The SeekersThe Seekers are the next group scheduled to go to Taize in 2010. For the most part, these youth have been together in youth group for 5 years, studying what it means for their daily lives to be a Christian and an Anglican today. Through many lively discussions, lots of socializing and service to St James and the wider community, these students have built faith-filled relationships with each other. They will go to Taize for a week, ready to participate in a community that is built on what Brother Roger said best: Since my youth, I think that I have never lost the intuition that community life could be a sign that God is love, and love alone. Gradually the conviction took shape in me that it was essential to create a community with men determined to give their whole life and who would always try to understand one another and be reconciled, a community where kindness of heart and simplicity would be at the centre of everything.

Brother Roger: God is love alone

On July 2, 2009, thirteen Tribe members and their four dedicated adult mentors left St. James Westminster Church in London, Ontario for a pilgrimage to Taize, France. Although there were a few days on either end of the trip spent touring Paris, the spiritual focus of the journey was the ecumenical community where the Taize brothers live, pray and work with people from all over the world. This experience was indeed transformative in a very meaningful way. I know I speak for all of the Tribe members and their families when I say thank you to the generous congregation of St. James for their interest in, and support of, our youth as they grow in their relationships with God. A huge amount of gratitude goes to Dave Booth and Mary Ann McDowell for their 5 years of service with this youth group and to Alex Jones-Chick for his help as a chaperone. The time you have spent with our children as their guides, friends and mentors is meaningful beyond measure. God Bless.

On June 28, thirteen Junior Disciples and their 4 dedicated adult mentors left London for a pilgrimage to Taize, France. Although there were a few days on either end of the trip spent touring Paris, the spiritual focus of the journey was the ecumenical community where the Taize brothers live, pray and work with people from all over the world. From what the pilgrims and their families are saying it sounds like this experience was indeed transformative in a way they didn’t expect. I know I speak for all of the JD’s and their families when I say thank you to the generous congregation of St James for their interest in and support of our youth as they grow in their relationships with God. A huge amount of gratitude goes to Matt Schieven for planning and leading this journey and to Tony and Nicole Hewitt-Lawrence and Ingrid Galsworthy for their dedication as St James youth leaders over the past 4 years. The time you have spent with our children as their guides, friends and mentors is meaningful beyond measure. God Bless.

Ann Teetzel-DeBono


Taize
Twenty-five nations, one reason
Coming together, believing with each other
Sharing the conception of life
Character is created
Love is made
Blessing the Lord from words of the crimson lips
Thousands of voices - one meaning
Twenty-five nations, a million stories.

Anonymous St James Taize Pilgrim

Paraphrasing my trip to France could be described as spiritual, enlightening, or even divine adventure, however I personally would choose the term “awesome beyond imagination.” While in France we toured all the major sights of Paris, mingled with the different nationalities of Taize, and attended mass with the brothers of Taize. The trip was enlightening to the entire group I’m sure, and gave us all a better knowledge of who we are and strengthened our beliefs as Christians. I don’t for a second, question whether all the time and effort put into this trip were worth it. For me, it definitely was worth every bit.

Kieran Hunt

We have not yet had an opportunity to hear all of the details but we can see that this has likely been the best experience that Josh has ever had. I can honestly say I have never seen him so excited.

Putting Josh on the bus was likely the hardest thing that I have ever done, but you need to know that I felt much better knowing that the kids were in such good hands. From the Blessing and the bibles to getting back off the bus last night you have provided leadership, friendship and mentoring that will last a lifetime.

The entire team of chaperones have dedicated much time to our kids, left their own families behind for our kids and helped our kids come home with an experience of a lifetime. Because of all of your help along the way, our kids have accomplished so much more than we could ever have imagined.

We cannot thank you enough for taking on the huge job of organizing, preparing and monitoring every step of the way to make this trip such a tremendous success.

Try to get some sleep, hug your kids and enjoy the rest of your summer.

Steve Brook & Nancy Lewis-Brook
July 12, 2007