We’ve arrived!  After a long journey from York (and further for some of us!), we were all thankful to see the ‘Welcome to Taizé’ sign this morning. We have enjoyed stretching our legs and sharing coffee and croissants – much appreciated after our travels.

I’m a great believer and advocate for pilgrimage. Christians down the ages have undertaken journeys of faith.  I myself undertook a Pilgrimage of Prayer, Witness and Blessing across the Diocese of York, following in the footsteps of the Northern Saints such as Aidan, Cuthbert, Hilda and Paulinus who took to the road to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ. Travelling to Taizé with others is akin to a pilgrimage as we journey together to experience spending time with others from across the world, sharing in times of worship, work and fellowship. I hope that this precious time will stay in our memories for a long time. It is a wonderful opportunity to think deeply about God, our faith, and to what God may be calling us to.  Let’s be ready!

The week ahead will be challenging on many levels - being away from the normal hustle and bustle of daily life, meeting new people, working within the community, taking time to be silent, experiencing different kinds of worship.  All wonderful experiences which will enable seeds to be sown. When these seeds are watered by our continued relationship with the risen Lord Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit, they will produce fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Fantabulous!

My prayer for all of us this week is that we will give ourselves to the whole experience, trusting that God wants only the best for us. May we be inspired, blessed and encouraged to go and serve him when we return home.

John 15:5

‘I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.’