Taizé Pilgrimage University Weeks 2012

Are you a university student aged 18-24 years and would like to spend a week at Taizé, an ecumenical Christian community in central France?

Come to one of the information meetings: Tuesday 24th January 8pm Ruth’s house (21 Church Plantation) or Thursday 26th January 8pm Ray’s house (17 Church Plantation)

People praying at Taize

Thousands of young people from all over the world travel to Taizé and stay for a week, entering into the rhythm of community life—gathering together for Taizé’s unique worship and joining with people of other countries for meetings, Bible study, discussions, prayer, meals, workshops, practical tasks and relaxation.

In June 2012, two chaplains, Rev. Ruth Maxey from Keele University and Rev. Andrew Goodman from Bedfordshire University, who have already run successful trips from their own universities in recent years, are organising two UK-wide trips to the Taizé Community.

Week 1: coach leaves Saturday 16 June, arrives back Monday 25 June morning (Andrew leading)
Week 2: coach leaves Saturday 23 June, arrives back Monday 2 July morning (Ruth leading)

Why come to Taizé?
Thousands of young people come from around the world come to Taize – there is something that draws them. The simple beauty of the prayers with silence and singing. The fun of meeting people from around the world and living and working together. The chance to share in open ended discussions about the bible, prayer, making the world a better place! Taize is a place that touches people, that changes people, there is an openness that enables people to belong whatever their background.

Ruth writes: I came here first when I was 20 at the end of my first year at university. I came for a week and stayed for two and felt as if I had discovered prayer for the first time. The rhythm of monastic life, the bells ringing, thousands singing and praying in silence. Taize had all the things I longed for  – beauty, mystery and other young people! 

But don’t take my word for it – here are some facebook postings the week after this years Keele University group came back from Taize:

‘Taize: I went for fun singing. Actually had a profound life changing experience. (a real one!!)’

‘France was amazingly challenging with God! Learnt loads! ‘

‘Back from a wonderful time in Taize with some awesome friends! Had a really fantastic time! ‘

‘I’m back from Taizé, which was really rather good – due to the fact that finding new ways in which to connect with God is always good, and there was a fair bit of that. I also had the pleasure of meeting some lovely new people, and talking about deep and meaningful things’

For more information check out the Taizé website: www.taize.fr

Watch a video: http://www.taize.fr/en_article4768.html

The weeks are open to all university students between the ages of 18-24 years (if you are aged 25 to 29 years old please contact us).

The cost will be approximately £117 return coach from London (about £10 extra from Birmingham) and around £45 for food and accommodation in Taizé.

To register your interest go to www.groupspaces.com/taize and choose your Week first – later we’ll email you so you can book with £42.75 deposit.

International Students:
If you need a Schengen Visa for France, then CALL/EMAIL US IMMEDIATELY and we’ll advise you what you need to do to get one – don’t delay!  This will cost about £75 extra.

What to bring?
Bring a sleeping bag or bed sheets, a Bible, and if you want to camp, a tent and sleeping mat. You will also need some pocket money, 20 euros (about £17.50) should do. Everyone will need Travel Insurance  (www.easyjet.com offers cheap insurance) and if you are an EU student you will need a European Health Insurance Card – get one online for free here: https://www.ehic.org.uk/Internet/home.do