From Texas to Taizé: A Preview

A panoramic view of the Church of Reconciliation at Taizé

On May19, I had the blessing to embark on a fantastic journey as a pilgrim to the Taizé Community.  Bishop Mike Lowry of the Central Texas Conference and Rev. Dr. Larry Duggins of the Missional Wisdom Foundation led a group of 21 young adults and leaders from the CTC on this spiritual pilgrimage to worship, pray, and live in community.  During our week of worship we joined with 2,500 other pilgrims representing 35 nations from around the world.

There's a lot to say, and I'm still absorbing the experience.  From a week in prayer, to three days touring the many landmarks of Paris, my cup overflows with God's blessings.  What makes the experience so much the sweeter was being able to join in the journey with my wife.  It was a time to dwell with the Holy Spirit, it was a time of building community with my peers here in the Central Texas Conference of the UMC, it was a time to experience real hospitality.

Over the next several weeks I'll be sharing on the many elements of the pilgrimage, but for now, just a few pictures of our travels!

The altar of the Church of Reconciliation, the house of worship of Brothers of Taizé.  Some things moved around, but this was the usual set up.

The simple grave of Brother Roger, the founder of the order of monks that serve the community and abroad.  His grave was in the midst of many of the most ornate resting places, yet his, and the graves for all of the brothers, bore simple wooden crosses and a garden of living flowers.

One of the beautiful chandeliers and a few of the stained glass windows from Notre Dame in Paris.

The Rose Window from Saint-Chappelle, in Paris.  Literally some of the most beautiful stained glass on earth with each panel telling the story of the bible going around the sanctuary.  The camera on my phone could never do it justice.