Join us for a peaceful midweek pause to unwind and focus on faith. Come early for a community supper before the service!
Offered the second Wednesday of each month: October 14, November 11, and December 9.
Taizé Service: 6:30–7 p.m. These calming, candlelit services include live music, prayer, lyrical chants, and time for quiet reflection, inspired by the practices of the Taizé Community in France. It’s like yoga for the soul!
Community Supper: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Come early for a friendly community supper before the service! Enjoy soup, salad, and bread fresh from the South Church kitchen. Vegetarian & gluten free options, donation optional.
RSVPs for supper appreciated but not required, email office@amherstsouthchurch.org.
More About Taizé at South Church
During Lent 2026, we held a popular series of Taizé services and are happy to offer them again this fall. Here is some of the press coverage about the earlier series!
Taizé at South Church Featured on The Fabulous 413
Reverend Susan Cartmell and Director of Music Marilyn Brayne visited The Fabulous 413 on New England Public Media to talk about these services. Listen to the show for an in-depth conversation about Taizé practices and chants, and why South Church wanted to share the practice of communal singing during these challenging times. You can even hear a sample chant!
Article by Southern New England UCC Conference
Our “Calm and Candlelight” Taizé program , offered in Winter 2026, is the subject of a news article by Marlene Gasdia-Cochrane, who writes for the Southern New England Conference of the United Church of Christ website. The article is called “South Church’s “Calm & Candlelight” Draws Community Seeking Midweek Peace” and it details the program’s inception, promotion, attendance, and response, with information that will be useful to other churches looking to expand their reach in similar ways.
A Brief History of the Taizé Community
In 1940 at the age of 25, Brother Roger, a Protestant Christian, left his home in Switzerland and moved to the village of Taizé in France, with his sister, Genevieve. They offered safety and hospitality to Jews and other refugees of the war. In 1942 Brother Roger and Genevieve had to leave Taizé for their own safety, but they returned in 1944 with other brothers to form this ecumenical monastic community. Their ministry included caring for orphans and providing Sunday services for German prisoners of war.
Taizé has since become a place of healing and reconciliation, attracting youth every summer from all over the world. The use of silence, scripture, prayer and candlelight characterize their simple worship.
Here is Rick Steves’ visit to Taizé: