Shepherd's Heart 3/20/26
There are moments in life when the noise just feels loud.
Not just audible noise—but the constant hum of schedules, notifications, responsibilities, and the weight of what’s happening in the world around us. Even in our spiritual lives, we can feel the pressure to “say the right words,” “pray the right way,” or “keep up” with everything.
And yet, throughout Scripture, we see a different rhythm emerge.
“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10
Stillness is not absence—it’s presence. It’s space. It’s listening.
On Wednesday, March 25 at 6:00pm, we will be hosting a Taizé Worship Service in our Sanctuary, and I want to personally invite you into this sacred space.
If you’ve never experienced Taizé worship before, it is beautifully simple and deeply moving. Originating from the ecumenical Christian community in Taizé, France, this style of worship is centered on:
(To learn more about Taizé services, listen to Craig Parsons and Ross Cochrans excellent “Encounter Faith” podcast)
Taizé offers space, deep peace, and participation of the heart.
In many ways, it’s a different expression of the same truth we live out every week—that God meets us right where we are. But this gathering gives us the opportunity to encounter Him in the quiet…to listen…to breathe…to be.
For some, this may feel unfamiliar. For others, it may feel like exactly what your soul has been longing for.
In a world that constantly demands our attention, what would it look like to give God our full attention—even for just one hour?
My prayer is that this Taizé service becomes a holy pause in your week—a moment to lay down burdens, to be renewed by God’s presence, and to simply sit with Him.
Whether you come carrying joy, stress, grief, or exhaustion, there is space for you here.
Let’s step into the quiet, and let’s embark on the journey of Holy Week together.
Grace & Peace,
Ryan Hammer
Creative Arts Executive Minister
Not just audible noise—but the constant hum of schedules, notifications, responsibilities, and the weight of what’s happening in the world around us. Even in our spiritual lives, we can feel the pressure to “say the right words,” “pray the right way,” or “keep up” with everything.
And yet, throughout Scripture, we see a different rhythm emerge.
“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10
Stillness is not absence—it’s presence. It’s space. It’s listening.
On Wednesday, March 25 at 6:00pm, we will be hosting a Taizé Worship Service in our Sanctuary, and I want to personally invite you into this sacred space.
If you’ve never experienced Taizé worship before, it is beautifully simple and deeply moving. Originating from the ecumenical Christian community in Taizé, France, this style of worship is centered on:
- Simple, repetitive songs and chants that allow truth to sink deeply into our hearts
- Extended moments of silence for personal reflection and prayer
- Scripture readings that are not rushed, but received
- Candlelight and quiet atmosphere that draw us into a posture of peace
- A slower pace that invites us to rest in God’s presence rather than strive
(To learn more about Taizé services, listen to Craig Parsons and Ross Cochrans excellent “Encounter Faith” podcast)
Taizé offers space, deep peace, and participation of the heart.
In many ways, it’s a different expression of the same truth we live out every week—that God meets us right where we are. But this gathering gives us the opportunity to encounter Him in the quiet…to listen…to breathe…to be.
For some, this may feel unfamiliar. For others, it may feel like exactly what your soul has been longing for.
In a world that constantly demands our attention, what would it look like to give God our full attention—even for just one hour?
My prayer is that this Taizé service becomes a holy pause in your week—a moment to lay down burdens, to be renewed by God’s presence, and to simply sit with Him.
Whether you come carrying joy, stress, grief, or exhaustion, there is space for you here.
Let’s step into the quiet, and let’s embark on the journey of Holy Week together.
Grace & Peace,
Ryan Hammer
Creative Arts Executive Minister