. Joy. Meaning. A just world. Community. Peace.

When Jesus asks His question, the young people reply, “Master, where do you live?” Jesus tells them, “Come and you will see.” (John 1:38-39) In his January 2026 letter, Br. Matthew, Prior of the Community of Taizé, reflects on the words of the six volunteers, and then responds with the Word of God. Our focus starts there, with inspiration from Taizé’s annual letter for 2026, “Que cherches-tu ?” Throughout our season, we will bring these lessons home to Central Texas.

Pastors and lay speakers will prepare brief homilies and written words of inspiration throughout the year. Scripture will be selected for meditation based on each of the seasonal topics. We will worship using a combination of both the Service of Healing and Wholeness and Taizé Common Prayers on various dates. Service type and location will always be noted.

Congregational songs

Taizé Prayer chants are congregational, made of short phrases that are repeated for ease of participation. Because Taizé represents over 100 countries worldwide, the songs are translated into many languages. In our services, we usually sing these songs in English. For an idea of how the songs sound in their original languages, please enjoy this YouTube playlist.

About the Services

Our meetings use two very special types of worship templates: the Protestant Service of Healing and Wholeness and Taizé Common Prayers. The Service of Healing and Wholeness, found in many Protestant books of Common Worship, is the root of our approach. Occasional evenings of pure Taizé prayer are offered throughout the year. The major difference between the two is that a Taizé Common Prayer service replaces a spoken homily with readings from the Bible.

Even in the Services of Healing and Wholeness, most congregational songs are from the Community of Taizé. In every service, time is set aside for intercessory prayer, candle lighting, and private prayer with a minister. Many of our meetings offer open Communion, with gluten-free elements available. All services are open to the public.

We hope to see you, our friends and neighbors, in 2026-2027.